by Zoe Adams
Susanna sighed, and the girls giggled about the extravagant man who had stolen the hearts of every woman in the room.
Susanna got nervous when she thought about the crowd or the night’s obligations. She focused on Royce, and her heavy beating heart became second nature. He was waiting for her and had been preparing her all day, and before that, all week.
She touched the watch on her wrist. It had become comfortable and now seemed almost delicate compared to bulky sensation when she first received it.
Royce had been preparing for her for a long time. As long as he was willing to do his share of making them happy, then everything would be fine.
Susanna prepared herself for a long marriage to Royce.
***
The temperature gauge outside was at its high for the day, and would soon see plunging mercury. A crystal blue sky held a moon that was almost as large as a fist. The snowy landscape was an easy picture of virgin and uncompromised opportunity. Winter’s plain attributes easily accented the wedding site.
The tent looked like a table set with long blue cloth. There was a center, tall peak that had Royce’s ancient family crest waving in the wind. Four smaller peaks of roof went out toward the corners, and fluttering white ribbons gave it a whimsical appearance.
The largest peak was the center of it all, and below it was the entrance. The doors were pulled back in a flourish to brace both sides of the sidewalk in blue. The temporary structure was an outstanding feat of billowing blue and waving dark hollows.
Cars began to line down the driveway, and valets readily overtook them. The winding sidewalk led to the large, romantic tent that was ready to welcome the diverse guests.
At five o’clock, all was as it should be, and the seats that had been set up facing the west side of the tent were filling up. Royce walked eagerly forward to wait with the crowd for the bride. He stood with his back to a pristine white background as he considered the circumstance.
He never thought he could be as excited as he was at that moment. Susanna made him a better man when he had all but given up on himself. All the tasks and duties that were required of him, and the dangers a man in his position faced, had haunted him his whole life.
Royce admitted to himself that he had imagined this moment for weeks. Even with his friends and family nearby, he felt slightly disoriented without Susanna. He realized that was exactly how he should feel, when only one person could complete him. He wanted to look down at his watch, but did not give in to the temptation. He wanted to savor every moment of this day, and enjoy it like a feast of the gods.
Finally, the first of Susanna’s beautiful friends arrived. Dayna’s velvet dress caught light and shimmered with movement. The deep royal blue color was like a natural silhouette that stood out in the brightly lit room. She walked through the crowd slowly to oohs and aahs. Christina followed shortly thereafter, and soon the women stood at the front of the gathering.
A collection of cute children carried little white baskets and dropped white rose petals. Little holes at the bottom of the baskets dropped silver glitter on the red carpet.
When everyone was ready, the music changed, and the bride appeared at the door. Shuffling feet and the sound of chairs scraping had the crowd rising to the occasion. The timed-out procession had begun, and Susanna and her father began the long wedding march.
Royce stared at the beautiful woman who approached him so slowly. He wanted to run to her, but all he could do was stare.
She was wearing a semi-translucent dress of white lace, and white piping.
The sleeves were plain white lace that gathered in a low V-neck. Across her chest was a bright white star. Some parts of the lace were sheer, and some parts were backed in a lot of bright white. It was a beautiful front that formed an intricate and balanced snowflake. The two tops of the star went over her shoulders in triangle strips of white. Two sides of the star went under her arms, and the two at the base went down to her hips.
The skirt hung straight, moderately wide, and flat to the floor. A train was attached at her waist and followed her down the aisle. Somehow, Royce knew that the back of her dress had snowflakes all over it.
She wore the white fur shawl with flair, and it was the perfect addition for her snowflake dress. A huge diamond clasped the coat under her neck. The front of the shawl was folded over her arms, giving all of the satin lined fur to the back of her dress.
She didn’t wear a veil, and Royce was relieved to see her bright blue eyes so clearly. Her hair was partially up, with a braided crown circling her head, and the back was left to hang down in long curls. White diamonds sporadically lit up her crown, and tiny clips were attached to the longer portions of hair.
Royce fell even more in love with her, and committed every part of the image to memory. She looked stately and elegant in an understated style. She hadn’t overdone any of the gems or gold with which she could have gone crazy; both sides of the guest list were easily pleased.
She was handed over to Royce, and he held both of her hands in his. They stood where the view was the best, and turned their backs on the crowd. They began to exchange mortal vows in the open field. The wedding was traditional and structured.
The white snow backdrop had blue shadows along the waves of rolling prairie. The world was extinguished of color and sound. A slight wind picked up sparkly shimmers of snow to dance across the drifted expanse. Deciduous trees wore a uniform of black trunks and white branches as they spotted the landscape.
The sky changed from blue to pink, and the wedding ceremony was over. Susanna and Royce were recorded for photographic archive, and as the pictures were taken, the sky turned royal blue, before giving up to black.
Royce had planned everything perfectly. It was easy for Susanna to beam up at him.
The newlyweds entered the tent amid flashing bulbs and fireworks. A slow progression to the head table was begun as friends and family offered support and congratulations for the newlyweds’ happiness.
They sat down at the head table. Excessive amounts of food and drink were devoured as people openly ogled the bride and groom’s conversation. Royce cut a piece of meat and set it on Susanna’s plate. She smiled and cut bites to feed him. They continued open displays of affection as people tinkled silver against crystal glasses.
By eight o’clock, the party was swinging into full gear. Wine flowed freely to the guests. Candles were set in an upward spiral around columns, and added glowing, raw firelight. The tent poles were wrapped in evergreen garlands with red and white roses.
Royce and Susanna were stuck in the whirlwind. The necessary steps were followed with cake and dancing, toasts and kisses, then more fireworks blasting the sky.
“Ready for your honeymoon, wifey?” Royce asked between nibbles of upturned wrist.
Susanna’s consent was evident in the tired head that rested on his shoulder.
A plethora of well-wishers escorted them to the limousine. Snuggled into their furs, they headed for the airport. Royce escorted her up the ramp of his waiting jet. This time when Susanna was carried on board the airplane, it was with her full-hearted free will.
The End
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the patience, kindness, honesty, and support of my editors, publishers, friends, and family.
About the Author
I was born in South Dakota, and currently live in Lanikai Beach Hawaii. I was born the fifth of eight children, age wise I am right in the middle. Just in case you’re wondering…no, my parents are not Catholic, they just love each other :-)
When I was very young I found a deep respect and love for words and books. I broadened my vocabulary and learned how to solve problems through words.
I attended Jackson Hole Writers Convention in 2011 and it was great! The first thing the speaker said is that most writers are introverts. We could be perfectly happy with a computer and a desk chair. But there are certain times in life when you need to stop writing and start smiling at yo
ur peers. Social media is the biggest wink of all.
My husband Mike makes everything easier. Mike, myself, and our three year old puppy are finally settled in. We have paradise right outside our door, and happy vacationers all around us. It’s the perfect place for nature to be powerful, calming, and beautiful at the same time.
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/zeoadams1