Snowflake Kisses

by Thea Valentine

  While out with my sister for brunch at the cantina, Tim was at home playing house with ‘Nurse I’m Gonna Steal Your Man’. I suspected the lying, cheating, no good prick was up to something, but I could never catch him. This particular day, I suspected a shit storm was getting ready to hit. A little voice inside my head told me that I should go home.

  After brunch, Rose and I were supposed to go shopping. I talked her into stopping at the house to pick something up. I made it up so that I could investigate. Putting the key in the door, I heard a familiar laugh coming from inside. It was a female! No other woman should be in my house. Quickly unlocking the door, I pushed it open to find the nurse straddling Tim on the couch. I lost my mind. Frantically, I moved through the house destroying anything in my way. The asshole stood up with his limp dick hanging as my temper flared. He tried to calm me down. I punched him in the face.

  Walking out the door, he pulled his pants up, chasing after me. The last thing I remember was getting in my car and hitting the gas. In my rage, I ran him over. I was one scorned woman, in the police report it stated I had run him over and then backed up over him. When asked why I backed up, I told them it was because I wanted to make sure I got him good the first time.

  Rose witnessed the whole incident firsthand. She still tells me that the woman left so fast that she didn’t even put her top on before leaving the house. She’s lucky I didn’t catch her. The pain stayed with me for a while, even when I had to do a three-month jail sentence. I still think the judge felt sorry for me. Once I was released, I promised myself that I would never allow another man to hurt me again.

  After dating several losers, Kennedy came into my life. He had just finished up boot camp. The military had allowed him to come home. I still remember that night at my neighbor’s party. Zoning in on the large man that walked through the front door. His bald head, shoulders wide as the eye can see, muscles screaming to break out of his shirt. I melted as he strolled by, giving me a wink. I had to have this man. It was my mission to capture him.

  That night we really hit it off. So much that we found our way to the back of his car. I didn’t want the night to end. He made me feel so right. No man had ever got to me this way. There was something mysterious about Kennedy Gray. Since that night, we have been together ever since. I desired no other man. Tim found out about me dating Kennedy and attempted many times to lure me away. Happy to report that the asshole was unsuccessful each time. I told him to go back to his whore of a nurse.

  After a good cry from being frustrated, I bounced up and continued with the wedding plans. Kennedy would be here shortly. We needed to make sure that all of our packing was done so that we can enjoy our last few days of being single. I can’t wait until the Officiant recites those final words, “I am so pleased to present the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy Gray.”

  Chapter Four

  My wedding day had arrived. Mom and dad were here with my brother and sister. Chaos was amidst the wedding plans. All I could think about was marrying Kennedy. He didn’t stay with me the night before since my parents still believe in the fact that the groom should not see the bride before the wedding. Something about it being bad luck.

  I was in such awe over the city. Rose and I went out for a day on the town. She kept telling me that I needed to get my mind elsewhere. All of the storefront windows were done up for the holidays. The bell ringers were on every corner, holiday decorations were in masses. We stopped by my favorite Christmas tree for a few moments, and I stood there staring at its beauty before me. It stood so tall; lights shined bright, glistening ice from the rink below. So many happy faces wandering about. The city was a serene place and all I could think about was Kennedy.

  Back at the hotel, it was time for me to start getting ready. I was so excited to show off my dress. The dress was so elegant. It was long, cream in color with lace. I wanted a dress that was simple and heavenly. Rose helped me get ready. We both cried for a moment before the reveal to the rest of my family. My father stood there sobbing. “You look absolutely stunning, Ireland.” He was able to talk to me between sobs. As for my mother she continued to fuss over my dress, hair and makeup. The woman just wouldn’t let it go. My irritation must have been getting the best of me. Pulling away I, sternly, informed her that I was okay.

  My father informed me that we all needed to get going if I planned on getting married anytime soon. I think this was the first time I was actually out of the door before anyone else. On our way there, both of my parents questioned me about whether getting married was a decision I was prepared to make and follow through. I had never been so certain about anything. Deep down, my father knew that Kennedy was the best thing in my life. He would always care for and protect me as long as we both shall live. A wedding vow he took seriously.

  The streets were busy as usual. I just wanted to get there already. Looking out the window, I watched the cars go by. Everyone was going on about their day, as I was preparing to make the biggest decision of my life. A decision that I wouldn’t regret.

  Lost in my own thoughts, I felt a vibration coming from my purse. It was my phone alerting me to a text message. Every emotion I felt drained when I looked down and saw Tim’s name. I knew that I shouldn’t read the message, but my curiosity got the best of me. Opening up the message, I held my breath. Just like Tim, he felt as though he needed to have the last say. “Hey Ireland! I bet you look beautiful on your special day. I wish it was me instead of him. Love always, Tim.”

  Just those couple of sentences got to me. I did love the guy at one time. Just as I start to open my heart to forgive, all of the hurt he caused comes flooding back. The best decision I made was to hit the delete key and never regret it. It was my day, my wedding day, and I wasn’t going to allow some arrogant fool to ruin it. A calmness moved through me as that part of my life was closed. Kennedy was a new beginning chapter in this book called life.

  My father squeezed my hand as we pulled up to our location. Nerves had set in; my stomach was full of butterflies. Moments from now I was going to be Mrs. Kennedy Gray. My family wandered off to make sure everything was ready. I couldn’t believe the area had been closed off, just for us. In the last few moments of silence, I took the opportunity to meditate, clearing my mind of any negative energy that may have made its way inside.

  Off in the distance, I saw my father strolling toward the car. He had a smile on his face which told me one thing. Opening the car door, my father helped me get out. He didn’t want me to ruin my dress. Father signaled for me to grab his arm. We walked down the path to the front. I was in complete awe with the shining lights from the Christmas tree, angels lined the path, the smell of cinnamon filled the air. It was all becoming real when I saw a few guests sitting down.

  There was a holiday instrumental song playing as my father walked me down a small aisle lined in garland. My first sight of Kennedy had me in tears. He was so handsome. His smile shined as bright as it could be. I could tell that he was as happy as I was to be there. My mind had a thousand thoughts running through it.

  Kennedy grabbed me away from my father. I could feel my father relax the moment Kennedy took control. I was no longer a burden on my parents. It was a relief on all. The man of my dreams stood before me with the one Christmas tree that owned a piece of my heart.

  The ceremony was over in a matter of a few minutes. We exchanged vows, rings, and sealed the marriage with a kiss. The guests all applauded our commitment to one another. The moment we kissed I became a Gray.

  Kennedy and I took a few moments to be by ourselves. “Well Mrs. Gray, how does it feel to be married?”

  I was like a high school girl. Overwhelmed with happiness, the giddiness kicked in. “Oh Kennedy! You can’t possibly understand how happy I am that we are finally married. It seemed like this day would never get here. You are a part of a new chapter in my life and I couldn’t imagine writing it with anyone else.”

  Kennedy took me into his arms. Holding onto me tightly, he kissed me on the
top of my head. “Ireland, I will always love you. You’re my everything.” Hearing those words come from him brought a few tears. Nothing could ruin this moment. I knew deep down I needed to tell him about the text message from Tim, but also knew that our wedding day was not the right time.

  Entwined in this romantic moment, we didn’t realize the snow had started falling around us. Kennedy took my face into his hands. “My love, how more perfect could this day be? I married the woman of my dreams, in front of her favorite Christmas tree with snow falling down upon us.” Not saying anything, I just smiled.

  He leaned down, placing his lips over mine, sealing our marriage with a single snowflake kiss.

  About the Author

  Thea was introduced to the world of writing many years ago when a position at the high school newspaper opened. Writing became an outlet that allowed her to share stories that developed in her mind. Ideas were constantly developing; a notepad and pen were a main necessity. Through the years she wrote several short stories, but never considered publishing. It wasn’t until a few years ago when a detour, on the writing road, led her into the horror genre. Enjoying the genre, she needed to explore other worlds of writing. That’s when the romance genre grabbed her attention.

  Thea is married to a man, whom she calls, not only, her husband, but her best friend. Being pen pals for over a year they decided to have a once in a lifetime, short courtship. 20+ years later they’re still happily married with two handsome boys and two four legged babies. When not writing, she enjoys anything to do with the ocean, reading, writing, wine, coffee, photography, and just enjoying life to its fullest.

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