This Is Me

Part 50

Mark pouted the whole way back to the hotel. He was not a fan of this tradition. It was pointless. Sean wasn't a virgin. So, why keep him from him? Sean couldn't even get pregnant. Which made it useless to 'build up sexual desire' for the wedding night. Stepping out of the car, he locked it up. Stacy's dad patted his back, asking him with a playful mocking pout. "Oh, poor baby... Will one night of blue balls kill you? Would you like me to stay with you for emotional support?" Mark shot him a glare, grumbling back. "No, thank you." Stacy's dad chuckled loudly, squeezing his shoulder as he leaned into him. Mark shook his head at his dismal luck, then straightened up. The van of women had arrived and as Sean hopped out, Mark's heart skipped a beat. Stacy's dad ruined the moment though by pushing him toward the door. For a brief second, Sean saw him and smiled. Stacy's dad shoved him into an elevator, stating out casually. "Honestly... Your generation makes everything so overly dramatic. One day apart is the end of the world for ya. Try going a few years due to war. Now THAT can get emotional."

Mark leaned back against the railing, telling him seriously. "Are you saying it's wrong to want to stay together?" Stacy's dad pointed a finger at him, answering just as seriously. "Time apart shows true affection. If you have to be together ALL THE TIME, that's unhealthy. It means you are terrified to lose the other if they aren't around you. True love can survive distance. You can have a life and still be in love. You want to hang onto the ones that will wait for you. The ones that trust you to go out into the world and come back into their arms. You want a partner that can look temptation in the eyes and turn away to come home to you." Mark scoffed his shoe on the carpet, thinking it over in his head. Stacy's dad heaved a deep blissful sigh, adding with a reminiscent smile. "I know you won't listen to an old man like me... but a little advice. From one man to another. Don't try to change each other. You can't. Just be honest and open about everything. Enjoy the mistakes and when things get rough... remember to laugh about something stupid. You're a team. Be there for each other and your marriage will last."

Mark smirked, telling him genuinely. "I'll try to remember that." Stacy's dad smirked, his eyes lowering to the floor when he told him softly. "Marriage is just a paper. It means nothing. What makes it special is remembering why you fell in love in the first place. He's not just a lover... He's your best friend. Never forget that. You won't always get along. In fact, you'll hate each other from time to time. But if you love each other... you'll both find a way to work it out. Marriage is learning to pick your battles and enjoying the ride." The elevator dinged and Stacy's dad made his way out casually. Mark moved to the doors to stop them from closing to call out to him nicely. "Can I ask why you are telling me all this?" Stacy's dad turned slightly to reply with a warm smile. "I may not be either of your dad's... but I think you both have something worth fighting for. In this world, we make our own happiness. So, it is my hope that you both put in the work to build something that no one else can take from you."

Stacy's dad turned to head toward his room and Mark dropped his hand to let the doors close. He had never thought about it like that and it made him feel good. When the elevator stopped on his floor, he made his way to their room. The room felt lonely without Sean, but he tried to cheer himself up. Turning on the TV to a random movie, he made himself some popcorn. He wasn't tried yet and didn't think he could sleep with the butterflies swarming in his stomach. Staring at the microwave, he tried to rationalize why he was so nervous. He wanted to marry Sean. He knew Sean loved him enough to agree to it. Yet, part of him was so scared. Would Sean change his mind in the last minute? Had he really thought this through? Was he ready to be married? They hadn't even talked about who's last name they'd take! Mark's heart started to race, until he had to get up and move. Hopping and pacing the room, Mark rolled his tense shoulders. He felt stupid for being so shaky and worked up.