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I’m waiting outside for Elizabeth. Ben will be performing the ceremony tonight. You wouldn’t think that he was once the acting Chaplin in our squadron. It was never his intention to follow God, but to help the men believe in something. He gave them strength and believe me, they needed it. He never forced God on anyone. He used it as an excuse to give his well thought out, uplifting sermons. He pep talked the men into thinking they were mighty warriors. Still to this day he can talk sense into me, most of the time. He’s wise, and he’s got my back no matter the cost. So who better than him to do this tonight.
The place I have chosen for the ceremony, is a short walk around the back of the house. An area I stumbled upon when out running. There’s a small area of pines and a stream, and before that there’s an old bandstand type platform. Sara and Ben saw to it the area was dressed with white flowers, which will illuminate beneath the moonlight. Also candlelight where necessary. I hope she likes it.
I look down at my polished shoes. I’m not wearing a tux, just a tailored grey suit. I’ve had a cutthroat shave, and I’m also wearing Conner’s tie pin, which Ben gave me. I run my finger over the silver, thinking of him. How he’s the one thing missing from this night.
“Adrien.” Sara’s voice makes me turn to the open front door.
God, I’ve made the right choice. In this life, I exist with overbearing extravagance. Money, people, politics, expectations. The hustle and bustle of the city. The sound. The polluted air. The self-centredness. The murderous. The conceited. The dangerous. And I’ll admit to being one of those, and accepting that way of being. I like the finer things in this world. But this is truly a moment of time that will stand still with me forever. The vision of Elizabeth walking toward me. It’s priceless. Timeless. So fucking special.
Elizabeth’s eyes shy away for a second, as Sara slips her arm away. She fidgets, not knowing what to do with her hands. She has no bouquet of flowers to hold onto for reassurance. No father to squeeze the hell out of. These are the things she will have from me tonight.
Just as I’m about to take her hand in mine, a car comes squealing up the driveway. My eyes focus in on it. I’m furious.
“Dom,” I growl as he jumps out, and begins to jog toward us.
Sara storms over to him. He knew about tonight, and yes he was, well he was heartbroken when I told him to stay in London.
“Look, I’m sorry. But I realised something when you left,” he says like a little child, making excuses.
“What’s that Dom?” I say in a firm manner, letting him know he’s pissed me off, and I may have to reprimand him for this.
“You’re going to need two witnesses right? Ben’s being the preacher. He can’t do it.” A very apologetic, bootlicking grin, spreads over his face.
He’s right, though it doesn’t matter. He’s still done something I asked him not to.
“Just how does this look to Elizabeth. She has no family here, yet my family think it is their right to be.” I try hard not to yell, but my anger with him is clear. “You’re supposed to be taking care of business while I’m away.”
“And I’ll fly back tonight boss.” He’s watching me with cautious eyes, trying to weigh up which way I will go.
“Adrien.” Elizabeth grabs my hand. “Dom is my family too now. And he’s right. It’s fine. So stop being such a...”
I immediately stop her and say, “Okay Dom. Go on ahead with Sara.” I knew she was about to cuss.
Dom beams, winks at Elizabeth, and walks toward the ceremony area with Sara.
I hang back with Elizabeth. I stand directly before her, running my hands down her arms, and take in her beauty while we’re alone.
“Isn’t this bad luck?” She smiles.
“No. You’re giving yourself to me. So...” I cup her cheek with my hand. “We arrive together.” I move to stand beside her, and open up my elbow. “And we leave together.” She giggles, threading her arm through mine.