by Nikki Bloom
“Look for your invitation in the mail.”
“Oh, I will.”
“What’s the occasion?” asked Poppy when I asked her to get dressed up. “Where are we going?”
“Remember the day I got shot?”
“How could I ever forget?” She was arranging the roses into a vase. “These roses are beautiful, by the way.”
“They’ve got nothing on you, baby.” I wrapped my arms around her waist and held her from behind. “And, as I was saying, if you remember the day I got shot, we were supposed to go down to the playhouse together. Well, that never happened. Time to change that.” I pulled out the tickets and showed them to her. “I would suggest you get a move on because the show starts at seven and we wouldn’t want to be late.”
“Fine, but only if you join me in the shower.”
“Given a deal like that, you don’t leave me much choice.” And so, I allowed her to drag me into the bathroom. Despite the countless times I had seen her naked body, there was still always a thrill that washed over me whenever I saw the perkiness of her breasts or the smoothness of her thighs. I swear she was becoming more beautiful with each passing day like a fine wine growing better with age. I could only imagine how I would feel after our fifth anniversary or even our fiftieth.
But what blew me away that night was not her body covered in droplets of water, cheeks rosy, hair wet and wild – it was when she dawned the vintage dress my grandmother had sent for her birthday. It suited her so well, I never wanted to see her wearing anything else. “I’m speechless,” I said.
She spun in front of the mirror, letting the dress flare about her legs. “It feels like it was made for me.”
“Maybe it was.”
“And how would your grandmother have figured out my measurements?”
“You work at one of her salons now. Maybe she has someone spying on you.”
“You’re sounding like Odette.” She slapped my chest.
I took the opportunity to grab her. “I would kiss you right now if it wasn’t for that lipstick.”
“It’s kiss-proof,” she said. “Or at least, that’s what it claims to be. Should we test it out?” Before I could protest, she took my face in her hands and kissed me. If we didn’t have a show to catch, I would have thrown her onto the bed right then and there. Oh, how she liked to tempt me with those sweet, sweet lips of hers.
Despite the pressing hour, the kiss continued.
I pressed her into the wall, my lips smashed into hers. I just couldn’t get enough. It was like I was an addict desperate to get my fix.
It was only the burning in our lungs that prompted us to break away. “Hmm, it looks like it actually is kiss-proof. There isn’t a speck of red anywhere on your face.”
“And you still look perfect.” I kissed her forehead, laced her fingers with mine, and pulled her from the bedroom.
In the car, I played her favorite album, a violinist who took the classic instrument and added a modern twist to it by adding electronic elements. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but I was growing to like the genre.
“So, if I remember correctly, you’ve never been to a playhouse before. Why’s that?”
“Well, nothing this fancy,” she said. “I went to this really small playhouse this one time, but the show was complete garbage. I never went again. Besides, it was kind of awkward going on my own while none of my friends were interested in the performing arts. If they were going out on a Saturday night then they’d want to go to a party or something. Watching some play would have been considered a waste of time.”
She placed her hand on mine and smiled.
“But I’m glad I now have someone I can go with.”
“Of course.” I brought the tips of her fingers to my lips and kissed them. “I was in a similar situation. My brother thought it stupid that I was such a fan of the fine arts when I should have been watching the game.”
“You and your brother are worlds apart, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea.”
“Well, as far as I’m concerned, I have all the time in the world to learn about every little thing that makes you different from your brother. Every day, I hope to learn something new about you.”
I smiled at the thought. “Even if we live to be 99?”
“Especially if we live to be 99.”
“That was fantastic.” We were waiting for the valet service to bring back my car. “I’m really glad we came.”
I took off my jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “I knew you would like it.”
The car arrived. I immediately stepped forward and opened the door for her. “After you, my lady.”
“You’re up to something,” she said. “You’re acting like someone who has a secret.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I closed the door and tipped the valet driver before taking the keys. “Anyway, I hope you’re hungry.”
“We’re going to dinner, too? Okay, you’re definitely up to something.”
“You act like it’s a crime for me to treat my fiancée to a date night. If you want, we can go back home. As far as I’m concerned, I’m happy just as long as I’m with you.”
She smiled. “If you’re trying to make my heart melt, it’s working. When did you get to be so sweet?”
“Maybe it was that box of chocolates,” I said. “I ate most of the chocolate when you weren’t looking.”
“You didn’t!”
I tried to keep the guilt from my face but one look in her direction had me laughing. “I didn’t think you’d be so devastated. I’ll tell you what. I’ll buy you another box of chocolates on our way back from the restaurant.”
“Score.” She pumped her arm through the air, looking genuinely excited. It was little things like this that made me fall in love with her each and every day. “So, what restaurant are we going to? Do they have burgers?”
“You know, most girls would be asking for Italian or something outrageously expensive.”
“Yeah, but you know I’m not like most girls. If I was, I don’t think we’d be dating.”
“You’ve got a point there.” I took her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. “I really can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me, Poppy. Every day feels like a dream when I’m with you.”
I should have seen it coming. “There,” she said, grinning. “Proof that you aren’t dreaming.”
“You really didn’t have to pinch me. It’s just an expression.”
“Wouldn’t you rather be certain I was real?” she asked before toying with the radio. She wasn’t able to settle on a station in the time it took me to drive to the restaurant. For the most part, Poppy was decisive and sure of herself, but that all went right out the window whenever music was involved. She didn’t know what she liked, and I was lucky if we made it through an entire song. The DJ at our wedding was going to have a hell of a time trying to please her.
“We’re here,” I said.
“You know me so well.”
It was a small mom and pop pizza shop just like the one we’d snuck off to during Jenna’s wedding. “The internet tells me that this place makes the best thin crust in town.”
“We will see about that.” Poppy had no qualms about marching into a casual pizza parlor wearing an expensive dress. Sure, she got some funny looks from some of the other diners, but she didn’t let it bother her. She just held her head high and proceeded to order a large pizza, claiming she wouldn’t share a single bite with me.
“I didn’t know you were so hungry,” I teased.
“Famished,” she said.
“So, we’re really going to order two large pizzas between us?”
“Hey, I’m okay with leftover pizza for breakfast.”
“I like the way you think.”
Soon, we were laughing and having a grand ol’ time. The night flew by as I became drunk on the happiness that came with spending time with my future wife.
“I think we should go. They look like the
y want to close up shop,” observed Poppy. “Come on.”
“Wait.” I grabbed her by the wrist and got her to sit back down. “There’s something I want to give you before we leave.”
“Oh?” she cocked her head to the side.
I placed the necklace box on the table. “Odette helped me pick it out. If she were here, she’d probably say that you were destined to have it.”
“What is it?”
“Open it.” I pushed the box toward her and watched as she carefully pulled off the lid.
She gasped the second she saw it, bringing her hands to her mouth. “Oh, Connor, it’s gorgeous!” Seeing as she was stunned into a sort of paralysis, I took it upon myself to grab the string of pearls and clasp them around her neck. They rested perfectly on her collarbone. I had to agree with Odette – they were made for her. “I didn’t think it was possible, but you look even more beautiful.”
She touched them with the very tips of her fingers like she thought they might disappear if she applied any amount of pressure. “But why are you giving this to me?”
“What? I can’t get my fiancé nice things?”
“I’m not complaining,” she said. “But you usually have a reason for everything you do.”
“You’re right about that.” I directed her attention to the box. “Maybe there’s something you missed.”
It was then that she noticed the slip of paper. “It’s a date.”
“The date of our wedding,” I whispered against her ear. “Our future anniversary.”
Epilogue
Poppy
That date came faster than I thought. It seemed to happen in the blink of an eye. One second I was having pizza with Connor and in the other, I was dressed all in white.
“Take it easy with those. You wouldn’t want to show up to your wedding drunk, would you?” Jenna took the glass of champagne from my hand. “I don’t know what you’re so nervous about. You love him, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“See? Nothing to worry about.” Jenna was much more pleasant as a bridesmaid. “Now, turn around so I can tighten your corset.”
“Is that really necessary? I can barely breathe as it is.”
“If I don’t tighten your corset, then there’s a good chance the dress will slip off as you’re walking down the aisle. Now, I know you’ve always been proud of your girls, but I don’t think it would be very appropriate to show them off to an entire church congregation, nor do I think your new husband would appreciate such a thing happening.”
“When did you become so logical?” My voice sounded snappy. “Sorry. I guess I’m just a little nervous. I don’t mean to take it out on you.”
Odette came into the room. She looked like a walking highlighter. “Ah,” she said. “Getting those marriage jitters, are we? It happens to every woman.”
“Even you?”
“Even me,” she said with a laugh. “I was so terrified on my wedding day that I actually escaped through the bathroom window.”
“You were a runaway bride?”
“Something like that.” She waved her hand. “Can you call me a runaway bride if I failed to successfully run away? My husband found me in the park and the officiant married us right then and there. It was in the papers and everything.”
“Don’t get any ideas,” said Jenna. “I’m not running to the park in these heels. Besides, with a train this long, I don’t think you’d get very far before snagging on something.”
“Right.”
“How is everything in here, dear?” Henrietta peeked her head through the door. “Oh my.” Her eyes glassed over with tears. “That dress looks better on you than it did on me.”
“Thank you again for letting me wear it.”
“The craftsmanship is exquisite,” commented Odette. “They just don’t make dresses like this anymore.” She took my arm and examined the beadwork along the sleeve. “Really, this is a dress for the ages.” Odette continued to mumble to herself, getting lost in some story or another.
“I should be the one thanking you,” said Henrietta. “You’ve made my grandson very happy. More than that, I think you’re the reason why Connor and his brother have rekindled their relationship. You should see them. They are joking around like a couple of teenage boys out there.”
“Connor isn’t nervous?” I asked.
“Oh, I’m sure he is, but he has always hidden it well.” She handed me my bouquet. “But the time has come for you to go out there. Everyone is waiting for you.”
“Right.” I nodded my head in agreement, though my body didn’t seem to get the message. It felt like my feet had been glued to the ground. More than a year ago, I had been bored and single, just looking for a bit of adventure. I took the risk of a lifetime agreeing to marry a stranger. But Connor was no longer a stranger. I had come to know everything that made him exactly who he was. I knew the exact pitch of his laugh and how he took his coffee in the morning. I could tell you his favorite type of cereal and his worst nightmare. He had opened up his heart to me and I had done the same, making myself vulnerable to his love because I knew he would never turn around and hurt me.
So, why was I nervous? “Alright,” I said. “Let’s do this.”
I waited for the organist to start playing that iconic song. Only then did I step through a set of oak doors and into the church. It was beautifully decorated with streamers of white and blue. Family and friends lined the pews. Odette could be seen for miles. I focused on her friendly face for the first half of my walk and reminded myself to just place one foot in front of the other.
At one point I could no longer ignore his stare. It seemed to penetrate deep into my soul. I looked up, eyes locking with my husband-to-be.
I stopped in my tracks because I had never seen him look so handsome. The dark blue suit complemented his skin. He was cleanshaven and just the angle of his jaw was enough to make me weak in my knees.
“Keep going,” urged Odette.
But I couldn’t. It felt like I was being dealt too good a hand. How in the world had I gotten lucky enough to score a man who could make my heart soar with a single smile – who knew my every insecurity and exactly what kind of stupid joke would make me laugh? He was the guy I had been waiting for all my life – sweet, funny, and incredibly sensitive. His devilish good looks was the cherry on top because he had everything else.
I took a shuddering breath and waited. I feared everything would disappear before my eyes but there he remained, standing proud at the altar. He smiled and stepped down, meeting me at the aisle, hand outstretched in invitation. “Marry me,” he said.
And I did.
I really couldn’t tell you what the priest said, but there I stood, hand in hand with my fiancé. He kept a firm grip as if to say I’m here.
“Now to exchange vows.”
That word – vows – was the signal I had been waiting for. My spine went as straight as a rod as I focused as best I could, knowing I would need to repeat whatever the priest said. As it turned out, it was easier than I thought. Connor messed up more than I did. Maybe he really was nervous under that cool façade.
Neil handed over the rings.
“I bless these rings as symbols of your everlasting love. With them, you will be bonded.” The priest glanced at his book, but I was sure he had this part memorized. “And so, I ask you, Connor Dresden, do you take Pomona Merritt to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to hold until death do you part?”
“I do,” he said.
“And do you, Pomona Merritt, take Connor Dresden to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and hold until death do you part?”
“I do.” Getting the ring on his finger was the hardest part of the whole ceremony.
“You may now kiss the bride!”
Connor swept me off my feet and planted the kiss of a lifetime. I really can’t explain it other than the fact that it was fucking amazing. It did more than take my breath away – it had me reeling – head spinning – heart half
way to the moon.
The whole congregation cheered as Connor continued to turn my body to putty. If he hadn’t be holding me, I would have fallen right on my ass.
His eyes were bright when he finally pulled back. “How does it feel to be Mrs. Dresden?”
“Like it was always meant to be this way,” I said, a little breathless.
With our hands locked together, we ran down the aisle. Outside, everyone was waiting to rain down rice on our heads. Doves were released into the air as we made our way along the well-wishers, thanking them for their time.
By some miracle, we made it to the vintage car Connor had bought as something as a wedding gift. The plan was to teach me to drive and then the car would be mine. I had a feeling it would be a while before I felt comfortable getting behind the wheel of something so valuable, but until then, Charles, the chauffeur who had once saved me a lot of embarrassment, would be at my service.
Speaking of Charles, he had exchanged his usual uniform for a light blue suit. “Congratulations,” he said. “I’m happy to see you two finally tying the knot. It’s been a long time coming.”
I smiled at my husband. Even though there was a ring on my finger, and we were on our way to take photos, it still felt so surreal.
“I haven’t had the chance to tell you this, but you look absolutely stunning in that dress.” He placed his hand at the back of my neck and kissed me. Somehow, his kisses felt different now that we were husband and wife. They were sweeter, and they were pretty damn sweet before.
“Did you see your grandmother crying?” I asked once we had settled back into our seats.
“She wasn’t the only one. I was scared Odette was going to drown. Who knew she could be so emotional?”
I laughed. “I can’t wait to see her out on the dance floor.”
Connor laughed. “I just hope our videographer gets it on tape.”
“I’m not leaving them a tip if they miss it.”
Charles was taking the scenic route as per our request. Through the window, I was able to appreciate the beautiful Maine landscape. After a nightmare of logistics, we had managed to get D & D to move its headquarters to Augusta. It would be a phased move meant to make the whole thing as painless as possible, but I had my fears that there would be a few hiccups along the road. Thankfully, Connor no longer had to deal with such things on his own. After Neil proved to be worth his weight in gold, Connor took him on as partner for his own company. Apparently, all Neil needed was a bit of guidance and encouragement. He was even proving to be more of a workaholic than his brother.