Always and forever

73 - Magic moments

Can

It was magical and exciting what we experienced on this memorable day, my Sanem beautiful and radiant in the dress I had chosen for her and that little crown on her head that made her look like a woodland fairy. I had wanted it very much for her, thinking back to the emotion I had felt when I discovered a photo by chance in the bedside drawer at the Mihriban estate.
I had found it one of the last days before leaving for Venezuela, when she had disappeared without a trace and I had resigned myself to leaving without being able to talk to her.
I came across this photo while preparing my suitcase for departure, opening cupboards and drawers to see what I might need, I found it carefully placed in the top drawer of the bedside table where I kept my bandana and the perfume Sanem had given me every night. As soon as I looked at that photo, I was hit by very strong feelings: longing, enchantment, desire and tenderness, all the feelings I had experienced while taking this snapshot of her.
I clearly remembered that she had appeared to me as an ethereal, pure, innocent, delicate and beautiful creature, I think that was one of the moments when I fell in love with her and my heart began to beat with amazement at this new palpitation that had been unknown to it until then.
I had wanted to see her exactly like this during our wedding, the most charming and delicate being I have ever had the fortune to lay my eyes on, this is Sanem for me now as she had been then, at the beginning of our love story.

I had asked the officiant to read for us an ancient Apache blessing for newlyweds that I had heard pronounced during a rite on an Indian reservation during a trip many years before.
I had wanted him to read those very words because some time before I had remembered a fragment of a dialogue, I think we were in a mountain cabin because of the way we were dressed, during which Sanem had spoken to me about the mallards that nest in frozen lakes and beat their wings in turn to prevent ice from forming on their wings and those of their companions.
This fragment of the past led me to choose that very blessing for our marriage, rich in meaning in every sentence but particularly when it reads:

"Now you will no longer feel cold, for you will warm each other".

I wanted to promise her now forever that, even though it has majestic wings, her albatross would never fly away from her again because that is what love is all about, it makes your wings flap loudly to melt all ice and protect your life partner.

The words she spoke as her wedding vows to me moved me deeply and made me love her even more if possible, she is unique and exceptional, I will do anything, everything to make her happy, starting with this wedding and continuing in the days, months and years to come loving her as she deserves.

We had a wonderful day, it was nice to have Emre and Layla next to us and our loved ones close to us, even if only virtually, it was not easy to explain to all of them over the phone what had happened, of our wedding celebrated during those frantic moments in hospital, of my confusion and then of the certainty that only she could be in my life and in my future.

It had not been easy for me to explain my feelings over the phone to Sanem's parents, I had vague memories of warm hugs from Mevkice and encouraging pats on the back from the wise man I remembered as Nihat. They had struggled to come to terms with the situation, especially worried about Sanem who had already suffered so much from our separation, during my year away, and again after my accident.

I opened my heart to them, I assured them that even though I didn't remember much of our past together, I realised that Sanem was precious to my heart because of what I knew of her, because of her goodness of heart and the passion she puts into everything she does, because of her radiant beauty and her welcoming smile.
In the end, I managed to convince them, they gave me their trust and I felt a sincere affection for me which, I must admit, moved me enormously. They gave me their blessing and support for all the plans I have for our future together, I have many and I can't wait to put them into practice to amaze her and make her happy.

Our days and nights together go by as fast as in a wonderful dream, I knew it would be beautiful with her, but I didn't think it was possible to find such harmony and fulfilment in marriage. We are happy beyond all expectations, the months pass quickly as we carry on with our work projects as best we can and Sanem is working on his third book which I am sure will be another success.

We establish a wonderful routine made of work, unforgettable moments and nights full of passion, I take her to discover different corners of this beautiful land, flying on weekends to visit Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and La Paz where, every time, I can't help but be fascinated by how the world is seen through Sanem's eyes, she manages to be amazed and fall in love with aspects and details of the places she visits that most people wouldn't even notice.

The days have turned into months and soon we have reached the end of her planned stay here in San Diego, Sanem delivers her work to the American publishing house while I finish the photo shoot for the last advertising campaign for which I have committed myself here in America

We are ready to leave what was our love nest for the first months of our life together, we will always remember this corner of the world as the silent witness of our newfound love and the wonder of our rediscovery and love for each other, we will never forget it.

We pack our bags ready to go, I load them into the car and start the engine ready to head into another phase of our marriage and life together, Sanem leans towards me resting his cheek on my shoulder as I drive.

- I'm going to miss this place Can, I'm going to miss this feeling of being out of reality, in such a different world.

What time is our plane tonight? -

I look at her smiling slyly - What plane?