I thought for a minute I was going crazy, seeing things and imagining this town was quiet and un-nosy, but then when we made it to my mom’s house and she practically forced me into this white dress, claiming some dumb stuff about looking nice for the festival, I knew I was right. Don’t get me wrong, the dress is beautiful and if I were going to be a pregnant bride, it is totally what I would have chosen, but for a Valentine’s day festival, it is a bit dramatic. I tried to change when I saw myself in it, but then she reminded me Mark was waiting for me at the festival along with the rest of our families and I rolled my eyes and walked out the house.
Now, as we park and begin walking to the square, I note that everything looks how it always does this time of year, but somehow different. Like part of the gazebo is blocked off and I am wondering if maybe they finally relented and hired a band. I am about to turn and ask my mom when I see Mark standing in front of me. I stop moving momentarily when I see him in a black tux. God, it should be a sin to look that gorgeous. Something is nagging at me right now as all the pieces of the last few days begin to come together like a puzzle. When I make it to him, he kisses me before dropping to his knee, I know I am right. Oh God. Anyone got a swimming pool or a bucket for these tears?
“Wow. You look… stunning, baby,” he says from the floor where he is currently looking up at me.
“Mark,” is all I can say because I am full on ugly crying.
“I have loved you longer than even you know, Tiffany and I have been asking you to be my wife for what feels like forever. You ran from me once, and I swore when I got you back I would bind you to me no matter how I had to do it.'' He pauses and puts his hand on my stomach. I look around at our family and see all the women with tissues and half the town. “I guess I had already done it and didn’t know it. I think we have spent enough time apart, baby. For fuck's sake, marry me.” Everyone including me laughs at the last part before everyone quiets down. I know I have been running from him, but I am done with that.
“Yes. Yes, Mark. I love you so much. Yes.'' He stands and kisses me, his tongue dancing with mine as his hand holds my head to his. My arms go around his neck, and I moan into his mouth. This moment is beautiful and everything it needs to be, but I need him over me, more. He knows by the keening in my throat, and he chuckles against my mouth.
“I know, baby. It has been agony for me too. But, we have one more thing to do. Give me your hand.'' He puts a ring on it, and I immediately recognize it as his grandmother's ring. “Let’s go.'' He begins pulling me to the other side of the stage and I am about to tell him that it is for a band when I see an arch and chairs. The town pastor comes up to the stage and I turn to Mark.
“Mark, what is this?”
“Our wedding, baby. I am done waiting and letting you run from me, from us. It was always going to be you and me and my daughter will be born a Bishop, to her mother and father as husband and wife and brought home to our home that I built for us, surrounded by the evidence of the love we share that created her. Now, are you ready?” Well shit. What is a girl supposed to say to that? I put my hand in his and follow him to our future.
“Family, friends and Cupid’s Cove residents, I for one know I amongst the majority when I say, it is about time, we are gathered here on the last day of the festival of love to celebrate the joining of Mark Bishop and Tiffany Frick in holy matrimony. We have all had the privilege of being privy to their love story as it grew, blossomed, hit a speed bump and then forged full steam ahead. I am pleased to be able to usher them into the final phase of a love destined to be. I know this was a surprise for Tiffany, but I am certain she has vows she would like to say as does Mark. Mark.” I turn to look at the man I love and so much stares back at me. I see our whole existence in his eyes, reflecting my own and I am lost.