by AK Waters
* * * * *
While Cruz was off training, it was up to Devin to make most of the wedding plans. They would marry in Austin because Cruz had most of his family there. He promised to show her around town when they got there.
Only a few people would need to travel to Texas from Devin's side: her mother, best friend Lila and three art school friends.
Devin had nervously called to invite her father only because she felt obligated and it was the right thing to do. She was hoping he would say no.
Her father didn't disappoint. Three weeks was just too short notice, telling her her brothers had school and soccer practice.
Her father calling them her brothers was always a smack in the face. Devin winced when he talked about his new family. She barely knew them. His wife Jenna did not encourage many visits since Devin reminded her too much of his ex-wife.
Devin cut him off. "Of course. It's the answer I expected. So little notice? It's all good."
There was an awkward pause on the line before he spoke again. "Honey, are you sure about this? You're so young. Being married to a soldier might sound romantic right now but I hear it’s a stressful life."
Devin wasn't going to take marriage advice from her father, of all people. "He's the kind of man I can count on," she said and hung up before she started to cry.
She took a deep breath, wiped the tears away, and made her next call.
Chapter 6
Dreams On A Shoestring
Devin and Lila hit every flea market and estate sale in a sixty mile radius in search of the perfect (and affordable) wedding dress. But nothing was quite right. With money and time being so tight, they started looking in odd places for a miracle.
"Old costumes for sale," Lila read the paper sign on the mailbox. They'd found mention in the newspaper ads section about someone nearby selling off their costumes. "This looks like the place."
"For what? A horror movie?" Devin asked and laughed. It was a rambling farmhouse, with untended fields to either side and a dilapidated barn and matching silo behind the home.
A well dressed middle aged woman met them at the door. She waved them brusquely into the dusty living room. "I’ve inherited this lock stock and barrel from my crazy old aunt and am at loss at what to do with most of it. This stuff had some charm though and since I’m stuck here for escrow thought I would have a little fun. Actually found some Lalique that may be worth something...”
The woman caught herself. “This theatre stuff isn’t worth much though... just sentimental. Didn’t want to toss it.” Lila began rummaging through the first two trunks and tied a boa around her neck. She placed a fascinator on her head and then gasped.
"Go stand over there and close your eyes."
Devin did as she was told and heard shuffling fabric. Lila told her to open her eyes.
The dress was a 1940's era satin and lace wedding gown with a simple sheer veil. Devin's eyes filled with tears. She looked over at Lila who was also tearing up.
"How much?" Devin asked the woman.
She could see the business woman’s eyes summing up the situation.
“It’s a cheap theater knock off but fun. We’ll give you two hundred for the trunk.” The woman sized Lila up. “Two fifty. Lila didn’t flinch. “Two Twenty and I get this boa.”
As the girls ran to the truck Lila squealed. "This is vintage shit. I think I can resell this for two grand. " They giggled madly as they sped away. This had to be a good omen.
* * * * *
Devin was overwhelmed as she stood in the family kitchen of her future husband's family in Austin.
The weeks had flown by with so much planning and arrangements and she had no idea where the time went. Now, she was meeting anyone and everyone close to Cruz.
A parade of people welcomed her to the family, hugging and kissing her as they came to meet her. Cruz held her hand throughout, cringing when cousins told Devin about some of their childhood memories of him he probably wanted to keep away from her, but she laughed and goofed on him as well.
This was a stark contrast to Devin's own upbringing. And she loved it. Everyone was warm and friendly, and the days before the wedding were spent in premarital bliss with Cruz.
He showed her where he'd grown up and went to school. Devin met so many people, who all loved Cruz, and her head was spinning. She had no idea how many close friends a person could have until she'd met him. He'd been an amazing person his entire life it seemed.
* * * * *
Six of Cruz's closest buddies, all Navy, and two cousins, both Marines, were his groomsmen. They all wore sabers attached to their belts. Riggs was his best man and led the striking group in their dress uniforms to the altar.
Devin had only one attendant.
She could have pressed a few more friends into service, but Lila had been like a sister to her and this felt right. The only person she needed as witness to her marriage next to her was Lila.
As the ceremony began, the Chaplain spoke about the commitment Cruz and all the military men there represented. He reminded everyone that as a military wife, Devin was also making the same commitment.
A revelation swept over Devin. It filled her with anxiety about what she expected in the years to come as a Navy wife. Did she share the same courage and strength as the rest of the wives?
But as the Chaplain continued and Cruz stared into her eyes, all the fear turned to excitement. She would be his wife and he would be her husband, and they would live happily ever after.
There were many enlisted men at the wedding. When Devin glanced out from the altar and saw all of the uniforms and the women accompanying their husbands, she felt a sense of pride that so many had traveled so far to support their marriage. Riggs stood proudly as Cruz's best man. Devin noticed Riggs give Lila a wink, but she was here with the young man they'd met at the farmhouse. Lila wasn't going to be the flirt she normally was, and Devin was grateful.
Devin thought back to the rehearsal dinner, when Cruz's mother had taken her aside during a break.
"The first few years of a military career are so intense. You are essentially married to your job. These guys are smart to wait a few years before making a commitment to a woman."
An awkward silence had followed. It was obvious that her new mother-in-law wanted Devin to know her true feelings, although she'd said nothing else against the wedding after that and seemed genuinely happy for her son and new daughter.
After they exchanged vows they kissed. Apparently it was for too long because the Chaplain cleared his throat and the guests burst into laughter, which was embarrassing and fun for the newlyweds.
They walked out of the chapel arm in arm. The groomsmen had lined up on the little walkway facing one another. With a sharp command from Riggs they snapped to attention. His next command, 'Officers, draw swords,' saw the entourage pull their blades from scabbards in one fluid motion, raising them gracefully to touch the tip of the opposite sword. They turned their wrists sharply so the cutting edge was turned up.
The couple held hands and passed beneath the arch. It was a beautiful ritual. Devin felt giddy. As they passed through the last two groomsmen forming the arch, Cruz's Marine cousins, lowered their swords to block the couple.
Riggs was to Devin's right and swiftly turned his sword and gave her a gentle swat across her bottom. "Welcome to the Navy," he yelled.
Devin was startled but everyone in uniform smiled. It was more military tradition. Devin felt welcome.
The celebration continued in Cruz's parents’ backyard. The home had been decorated with candles and rain lilies, the beautiful little white flowers that pop up everywhere after the Texas rains.
The first thing Devin noticed was the smell of the roasting pig over a big pit in the yard, the tangy sweetness of barbeque sauce overpowering the multitude of other pleasant smells. Cruz's father and uncles had stayed up half the night preparing it, and Devin knew from conversation how important it was for them to do this. It was also quite an honor.
Live music and Sangria flowed freely, everyone dancing and drinking before dinner was served. Everyone was having a great time, singing along to the songs and having a drink or three. Except Devin's mother, who sat in a corner and watched the festivities with a frown.
Devin remembered the strained conversation she'd had with her mother about marrying a Navy SEAL candidate.
"This is a long shot," her mother had said. "You've known him for three months? I consider myself a free spirit, but you don't even know him. It sounds like one of those silly Hollywood marriages in the tabloids that last seventy-two days. What in the world do you have in common with him?"
Devin had been defensive. "You and daddy had a lot in common, didn't you?" She felt horrible for saying it. Her mother had looked stung. She hugged her mother and whispered in her ear. "Don't worry. You know I've always made good decisions. This is a good decision."
"You're only twenty-two. That's not a very long track record. I just worry…"
Devin knew her mother was nervous for her. It was a big decision and six months might seem like a short time to get to know a person, but Devin felt like she'd known Cruz her entire life. The pain of her mother's divorce was still weighing over her mother, too. She didn't want her daughter to end up like she had, Devin knew.
"This might not make sense to you but I don't have a choice."
When her mother looked at her horrified. Devin smiled. "No Mom, I’m not pregnant. I just mean I love him so much. I can't see myself without Cruz."
Devin could tell her mother wasn't happy with the answer but she forced a smile in return. But now she was hiding in the corner and staring at everyone having a good time.
Cruz' mother was a little more subtle, but no less against this marriage. She danced, laughed and even sang with the band at the reception. After Cruz and Devin were introduced as husband and wife, she volunteered to make a champagne toast. "Everyone here knows my son has put in a lot of work in BUD(s) training. For anyone who doesn't know what that is," she paused and glanced at Devin, who looked away, "it's the toughest military training in the world. If he is going to achieve his potential, my son will need a wife who appreciates and supports his career." She lifted her glass toward Devin. "I hope you are made of the right stuff, mija."
Cruz stood and gripped Devin's shoulder. "Dad, is that tequila in mom's glass?" Everyone laughed but Devin felt stung. She knew what her new husband was trying to do but when she glanced over at his mom she could see the matriarch was not happy.
Lila had the best comment once dinner was done, pulling Devin aside. "Screw both these nasty bitches," she said and grinned. "Live your life and enjoy your man. “
Chapter Eight
Newlyweds
They spent their first night as husband and wife at a cozy little hotel in downtown Austin. As Cruz carried her into the room they smiled and giggled in delight.
The shadow of their mother's warnings wouldn't get out of Devin's head. It didn't seem like the best way to begin their life together, but Devin didn't want to bring it up. Especially tonight. The two people who loved them the most seemed so skeptical and worried for their future. Devin had a fearful moment just before Cruz placed her gently on the bed: are they right to be so worried? Are we rushing headlong into a lifetime mistake?
Cruz must have seen the questions in her eyes because he stopped as he took his jacket off and sat down next to her, pulling her to his body. He kissed her softly on the forehead and then her cheek.
Devin relaxed. This was right. This was what felt perfect, and she tried to push negative thoughts out of her head. This was her wedding night and wasn't loving someone this much enough to make a simple thing like marriage work? Devin thought about how many military marriages there were, and guessed they were no different from any other marriage.
They drank champagne , made love and fell asleep into each others arms.
* * * * *
At the big family breakfast the next morning, the newlyweds were ready to say their goodbyes. As much as there were smiles and laughter, there were also silent pauses. The couple was going to leave and no one could say when Cruz's family would ever get another moment like this. Devin steered clear of the mothers, preferring to sit with Lila and make small talk so she wouldn't cry at the thought of not seeing her best friend all the time.
Devin was musing about plans for visits but Lila stared across the room distracted. Devin followed her gaze. It ended at Riggs. Green eyes, blond hair, swagger.
"Please say you did not do what I think you did," Devin was tense. This could not possibly end well.
"What? You’re not the only patriot on the planet." Lila sipped her mimosa. “Let’s just say I took one for the team. My team!’” She began to giggle and Devin shushed her.
"So uncalled for."
Lila was heading directly from Texas to Asheville, North Carolina to work at an artist's enclave.
To Devin it was hard to imagine her and Lila being so far away. They could talk on the phone and computer, but it wasn't going to be the same. No more endless hours in coffee shops, engrossed in gossip as their java got cold. No more shopping trips to try on clothing they couldn't afford, either.
Cruz's buddies helped him load and secure his motorcycle into the back of the U-Haul. Cruz and Riggs were visibly overcome with emotion. Riggs had been stationed to Chickie Beach in Virginia, and it would be a long time before they would see each other again.
Devin and Lila had their own emotional farewell, wiping tears from the other's cheeks. While Lila walked off with Riggs to tell him the bad news, Devin went through the motions saying goodbye to both of the mothers. They shed a few tears but Devin didn't know if it was for joy or fear, and she didn't want to know the answer.
* * * * *
The couple had decided to take their honeymoon on the road as they vacationed their way back to Coronado. For a few days they stayed in a bed and breakfast in Arizona, near Sedona.
They made love all hours of the night and would barely finish their breakfast in bed in the mornings before their bodies would yearn for one another over and over again.
One afternoon, they pulled themselves from the sheets and took a long hike. They skinny-dipped in a pond near a waterfall.
Cruz pulled her tight in his arms and stared into her eyes. "I have no clue how I've lived this long without you."
Moments like these began to erase all doubts and questions about their decision to Devin. They spent the rest of their honeymoon making love and planned their future together.
Chapter Nine
A New Beginning
Cruz was eager to join his team and would be training constantly now that they'd gotten to the base and the honeymoon was over. Devin would focus on her art career, even though she'd offered to continue her dead-end waitress career for extra money.
"No wife of mine is going to work," Cruz said half-jokingly. "I want you to be able to pursue your dreams, too. Painting and art and all that stuff. And making us a nice home, too. I look forward to burnt dinners and falling asleep on the couch."
Devin laughed. "That's not what I signed up for, buddy. And the only one who burns anything is you. I'm a damn good cook."
"You're the best cook, baby."
Her paperwork had been filed and her ID was ready for base living. The young female sergeant who helped Devin with the orientation before she left Coronado had promised to have a house ready for them by the time they returned from Texas. She'd also given Devin a huge packet of information and rules to help her navigate life on the enormous base.
Devin poured over it as they traveled back toward the California coast. It was both overwhelming and exciting. It felt like her first trip to her college campus.
Their house was adorable even if a bit small. A white picket fence lined with tiny flowers and a small grass yard made her think of a picture storybook she had loved as a young girl.
They unpacked in a frenzy like children opening Christmas presents. They were bot
h overwhelmed with the excitement of making their perfect home together. There wasn't much room, so they had limited choices of where the furniture would fit. They made it work, creating a comfortable place room by room.
The most precious thing was their photographs. Some had already been placed in small frames. Cruz's mother had given them a set of five framed pictures, which Devin took her sweet time arranging and rearranging on a window ledge until she got the order just right.
Cruz grinned at her but wisely said nothing.
Devin was especially excited about putting their baby pictures side by side, and talked about all the new memories they'd capture on film to add to the small collection. Having only been together a little over three months, all of the pictures together were so recent they still had the same clothes and haircut. Devin wanted time to elapse so she could look at all of these pictures in their past and reminisce.
The kitchen was quickly loaded with odd sets of old dishes, glassware and silverware they both brought into the relationship. At some point they swore they'd upgrade everything they owned that was old.
Exhausted, they collapsed on Devin's old couch and ordered a pizza, too tired to hook up the television. The bedroom was still in chaos and they decided after dinner to blow up Cruz's air mattress and camp out in the living room. Devin made a mental list of everything she'd need to get the house in order, knowing it would be her responsibility.
The Navy had made it perfectly clear the fun was over and Cruz was going to be in training starting at 600 hours. Devin was going to enjoy her time alone. She'd already decided where to set up her easel in the small yard so she could paint when the weather was nice.
They fell asleep in each other's arms, thinking how silly their mother's had been to worry so much about them.