Marquise

“Yes dad. She is in more ways than you will ever know.”

“Then I am happy for you son. You mother gave me this. It's from Chrissy.”

I’m surprised to see she has something more to give me. Yesterday, before she left, she gave me a box with my wedding day present in it and told me she expected to see me wearing it today. I opened the box after she left and couldn’t keep the smile from my face. In the box was a matching tie clip, cufflinks, and money clip. All in diamonds and black diamonds. Definitely something I would have chosen for myself. I am wearing all three.

She should also be wearing the gift I gave her before she left to go to my mothers. It's a diamond necklace with a tear drop shaped champagne diamond pendant. I told her I wanted the stylist to intwine it into her hairstyle, so that the pendant hangs on her forehead. When she mentioned she was going to get a henna tattoo, I researched to ensure what it entailed and that it was no risk to her or our child. I know she would never put our daughter at risk, but the protector in me had to know. Once I knew it was safe, I saw the pictures of Indian women wearing what they call Tika’s and I thought, ‘My Goddess would look like a true Goddess in one of those. But made of diamonds.’ So, I had one made and gave it to her. She cried and hugged me, turning it into something else. Needless to say, she was a bit late getting to my mothers.

Now with this new package my dad has handed me, I don’t know what to expect. But somehow, I know once again, she is going to change my life. My pulse begins to speed up. I look at the package I am now holding in my hand, and I see the note attached. Walking down the path from everyone else, I open the envelope.

Marquise,

You found me when I was at my lowest and rescued me. You held on tight and refused to let go, even when I myself was running. I hold our daughter inside of me, as a daily reminder of the love and passion we share. I have been pondering what to get you, that you don’t already have and the only thing I could think of was what is inside this box. It is not only for you, but for me too. We were brought together by our mutual need for something no one will ever understand. It's ours, my love. Ours to mold however we see fit.

I promise to love you for the rest of my life. The day I stripped and bared my soul and body, I was not only giving you my love but my trust and permission.

I love you, my Marquise. I will see you soon. I will be the one walking towards you, anticipating our union... the moment you are tied to me and I to you.

Forever yours,

-Chrissy

I see the tear drop on the paper before I feel them falling. I don’t know what I did to deserve the love I have found, but I will do anything to keep it. I decide to open it when she opens my second gift. When we get a moment alone.

It’s finally time. My brothers and I walk down the aisle and line up. I see my mother walk out first. The smile on her face is big and filled with proudness. I take a moment and walk up to her; my arms open for embrace. She looks shocked at first, given I have never initiated, but she wraps her arms around me, nonetheless. “Thank you, mom. For knowing I was worthy of a second chance. You and dad gave me the strength to be the man I am today. Without you two, I would never have found my forever. I love you.” She wipes her face, before rubbing my cheek.

“Oh, my baby boy. You and your brothers saved me. No matter how hard we had to work to earn your trust, I would do it all over again. I love you son.” she kisses my cheek before continuing to her seat. She walked out solo as my dad is with Chrissy, preparing to walk her down the aisle to me. The music, as the bridesmaids walk out, is traditional and played by a string quartet. First out is Esther. As Frannie’s best friend, she and Chrissy have also become close. Next out is Jocelyn, one of the interns from work who Chrissy has come to regard as a friend, and finally is Frannie. Her stomach is a bit bigger than Chrissy’s, making me smile knowing that our children will be close and grow up together.