I Promise (Wattys 2016)

New Home

After a few months of wedding plans, the wedding day was finally happening. Victoria and James were nervous, but also excited. On the wedding day, Victoria was pacing in her dressing room with Amy trying to calm her. Amy was the maid of honor. Jamie was the best man. He kept rolling his eyes and telling James to calm down. James couldn't wait to see Victoria in her wedding dress. She was going to look so beautiful. James knew that marrying this woman would be the best choice he ever made. He and Victoria were already so happy together. James had already gotten a farm of his own and a house for him and Victoria to live in together.

As James waited at the alter, he could feel himself sweating nervously. What if Victoria decided that she didn't want to be with him anymore and just left him at the alter? James shook his head. He was being silly. He shifted, uncomfortable in his suit. Why couldn't he just get married in casual clothes? Finally, after nearly deciding to jump out the window into the small pond outside, the church doors opened to reveal Victoria walking towards him. James smiled at her happily. She smiled back through the veil. When she got to the alter, James removed the veil.

"You look so beautiful." He whispered.

"Thank you. You look so handsome." Victoria said.

The vows were exchanged, in which James cried. Victoria, being the calm person that she was, just chuckled and wiped his tears away. They got to the place where they had decided to have their lunch and first dance. Victoria and James kept kissing throughout the whole meal. Finally, it was time for their first dance. They had just chosen some beautiful piano music. Victoria rested her head on James' chest.

"Victoria, do you want children?" James suddenly whispered in his new wife's ear.

"No, I don't think so." Victoria said. "Maybe I will if given time, but not right now."

James dropped the subject after that. He knew his mother would probably want grandchildren, but he didn't really care if he had them or not. Finally, after talking tot he guests and thanking them for coming, Victoria and James decided to go to their new home. James helped Victoria mount his horse and took her to their new home. He picked her up bridal style and carried her over the threshold of the house. Victoria giggled when he set her down. She looked around. The first room, which would have been their living room, had nothing in it. James looked ashamed.

"I don't have the money to buy any furniture yet. All I was able to get was a bed." He said. Victoria kissed him.

"It's okay, love." She said. "We could start planning, though."

"Whatever you want to do." James said.

"Well, the couch could go here." Victoria said. "And a coffee table here. Do we have any spare rooms?"

"Yes." James said.

"Can we put in a library?" Victoria asked.

"Of course." James said. "Whatever you want, my love."

They changed into nightclothes and Victoria proceeded to talk about all she wanted to put in the house. James just listened, loving the sound of his new wife's voice. He just held her while they laid in bed and listened.

"Victoria, you have the most lovely voice." He finally said.

"Not as beautiful as yours." Victoria said. "I could listen to you talk all day."

"I might have to take it upon myself to try that." James said.

"I wouldn't mind it." Victoria said.

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(Six Months Later)

Married life was going splendidly for Victoria and James. They had gotten the house all set up. It seemed that James was always buying new books for Victoria. He didn't mind. His farm was doing well enough. His friends had married Victoria's friends. Victoria still felt proud to have gotten married first. She had always thought that she would get married last. James came in the house one day after finishing feeding the animals.