Peace in My View

by C. L. Rosado

  He made love to me slowly and he cherished me with his every move. I’m not sure that I ever wanted to be without him. I was so worried this part of us would be lacking I don’t even know why though. He was so in-tune with my body and made every touch sizzle on my skin. When we were both satiated, we lay in bed, and he told me about his fear of losing his mom and why he had waited to take it to the next level with me. Then, just to be sure, we went to check on his mom. Once we were sure she was sleeping safe and sound, we head back to Gentry’s room.

  Gentry made love to me two more times before we both passed out from exhaustion. I finally felt at peace, like this was real, and I couldn’t wait to be Gentry’s wife.

  The next morning we told Eleanor that we are getting married and that we want to do it on September 19th. That gives us exactly one month, and we can do it before Gentry’s birthday. We have a lot to do, Eleanor makes some calls and we sit down and write out a game plan. Liv showed up early this morning to congratulate us and hasn’t left my side. Mona used to own a flower shop in San Antonio and has connections to get flowers. I have a friend in Austin that can be our photographer if she is available so I send her a text. Gentry talks Peck into staying a couple of extra weeks which makes Liv even more ecstatic. We have a our location which is of course the ranch. We just need to find the perfect spot on the ranch to set up. Liv and I make plans to go shopping the following weekend. Man, what a day! When did my life get so stinkin’ exciting? We make a guest list although it’s very small with approximately fifty guests. It’s perfect for me. I don't need a ton of people there, just the important ones. I called Mom and Dad to let know our plans so that they can add the date to their calendar. While I have them on the phone, Gentry asks,

  “Can I talk to your dad?”

  “Um, yeah, Mom can you put Dad back on?” I ask.

  Smiling I hand my phone to Gentry. I can’t wait to hear what he is going to say—but I don’t get a chance because he walks away.

  I can already feel the wedding pressure. Now I have to get ready for my session, wishing I had rescheduled it. Gentry and I haven't had a moment alone since we got up, and we won't until this evening, either.

  Chapter 21

  Gentry

  Wow, my life had changed in the last twenty-four hours in one hell of a drastic way. I was super stoked. Things were finally looking up for the most part.

  “Dude, you got something to tell me?” Peck asked.

  “No, why?”

  “You been walking around all day with a shit eatin’ grin on your face. I know that look, and it can’t possibly be because you’re gettin’ hitched.”

  “Sure it is. What the hell do you think it’s from?” Is he for real? Just because he can’t see settling down anytime soon doesn’t mean I can’t.

  “Dude, you got laid,” he declares. Oh wow. I hadn’t even considered that being the cause for the high I was currently on, but I guess it was totally part of it.

  “Maybe.”

  “Dude, you're holding out. I’m gonna have to fly home and catch up before for the wedding. I’m feeling like a monk.” Is he for real? Yes, he for sure is. I’ve not been myself for months, but Peck is used to getting some tail a few times a week, also not good for my cousin.

  “Let’s change the subject, ok? I need to run to town. Wanna go?”

  We spend a few hours running some errands, and I notice a sign for custom boots. I step inside, and I’m greeted by my buddy Roper from high school. We catch up a bit and I ask him the turn around for a pair of custom boots,

  “Oh ‘bout ten or twelve weeks, regularly. When ya need’em?” Roper asks me.

  “Well, maybe like the third week of September? Guess that’s out, huh?”

  “Nah, not at all. I can do a rush order as long as it’s nothing too intricate for ‘bout seven hundred. What do ya say?”

  “I say, you got yourself a deal. I just want a simple inlay that says Mrs.Sloan with 9-19-15 on it, both in baby blue.” I explain everything to him, and he gives me a ticket and says he’ll have them ready by the 4th. Peck and I head into the western store next to see what we can find for Peck and I to wear for the wedding, per Ari and Liv’s instruction but come up empty-handed. Guess the four of us can go shopping together this coming weekend.

  The wedding was just weeks away. It’s not like we had time to spare. Momma had been doing well lately, and we asked the home health nurse to attend the wedding. We need her to also take on a few more hours to be with Momma and make sure she rested and didn’t over do it while we were busy getting everything ready. She agreed.

  We shopped for clothes, decorations, and the girls made things we couldn't find while shopping. Aunt Claire and Aunt Mona were crafting beasts, so I wasn’t surprised when it came down to rehearsal to see the old hay barn transformed into a country wedding setting. Just off of the back of the house is where the old barn stood. We picked the location so Momma wouldn't have to go too far. Ari was amazing in every way, letting Momma help make decisions and asking her advice about this or that. I’m sure she wished her mom was here to help, but her parents weren't able to be here until the day of.

  Tomorrow I was marrying the girl of my dreams. Tonight Peck was making me go to Austin for a bachelors’ night out. It’s not like it was a big fuss because all our friends were back in Florida, so I didn’t see the point, but Liv was making Ari have a Bachelorette party, too but they were staying in town. I didn’t understand why we couldn't go out together and still spend the night away from each other. I think I hated that damn rule worse than any of the other wedding traditions, and I was pretty sure Ari did, too. Some controlling bride or her parents must’ve come up with the no-seeing-each-other-before rule. It sucked nuts. Being without her one night and full day was more than enough to have my craving for her maxed out, for sure.

  Chapter 22

  Ariana

  I wasn’t sure how we had pulled it off, but we had, Gentry’s aunts, with the help of Liv and myself had made the barn look just like I envisioned. Mason jar chandeliers hung above us on every rafter. Cal and the other ranch hands had fabricated an alter setting that Mona and Claire had decorated with sunflowers and burlap, tying it all in. Perfection. There was no other word.

  Liv and I were gonna spend the night together. Apparently Gentry and I couldn’t see each before because of the age old tradition. Liv said it was practically an arranged marriage, and she didn’t want me to change my mind, as if that was gonna happen. I was already plotting how to sneak out of my own house to go see Gentry, and then that punk friend of his informed me that they were spending the night at a hotel in Austin, so no cheating. Oh, I was gonna kick his and my best friend’s asses when this was all over. Ugh.

  “Today’s the day. I can’t believe my best friend is about to become my favorite cousin by marriage. I could just scream! How do you feel, soon-to-be-Mrs. Sloan?” Liv has been going on all morning about us being family. I feel like we were always family, but I get it. Who doesn’t want there best friend to marry someone in their family?

  “Um… I’m a nervous wreck I still can’t believe this is happening.”

  “I know. It’s crazy. When you and Gentry first met, and I said, ‘what if ya’ll got married’, I had no idea that it would be a reality in mere months… You look stunning, by the way.”

  “Thanks, I have this awesome friend who helped me find the perfect dress, and she did my hair and make up because she is the best friend in the whole world.” I was wearing a vintage style gown that we found while dress shopping in Austin. It has capped sleeves and a plunging v-neck that stops just above my ribs, showing more than enough skin and leaving little to the imagination. The bodice was covered in delicate lace that flows along the pale blush tulle of the skirt, ending in a soft pool at my feet. My hair is in a up-do with curls cascading down one side. Liv had done an amazing job on it, and my make up. I felt like a princess. I don't remember ever feeling so feminine, bringing me back to the here. Liv says,

>   “I have something for you.” She is holding a small gift box in her extended hand. “It’s from Eleanor,” she explains.

  Without a word, I take the gift and remove the lid. On top of the tissue lining is a note card.

  My Dearest Ariana,

  Today you will walk down the aisle and marry my son, making me the second happiest woman in the world. You have blessed me with this, something that I would have otherwise only dreamt of. In this box you will find your something old. It has been passed down through my family from generation to generation. Today you become part of that legacy. Thank you for being all that you are.

  With all my love,

  Eleanor

  My eyes wet with tears, I hold the note to my heart. This woman has come into my life and rearranged my heart and soul. I didn’t know what I would do when she was gone.

  “Hey, don't cry. You will mess up your make up,” Liv complained, taking the note from me to read while I looked into the gift box. Inside the box was an antique diamond necklace with matching earrings. I turned to my friend and asked,

  “Can you help me with these?” She dabs under her eyes and takes the box from me.

  “Oh. My. God. Ari these are gorgeous. I’m so jelly.”

  There was a knock at the door, and before we had a chance to answer it, my mom was cracking the door and making her way inside.

  “Mind if I come in?” Mother asked already fully inside. I smiled and nodded.

  “ I was just helping her put this on. Here, I will let you, Pamela. Just do not make her cry, or I will hurt you,” Liv said handing the jewelry to my mother. When the necklace and earrings were in place, I turned to look in the full length mirror. We were in the guest room at the ranch house. All the guests had arrived and waited in the barn.

  “Ariana, beautiful girl. You could be on the cover of a bride magazine, and that man of yours… wait until you see him.” I definitely couldn't wait to see him. I haven't had a night without him in the month since he proposed before last night when Liv made me go out and sleep at my own house. Peck took Gentry to Austin, probably to some strip club. I didn’t even wanna know. Pulling me into a tight hug, my mother said her goodbyes.

  “I will leave you two beauties to it. I will go get in place Dad’s just outside, waiting for you, honey.”

  Once my mom is gone, Liv starts her “Maid of Honor checklist.” “Something old-check; something new-check; something blue-check; Dress-check, hair-check; make up— surprisingly good-check; shoes…. We need to get your boots on, Chica.” Liv helps me get into my wedding boots, a present from Gentry, customized with Mrs.Sloan and our wedding date. They actually double as my something new and something blue. I guess that didn’t matter to her checklist. I have no clue how he got them back so quick, but I’m sure he will let me in on the secret soon enough. My mom gave me her handkerchief to carry for any stray tears.

  Liv is stunning as well with her chocolate brown lace dress that stops at her knees. Aunt Mona made mine and Liv’s bouquets with the help of Liv’s mom. They were perfect, filled with my favorite—sunflowers, wrapped in burlap. Once we were out the door, Liv hand me off to my dad and went to let the pastor know it was time.

  “Fancy meeting you here,Sir,” I say to my dad.

  “Yeah, I was just waiting for my little girl. You haven’t seen a little girl running around here, have you?” He questions.

  “Your little girl is all grown up, Dad.” I say, in a hushed voice in order to keep my emotions in check.

  “That she has…that she has. You look so beautiful Ari. Your Mom and I are so proud of the woman you’ve become.” he tells me and gives me a long hug. Liv returns and it’s time to go.

  “You ready, Pumpkin?” Dad asks, patting my hand. I just nod afraid to speak. God help me make it to Gentry. I’m a mess of nerves.

  When I walk through the barn doors and see Gentry waiting for me, I have to say it is the most unbelievable feeling I have ever felt. He looks handsome. I thought he was sexy the first time I ever saw him, but that was no comparison to the man standing before me now in his gray slacks that hug his thick muscular thighs. The cream pearl snap shirt he is wearing is doing wonderful things for his broad shoulders, topped with a brown leather vest and a continental tie. He is easily the hottest southern gentlemen I have ever seen. I have to keep reminding myself to breathe, counting to myself over and over to help. I feel like I am losing my mind. I couldn’t get to him fast enough. I held on tight to my dad’s arm to keep from falling.

  The pastor says, “Who gives this woman away?”

  “Her mother and I,” is my dad’s reply. He hands me to Gentry, and I take my place in front of him.

  We didn’t prepare our own vows. I wasn’t that brave. That was for people who had known and loved each other for years. I assumed, anyways. Gentry and I neither one were good at expressing our feelings, so we opted for the traditional ones.

  Chapter 23

  Gentry

  I’m not sure how, I thought, I was gonna feel when I saw Ariana coming down the aisle, but it wasn’t even close to this. It’s unexplainable. As soon as I see her, my knees go weak, trembling uncontrollably. Every sound in the room is muffled. I feel light-headed and a bit dizzy; I can feel my heart beating in my ears. Yeah, I’m seconds from passing smooth out. I feel the tears and look down at my Momma. She is mouthing for me to breathe, so that’s what I do. I am so thankful she is here. I take a deep breath and look to my bride. She is absolutely breath-taking for sure, my whole world stops. All I can see is her. I can’t wipe the smile from my face. Staring at her staring at me seems never-ending, and before I know it, her dad is shaking my hand and handing her over to me. He is a man of few words. I haven't even properly met him only spoken on the phone, and he is giving his daughter to me. My God. I’m dizzy again, and this time it’s Ari that whisper for me to breathe. I can’t even remember to breathe, that’s how beautiful she looks. I love that she wore her hair away from her neck, just for me. Her dress is hugging all of her perfect curves.

  We say our vows and exchange rings. Now, for my favorite part,

  “ Gentry now you may kiss your bride.”

  “Yes Sir,” and boy do I ever! Cupping my hand around her neck, thumbs rubbing back and fourth on her jawline, I pull her in for our signature kiss. Damn, it feels amazing to kiss my wife. With quick movements, I place my arms around her waist and dip her back, never breaking the kiss. The barn is a chorus of cheers, and I can’t help but feel overcome with happiness. We take pictures and have our first dance. Ari dances with her dad, and I dance with my momma briefly.

  I couldn't wait for the cutting of the cake. I had always dreamed of smashing cake in my future wife’s face ever since I was a boy and I watched it at the weddings we had attended over the years. The best part was I was married to the best woman ever, and she wouldn’t be mad that I fulfilled my childhood dream.

  When the time came, Ari smashed that cake in my face just as fast as I did hers. We were both covered in cake and frosting. Apparently, that was her favorite part of weddings too. She was everything I ever thought I wanted. I couldn’t wait to see the photos. We weren’t going on a honeymoon right away. I couldn’t leave while momma was sick, so we decided it was best to wait awhile. So all of us, except for Momma, stayed in the barn for hours. I was exhausted, but I wasn’t going to sleep without making love to my wife. I was excited to get her out of that gorgeous dress. I carried her over the threshold of my room, feeling a bit silly. I told her someday I would carry her over the threshold of our first home, and thank her for being so wonderful and understanding. Once we were in my room, I wasted no time removing her dress, and wow she was completely bare beneath. The feel of her soft skin felt like silk under my hands, and I could not remember ever being so turned on. There is just something about making love to your wife that doesn’t compare to any other experience. Ariana didn’t just make me hard, she sent every cell in my body into a frenzy. I was getting a second wind. I might just make l
ove to this beautiful woman all night.

  We spent the next days in wedded bliss. I didn’t do anything around the ranch, and she didn’t have work. We rode horses and she showed me how to take pictures with her camera. We enjoyed a picnic at sunset before making love in our favorite spot. One day she even allowed me to take a few pictures of her naked in the field by the hill where we first met; yeah, she was giving me those for my birthday. Life seemed normal and almost perfect… .

  Then it all went to hell.

  I sit with momma as she takes her last breath. Ari and I had just gotten back from a movie in town. I'm so glad I made it back in time or else I would've never forgiven myself. I can't believe I've lost the only parent I have left. I hate the hell out of cancer. I hate the fact that good innocent people could even encounter such a horrible disease. I want to scream at the top of my lungs, but I keep myself composed for the rest of the people in the room. I am thankful Momma got to be in her home and comfortable. The drugs the nurse gave her continually helped with that. I will never forget her last words.

  "Oh, Neal. I have waited for so long to see you again. I have missed you. Gentry, I wish you could see what I'm seeing." All this was said in a faint whisper, but I know I heard her correctly. Tears pricked my eyes, and I had to get out of there. I kissed Momma's hand and stood. I looking to Ari.

  " I need a minute, OK." Rubbing my arms, she pulls me into a tight hug.

  "I'm so sorry, Gentry." I hold on to her as long as I can without collapsing and let go, then head outside without another word. I head straight to my truck, hop in, and tear ass, gravel flying everywhere. I drive as far and as fast as I can before pulling over and taking all my anger and rage out on my steering wheel. Then I do scream. I scream at God, and I cry my eyes out. You know what I hate more than cancer? I hate death….