Showcase

by P. Roper

  “And I know with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you in my life. I’d like to make you another offer,” his eyes shone with humour and emotion. “If you’ll have me, I’d love nothing more than to keep you forever. Deliah Grace Woods, would you grant me the absolute honour of for-always, and be my wife?” He dropped my hands, reaching into his pocket.

  I blinked back tears as he held a black box up to me. Nestled in the center of it was the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. In the center, sat a round solitaire that had to be three carats itself and winding around it like vines, were small stones on settings shaped like leaves. It was unique, whimsical and delicate while remaining true to Nathaniel’s boldness. The tears I had in my eyes fell down my cheeks and my hands flew to cover my mouth. In that moment with him, time stood still and the hundred people surrounding us faded away.

  I nodded frantically and his smile brightened further than I knew was possible, deepening his already prominent dimples. He rose to his feet, pulling the ring from the box. Holding my shaking left hand in his, he slipped the ring on my finger as I fought back further tears. I blinked hard, wanting to see his face clearly a moment then, bringing my hands to his cheeks, I pulled his face closer to my own.

  “Yes, over and over, yes,” I whispered before pressing my lips to his. His arms wrapped around me tugging me flush against him. I could hear the fanfare of whistles and cheers around us. But in that moment, absolutely nothing mattered to me except the two of us wrapped up in each other.

  Epilogue

  Noelle

  “Deliah, you’re perfect. I need to go though. Take a deep breath, count to ten slowly, and follow me. Deal?” She nods, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. I smooth my palms from my strip of exposed abdomen, down the full burgundy skirt until my arms are completely extended down my sides. I reach for my white, navy and deep emerald bouquet and turn around the corner.

  Taking my first steps through the double doors of the church, I see Nate at the end of the aisle. His smile, so much like my own, fills the room with light. He winks at me and I nod in return. Taking my place across from him, I turn back to the doors, watching them open wide. Something between a collective gasp and sigh fills the place. I already know what she looks like today, so I watch my brother.

  His eyes widen and I swear I see his breath hitch before tears well in his eyes. He swallows; his Adam's apple bobbing just above his collar and deep green bow tie. His eyes never leave her, even when his fist comes to his mouth to clear his throat and his feet shuffle. Whoever I marry, better look at me like Nate is looking at Deliah right now, or I’m turning around and leaving his ass at the altar.

  During the ceremony, I barely hear what is said. I distract myself from the roaring silence in my head by taking in the ornate floral detail on Deliah’s frothy white dress. The dress is delicate and backless, but it has a couple foot train that pools at her feet. I couldn’t have picked a better dress for her, if I had gotten the opportunity to design it myself. It’s a lace, fairy garden, draped around her frame perfectly.

  And then it’s official. My brother married the most amazing person, making Deliah a Halstead. There are cheers and a dramatic kiss, complete with a fairy-tale dip. I can’t help but smile at the magic that they exude. Things might be challenging for me lately, but today is about two of the most important people in my life. I only need to keep my shit locked away for another twelve or so hours.

  I wish my mother had allowed Deliah to skip the receiving line. It takes a lifetime, but the moment all three hundred guests have been ushered away, we are whisked off for more pictures than I realized one person could take in an afternoon. We hit both the Public Library and the Athenaeum before heading to Cambridge and posing in and around several old buildings.

  “All done,” one of the photographers announces, having gotten all the shots they needed to fulfill both the couple’s wishes and the society pieces in various implements of press. Hell, even I requested either a library or abstract art piece for the article the Philippian was running next week. “I want to take some shots of the venue before you all arrive though, so I’m going to pop over there now.” With that, they leave us in the courtyard of the Grossman Library.

  I sigh and lean against the side of the old red brick building we had gathered near. Only just pressing my eyes closed I hear my mother huff before her heels click away. I watch her head across the street to the museum where the reception is being held, before seeking out the other people who had been taking pictures with us. The happy couple is lost in one another, sitting on the steps of the building. I smile softly in their direction before wandering away, aware I have an entire hour to kill before we are to join the 150 guests that made the cut between ceremony and reception (much to my mother’s dismay.)

  Hours later, dinner is over and people are dancing. Seeing my father dance with Deliah with a genuine smile on his face makes me realize that the open bar is being well used. I hold my own champagne flute, half full of bubbles, as I observe the party from near the bar. My two best friends are here, in matching long black dresses, dancing with their dates.

  “Jesus, Noelle. Unclench your jaw and stop slouching,” Mother hissed, coming up beside me. “At least pretend you want to be here. I assure you; it will become a valuable skill.” She arched a brow before demanding another glass of Pinot Noir and sweeping away. I was happy to be here, really. But there is nothing quite like a wedding, filled with blissed out couples to remind you of your singleness.

  I push off the column, downing the remaining contents of my glass. Then, after asking for another, I wander off. Mother may have gotten to choose the ceremony location and guest list but this part was all Deliah. She had actually wanted something smaller, but this was her compromise. The Harvard Art Museums, a building full of beautiful pieces for her guests to admire during the evening.

  I stop occasionally, taking in pieces in more detail, as I walk the halls. Eventually, my flute is empty and I know I’ll be expected for more parts of the evening. As I start back to the reception, someone calls out.

  “Ray! Wait. Please?” I know that voice.

  “How many times do I have to tell you, that is not my name,” I say as I turn to face him. I tilt my head taking him in. For a guy that has probably never worn a suit in his life, he cleaned up nicely in a tailored Valentino three piece.

  “Yeah,” he brings his hand up to rub the back of his neck. His eyes flit over my two piece dress, following the lines of the strappy top that my parents had disapproved of and the full burgundy skirt. “Uh, I was sent to find you. I think your mom thought I worked here?” He chuckles, shaking his head. “But they need you back for something. Cake, maybe?”

  I nodded, turning in the direction of the music. He rambled a lot, I noticed. I mean, he still hasn’t stopped talking. I’m not sure what he’s said, but I nod once more and his hand makes contact, resting high at the small of my back. Like he wants to guide me, but worries that touching me is going too far.

  As we pass under the archways, seeing Deliah and Nate near the cake, I turn to him again and offer him a smile. “Thanks.”

  “Sure, no big deal.” His hand drops and he takes a step back, “I’ll see you, then, Ray.”

  I roll my eyes, turning back to my brother and his new bride. Smile in place, I walk toward them. I know that I need to be in pictures tonight, so I stand close enough but still not anywhere near what I would consider attention-grabbing vicinity. After they feed each other a piece of cake, in a nauseating display of tradition, the dessert is wheeled away to be cut and distributed.

  Deliah spots me in the crowd and, grabbing Nate’s hand, pulls him in my direction. “I feel like I haven’t seen you all night,” she narrows her eyes at me.

  “Yeah, sorry, I figured I’d just keep out of your hair. It’s your day. Is it everything you wanted it to be?” Nate wrapped his arms around his bride, kissing her cheek while I spoke.

/>   “It’s been the most amazing day. But I’d love one thing that I haven’t seen yet,” she eyes me almost critically.

  “And what’s that?” Nate asks.

  “I’d love to see Noelle dance some and enjoy herself,” she laughed.

  “Hey! I’ve had a great night so far,” I attempt to defend my evening.

  “Sure, sweetie, if you consider glaring at couples and drinking enough champagne to carbonate your blood, great.” She raises her brows and Nate laughs. “I’m not blind, nor am I as easily distracted as you seem to think I am. Please? Try to have some fun for me?” Her hand squeezes mine and I nod.

  “Cool, now that that’s cleared up, can we go dance, pretty girl?” My brother spins his girl around and she laughs. The conversation put to bed, they head back to dance.

  Sighing, I head over and grab another glass of champagne and make it halfway to the table that my bag is tucked under when I’m intercepted. “Hi, uh, I know I said I’d see you later. But technically it’s later. And I really wanted to know if. Well, would you, maybe dance with me?”

  He forced all his words out in one breath before practically gasping and I couldn’t help but breathe out a laugh. His eyes plead with me. I know that his father was on the guest list, being a prominent member of my parent’s close circle. I had assumed that the new wife would join him, but I hadn’t anticipated the boy standing inches from me would be here tonight. I actually hadn’t expected anyone my age to be here, except A & E and their dates. Yet here we are.

  Remembering Deliah’s request, I glance back at the dance floor, noticing her watch me curiously. “You know what? Sure, let’s dance,” I gave him a half smile.

  “Oh, actually? Cool.” He sounded equally surprised and relieved as his hand returned to my back.

  With one of my hands around his shoulder and the other in his palm, we swayed on the dance floor. Slowly, we end up closer. I hadn’t noticed before, but he smells so good. As I lean in a little further, his fingers resting on the bare skin of my back start tracing small patterns across my spine. Goosebumps break out over my skin and I look at his eyes.

  “I know you know my name,” I accuse.

  He laughs a little, his fingers still running along my back, “Of course I know your name, Noelle.”

  “Then why the hell do you call me Ray,” I question in almost a hiss.

  His smile drops and he swallows, shaking his head. “I can’t tell you that. Not right now. Maybe soon, but especially not here,” he glanced around.

  I eye him sceptically. “Okay?” I drag out. “But you’ll tell me eventually?” I ask, my curiosity tugging at me.

  “Sure, one day. But for now, can we just dance a while?” I nod and we continue to sway.

  He spent the rest of the night at my side and whether we were dancing or not, his fingers were somewhere on my skin until his mom informed him they were leaving. Alone again, I watched Nate and Deliah sway to their final dance of the evening. I couldn’t help but smile at them. I could see it when they looked at each other, their love was all consuming. In those moments, they didn’t even see that anyone else was in the room. I truly adored their love. Maybe one day I would have a love like that.

  One day…

  Note From The Author

  If you made it this far, THANK YOU!! From the bottom of my heart, it means the absolute world to me that you jumped into Deliah & Nathaniel’s story! I know it’s not super deep, but sometimes it’s not profound that we need. Occasionally, it’s just a tale to get lost in; one that isn’t our own. So in that manner, I hope this book reaches people who may need it.

  I started this writing this one in January 2018, during a particularly bad bout of insomnia. I knew the general story; it had played out in my head on more than one occasion. I had pieces written here & there, but not a single “chapter” was completed until November 2020; when I actually sat down to seriously write. I gave myself deadlines that I met & began exceeding. The words poured out of me, making room for more to collect. I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back it felt more accomplished than I had in possibly years.

  I would never have made it to this point without the undying support of my husband & cooperation of my hurricane of a four year old. I’ve also found myself deeply inspired. By other full time mom-authors, like Lindsey Iler (the woman juggles four & writes bangers). And by my sister/bff & partner in crime Sam, who also published her first novel in 2020 & has since released more (and has unfailingly read almost everything I’ve ever written, before it was granted public consumption).

  I also couldn’t, in good conscience, not mention the encouragement from the friends I didn’t know I needed. I found some pretty extraordinary people in 2020 & I probably wouldn’t be writing this note today, without their presence in my world. Especially L & A & A, and the GC; the friends I’ve probably needed my whole life & finally found.

  ** Stay tuned for Noelle’s story, coming later 2021

  You’re not going to want to miss this one **