Page 36 of Rivals
“God and the universe have given us a second chance at happiness. I come today to give you my love, to give you my heart and my hope for our future together. I promise to bring you joy, to be at home with your spirit and to learn to love you more each day, through all the days of our lives. My love for you is endless and eternal,” they both recite.
“Charlesand Nina, you have come here today of your own free will, and in the presence of family and friends, have declared your love and commitment to each other. You have given and received a ring as a symbol of your promises. By the power of your love and commitment to each other, and by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Charles, you may now kiss your bride.”
Charles takes my mother into a back-bending embrace and lays a romantic kiss on her.
“Friends and family, I now present to you the newly married couple. Let’s hear it for ’em!”
Thunderous roars and claps erupt and the new Mr. and Mrs. turn to the crowd and hold their joined hands in the air. They walk down the aisle amongst well-wishers and stand over to the side to mingle. Lucas and I follow, him grabbing my hand as we stroll.
“This was a nice ceremony,” he says.
I blush slightly feeling his gaze skim over my face. “It really was. I knew they were in love, but I didn’t know how deep it was.”
We both look to the happy couple and can’t help but share in their joy.
“Well, I guess I’ll get upstairs and make sure everything is ready for the reception. Would you mind making the announcement?”
“Uh, sure. I can do that. I’ll see you on the rooftop.” He grabs one of the cordless mics and announces the reception will begin in fifteen minutes.
I make a quick check of the food, drinks, and see if the DJ is ready with the playlist, then signal to Lucas to send the guests on up. Lucas enters the area escorting my aunts while my uncles chaperone his Aunt Rachel. I hand them each a glass of their pre-selected beverage and follow through with a drink of my own.
“Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the couple of the hour, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Weathers,” the DJ announces the arrival, and the bubble machine shoots out sentiments of joy as they walk through them to the dance floor. “The couple will have their first dance as husband and wife.”
Perfectby Ed Sheeran plays, and I can’t help but tear up watching them dance. From the little pecks of affection they share with one another to the twinkle in their eyes under the stringed lights and the glow of the rising moon, I couldn’t imagine a moment more perfect. I’m so engaged in them, I don’t see when Lucas appears beside me.
“Hey,” he says in a breathy tone.
“Hey,” I reply in sniffles. “Have you ever seen something so beautiful?” I continue.
“Actually, I have. I’m looking at her right now.”
I turn and give him the once-over when he takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor.
“Lucas, what are you doing?” I query. I glance around and see everyone ogling us as he pulls me in to a close embrace and sways to the music.
“I’m staking my claim in my girl.”
“Yours? But our parents just got…”
“I don’t care. I’m not going to let this opportunity get away.” He tilts my head up towards his, and with his hands placed firmly on either side of my face, he leans in and kisses me. His tongue breaks through, and I reciprocate while his hands move to my waist as I wrap mine around his neck. And for a brief moment I forget where I am. The music, the air, this man, all combined, have me in a state of bliss.
“Nina, do you see this?” Mr. Weathers says to my mother as they stand by us.
“Yes, Charles, I do. And I have never seen my baby so happy.”
I rest my head against Lucas’ chest, and we continue to dance, and at this moment, I know I am falling for my rival.
* * *
