He turned to me and smiled. “And you look beautiful.” He bent and placed a soft kiss to my lips. “I have something for you.”
He took my hand gently and led me to the bed where I sat down. I watched him, my head tilted to the side as he rummaged around the weekend bag he had brought with him. He handed me a small wooden box. Intricate vines, leaves, and flowers had been carved into the exterior.
“It’s beautiful. Did you make this?” I turned the piece around in my hands admiring the workmanship.
“I did. I remembered what you said about loving the puzzle boxes. Open it.” He watched me eagerly.
I fiddled around with the box, pressing and pushing as my mind whirred through the possibilities in how to open it. I finally got it and pushed open the lid. Inside was a small silver broach with a pink jewel. I pinned it to my dress at the cleavage. I waked to the floor length mirror and admired it. It fit perfectly and looked as though it was a part of the dress. Happy tears pricked at my eyes.
“Do you like it?” Morgan stood behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and his head on my shoulder as our eyes met in the mirror.
I grinned at him, turning in his arms and kissing him softly. “I love it. Thank you, the box and the broach are both so beautiful. I can’t believe you made that for me.”
“Neither are as beautiful as you, baby. I love you, Andie.”
“I love you, too.” I pulled him back in for another kiss, each of us getting lost in the others taste and dance of our tongues.
We pulled apart after hearing loud, excited voices outside of our door.
“Time to go?” I asked.
Morgan checked his watch. “Yep, I’d better get to Baz. I’ll see you down there, beautiful.” He planted a kiss on my cheek and was out the door.
I sat alone at the wedding, not knowing anyone else there as Morgan stood in his rightful place next to Baz. Alice looked beautiful, as any bride should, in a mermaid style white dress covered in delicate lace. My heart grew and my eyes glistened when I listened to their vows, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Morgan. He smiled at me and my heart just about burst.
I waited on the sidelines as the photographs were being taken outdoors, smiling at all the love and happiness surrounding me. “Can I have friends of the bride and groom now, please?” the photographer yelled.
“Andie?” I heard my voice being called by Baz.
I manoeuvred around a couple of men who were in front of me and gave Baz a small wave. “I’m here.”
“Come on, your turn.” He and Alice had matching wide smiles, both waving at me to join them. I made my way towards the happy couple and stood next to Morgan.
“Hey, beautiful, you okay?” He kissed the side of my head.
“Yeah, I’m having a lovely day.” I wrapped an arm around him as we both turned to the camera and smiled. I fought the urge to let my hand fall to his arse and give it a squeeze.
“That’s good. Sorry you’ve been left alone.”
“It’s okay, honestly. It gave me time to think.”
“Oh yeah, about what?” I had his full attention; his eyes held a hint of worry.
The photographer was calling out to people to change positions this way and that.
“About you and how much I love you. I’m so happy with you, Morgan.” I beamed up at him.
His face lit up and he smiled widely. “I love you, and I am very happy with you too, baby.”
He pulled me into him and kissed me deeply, his tongue dancing with mine. I wrapped my hands around his neck and leaned into him.
“Way to go best man,” the photographer called, “got a good one of that kiss.” He chuckled as we pulled away and grinned at each other. Turning back to the camera and smiling once more, until my cheeks ached. “Can I have one with the groomsmen and bridesmaids now, please?” the photographer continued.
“I’ll be right over there.” I pointed to a space in the garden just under where the heaters had been placed.
“Okay, hopefully I won’t be long,” Morgan replied, taking my hand and brushing his lips across the back of my knuckles.
We all gathered indoors quickly, given it was freezing outside, and left the bride and groom to have their photos.
