home (halsey)

24

Ashley

Fairy lights hung from the ceilings of the dining hall, resembling snow flakes on a cold winter day.

The whole room was dim and festive, the specks of gold light shining through the glowing blue atmosphere.

"This is everything I could have ever asked for," Maya gushed, looking around like a child in a toy store. She sat beside me at our own table in the front while our families surrounded us at the remaining tables.

"You're everything I could have asked for," I teased, kissing her cheek sloppily. Laughing, she grabbed my hand under the table and gave it a comforting squeeze.

After a three-course meal, the lights completely turned off, and only a single spotlight was shone in the middle of the dace floor.

Our guests broke out into fits of whispers, gasping and wondering what was going on. Before Maya could ask me what was going on, I slipped out of her grasp and sauntered toward the spotlight.

Boosting myself up, I sat uncomfortably on the stool in my dress, crossing my legs. Everyone's eyes were burning holes onto me, following my every move. I pulled the microphone stand closer to me, wrapping my hands around the microphone and tapping it to test the sound.

"Hi," I laughed nervously into the microphone. "I'm going to sing a song. I wrote this for my wife."

Ooh's and ahh's sounded as the music started, everyone putting their hands together to clap.

"Could you imagine the taste of your lips if we never tried to kiss on the drive to Queen's?

Cause I imagine the weight of your ribs if you lied between my hips in the backseat

I imagine the tears in your eyes
the very first night I'll sleep without you

And when it happens I'll be miles away and a few months late

Didn't know where I was running to, but I won't look back," I sang passionately, shutting my eyes and gripping the microphone with all my
might.

I opened my eyes near the end of the song, standing up and facing Maya. Singing the last words, I stared her straight in the eyes and watched as she wiped her tears away.

"I love you, Maya," I spoke into the microphone, my voice echoing through the room. Claps and shouts filled the air, but I was more focused on Maya. I dropped the microphone carelessly onto the floor, running towards my wife.

I attacked her in the tightest hug, feeling her tears hit my skin as she buried her face into my neck. Rubbing her back, I kissed the top of her head and soothed her as she sobbed.

"Baby, don't cry," I cooed, whispering in her ear. She took a deep breath and pulled her face away, allowing me to wipe her cheeks with my hand.

"I loved it so much. I love you so much. Thank you for everything, Ashley," She hiccuped, standing on her toes to place a kiss on my lips. Maya had taken her heels off, leaving a great height difference between us.

My family approached us, tapping me on the shoulder and grabbing my attention. I placed my arm around Maya's shoulder and turned to face them with a smile.