Forever

Chapter 7

I reread the note I found again and again until the words are burned into my memory. It is terrifying to think about. I was able to deduce that the note means a pregnant woman with tattooing on her ribs. Could this be Emma in her future? No our future. This could be Emma. But if it isn't her then note doesn't help much nor narrow it down to anybody that I know. It still remains a stressful, terrifying mystery.

I hide the note back in my journal and put on my suit. It is black slacks, a white button-up, a black bow tie, and black leather shoes. I slowly get dressed with each moment anxiety with mixed with happiness. I check my watch 10:09 am. I look in the mirror for any imperfections.

The actual ceremony happens at 11:00. Emma is probably crying tears of joy as she gets ready. I haven't seen Emma's dress yet. She had been dropping hints about it. Very vague hints. All I know that is white and is somewhat poofy. We decided to do the ceremony at her family's reunion house. Emma's family is huge! We have at least 150+ people coming.

I get in the car and pull out the driveway and hum to myself, as memories of Lee and Grace float across my mind. I smile at the thoughts.

Arriving at the house, I am greeted by Anne and Frank and two others I haven't met yet. "Hi, I am Caspian." I offer my hand to the man on the left of Frank. He shakes it and introduces himself as well. "Hi, I am Jack. I am one of Emma uncles and this is my wife Martha." Martha gives a silent wave. I nod the family and walk around to the backyard where the decorations are set up. White cloth streamer is hung above tables. There about sixty tables decorated with white clothing, china plates, and wine glasses with gold rimming. Up towards the front, I see a 60 by 60 wooden floor. Probably the dance floor. I spot the priest speaking with another group of people.

Once he starts walking my way, I get his attention. "Father I have a question," I state with shaky hands and a slightly heavy heart. "Yes, Mr. James?"

I consider my question carefully. "Do you believe in immortality?" I ask. "I believe in life after death if that is what you are referring to." He informs me. "Yeah I was just curious where you stand on that kinda stuff," I say making an excuse to leave. I hurry into the house which is packed with people. I rush into the bathroom, undo my tie, then throw some cold water on my face. I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

Once I calm down enough, I leave the bathroom. I decide to take a look at the house. It is quite elegant and not really my style. It is getting close to see my bride. I exit the house and make my way to the priest. The front table has Emma's family, except her father, and two empty seats for Emma and I. The tables start filling up.

That is when I hear "Here comes the Bride". I straighten my back and narrow my gaze. Emma walks slowly from around the corner of the house. Her dress is gorgeous but nothing like she hinted at. It is a black dress with sleeves and beading at the hem. I drop my jaw low enough for Emma to notice and grin.

By the time she gets to me, I am sweating bullets and have shaky hands. I feel my breast pocket for her ring. It is a gold ring with diamonds along the edge and with rose shaped diamond on the top.

Emma hands off her bokay to her mom. Frank approaches me with a hug and a firm handshake. Her mom kisses us both on the cheek. I grab Emma's hands and stare into her eyes. The priest clears his throat and begins his "binding of souls and love". I say "I do" when I am supposed to, but my eyes never leave Emma. When I hear "You may kiss the bride" I grab Emma's waist, spin, and dip, then kiss Emma.

I hear a few woohoos and light laughter. I spin Emma back to her feet. She is having a blushing fit. A sentence comes to mind. Every Damn Day. I smile and kiss Emma again.