Like the ache I feel when you’re not there.
Like the ache I feel when you look at me.
Like the ache I feel when I touch your skin and kiss your mouth.
Like the ache I feel when you say you love me.
Without you, my soul shatters.
Without you, the sky fades, the sun dims, the birds cease to sing.
I count the minutes, the seconds, the hours you’re not with me.
But when you’re here, I feel complete.
I feel the joy in my soul; it’s neverending.
When I can hold your hand
When I can kiss your mouth
When you say you love me
I feel it in my heart, my soul, my body, my being.
My joy is you.”
When I look up at Micah and Aidan, they’re both displaying wobbly smiles, dabbing their eyes with their napkins. I glance around the room. Half the guests are tearing up too.
Wow. That went better than I thought it would.
I raise my glass to Aidan and Micah. “I wish you two all the joy in the world. Congratulations.”
The room explodes in cheers and applause. I walk over to Aidan and Micah, and they hug me.
“Dude, that was…” Aidan shakes his head and laughs. “That was incredible.”
“It really was.” Micah sniffles. “So sweet and so romantic. If you ever get sick of hockey, you should think about becoming a poet.”
I chuckle. A few minutes later, guests crowd the dance floor.
Dad walks up to me and pats my shoulder. “Son, that poem was so moving. Well done.”
“You think so?”
“Oh, yeah.” He beams at me. “My boy is a poet and a hockey player. I’m so proud of you.”
I smile, heartened at his words.
He looks over at Aidan, smiling. “I’m proud of both of my sons.” He turns back to me. “You have so many talents. And you both are good people to the core. Couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Pride sparks in my chest. I always thought he only ever cared to see me as a hockey player, nothing more. But to know he sees me as more than that means everything.
“Thanks, Dad.”
He walks off, and I visit with some relatives before I spot Kendall dishing up a slice of wedding cake for her aunt. I walk over and say hello.
“Christina, you look lovely.” She’s wearing a pretty red long-sleeve cocktail dress.
