I turn us toward the patiently waiting priest and take one last deep breath.
“Marriage in itself is a blessing,” he begins, “but doubly blessed is the couple who comes to the marriage altar with the approval and love of their families and friends.” I look at Adeline, as she gazes at me, our smiles ironic as the man of God talks to the congregation. Neither of us sought to gain the blessing of anyone. But I know we have the blessing of the world.
“What are you smiling at?” Adeline asks quietly.
“I’m thinking,” I whisper, “that I can’t wait to violate my wife.”
Her grin is demure as she returns her gaze to the priest. “I assure you, Mr. Jameson, your wife needs no violating.”
“Is that so?’
“That is so,” she counters, looking out the corner of her eye. I flash her my biggest smile, and she struggles to keep hers at bay. “I have just one vice, Mr. Jameson.”
I cock my head subtly. “Hot American actors?”
“No,” she muses softly, squeezing my hand. “My husband.”
My smile turns into a smug grin. “God save the fuckin’ Queen.”
Ignoring the priest who is now mid-speech, she turns into me, ever the defiant, sassy woman I fell in love with, and throws her arms around me. “You already did, my gorgeous American boy.”
THE END