SHATTERED

╣THIRTY-FOUR╠

“Oh, there you are.” Ethel said as she sighted Eliel, who was seated already, going through the menu card.
Eliel smiled nervously as he stood. “Good evening,” he drew out a seat for her to seat, opposite him. “You're looking good.”
“Uh, thanks.” Ethel smiled, blushing.
“Well, you might be wondering why I need to see you urgently.” He started talking once she was seated. “…I should have told you this two months ago when I called but, I was anxious and I didn't know what your reaction would be so, I waited till I was tired of waiting. Ethel, I love you.” he said, fidgeting.
   Stunned, Ethel fiddled with the cuffs of her sleeves without uttering a word.
Few minutes later, they were served non alcoholic wine.
“You will have to drink the wine, gently.” Eliel cautioned her.
She lifted the wine glass to her lips, smiling shyly.
Eliel watched her through the rim of his glass as he gulped down his wine.
     Ethel felt a cold metal in her mouth as she drank the second time from her glass. She put her hand in her mouth to bring out what was in her mouth and to her surprise, it was a diamond ring.
By this time, Eliel was on his knees as he collected the ring from her.
“Detective Ethel Clifford, I want you to marry me. I want you to be the mother of our children. I want us to grow old together. I want you to be my help mate because, I am quite sure you're the bone of my bone. Please, will you marry me?”
“I…um,”
Her lips trembled as she tried to respond.

So, he is the groom I've been keeping waiting.

“On a serious note, Mr Eliel you better listen to that still small voice.” 

She recalled what Officer Hartford said.
“I will.” She finally said, hugging him. “I love you too Eliel, I have always loved you. I am sorry for keeping you waiting.” she sobbed.
“It is okay. I was waiting for the right time to ask.” he used the serviette on their table to wipe her tears.

                     ➰➿➰

One month later

    A solemn music was played on the piano as Logan and Ethel walked down the aisle in church to the altar, with their arm intertwined.
As soon as they arrived at the altar, Logan made eye contact with Ethel, whispering, “My little star, you inspire me. You make me proud,” he gestured for the groom to come closer to them before he continued, “I am giving you my daughter today because I believe you are capable of being a husband, a friend, a father to her even when I'm no more and a brother. I know you are able to build a good home. Learn from my mistakes, son. I love you both. Ethel is all yours.” he said after he released his arm from hers.
Ethel sobbed quietly as Eliel held her hand to take the vow.
“Will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in good health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, 'I do'.” The Pastor conducting the marriage ceremony asked Eliel.
“I do.” Eliel responded wearing the widest smile in the whole universe.
“Will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him,  in good health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, 'I do'.” the pastor said to Ethel.
“I do.” Ethel answered.
“I, Ethel Clifford take Eliel Moore to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, in riches and in good health to love and to cherish till rapture comes, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow.” Ethel repeated after the pastor.
“Now over to you the groom. Repeat after me…” the pastor said.
“I Eliel Moore take Ethel Clifford to be my wife to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, in riches and in good health, to love and to cherish till rapture comes, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow.” Eliel repeated.
“Though small in size these rings are large in significance. Made of precious metal, they remind us that love is not cheap, nor common; indeed love is to be cherished. Now repeat after me…With this ring, I thee wed,” the pastor said to Eliel. Eliel repeated the words after him and placed the ring on Ethel's finger. Ethel also did likewise.
“By the authority vested in me by God, I now pronounce you as husband and wife.” After the pronouncement the pastor told the couple to kneel down so he could pray for them.
After the prayers he said,“You may kiss the bride.”
There was an uproar of cheering and applause as Ethel espied the congregation, looking from Eliel's parents to her friends; Sylvia sat with her handsome American husband  who was carrying their two year old son. Brian also attended with his Fiancée and then, to her mum who winked at her, urging her to go ahead.
They were shy at first but, as soon as their lips met, they forgot what was happening around them.