Second Chances | Our Story, Part II

"When I looked into your eyes,

And you dared to stare right back,

You should have said 

'Nice to meet you 

I'm your other half'"

__________________________

 Ashley:

        June 5th, 2010. 10 o'clock came awfully fast. Everyone was ready, and nerves built as we gathered just outside the doorway, waiting to walk down the aisle. After everyone had taken their places at the top of the aisle, I glanced across at the groomsmen's side of the room...and that's when he came into my mind again. He was the tallest of the groomsmen, standing just behind the best man. He looked so handsome, dressed in a navy suit, white shirt, and light blue tie. His light brown, neatly cut hair made him look all the more dashing.

         For some reason, it seemed, that very same young man couldn't seem to keep his eyes off of me during the ceremony. And I must admit, I couldn't stop stealing glances and meeting his gaze ever so often. But despite the slight distraction on the other side of the room, I was mostly able to pay attention and enjoyed witnessing Ashlee and Daniel's wedding. It was a beautiful, God-honoring union that we were able to see that day, and I was so thankful to be a part of it.
          Before we knew it, the ceremony was over, the bridal party was announced into the reception, the cake was cut, and everyone was seated for brunch. Somehow I ended up sitting next to Josh, despite the fact that he was not my groomsman. We all loaded our plates with delicious fruits, omelets, and Belgian waffles. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water :P
          Now comes the part that makes me laugh every time I think about it. And I have no idea why. But for some reason the conversation strikes me as funny. It probably won't even make any of your smiling muscles twitch, but that's ok :P
          Part way through the meal, Josh turned to me. "So, Ashley, where are you at in school?"
          "Um..." Awkward silence while I chewed and swallowed my food. "I just graduated last month." My heart pounded and I silently prayed that the news that I was not even in college yet would not make him stop talking to me. I was curious about him.
           "What are your plans for this coming school year?" he questioned.
           "I'm going to be a nursing major at Kent State University. I'll be graduating in 2012." I replied, hoping that if I'd scared him off with the fact that I just finished senior year, maybe the fact that I only had two more years of school would help a bit. "What about you?"
           "I graduated from college last year. I plan on attending seminary in the next year or so."
           I mentally calculated. If he graduated at 18 then added 4 years of college, plus a year out...he was probably about 22 or 23.
          We finished up our meals with some added small talk and everyone dispersed to talk to family and friends. The toasting began, followed by the bride and groom's first dance and then the father daughter dance. I stood by the dance floor, snapping a few pictures before stepping back next to the table to watch.
           I stood there watching Ashlee dance with her groom, dreaming of the day that it would be my turn. I was interrupted out of my  daze by Jackson 5's ABC beginning on the dance floor.
         "Would you like to dance?" I turned to see Josh standing beside me...

         ______________________________

Joshua:

            The morning of Daniel and Ashlee’s wedding was a busy one. The groomsmen all hung out together in the clubhouse area of the venue that had ping pong and pool tables. I was really excited for Daniel, and kept hoping my knees wouldn’t lock from standing up front for so long. 

          Daniel and Ashlee’s wedding ceremony was a joyous, worshipful time. As I stood up there taking in the ceremony and singing, I kept noticing a bridesmaid across the way from me. Yes, I noticed Ashley again, and she looked so beautiful with her curly, long blonde hair, her big smile, and her blue bridesmaid dress. As I stole some glances at her, I remember thinking, “Did she really just look back at me?” I really hoped she did!

          

          After the ceremony, the bridal party hung out for a few minutes as we waited to enter the reception. As we stood outside the doors to the reception hall, I remember seeing Ashley with her camera and hearing her laugh and talk about wanting to take pictures. Her laugh and enthusiasm drew me in. 

         All my plans to be careful and not get involved with any of the girls in the wedding went right out the door. "I may have not made much conversation yesterday," I thought, "but I have to talk to this girl today!"

         Daniel’s dad announced the bridal party and had us stand in a semi-circle during the cutting of the cake. Somehow I managed to make sure I stood next to Ashley. I tried making some side comments to make her laugh, and I think one of them actually worked! My next task was to sit beside her for brunch. I saw which table Ashley was heading for, and made sure I reserved the seat next to her. So far so good this time!

         In between bites of food, I struck up my first real conversation with this lovely girl. My heart was racing as I asked, “So Ashley, what are you doing for school?” 

         As she told me about graduating high school and starting nursing school in the fall, I was taken in by the sound of her voice and the way she smiled. I told her about my job and plans to go back to school for seminary, and as she ate I saw a smile cross her face. But I couldn’t tell if it was a “I’m happy you’re talking to me” smile or more of a “You’re 5 years older than me, you’re a creeper!” smirk. 

         Ashley eventually moved to another part of the reception hall to take pictures, and though I found other people to talk with, I found my eyes tracking her across the room. She seemed so happy and joyful. I got to sit next to her again for the best man and matron of honor's toasts, and remember offering her a sip of my champagne (which she declined). After the first dance, it was time to party, and the Jackson 5 song ABC kicked in on the speakers. Daniel had wanted the groomsmen to get involved with the dancing, so I had a good excuse to ask Ashley to dance with me, despite the fact that at that point in my life, that kind of step was a big one for me!

        “Would you like to dance?” I asked. 

        She smiled at me and looked down...