Her beautiful laugh fills the space between us.
When she settles, I go in for the kill.
“Faye, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of my life. I guarantee there will be times that I’m stubborn, tenacious … and let’s face it… just an outright idiot.”
My family laughs, but I keep pushing through.
“We may not always see eye to eye, but I vow, right here in front of… well, everyone… the decisions I make will be with both of our interests in mind. I promise to show up, support you, and be there for you in ways no man ever has. Your heart is precious, and I promise to treat it with kindness, respect, and most of all… love.”
The officiant says something to Faye, but my only concern is her words to me.
“Mark… You have always been a force to be reckoned with. You’re strong, loyal, and you love with your whole heart. You see things from perspectives I may not… But that doesn’t mean you don’t share the same goals.”
Taking a breath, she pushes some loose hair from her face before continuing. “I fell in love with you long before I ever admitted it. For as long as I can remember, you were the standard I held all others to. Fortunately for you,” she says pointedly, “no other measured up.”
The crowd erupts with laughter, knowing damn well she’s made a good point.
“Thank God for that,” someone in the audience hollers, but I don’t care to know who. The second Faye squeezes my hand, my entire focus returns to her.
Tears prick my eyes when her sincerity rings through. “Mark, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you. I promise to make goals with you and share my life with you. Most of all, I promise to never stop loving you the way you deserve.”
The next few minutes are a blur of exchanging our rings.
Finally, the most important phrase is uttered, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mark, you may kiss your bride!”
I don’t hesitate.
Cupping my hand to her cheek, I lean in and kiss her.
The moment our lips touch, her fist clenches my shirt, and she pulls me closer.
Her lips part with ease, and it takes everything in me not to completely lose myself in us. When the thunderous applause erupts, hoots, hollers, and loud, boisterous whistles join in.
Eventually, we take the hint and break apart.
As my eyes lock on hers, I run my thumb along her lower lip as I whisper, “I’m not even close to being done with you, sweetheart.” Then I tilt my head in the direction of our audience. “I do believe we have a reception to attend.”
The heat in her eyes makes sparks flash up my spine.
With a playful grin, she says, “What do ya say, Landcaster? You ready to show me a good time on that dance floor those boys built?”
“Sweetheart, I’m always up for a good time. But you should know, I’m here for a long time. I want forever with you, Faye.”
Taking her hand in mine, I lead her down the aisle.
As each of our friends and family shouts well-wishes as we pass, a thought hits me right in the chest. Looking around at everyone who came to celebrate this occasion with us, it’s hard to imagine what we’ve been through to get here.
For two people who couldn’t wait to leave this town all those years ago, I’m certainly glad we both came back to call Seaside our home. I can’t imagine my life without my family, and most importantly, my beautiful wife, Faye.
* * *
THE END
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