Jessa spent the better part of her morning sitting in her old room still in her robe, the dress she picked out in favor of her father's advice wasn't exactly what she had pictured herself in. So to say the least, she wasn't very happy and felt rather depressed because she wasn't able to wear what she wanted, or wear what other women were able to wear without the hardship of having a weak leg. Hearing her father knock on the door and entered, taking a seat beside her wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Jessa, Elijah isn't marrying the dress you're going to wear, he's marrying you sweetheart that's all that should matter." he said trying to reassure her. Of course, her father always had a way to make her smile even in the most depressing times, ones like this because she missed her mother and she wasn't able to speak to her step-mother.. who seemed to have vanished to who only knows where. "I know dad, but it's just not fair that I can't wear the dress I want and have to go with a dress that I don't want to wear. I want this day to be perfect you know..." she explained. He gave her a small smile and nodded as he got up and left the room so that she could get dressed. Staring at the dress and sighed softly, she went to get up but heard the clicking of her step-mother's heels which were hard to mistaken come rushing into the room.

"Sweetie, this is your wedding day and you should wear whatever your heart desires. I saw you looking at dresses a few days ago and noticed the look on your face when you saw this one. So I got it for you because I want you to be happy." the woman said with a big grin on her face. Placing the bag down onto the bed, Jessa unzipped it to reveal the dress that she had originally wanted to get. "Thank you so much. But how am I going to be able to walk in it?" Jessa asked as a soft sigh escaped her lips. "Don't you worry about that, we'll get you down the aisle one way or another and in that dress." A small smile appeared on her lips at the comment, almost to a point where she nearly laughed. Jessa nodded her head and pulled it off the hanger. Her step-mother raced over to help her get it on, since she already had her hair done and didn't want to mess it up or anything. Grabbing the post of the bed, she stood looking at herself in the mirror as her stepmother fixed the dress in the back. Finally the small smile she had earlier widened into a bigger one because it made her happy being able to wear it, though she still wondered how they were going to get down the aisle. The weight of the dress would surely bother her leg if she were to try and do it on her own. Luckily her father would be there, he was able to prevent her from falling.

Now to attempt to try the shoes she got, granted Jessa should have gotten shoes with a lower heel but why not go all out right? Besides, she was planning on using the crutch to stabilize her on the side in which her injury was on. With her first attempt at being in higher heels than what she was use to, it wasn't so bad with the arm crutch, though a little tiring because she wasn't used to it yet. So she spent the next half hour to an hour walking around in them, taking a break every five to ten minutes till it didn't bother her too much. Hearing her father come walking in from paying the driver, Jessa looked at him as he stared at her in pure awe. It was the first time he's ever seen her not using the arm crutch, he walked over and hugged her asking if she was ready to go get married. Her stepmother decided to drive a car down to the chapel ahead to inform that they were on the way, Jessa and her father got into the limousine that would eventually take both her and Elijah to their home afterwards. On the way Jessa thought about everything that they talked about, and the uncertainty of whether or not he was going to be a father. It didn't weigh heavy on her mind, but she was definitely curious to know whether or not the baby was Elijah's. Even if the child was, Jessa hoped that she would make a good step-mother. Well, a good mother period providing the two decided to have children of their own. Still, she was scared of becoming a parent due to her inability to move quick if in the event the child got hurt and what not.

As the chapel came into view as did the image of Elijah in her mind, she sighed softly as the driver made his way around to open the door for them. First her father stepped out and then she did with assistance from the both of them. The driver reached in and grabbed the arm crutches for her, Jessa thanked him and slipped them on to help her walk up the stairs. She prayed that she didn't trip or do anything embarrassing. Her step-mother met them in the hall, then informed the coordinator that they were ready to begin. Jessa wasn't really all that ready yet but the doors opened as the crowd of peopled turned to look at her. Taking the arm crutches off and handed them to her step-mother, her father glanced at her asking what she was doing. "I want to do this without them.. I want to try at least, just don't let me fall." The man grumbled slightly and sighed giving her his word that he wouldn't let anything happen to her. Talk about being a nervous wreck, Jessa had to take a few deep breaths before even taking the first step without the crutches. She was scared to be frank. Having her leg go out on her in the middle of walking down the aisle would be such an embarrassment. But she had to do it, to try and make an attempt to show that she was determined to walk again. Jessa needed to focus her attention on something, anything to keep her mind off of the worst and then Elijah came into view, a perfect distraction.

With her father holding onto her for dear life, Jessa walked up the aisle with her attention focused on her husband to be standing there waiting for her at the alter. A smile creased her lips seeing him there, knowing that this day would mark a new chapter in their lives. One that they would never forget. Finally as Jessa and her father reached the alter, she was relieved because her leg was starting to bother her but now came the real test. Standing on it throughout the ceremony, Jessa stood close to her father holding his arm as the minister inquired who was giving her away. Her father spoke up that he and her step-mother were and helped Jessa up the small set of steps to her husband to be. She leaned in as he gave her a kiss on the cheek and shook Elijah's hand before nervously returning to his seat next to his own wife. Jessa looked at Elijah with a smile, feeling free of any restraints for once, actually standing on her own two feet. She had been practicing every day since they first met, walking alone using the railing for support just in case until she was able to walk alone. Now here she was standing on her own, though fairly sore from the walk up the aisle. However it was well worth it. As they always say, there's a first time for everything. Jessa wanted to do this for Elijah, to walk to him with no support whatsoever aside from the help of her father. She wanted this day too be perfect for the both of them.

Elijah Sterling could not believe that today was the day he was getting married. He sat in the back room of the Eternal Chapel with his brother and father mulling over his life while drinking a beer. Yes, it wasn't great to be drinking before the ceremony but he really needed to calm his nerves. It was just one beer, what could it hurt? "Are you sure Julie didn't see? You know that she'd tell mom in a minute." Elijah asked, eying his brother to make sure he wasn't lying. "Relax, relax! I've been sneaking things by Julie since I was fifteen..." Benjamin grinned, giving his brother a pat on the back. It was true. Elijah was a nervous wreck. He couldn't help but question if he was making the right decision. Did he deserve a girl like Jessa? She was willing to accept all his faults and didn't go running for the hills. Was she sane?

He watched as his father exited the room to see if they were ready for him and turned quickly to his brother, "I'm doing the right thing, right? I can't help but think I'm doing this for the wrong reasons. I joined this thing to get over Chloe and here I am marrying someone else! This shit got serious fast. What if it's my baby? I can't hurt Jessa." Panic was evident in his voice as he messed his hair. Did all grooms feel this way before making a huge commitment like this? He couldn't help but think so. There was no way a man could go into this willingly even without all the baggage he was carrying. "Breathe, Elijah. Chill out. Chloe was a bitch and she treated you like crap." Benjamin threw up his hands in defense, as his brother gave him the evil eye. They weren't supposed to talk bad about Chloe. Blah, blah, blah. "I know, I know. We're not supposed to talk about it but come on! Get real. You have a great girl out there who is willing to marry your ass so you hold up your end of the bargain. I'm getting you down that aisle if I have to drag you kicking and screaming."

Elijah exhaled deeply and gave his brother a hug, "Thanks, I needed that." He could do this. He was ready. His brother was right. Jessa was a great girl. He would do everything in his power to make her happy. He was going to be a good husband to her, the best he could be. "You know I look forward to kicking your ass anytime I can." Elijah laughed and finished off his beer, patting his brother's suit pocket to make sure that the ring was still there. It was safe. Good. Elijah and Ben waited around for what felt like forever but was probably only thirty minutes until his sister came in to announce that they were ready, "Come on, 'Lija. Let me fix your tie." Elijah bent down to kiss his baby sister's cheek as she did her last minute look over, "Perfect. You look so good, 'Lija. I'm so happy for you." She wiped a few stray tears and returned the kiss, giving him a tight squeeze before standing next to Benjamin. "Enough with the sappy shit. Lets get married!

They all laughed and made their way towards the front of the church, giving each other brief hugs before Juliana went to sit with their parents. Elijah was doing his best to control his breathing as he waited up at the alter, looking out at the guests that had arrived. Some of his family came and other people he was certain was Jessa's family because they shared similar features. He waited until the music started and the doors at the end of the church opened to reveal his beautiful bride. Any doubts he had vanished at the sight of her. She was gorgeous, breath-taking. He turned to his brother who gave him a reassuring nod that gave him the confidence boost he needed. Wait... was she walking without her crutches? Elijah was so taken away by her beauty that he hadn't even noticed that she was walking on her own. His heart swelled as he stepped down more than he was instructed to help her. He waited for her father to kiss her and gave him a firm handshake, nodding. Yes, sir. I will take care of you daughter. He wrapped an arm around Jessa's waist, to spot her, and helped her climb the two steps to the alter. He leaned down a bit to whisper in her ear, "You look beautiful. Thank you for showing up."

For a brief moment as Jessa and her father made their way up the aisle, that she felt a wave of anxiety come over her all of a sudden. The uncertainty of whether or not she was cut out to be a wife or mother, well in the case of the unknown possibly a step-mother. What would happen once they were married and Elijah found it hard to deal with her being disabled, then decided that he couldn't be married to her anymore? Oh so many scary thoughts raced through her mind that it had her shaking in her father's arms, the man sensed a sudden stop in movement and asked if she was okay thinking that it was her leg bothering her. Jessa took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts aside, giving her father a reassuring smile and resumed walking. She was much like her mother as her father once told her, headstrong and determined, also a worry wart at best. Which Jessa had every reason to be worried, Elijah seemed almost to perfect or flawless to say the least, sure he explained his faults. Still. Jessa wanted so much to make him happy and feared that she would fail at it. It was strange how a wedding could make you so excited to have happen and then in a split second quickly scare the shit out of a person.

Seeing her step mother mouthing "Stay positive" it almost made her laugh out loud, instead Jessa just chuckled to herself. Funny how that woman knew what she was feeling, perhaps it was because she had voiced the fears she had the night before to her step-mother. Focusing her eyes upon Elijah again, Jessa smiled seeing that he was actually there waiting for her. Having heard horror stories of being stood up at the alter didn't sit well with her, which was probably another reason for the anxiety she had. With all fears aside as they stopped at the alter, she kissed her father's cheek and watched as the two men shook hands. Seeing her father walk away, Jessa took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as Elijah helped her up. Hearing him whisper a sweet compliment in her ear, though could smell the alcohol on his breath. Not that she minded because if she was left alone for a few minutes before arriving, she would have drank a little too. She looked to him with her smile widened as she whispered back to him "I wouldn't miss this day for anything, and thank you. You look amazing."

Everyone took their seats while they stood as the Minister began the ceremony, Jessa stood keeping her weight shifted onto her good leg so that her other one didn't bother her as much. It was surprising to her that she actually made it up the aisle without the crutches, she honestly thought that she'd have to use them the rest of the way. Providing that it didn't bother her too much while standing the way that she was, Jessa wasn't going to need them for the rest of the ceremony. Well, hopefully there wasn't any need for them. Glancing over at Elijah off and on throughout the short context of words to be spoken before the vows took place. Jessa believed that she would do everything she could to be a good wife to him and step-mother to the child if it was his, or good mother to their own children. Part of her was still scared which was obviously natural according to her step-mother because she too was nervous when she married her father. Hearing the Minister mention the vows, Jessa looked at the elder man and nodded as she slowly turned to face Elijah. Unfortunately she had forgotten to write her vows and felt bad about it.

Jessa wasn't going to wing it either, she was going to go with what was in her heart. "Elijah, I don't think I have ever been more scared to death in my life than I am right now. But as it so happens, I take after my mother in being a worry wart at best..." Hearing a bit of laughter come from their families, Jessa smiled at him and took his hands into hers. "But nonetheless, they are natural fears that anyone would have." she said glancing down at their hands joined together. Taking a deep breath as she looked back up into his eyes. "The day that we met, the hours that we sat and talked I knew that I wanted to be your best friend... your companion, and lover but most importantly your wife. I want to be the one that you turn to when you need help..., a shoulder to lean on..., an ear to listen when you talk about your thoughts, hopes, fears and dreams." For a moment Jessa could feel her chest tighten as tears started to swell up in her eyes, funny how she portrayed to be such a strong person, yet felt so vulnerable right now.

"Elijah, I promise you that no matter where our marriage takes us in life that I will be right there beside you. I promise that I will always cherish your company on this journey, honor and respect your wishes and learn to love you starting today and for all the days of our lives." Ending her vows on that note, though her voice slightly cracked as she could hear the tearful sound of her words on that last part. Every word she stated was from the heart.

Elijah chuckled as she complimented him back, "Thank you, I tried." She looked even more radiant up close. He just wanted to stare at her for as long as he could just to take in her beauty and remember this moment. He took careful notice of the shifting of her weight, hooking her arm with his so that she had an extra form of support. He wouldn't let her fall. She was safe with him. He glanced at her briefly, smiling. They were both here. They both showed up. They both agreed to this marriage. He was so thankful that she didn't run. A lot of shit had been going on in his life but the fact that she was there, cemented in his mind that he would do his best to make her happy in every way that he could. He was going to be a good husband to Jessa or he was going to die trying.

The minister had finished his brief introduction and now turned to the two of them, neither of whom seemed to be paying any real attention. Their minds were in different places. He wondered what Jessa was thinking about. Was she as concerned with being a good wife as he was with being a good husband? Certainly not because she wasn't riddled with baggage like he was. She was already ideal. He... needed some work. She was going to go first, oh good. He was nervous enough. It seemed that she was working off of the top of her head. How was he going to compare with that? He turned to face her, giving her an encouraging nod.

He couldn't help but chuckle with the congregation when she said that she was terrified. It was like she took the words right out of his mouth. He gave her hands another soft squeeze, I'm here. It's okay. You're doing great. He watched as she poured her heart out to him, exposing her hopes and dreams for them. She was so pure and honest that when she began to tear up, Elijah couldn't help but feel the same. Everything she was saying was all that he could ask for. He wanted a partner in life. Someone that would need him like he needed her. Jessa was offering him that and he was falling in love with her more and more as each second passed. When she was done, he let out a deep breath glancing at the minister so that he could begin.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to follow that." He chuckled nervously, "Jessa, you're everything I could have ever asked for in a life partner. I not only want to be your husband but I want to be your best friend. I want to make you laugh when you can't find a reason to smile. I want to help you through all the troubles of life but allow you to grow on your own as well." He watched her carefully, bathing in her beauty. "I vow to stand by your side no matter what life throws our way. I want you to know that whatever you decide, whether it be Chinese food for dinner or pink paint in my office, I'll support you. I'm here for you in every way that you need me. I know that with you, my heart is safe. All that I can ask is that you feel the same way. I promise to never hurt you. I promise to remind you what it feels like to be a kid, young and in love." He cleared his throat, "I promise to love and cherish you, for all the days of our lives."

He smiled at her and turned back to the minister, before glancing out at his family who were wiping stray tears from their eyes. He didn't even know he had that in him. He was amazed how close he had grown to Jessa in such a small amount of time. He could do this. Jessa would be a great mother to his baby girl and he couldn't wait to start a family of their own. Standing on this alter, any worries he had about things with Chloe vanished. With Jessa on his side, as his supporting wife, he could do anything. The minister asked for the rings and he turned to his brother, taking the ring he had picked out for her that reminded him of her deep blue eyes. Sliding it on her finger, he repeated. "With this ring, I thee wed." He grinned, perfect fit. Was it possible for one person to be so happy?

It took Jessa a few moments to gather her thoughts because she wasn't sure how to put into words just how she felt about Elijah or the beginning of their lives together afterwards. Marriage was something that was sacred. A life long commitment to just one person, sharing in everything they do together as one. Though the more she thought about it, the less scary it became because either way they were in this together, both just as scared and yet hopeful. They were already facing an obstacle, not knowing whether Elijah was a father or not. Still, Jessa was going to stick by him regardless and with that, she had already committed herself to him. No one ever told her what marriage was like, what all it involved and the likes. This was something that Jessa was gonig to have to figure out along the way, what scared her the most was that she had never felt this way about any man before. There was something about Elijah that drew her to him, made her feel comfortable and secure knowing that he would be there.

Everything seemed to fall into place with him, and with each passing day her feelings for him grew. So perhaps being married to him wouldn't be so bad. As they stood there face to face, she vowed to be there for him until her dying day and there on. The gentle squeeze of the hands that Elijah had given reassured her that things would be fine, also making her realize she was just over thinking things. Her words flowed with ease and from the heart, which also made her realize just how much she really did care for him. As she finished, her eyes still focused upon him as he waited for instruction to proceed. Jessa smiled at him, listening intently to his words. She could tell that he was nervous just by the way he chuckled. He had done it before when they talked on the phone and even at the park. Though when he spoke of chinese food or a pink office as her choice, Jessa couldn't help but giggle. Elijah was certainly good with words, knowing how to make her laugh or smile when she was upset or down about something.

Jessa nodded when he stated that all he asked was that she felt the same way, knowing that her heart was safe with him. She did feel that way because there was that trust between them. Without trust there wasn't anything, even if there were feelings involved, being able to trust someone was more important than anything. When he finished, Jessa replayed his vows in her mind as though she was burning them to memory. It was strange how ideas come at the most inopportune times, but eventually she wanted to have their vows stenciled onto a canvas so that they could see them everyday. To be a gentle reminder to them. Though, the thought would have to wait till later to mention. As it came time for the rings to be exchanged, Jessa glanced over at her step-mother who made her way up to give her the ring she chose for Elijah, then watched as the woman made her way back down to take a seat. Her eyes fell upon the ring Elijah had slipped upon her finger, taking in the beauty of the sapphires and the diamond in the middle.

The ring was beautiful and it fit her perfectly, she looked back up at Elijah with a smile on her face and when it came time for Jessa to place the ring on his finger, she did it proudly as she stated "With this ring, I thee wed." The minister nodded as he said a few more words then pronounced them husband and wife, Jessa felt herself blushing by the burning in her cheeks when the minister stated that they could share their first kiss as husband and wife. Hearing that caused Jessa's heart to race rapidly in her chest, it was one of those moments where she didn't want to mess it up or do it wrong, even if there was no right or wrong way to kiss your husband. Still, it made her nervous. Taking a small step forward and leaned in, Jessa wrapped her arms around Elijah and pressed her lips to his, gently deepening it as the sudden burst of cheering and whistling filled the room.

Elijah noticed the glimmer in her eyes at the sight of her ring. He did a good job. Of course, Juliana had helped him out and may have been his test dummy for ring size, but he did decide on the sapphires. He figured that a wedding ring was a good reason to dip into his savings. He wanted Jessa to feel special and to know that he would take care of her. He would provide her with whatever she needed. He watched as she slid his ring on and couldn't help but smile up at her. While he may not have seen marriage in his future when he was younger, he sure was glad that he was standing on that alter with Jessa. He was glad to be a husband.

He listened as the minister pronounced them husband and wife and gave him the cue that he could now kiss his bride. He stepped towards her and wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her off the ground so that their lips could meet. He brought his other hand up to cup her cheek as he pressed his lips firmly against hers. These were the lips that he would kiss for the rest of his life. This was their beginning. He grinned against the kiss and set her back down on the ground as the congregation cheered. He took her hand and looked into her eyes, "Are you ready, Mrs. Sterling?" He led them down the aisle with a grin plastered on his face.

He could not believe that he was married. He exited the church and glanced up at the sun, it was a beautiful day. He made his way towards the limo that had 'Just Married' written on the back in white paint, "Lets go home, Jess." He opened the door and helped her with her dress before climbing in after her. He handed her a glass of champagne and took one of his own, "To us and to the future, he toasted before taking a sip then kissing her on the lips. It was funny how comfortable he felt with her now that they were married. He felt the limo take off and turn onto a street that would lead them home. It was all so surreal.

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