Page 100 of Delayed Intention
“We were. But then your siblings kind of ganged up on me. They were not having it. They wanted this done and dusted so we can all celebrate together.”
I sniff, tears of joy having spilled out of my eyes. “I’m going to have to redo all my makeup.”
“You look beautiful to me.”
I look at him. “You’re off to a good start there Dr. Cohen. But please excuse me while I get cleaned up.”
“Of course, and then the photographer wants to get a few of us with the mountains in the background before we lose the light. Then we’d better get busy throwing this wedding.”
“Josh.”
“Yes Lily Anna.”
“Thank you for asking me.”
“Thank you for saying yes.”
Josh, Estes Park, The Same Night
Lily reappears with the most beautiful smile on her face. She said yes! Damn, if that ring hasn’t been burning a hole in my pocket all day. I’d purchased it the week I knew I’d do anything to get her back. Abbie helped with the size, even before I knew whether I would get the chance to ask. The caterers are setting up in the side building, and I check to make sure all the servers and the catering manager have what they need. Meanwhile, Lily is working with the florist on the chuppah, the flower arrangements at the tables, and the string lights. It’s starting to look really magical in here.
The rental company started setting up the chairs for the tent ceremony while the rest of their team was setting up the tables and chairs in the barn. Lily ordered rolls of carpet to be placed between venues so guest’s shoes and dresses don’t get too dusty. The bartenders are setting up three separate bars in the arrival area and two in the barn for later. It’s all looking exactly like we’d discussed. The bride, groom, and all the parents start to arrive; but now, it’s just a blur. Lily’s siblings, Abbie, and Michelle all rush to her, asking to see the ring, offering ‘Congratulations!,’, ‘Mabrouk!,’ and ‘Mazal Tov!,’ to both of us. All I can see is Lily; it’s almost as if there’s a spotlight on her everywhere I look.
Finally, the wedding starts with theketubahsigning, followed by thebedekenas Felicia is brought out on a chair by her family and friends. Then, there’s drinking and dancing around the back of the ceremony site. The ceremony itself begins as the Rabbi explains each component and talks as Rabbis will. Felicia walks around Eddie seven times, and he breaks a glass under his foot. This is followed by more shouts of ‘Mabrouk!’ and ‘Mazal Tov!,’ and, inevitably, more dancing.
Finally, we sit for a late dinner, which is just the beginning of the reception with even more dancing. I finish scarfing down my food and search for Lily.
Finally, I spot her coming out of the catering area. It’s been far too long since she was last in my arms.
“Hello there Dr. Cohen, my future husband.”
“Hello there Lilly Mendes, my future wife.” I wrap my arms around her.
“Just so you know Josh, none of our adventure in planning this wedding has endeared me to this process.”
“What are you saying to me, exactly?”
“I don’t want a wedding that’s anything like this. I say, we get to bring Nona, your mom, the siblings and Abbie. We meet in your backyard and have drinks in your living room. What do you think?”
“If you’re sure, that sounds kind of amazing.”
“Oh, I’m sure. I’m thinking a small ceremony on a Thursday, and we enjoy a nice weekend with our family before we go on a vacation together somewhere.”
“I see you’ve given this a great deal of thought.”
“All evening in fact.”
I put her beautiful face in my hands. “It sounds perfect.”
“I thought so.” She rests her head on my shoulder and surrounded by our families—I can’t imagine being any happier. There are string lights hanging above us, the stars overhead and the woman I love in my arms. I can’t imagine a more perfect night. Kissing the top of her head again, I close my eyes and try to memorize everything about this incredible time and place, to carry it with me—always.
Epilogue: Two Years Later
Josh, Estes Park, Early April 2027
I am pushing a stroller down Elkhorn Avenue while, Ginger is trotting happily by my side. I can’t believe this is my life. I look down at our baby girl’s sweet face, thanking God I’m off today to enjoy this time with her. Today, Lily is working in the clinic with Dr. Hendricks, who has kindly agreed to come back part-time for Georgia’s first year, so our family can have more time at home together. Georgia is fast asleep, snuggled in her fleece onesie, and we’re on our way to meet her mother for lunch.
It’s a bright, sunny day with a clear, deep blue sky. The morning air’s a bit crisp this time of year, and there’s still plenty of snow on the mountains surrounding us—honestly, it looks like we’re living in a post-card. My idea of paradise.
