Until You

Anthony

Everything was going just as planned. Mike was booming with his business and hired some great help. Megan did a little side work him on the weekends to help out. My job was steady, and I was making a lot of money. I traded in my truck and got a F 150, brand new white truck. I started to put a lot of money away and Mindy let me move back in. 

We put our money together and called Nancy, who was ready to sell. The house was almost officially ours, but with the banks help, we had to make mortgage payments a month. 

"You sure you don't want to look somewhere else before we make the deed?" I asked her one day.

"Nope. This is thee house. And always will be." She looked over at me and smiled. 

"Our house then." And I pulled her in for a hug. During the month we added some new furniture to the house and Mindy hired a redecorator. They pulled down some walls to make some room. It was so nice sitting with her on the front porch at night watching the sunset. And the sunrise in the morning before work. I was at total peace. Something that would shock the hell out of my father, and make my mother proud. If she could only see it!

"But she can!" Mindy said one day as we went for a walk. "The spirits see everything." And suddenly I believed her. I think my mother had a big part in meeting Mindy. 

Another month flew by and the invitations went out for Deb and Jerrys wedding. Everyone was invited, including Mindy's folks, whom I was suddenly on very good terms with.

Mindy was a bridesmaid and Uncle Jerry made me the best man. It was freaking awesome! Mindy convinced her uncle and Deb to have the wedding on the water, near "Bears Lounge" and they agreed. It was a private party. 

Some of Debs relatives flew over and relatives from Mindy's mother side all came. We all waited for the bride to come.

Uncle Jerry looked nervous as hell up there at the alter Mindy helped set up. I couldn't blame the dude, I was starting to sweat myself.

As the music played and everyone stood, I saw my baby walking down the aisle with a bouquet of flowers in her pretty white dress. She looked amazing, and suddenly I couldn't wait to tell her the news.

Then came the bride. Deb was smiling at Jerry and they gave their vows. I took a quick glimpse at Mindy on Debs side and winked. She giggled silently.

"We now pronounce you as Husband and Wife." The pastor cheered and we all clapped.

"Now it's time to party!" Mike yelled in the background, Megan on his arm. And we all laughed. "Come on in, right this way." Mike directed the guests. I grabbed Mindy and went up to Megan to introduce ourselves.

"You must be Megan. Megan, this is Mindy my girlfriend. I'm Tony, Mikes brother." Tony introduced.

"Oh yes!! I heard about you. Wow! Congratulations on your promotion!" She cheered.

"It's so great to finally meet you!" Mindy shook Megan's hand. "I have a feeling you and I will become very close friends." 

"I like that Idea." Megan winked.

"Mindy baby." Mindy's parents said from behind us. "What a lovely wedding." She kissed Mindy and I on the cheek. "Come by this week for dinner you two. We are going to head out, your father is falling asleep." And then I started to laugh as the old geyser was starting to pass out as he sat down so his wife could talk to their daughter. I could tell by this man - he was a very laid back and sort of went with the flow kind of guy. He didn't mind what happened, as long as his family was happy. Mindy laughed.

"I would like that. Did you say goodbye to the bride and groom yet?" Mindy asked.

"We did, but I am going to call them tomorrow. I am so happy for your uncle." And they hugged and left out. We saw Deb and Jerry dancing close to a smooth soft song. And I asked Mindy to join me. 

"I'd love to!" She beamed up at me. So fucking beautiful.... 

We drifted out to the dance floor. I caught a quick glimpse at Jerry and Deb. Uncle Jerry winked at me and I smiled at him. He knew what was about to happen since we had already talked about it. And he was perfectly okay with it, since he helped me practice on some lines.

I gathered Mindy up in my arms and slowly danced with her for a little while. And just as I almost couldn't handle it anymore and was all sweaty, I pulled out the ring from my suit. I had saved up for this incredibly beautiful ring and I was finally going to ask her to marry me the proper way. And so I looked into her eyes, she was all smiles, she was happy. Well I was about to make her even more happy.

I led her towards the water and out of site from the rest of the guests. I started to get down on my knees and that's when her eyes went wide. I opened the box and said:

"Mindy, the day I met you was the day my life changed for the better. You showed me love, support and compassion. To tell you the truth I don't want to go another day without this on your finger. Because I would rather die than to lose you again. If you will let me, I would like you to become my wife, and I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you."

I was suddenly so sweaty and nervous. But I looked up in her eyes, and she was crying. A few guests stopped and stared at us, waiting for her response. And then-

"Yes, YES YES YES I'll marry you!" What a relief!!! I stood up and put the ring on her, a nice flashing diamond I knew she would love. And I worked hard for that ring. I grabbed her in a hug and a kiss and suddenly everyone cheered us on. The bride and groom smiled at us and leaned on each other. It was the most precious day of my life. And I was thankful that Jerry and Deb let me share it with them. This was my family.

The time came for "Aunt Deb" and Uncle Jerry to move, and so we helped them. We even drove them to the airport. For some reason, Deb and Jerry became the family mother, father figure I never had. And I was sad to see them go.

"You must come visit us anytime, we will pay for the traveling expenses. I mean it!" Deb grabbed us in a hug. 

"I look forward to that!" Mindy waved on flashing her diamond ring. When Mindy's parents got wind of the engagement, they were happy for us. And I was really starting to bond with the old man, her father. That day when he threatened me about Mindy, I believe was her mother trying to scare me through him. He wasn't the sort of guy that would lay a hand on anyone. However Mindy's mother had really changed. And she wasn't as controlling anymore. I believed she loved her daughter enough to let go and let her daughter live.