Sweeran One-Shots

Happily Ever After Starts Here (3/3)

The past sixty-two years, three months, twenty seven days and oh, about 6 hours and thirty-one minutes have been spent with Ed by my side. Four beautiful children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grand babies who recently made their arrival into the world that we have been lucky enough to love, celebrate, and spend time traveling with them. I’m now eighty-seven and Ed eighty-five, and my life with him has been more than anything I could ever dream. He took my arm as we got out of the car and headed into the church - another wedding. Our granddaughter, Caitlin, was getting married today - and over the years I’ve lost count of the number of wedding we’ve attended but each one has become more and more important - we’re old now, who knows how many more times I’ll experience seeing this kind of love again, or how many more times Ed will take my hand and lead me to the dance floor. These were important days to be a part of, especially with our children and grandchildren. 

After the ceremony, we made our way out of the church to hug our Caitlin and her new husband, embracing her tightly. She grabbed her bouquet from a bridesmaid and showed it to me, “I wanted to keep this a surprise until pictures but I can’t wait anymore, Nana.” She said, tears in her eyes, “Remember how you gave me your Grammy necklace, and I had them pin it to my bouquet for my ‘something old’ for all our memories for music.” She showed it to me closer and I looked at it, tears forming in my eyes, I wrapped my arms around her and thanked her. She pulled away, tears shining in her eyes too. Ed kissed her on her cheek before we made our way out of the church to wait for pictures. 

After dinner was cleared, cake was cut, and dancing was beginning - the DJ asked for all married couples to go onto the floor for the next song. Ed took my hand and we made our way to the floor, with a smile - we both new what was going to happen next, a tradition that quickly became a favorite of mine several years ago. Slowly, the DJ asked for couples who had been married for a year to leave the dance floor, then two, then three so on and so forth. At about fifty years we were the last ones left. The DJ came over to us, “How long have you been married?” 

Ed smiled proudly, “Sixty-two years, but I’ve loved her for many more.” 

Everyone cheered and clapped, and the DJ started speaking again, “What was the song you danced to at your wedding?”

“We wrote it ourselves, but Caitlin gave it to you to play tonight.” I said.

“Ah yes, you’re her grandparents?” He asked and we nodded, “Oh yes, for this next dance, I’m going to ask Caitlin and Elliot to come to the dance floor now and to ask you to dance with the couple that has been married the longest - ask them advice, talk to them, remember this moment because someday this will be you at your granddaughter’s wedding.” He went to the booth and found the song Ed and I wrote, “Ok, switch partners - ready?” 

I took a hold of my new grandson’s arm and shoulder, and we slowly turned. I glanced at Ed and Caitlin and she was wrapped in his arms, head on his chest and they were singing together. I smiled at Elliot and he just nodded, “I’m honored to share this dance with you, may I now call you Nanna too?” 

“Of course! You’re family.” I smiled, “My biggest advice for you, start a routine for her everyday like leaving her a note somewhere to find saying why you love her or something simple - Ed and I have done that before we were dating and it gives a reason to smile even on the bad days.” 

“I’ll remember that, thank you.” He smiled, “I want to just say a thank you for being such a wonderful influence on her growing up - I see the same passion and drive in her as I’ve read and heard about in you when she was your age.”

“She’s a wonderful girl, treat her right.” The song was winding down now, “Come take a visit up to the beach house and stay with Ed and I awhile this summer - or whenever, we’d love it.” 

“We will, she’s already talked about it!” He kissed my cheek and gave me back to Ed. I wiped a few tears from his eyes and kissed him. 

“My favorite part of weddings used to be getting drunk with you, then taking you back to the hotel room to have a different kind of night with you, you know, but this is my favorite part and always will be.” He said, kissing me again. People were clapping as Elliot and Caitlin stood next to us, tears in their eyes and smiling wider than I’ve ever seen them smile. 

“How about we go to that hotel room now? It’s been awhile,” I suggested in a whisper next to his ear as he embraced me, and he took my hand as we said our goodbyes heading quickly towards the door. 

AN: I promised this forever ago, going away for a week on vacation so don't expect anything. Enjoy reading, this was partly inspired by my wonderful grandparents who are an inspiration for love. Feedback appreciated. :)