Work Before Play

Black Caps

I curled the last lock of my hair and pinned it back with the rest. I walked over to my floor length mirror and smoothed a wrinkle in my dress I found.  I just bought the fitted with a plunging neckline. For a modern business dress, it did have its own classy look. Just enough sex appeal to not be boring.
Not like anyone would see my dress anyways.

I pulled my black robe over me and zipped myself in. Daintily, throwing on my honors and ropes for distinction the University advised I should wear. I decided to leave my cap off for now, just in case for pictures.

My friends had all come over to see and take pictures before the ceremony, I could hear them now with some of Mark's friends. Mark was somewhat surprised I even wanted to sit through Commencement, but it was a great honor and I felt selfish that I deserved it after all these years.

I walked down the stairs hearing my black heels click on the smooth wood i polished a couple days ago. As I descended, I saw a lot more people in the lower level than I thought would actually show.

MARKS POV

Cap in hand and her robe flowing with a certain grace, she was dazzling. Only she could pull off a college graduation robe. I smirked slightly at that thought.

She was radiant, hair bouncing slightly, all eyes on her, drop dead gorgeous. And I was the lucky bastard that put that shiny rock on her hand. She would be mine forever soon enough. The amount of pride and love I have for Lydia always surprises me, just the thought of my life before I met that Stiff seems like lifetimes ago.

"Mark, quit drooling or else I won't be able to tell you and Chica apart." Lydia laughed. Even her laugh swoons me, I am completely smitten by this woman.

"Okay, Lydia. Whatever. Pictures before we go?" I asked as my mom already had her camera waiting. 

My mom directed the show after I mention photography. Wanting to capture every moment of the day, I guess.

Lydia and I posed together. She leaned over and whispered to me. "You look so handsome today, baby. I can't wait to get you back home. Alone."
I looked over to her and kissed her cheek, not wanting to get her lipstick on my lips.
I leaned over to her ear where a beautiful hanging diamond earring dangled there. "Deal, only if I get to undress you from that Commencement robe." I whispered slowly. I could feel her whole body shudder slightly. It's great to know my low whispers still have an effect on her.

~*~

Commencement took forever. For the last name Greenbriar, it still took forever to get to her. Lydia waited patiently to be called, I could clearly see her curly red hair underneath her cap in a sea of black robes and caps.

"Lydia Greenbriar." She got up smoothly and walked her way to the stage. She smiled brightly as she took her degree certificate, pausing to take a picture with her Dean and the Chancellor.

"Woooooo!" I yelled and screamed praises to her along with Bob and Wade with their spouses. We all yelled for her, clapping obnoxiously. My mother clapped softly, smiling and shaking her head at us. Even from hear, I could see Lydia blush deeply. Though she maybe embarrassed now, her flushed cheeks and soft smile, nearly kills me every time.

After she sat back down, as did our group from the stands in the arena. I car believe how lucky I got with her. So dedicated, loving, and beautiful. She takes so much on her plate, always willing to help anyone no matter the cost. Because of her, I haven't missed a day of uploading, always ahead of schedule, and everything in my life slowly began to slip in order and less hectic. All I can do is smile when I think of her.

Bob nudged me. "So are excited to start planning the wedding?"

"I am more excited to just be hers, forever." Still smiling at the thought of marrying Lydia.

"I am glad you found someone, Mark."

"Bob can I tell you something, something I haven't even brought up with Lydia?" I asked sidetracked on what's been on my mind for a couple weeks now.

"Of course man."

"I want to be a dad." I spit out. It feels weird saying my secret thoughts out loud.

"What?" Bob's eyebrows rose high.

"I want a kid, Bob." I chuckled slightly. "I can't believe I am saying this. But I really want to have little feet running around my house. Have Lydia holding a handsome little boy with her smile."

"Wow, man. You're definitely smitten with Lydia." He patted my shoulder. "What have you said to Lydia?"

"Nothing. Not yet." I sighed. "After the wedding for sure, of course. Lydia would blow a gasket trying to get a dress fitting with a pregnant body." I laughed at the thought of Lydia stressing about dresses not fitting. She always blew minor issues into full blown Problems.

"Yeah, really. Talk about a bridezilla." Bob laughed too.

"Pretty scary thought Huh?" I was still laughing.

"Well, I am happy for you. Everything's working out for you. She is actually forcing you to be an adult. She complements you. You growing up, and becoming loose from her uptight nature. Pretty systematic, there."

"Crazy how we tolerate each other." I said back.

"Well, the do say opposites attract." Bob said.

Bob and I concluded our talk when we saw Lydia walking towards us at the entrance of the arena of the commencement.

"I can't believe I finally graduated!" She squealed from afar.

Suddenly she broke into a sprint. I will never understand how women can run in those ankle breaking things. I think Lydia called them stilettos.

She jumped up right in front of me, as I opened my arms for her. I sight her smaller frame easily, and hugged her tightly.

"I am so proud of you." I whispered to her. She kissed the side of my neck softly in return.

I set her back down before I made a fool of myself of wanting to take her home to the bedroom.

"Ready to go home and take some pictures?" I asked Lydia.

"Yes!" She smiled brightly showing off her perfectly straight shiny white teeth. We walked back to the car, with her holding my arm for support to make sure she didn't fall.