Hailey kneels down with the world’s biggest smile as she assists a four-year-old with a flying unicorn backpack far too big for the kid’s shoulders, but it’s cute. Once the bag is in place, Hailey waves to the little girl running away on little feet to her mother who is waiting with a warm smile of her own.
Every time I see Hailey in her teacher mode, I nearly break our agreement to wait to have kids of our own. She’ll be a good mom. But we both agreed that we want to wait and enjoy being husband and wife first.
My wife stands and surveys the area to see that all kids have left. That’s my cue that I can leave my car to help her close up her school. Normally, I’m not here. I have a long workday, and a teacher’s husband has no place hanging around. Hailey wouldn’t give me a tiny dose of attention anyhow, as she is so busy.
But today is different, which is why I walk through the front door with a sign for Early Explorers Preschool. I’m immediately greeted with the latest art project hanging from strings. Huh,clever. They made bumble bees using a toilet paper roll. Following the sound of her voice, I end up in the classroom where Hailey is straightening a few tiny chairs as she agrees with her assistant, a young woman who just graduated, about Monday’s activity in the number groups.
“Hi, Oliver.” The assistant smiles in passing as she leaves.
“Have a good weekend.”
My wife peers up at me as she tucks the last chair under the table that only reaches my knee. A wry smile is set on her mouth. “What?”
I throw her a pointed look. “We are already pushing it for time.”
She gushes another smile. “We’re fine.”
My brows rise from her brazen attitude. “We have wedding photos at 3.” Because we are actually saying real vows this time, but we don’t need to worry about any of that traditional stuff about seeing the bride before yadda-yadda… We’re already married. It’s just a group of about 50 in my parents’ yard, with dinner after sunset.
Hailey walks to her desk, shrugging. “And? It was only a half day of school today which means it’s 12 and we have plenty of time.”
That’s what I love about her. She’s laidback. I know she’s getting her hair and makeup done but by no means is she stressing.
She pulls out stickers from her drawer and begins to place little stars on a posterboard of names on the wall a few steps away. “That reminds me, we should probably go pick up more bottles of juice for Monday’s kids.” She quickly glances at her watch. “We have time before we have to pick up Jet from the groomers.”
My jaw almost drops, but I keep it together. “Seriously? Are you trolling me?” Time is tight, and we have to pick up ouryellow labrador, Jet. He is our life and is also walking down the aisle with our rings. Because yeah, we became that kind of dog parents.
Her sight whips to me, and for a second, I believe she isn’t until a few seconds later a grin crawls on her face. “I would never.”
I reach over and grab her arm to yank her to me. “Come on, you.”
“It’s a mermaid braid,”Hailey corrects me as she giggles in my arms, and we completely ignore the photographer as we stand along the riverbank outside my parents’ house. Standing in a tux, I’m distracted.
“You’re stunning,” I reiterate for the hundredth time. Her dress is Gatsby inspired. Sheer material with little sequins. Absolutely beautiful. But that braid? “It’s dying to be yanked later when you’re on your knees.”
Instantly her lips part, and she glances quickly to her side at the photographer not far away. I clear my throat and force a wide smile. “I mean, you don’t wear this style often.” I raise my voice a little to correct my public blunder. Luckily, the photographer is busy looking at the screen of her camera. We wanted Esme to enjoy the night as a guest, so she recommended one of her friends.
Hailey playfully pushes my shoulder. “Watch that mouth of yours. I know we’re married already, but I think my parents would still like to associate this white wedding dress with their virginal daughter, even if for a minute or two.”
I burst out laughing. “I’m not sure this conversation is getting us out of the deep end.”
Her eyes dip down at the sight of our fingers intertwined, and her face softens. “You’re right. I’ll take this opportunity before everyone finds us to say…”
She grows near shy. I bring her hands up to kiss her knuckles, a feathering of lips really. “What is it?”
Her beautiful eyes meet mine. “I’m just going to tell you my vows now before everyone hears them. It’s simple, I get to have everything I dreamed because I have you. But the biggest part of that picture? My dream is only complete with you. And I vow to ensure it feels that way every day.”
Fuck, hit me in that spot in the corner of my eye that burns with a tear. Framing her face in my hands, I gently force her to look me straight in the eyes. “We’ll have to find something new to dream about, and I vow that every single one will be with both you and me… until we die… even if you cut off another finger due to bagels. I’ll save you every time.”
A blissful smile appears, and I lean down to kiss her, smile to smile, teeth scraping teeth. Parting, I kiss her real quick under her chin on the spot of her neck that makes her shiver every time.
“Oliver,” she murmurs.
“You’re my wife so I can kiss you the way I like,” I remind her.
She swats me again. “And we have a photographer here.” Forgot about that.
The woman holds up her camera gleefully. “No problem. The less you realize that I’m here, the better. Plus, I’ve heard it all from couples.”
