~**~
"Do not delude yourself, tomorrow is not guaranteed; and even if good fortune brings you your tomorrow, there is no guarantee those you love will be a part of it.

Do not squander your precious, limited time. Value what love you have in your life - nothing is more valuable. Make it known to those who matter."
-- Wayne Gerard Trotman

In the days after their engagement, Will Lewis and Kristin Spencer spent every available moment together. They had a wedding to plan within a month, set for Christmas Eve Eve, 2014.

The venue was to be more than Kristin had hoped for, and the guest list was extensive. She didn't worry though, as Will stepped in to help every step of the way. He had taken a vacation from his physical therapy residency until the end of the year to focus on his bride-to-be.

Today would be a full day of planning--menu choices, cake samplings, and flowers galore. But first, brunch was sought out at their favorite cafe.

The couple had learned many valuable things working in the health care industry. Both of them believed in the gift of life and the value of just one day.

The couple also knew that in real life things don't always go according to plan.

A dark cloud was looming, threatening to spoil their wedding plans.

"Sweetheart, you know I just want to marry you. I don't need all this pomp and circumstance. I have you, and the dress, which is breathtaking, by the way," Kristin conveyed. "What more do I need?"

"I just love to spoil you, Kristin, or at least try. That's half the fun because I know you will always remain unspoiled."

"Didn't I say in a recent love letter that all I needed was your love, and the open fields as our sanctuary? I was completely sincere when I wrote that, Will. Besides, the fields of God are free and come already decorated."

"Alright my love, you win. But I insist on a nice reception. A sit down dinner is called for, with a chocolate fountain. You wouldn't deny me that, would you?"

"This is bribery, Dr. Lewis. I was ready to go toe-to-toe with you until you said, 'chocolate.'"

"You're easy to bribe and less expensive than most," Will teased.

Kristen gave him a swat, then followed with a kiss. "You're impossible."

Will's phone kept vibrating to the point he sensed something was amiss.

"It's my dad, Sweetie. Let me take this."

"Sure thing," Kristin smiled. "Tell him I said hello." She blew Will a kiss and pointed towards the ladies' restroom.

"Hi, Dad," said Will. "Are you okay?"

"My doctor ordered a brain scan and I'm going upstairs in a few minutes for a look-see. Doctors-- I'm surrounded! Anyway, if you and Kristin would do me a favor and come by tonight . . . ."

The conversation was lengthy, and Will listened as he heard the news he had long feared.

He saw Kristin coming back and hurried to hang up. "Pops, we'll see you tonight. Don't worry, she'll be fine with it. I love you!!"

Kristin saw a change in Will's demeanor as he held out his arms to hug her.

"Is it okay if we dine with my dad tonight? He's had a rough morning."

"Well, of course. Do you think he'd like some fresh fish? We should bring him some seafood to cheer him up."

Will's eyes watered. "There's no end to your sweetness, is there?"

********************

The hospital looked unusually festive tonight. The Christmas tree was already displayed in the lobby. Poinsettias lined the walkways, and soft music could be heard coming from one of the patient's rooms. Kristen held on to Will's wheelchair as they made their way down the hall.

Suddenly it was clear what was going on. Her mother's eyes gleamed, giving everything away.

"Come with me, my girl. Your sister and I have something for you to change into."

Kristin floated like she was in a dream. "What is happening?" She saw Will's expression as she let go of his hand, and knew then, she wasn't dreaming.

Captain Lewis greeted the beautiful bride as she entered his room. He was in his full dress uniform, looking weak and pale. He managed a smile as he held out his hands. "There's been a change of plans for me, but I hope you'll let me do the honors. I've married many couples on land and sea."

"Yes, dear father-in-law, you certainly may." He slipped his own wedding ring on to Kristen's thumb to give Will. "For tonight, or forever. You're welcome to have it."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Kristin kissed Captain Lewis on the cheek, then sat down next to Will.

It was standing room only in room 3801 as Will Lewis and Kristin Spencer exchanged their vows. Captain Lewis cleared his throat as he began.

"Kristin, will you have this man to be your husband, to live together in holy marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

"Yes, I do."

"Repeat after me, with this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed," promised Kristin.

"Will, do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together in holy marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Will said affirmingly.

"Repeat after me, with this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed," said Will as he kissed her fingers.

Their eyes were moist with tears, and had never left each other for a moment.

"Now, seal your love with a kiss." Kristin reached for a tissue to dry Will's eyes, then her own. It was a long kiss with whisperings of love and their mutual adoration.

"At last, we are married!" Will scooped his bride into his lap and twirled her around in his wheelchair.

Three weeks later, they had a second ceremony in an open field on Christmas Eve Eve, ending with a grand reception catered by Taco Loco. The loving couple's first and second weddings were the talk of the town, along with the colossal chocolate fountain.

********************

Corpus Christi, Texas. Christmas Eve Eve, 2019

Dearest Love,

Here we are again on our special day. Happy Anniversary, dearest man in the world. It's hard to believe it's been five years since our (second) wedding! I never thought happiness like this existed.

You have made me so happy, Will. And now with Isabelle, my joy is overflowing. She adores you just like I do. What's it like to have two girls now over the moon in love with you? You are such a wonderful husband and father, tender and loving to us both.

I still enjoy writing you love letters and placing them in the 'Book of Love.' I delight to re-read them, reveling in the miracle of it all.

My life and fulfillment is here. I don't regret a moment of it. Being able to care for your dad in his final weeks of life also gave me a deep sense of purpose. You and your dad are similar in many ways. His letters to your mother were so romantic. I see now how their fine example taught you many things, taught you love.

Please know, your dad was never a burden, not for a moment. Your parents gave me you, and our sweet Isabelle. You'll have my love forever, Will Lewis.

Your wife,
Kristin xoxoxoxo {Redeemable tonight.}

She placed the letter in an envelope and sealed it with red wax.

"Now, let's see, the red dress or the blue one?" Max the dog barked at the blue selection. "You have excellent taste." Kristin hurried to make her way into the family room.

"Daddy, where are you and mommy going?" inquired Isabelle.

"Mommy and I have a special date tonight. Grammy and Grandad Spencer will be here to spend the night and stay with us through Christmas. Would you like that?"

"Yaay! Can we have pizza for dinner, Daddy? Please?"

"Of course."

"Daddy, tell me again. Tell me how you loved mommy since forever."

"Do you want to look at the 'Book of Love' with us?"

"Oh, yes," clapped Isabelle in delight. "I want to see Mommy's pretty wedding dress, and you smiling. I love it when you smile, Daddy."

"You and your mommy make me smile all the time. Now come here and let me find that ticklish spot first!"

Max jumped in and joined the fun, pouncing and barking.

"Excuse me, what is going on here? This looks like Friday Night Smackdown," said Kristin. "I think I'm overdressed for this sport."

"Oh my love, you look like the first day I saw you."

"Dear man, I'm pretty sure I was wearing ripped jeans and a Snoopy T-shirt the first day we met."

"No, I meant the sparkle in your eyes, and the warmth in your smile. You are ravishing, my sweet."

Kristen wrapped her arms around Will and Isabelle and hugged them close. Thank you, God.