Until we meet again (A war romance) (#Wattys2015)

Matthew

As I sat on the chair at the front of the church, I realised I was shaking. I tensed the muscles in my legs so as not to resemble a human jelly, and sat up straighter. All of Diana’s friends and family were there, most of whom I’d never met before. There were also various members of my own family present, bar my Dad. We still hadn’t heard any new from him, good or bad- but then again, Dad never had liked to write!

The church waited in anticipation, and then the music was starting, and I could hear happy gasps as the bride entered. My heart started missing beats, and it began pounding in my chest, in my ears. I didn’t dare to turn, so I just stood there awkwardly, waiting.

Diana was right behind me. I could tell, as out of the corner of my eye, I could see my Mum’s eyes focussed just behind myself, a smile on her face. I turned slowly, and gasped myself. Diana’s dressed swirled past her ankles, and was lined with beautiful lace. She wore tiny white heeled shoes on her feet, which had a small bow on the end of the toe. The straps on the dress were made also of lace, and then there was the bride herself. She had been transformed into a princess, not that she needed any help to look beautiful! Her lips, which she was using to beam at me, were dark red, and her eyes shone brighter than any star.  Her hair was pinned to her hair in beautiful ringlets, which were decorated with dry flowers. She stepped forward in those delicate shoes, and took my hand in hers. The vicar began his speech, but Diana and I weren’t listening; we were just looking at each other.

“You look handsome.” Diana smiled, suddenly shy. I blushed. The suit I was wearing had been my father’s, not that he was using it. Everything that I was wearing was either Dad’s or Pete’s. I just wanted to feel like they were somehow there too, and that made me happy.

“Thanks,” I replied quietly, “You look stunning.”

“I don’t feel stunning,” she laughed, “I feel tired!”

She looked around, at all the people in the church before turning back to me, “I don’t remember inviting all these people,”

“They’re your family!”

“I don’t keep track of every member of my family. This is going to be awkward later!”

I grinned, “Just smile and nod politely as if they’re the most interesting people alive!”

She frowned, “That’s what we did on our first date.”

We suddenly burst out giggling, out laughter echoing around the church, lingering there for several moments. Everyone turned to face us, puzzled. The vicar stopped mi-sentence, and glared at us, bemused. Di and I looked at each other, and tried not to laugh.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, “Carry on.” The vicar rolled his eyes and smiled a fake smile. After a few moments, it actually became convincing.

“Now, Mr Ecklestone, and Miss Magee have prepared their own vows.”

I coughed quietly to clear my throat, this was it.

“Do you, Diana Magee, promise to always love, to always stay dedicated, to always believe in and trust, to always understand and to be a best friend, to Matthew Ecklestone?”

Diana smiled, her eyes brimming with joyous tears, “I do.”

I almost couldn’t hear the vicar over the pounding of my own heart, when he turned to me, “And do you, Matthew Ecklestone, promise to always stay true to Diana Magee? Do you promise to always be there for her, wherever you are, to always trust her, and to always try to find your way home?”

“I do,” I said, almost instantly, my face going bright red.

I was then handed Diana’s wedding ring, and she was handed mine. We plodded through the exchange of the rings, and soon I felt the ring, still warm from where Di had held it slip onto my finger. I held her hand, pushed the ring onto her finger, and squeezed her hand softly.

“If anyone sees reason why these two should not be together, let them speak now, or forever hold your peace.”

The church was so quiet, that you could have heard a pin drop. Then, through the silence:

“Then I now pronounce you, husband and wife. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Ecklestone!”

Just then, Diana leant in, and we were kissing. She was crying happily, and she put her arm around my neck, and hugged me. I hugged her back, and held my new wife. Wife! I like the sound of that!

***

Author's note:

Yes, it finally happened! The story isn't finished yet though!

I hope you are enjoying, nearly 400 views already! Excited! can we try and get 400 by the end of the week? That would be cool...

This is dedicated to Joey Morino. Have you noticed that the cover for this book is slightly different? Well, the amazing Joey Morino did that for me, so thank you so much!

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