by SD Saunders
“Well, if you can promise me that you will behave yourself, then the job’s yours”, Alex chuckled, pulling Melody into his arms,
“And will Charlotte be the maid of honour”? Joel asked, a devilish glint in his eyes.
“Enough”! Alex growled, “you don’t need any more encouragement on that front”. Seeing Charlotte watching, he sheepishly grinned and headed over to her, leaving the newly engaged couple shaking their heads at him.
The double celebrations went on happily for the rest of the day; Melody sat on the garden swing, admiring her ring for the hundredth time that day.
“She really is a cute kid”, Alex praised, sitting down next to Melody, “I think I owe one to Joel though, playing tea parties is not how I imagined spending the best part of an hour”. He stretched his aching shoulders, it had been sweet watching him sitting on a tiny chair, his body all hunched up as he sipped imaginary tea from Lucy’s tea cups. Every time he had thought he had finished, Lucy and her friends had insisted he had another, until finally, he had exclaimed if he had any more, he would burst, which had sent the little girls into peals of laughter and he had made his escape.
“You’re so good with them, though”, Melody confided, biting her lip to hold back her laughter.
“You think so, do you. Wait till we have a brood of nippers, then remind me how good I am with them”, he teased, watching her blush; he loved the way she reacted so innocently to him.
“So, you do want kids one day then, Alex”? She leaned into him, a serious look on her face. She had always wanted children, but they had never really discussed the subject.
“Yes, I’d love children with you, but there’s just one condition”, he paused, looking deep into her eyes.
Melody felt like her world had come to a screaming halt, her eyes wide with concern, she nervously licked her lips. “And that is”?
“Just promise me one thing darling, no creepy dolls for our kids”. Sagging with relief, she did not know whether to punch him or kiss him; the decision was taken out of her hands as he leaned in, his lop-sided grin disappearing as he kissed her with a passion she had never known existed until now.
Epilogue
20th April, 2013
Melody stood at the opening of the church, her simple bouquet of peach and white peonies held tightly in her hands; glancing down at her satin mermaid wedding dress, she wondered if Alex would like her in it, the sheer lace covered the low bodice, making her feel a little more confident. As her maid of honour, Charlotte and bridesmaid Lindsey, entered the building, she watched as their peach bridesmaid dresses disappeared from her sight. It would be Charlotte and Joel marrying next, she thought, as excited nerves of her own imminent vows began causing butterflies in her stomach. Her niece Lucy stood eagerly waiting to proceed her. Dressed in a miniature replica of the bridesmaids’ dresses, a basket of petals ready to scatter was held tightly in one hand and petals ready to scatter in her other hand.
“You ready love”, Jack’s voice broke into her reverie, offering her his arm, a warm smile lighting his eyes. “I’m proud as punch to be giving you away”. She looked into his teary eyes, so glad now that she had asked him to walk her down the aisle; he looked so dashing, his soft grey suit and peach cravat making his white hair distinguished looking. His soft blue eyes held hers. “They would be so proud of you, you know”, he sighed, knowing how much she missed the presence of her mum and dad.
“Thank you, Jack”, she placed a kiss on his soft cheek, “I’m ready”. Nodding to Lucy to start the walk, the music started playing an instrumental version of Shania Twain’s, “from this moment on”. Jack pulled her veil into place; tucking her arm back into the crook of his elbow, he lovingly tapped her fingers and escorted Melody into the church.
As their song played, Melody glanced briefly at the full church, her eyes searching out Alex. As they finally settled on him at the altar, her step faltered. He stood ramrod straight, his blue-grey RAF service uniform enhancing the power of his strong body. He looked so handsome standing there, she reflected, wishing she could run to him. As he turned to watch her approach, she saw the tension leave him, a look of pure love transforming his face. Finally reaching his side, she took his hand that he held out to her; her nerves evaporating as his fingers wrapped around hers, giving her a gentle squeeze. She gazed up into his eyes as the final notes of the music finished.
Alex had watched as his angel had seemingly floated towards him, the tension he had felt melted away and now it seemed there was only the two of them here together. A vision in white satin stood before him, through the thin veil he could see her face, the love in her eyes evident. The urge to kiss her was ever present. A discreet cough from Joel brought his attention back to the present, as the vicar started the ceremony.
“You may kiss the bride”, the smiling vicar announced, finishing the ceremony. Alex had waited for these five little words for what had seemed like forever. Raising her veil delicately, he looked deep into her eyes, dipping his head and capturing her full lips; the kiss started out tender, gaining in passion as he held her close to him. Reluctantly parting as the vicar’s voice boomed, “ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Mr and Mrs Knight”.
Turning to their guests, Melody felt a lump rise in her throat; they were all here, friends and family. Jack had returned to his seat after giving her away, his hand now holding Christina’s tightly, the friendship the four of them had made over the last year so precious, they were almost like parents to her now. Susie and her husband Dave sat smiling back at her, Sarah wiped tears away as she gave a thumbs up, her camera hanging around her neck ready for action, RAF friends of Alex and Joel dotted throughout the church, each smiling their approval. Joel had joined Charlotte, his hand resting protectively around her waist; who would have ever imagined Charlotte finally settled down and in love, a happy smile tugged at her mouth remembering Charlotte excitedly telling her he was going to be staying here permanently, his plans to relocate back to the city no longer what he wanted. Shifting her gaze over to Alex’s family, she smiled; they all sat smiling proudly at them. Her family now, she sighed, a feeling of contentment washing over her.
“Mel”, Alex whispered close to her ear. She turned her head to him. “I love you darling”, his lopsided smile she loved so much, caused havoc with her pulse, “now milady, let’s go spend the rest of our lives together”.
About the Author
Growing up in the UK Samantha relocated to Ireland 28 years ago to be close to her parents, where she graduated from the IT with a business degree. An avid lover of writing, painting and animals she is always juggling new story ideas and a home full of very spoiled canines.
Please Review
Dear Reader,
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