Sin For Me

3 Years Later ☑️

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," the preacher declared as Max and I shared our first real kiss as a married couple.

The wedding was magical, pulled straight from a fairy tale. The decorations were dreamy, as we had opted for a country-themed wedding. Mason jars filled with sunflowers topped each guest table, and the ceremony had been held in an abundant field, inside a vintage barn.

Max had left me in charge of all the particulars of the wedding, as he had been occupied with business matters quite recently, which kept him away from home many a nights. I had gotten used to the silence, but now that we were married, I only hoped we'd enjoy our honeymoon, free from the frequent distractions of his job.

Max and I had been a couple for three years before he proposed. His proposal had been hearty, and one I will always cherish deep to my soul. We were picnicking in this very field one warm spring afternoon, chatting about nothing in particular, and he stepped away for a moment to take a business call.

Upon awaiting his return, I casually laid back, enjoying the view of the clouds. It was almost as if they were shaped like animals. I chuckled at the memory. It's amazing how fast time flies.

The minutes passed by, and I must have dozed off amidst the warm breeze that flowed freely. A tussle aside me awoke me from my slumber, as I turned onto my side to find Max, smiling a huge toothy grin.

"What is it?" I playfully pushed his shoulder. "It's so comforting out here, away from all the chaos of work and life in general," I explained. "I must have dozed off."

"Did you know you are the most beautiful woman in the world, even when you're sleeping?" Max confessed, still possessing that underlying grin. My heart melted a little in my chest.

"Not in the slightest," I laughed, sitting up from my position on the red picnic blanket that sprawled beneath me. I stretched my arms wide and yawned. This truly was the most peaceful serenity—I could lay under the sky here for ages and embrace the quietness. At least then, I wouldn't have to dive back into reality, and the stresses of everyday life that it contained.

I turned my body back to Max to warrant his response, but was startled to find he had disappeared from his place on the blanket beside me. How had he snuck away so slyly? I was baffled.

So he wants to play a child's game, I fathomed. Okay, play we shall, I chuckled. I rose from the comfort of my blanket and began my search. There weren't many possible places to hide in an open field, other than the vintage barn that sat a few yards down from our location. That must be it! I exclaimed as I strode towards the barn.

Several moments later, I reached my destination. "Max!" I screamed. "Are you in there?"

No response. Strange.

I pushed the wooden doors open, and the hinges creeped loudly. Shivers ran down my spine. This was beyond creepy. I was tempted to abandon my mission, as this barn gave me the creeps.

I turned around, determined to abort my search, when suddenly, the whole barn lit up in an array of bright lights. Loud music blasted from somewhere in the far corner of the barn, but my eyes hurt from the sudden blast of light. A song played in the distance, and became more proximate as I stood in the middle of the barn in stupor. What was going on?

Then I saw him—Max. The man of my dreams, a big toothy grin plastered amongst his perfect face.

Holding a huge boom box over his head, the beautiful voice of Tim McGraw blasted throughout the vast barn. My favorite song swirled throughout my eardrums—"My Best Friend." He remembered. He truly was a hopeless romantic. I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend.

"What are you doing?" I stepped towards him, twirling my fingers in my palm nervously.

His smile was contagious, as was his cheerful mood.

"Are we celebrating something?" I pressed, as he offered no explanation.

He placed the boom box down amongst the hay nearby and stepped closer to me. The heat radiating off his body was alarming. He was nervous, this much I could tell. When had I ever seen this man so decomposed, so vulnerable? It was unnerving.

His breathe on my neck was distracting, as he cradled my hands within his and planted gentle kisses alongside my clavicle. Welcoming chills surfaced within my skin. His touch was electrifying.

"Close your eyes, baby," Max instructed.

I willingly obeyed, as I was curious as to what Max had up his sleeve. We're we to make love in this very barn? The thought was arousing, yet so forbidden. Which in turn, made the idea all the more exhilarating.

"No peeking," he demanded.

I sighed in anticipation.

"You can open now," Max instructed.

I slowly opened my eyes, uncertain of what to expect.

Before me, perched on one knee, knelt the love of my life, diamond ring in hand and a smile that would have brightened the room alone had it not have been for all the LED bulbs that had been previously lit.

"Megan, you walked into my life during one of my darkest moments with your carefree mentality and your admirable ability to see the good in the bad. You lifted me from that dark place and brought me into yours—your light.

Your love, your laugh, your smile—everything about you is special to me—more than you'll ever know. I don't want to wake up another day without knowing if you'll be mine—forever. I love you with every ounce of my soul, and I promise to give you the world, one day at a time. If you'll have me as your husband, that is.

So, Megan, what it boils down to is...will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?" Max beamed.

"Yes!" I screamed, as my echoes ricochet off the walls of wooden barn. "Nothing would make me happier than to be yours, truly!"

Tears streamed down my face in joy. This was unexpected in the least, but very much exhilarating. I was soon to be Mrs. Jacobs!

I could barely contain my excitement for the future as Max lifted me from the ground and spun me in circles as he kissed my wanton lips.

"You know I was thinking, Max...I've never made love in barn," I trailed.

"Say no more baby, your wish is my command," he chuckled whilst carrying me over to the pile of hay nearby.

"Here's to making memories," he exclaimed as he gently lay me down amongst the hay.

"To memories," I replied in unison, as his lips met mine once again.

~~~~~~

The memory was bittersweet, one I'll forever hold dear to my heart. Now, I was a married woman to one of the most prestigious men in the town. How did I get so lucky? I'd never know.

"Everyone gather around! It's time for the final send-off!" Eve announced amongst the crowd.

The crowd dispersed to opposite sides of the walkway, as Max and I made our way down the aisle together. I hadn't recognized many of the guests at the wedding, as they were Max's associates I presumed. My mother and a few colleagues from work, and of course Eve, were my only companions. Regardless, I was grateful for the company—I couldn't ask for a better wedding party.

The entire day had been magical, perfection at its' finest. And now we were destined for our honeymoon. I wondered what my mastermind of a husband had in store for us. He was rather imaginative, and I was certain he wouldn't disappoint.

Once in our cab, I took one last glance back at the beauty we left behind—the memories of Max's grand proposal in that very barn. And now the memory of the wedding of my dreams in that very exact location.

I placed my hand over my heart, and I faced Max—my future, my forever, my love...