Marry Me

Chapter 21

     I stood in the corner of the brightly lit room and watched the guests shuffle around from table to table. Suits and long dresses floated around the reception hall, abuzz with excitment.

     My eyes settled on the most beautiful girl I had ever seen and I let out a sigh. Her long red hair was twisted up into a complicated style against the back of her head. Her dress was pearly white and clung to her body until it splayed out at the bottom. The bodice was glittering with rhinestones in the light thrown from the chandelier and kept me mesmerised.

     Turning away from the guest she had been talking to, her large green eyes caught mine. My breath hitched and my heart stumbled in its rhythm. I could stand in her gaze for all of eternity. I felt honored to be on the receiving end of that look.

     Her lips curved up into a soft smile and my knees went weak. Her lips were perfectly glossed for the big day, and I had to fight the urge to drag her to a closet and kiss her until the gloss was gone.

     "Great party." I heard a familiar voice say. I turned and saw her mother standing next to me in a flowing red dress. Her lipstick matched, left a perfect print on her glass.

     "Been looking forward to this for a long time." I said with a laugh. Mrs. Greene sighed as she watched her daughter go from guest to guest to thank them for coming.

      Taking a sip of her wine, Mrs. Greene said "She has been looking forward to this day since she was five. It's exactly as she planned it." I smiled. I could remember playing Wedding Day with her since we were kids. I usually played her dad, but somtimes I got to be the groom. Thoes were the times I remembered most vividly.

     "I have been in love with her since I was five." I told her. Mrs.Greene laughed and said "Honey that's no secret. We could tell from day one." I smiled and looked back at our beautiful bride.

     Every time she left a guest, her eyes found mine. I wanted her to come to me. I needed her to be by my side. I tore my eyes away from her long enough to check the time.

     Thank God this was almost over.

     I was doing so well until I saw her in that damn dress. Then I was drowning in regret, guilt, and depression.

     She is all I ever wanted... and I blew it.

     On the flip side... you have Alondra. My heart reminded me.
     You really like Alondra. My brain chimed in.

     That's what I needed to focus on. My past with Chelsea is gone, and my future with Alondra is knocking at my door.

     I left my empty glass on an empty table and turned to Mrs. Greene.

     "I need to head out. It was nice seeing you today, you look lovely. I told her. Mrs.Greene smiled and pulled me into a long hug before pulling away and studying me from arms length.

     After a moment, her voice dropped and she said "We wish it had been you."

     That was a punch to the gut. I struggled through a smile, and another hug, then I headed for the back door where I had parked my car.