Tori’s work life was developing as well. Since Jake had branched out, she was responsible for more and more of the office details. She found that she had a natural talent for organization as well as being someone people tended to trust. Even though Jake had been in the field for years, Tori managed to get information out of people that Jake would never have even realized was available. She did interviews with clients and continued her on-line tracking, in addition to going out with Jake as often as possible for surveillance work. Since that was often a boring game of ‘hurry up and wait’, Tori found that she loved those trips. It gave her a chance to have Jake all to herself. And she wasn’t one to pass up an opportunity like that!
Beyond work, Tori and Jake were beginning to have an active social life, as well. That was a first for both of them. Tori and Jake had developed several deep friendships. The Samuelsons had become regulars at their home. Tony had been amazed at Jake’s comic book collection. And when Tom realized that the boy was interested in them, he had pulled out his own collection. Now the three of them enjoyed their hobby together. They had even gone to a comic book convention downtown one week-end.
In addition to the Samuelsons, Tori and Jake spent as much time as possible with Stella and Paul. The two couples had grown quiet close to each other. Tori and Jake had both been loners growing up, so having friends who they cared for, who cared for them as well, was a new and exciting part of who they were becoming.
But the most important changes in Tori and Jake revolved around their own relationship. The fact that Tori and Jake were growing more self-confident in other areas of their lives was a direct reflection on the love that they shared. Although they each had experienced tremendous growth in their personal self esteem, they both had moments where they needed a cheerleader. And, through every one of those times, they were there for each other. With one another’s help, they were each becoming the person they had once only dreamed of being.
Finally, the day came for their wedding. Jake had wanted to get married immediately, but Tori had insisted that they wait, in order for Paul and Stella to get back from their honeymoon. Tori wanted Stella as her matron of honor and she wanted Paul to walk her down the aisle. Since Stella and Paul had already set their wedding date, Tori didn’t think it was fair to usurp their plans. So, Tori and Jake settled on a wedding date and it had finally arrived.
Standing in the small dressing room of the church, Stella helped Tori zip up her soft, silky dress. Leaning over her new step-daughter’s shoulder, Stella said, “It’s a good thing you went with an empire waist! Have you told Jake yet?”
Tori’s face colored lightly. “Not yet. I want to surprise him. I am going to tell him as my wedding present to him. And if you weren’t just plain psychic, you wouldn’t know, either!”
Stella just laughed and hugged Tori. Stella had guessed Tori’s condition soon after returning from her honeymoon with Paul. Tori had been surprised that it was obvious, and she had sworn Stella to silence. But, after today, there would be no need for it to be a secret anymore.
After fixing Tori’s hair and a last brush of powder, Stella said, “You make a beautiful bride, Tori, and I know Jake will make a perfect father.” Then Stella slipped out the door, to get her flowers before walking down the aisle.
While Tori stood looking at herself in the mirror, she heard the door open. She turned to face her father, as he strode across the small room. “Tori! You look wonderful! I’ve never seen you so radiant. Jake is a very lucky man!” Paul brushed his lips across Tori’s cheek, then offered her his arm. Together they walked from the room to the back of the chapel.
Tori peered around the corner to see what was going on. Jake had asked Tony Samuelson to stand in as his groomsman. George was the best man. Along with Jake, the two of them were already standing down front, waiting with the minister. Stella had already gone in, as well. All that was left was Tori and Paul.
Then the trumpet blasts began.
Paul patted Tori’s hand. “Let’s do it, sweetheart!” With that, Paul guided Tori forward, down the aisle.
Tori was completely focused on Jake as she approached him. When he turned and met her eyes, Tori thought that she might melt, then and there. Jake looked at her as though she were the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. And Tori was certain he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. His tux fit him to perfection and it matched the black of his hair. He had worn his hair loose, at Tori’s request. Looking at him, Tori couldn’t believe that this was really her life.
The words that the minister said were etched into Tori’s mind as she took her vows with Jake. They had met with the minister over the past several weeks and had worked out exactly what they wanted to say to one another. Tori took her vows first, then the minister directed Jake to repeat his vows. After promising to love, honor and cherish Tori, through sickness and health, plenty and want, good times and bad, Jake added his own unexpected ending. In a quiet voice, barely loud enough for Tori to hear, Jake added, “And I promise to be your cheerleader, until death do us part.”
Tears ran down Tori’s cheeks as the service came to an end and the minister blessed their rings. After their first official kiss and husband and wife, Tori and Jake walked, arm in arm, out of the chapel.