Page 72 of Cinematic Destinies
“Good morning, sweetheart,” he said, sweeping his fingers down her arm until they found her hand.
“I heard you tossing and turning last night. How long have you been awake?”
He sighed. “A while. I just can’t get Albert off my mind. He started crying, Ella. When I told him I love him and that nothing had changed, he burst into tears. Like he had been so afraid of how I would react. It gutted me.”
“That’s because of how deeply you love him,” she said, giving his hand a supportive squeeze.
“Clearly, I messed up. Failed him. I—”
“No more of that,” she interjected. “Look at me.” He looked into her eyes, and she said, “You’re his Superman. Don’t you see that? He admires you more than anyone. He’s still finding his footing. It must have been incredibly daunting to tell you of all people something that feels so big to him. It’s not because of anything you did wrong. It’s because of his sensitive, extraordinary soul, how much he adores you, and the bond you two share.”
Finn lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Thank you.”
“I’m only telling you the truth.”
“I hope that’s how he feels.”
“He’s so happy his boyfriend is coming today,” Ella said. “That’s because he wants to introduce you two.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting him. Albert told me a little about him. They sound like a good match, like they balance each other.”
“Oh, Finn, I’m so glad the kids each have someone special. Don’t get me wrong. They’re all still so young and it’s not like I’m trying to marry them off, or that I care if they ever choose to marry. It’s just that I want them to know what it’s like to love with an open heart. The joy, giddiness, lust, comfort, exhilaration, even the devastation. All of it. I want them to know what that is . . . what it is when we let go of our borders. I want them to experience that beautiful space where the trees touch the sky and we can no longer tell what’s what, and we don’t care.”
“Me too.”
“Now come here and snuggle me. It’s our wedding day after all.”
He laughed, scooched down beside her, and they lay face-to-face. He caressed her cheek and whispered, “God, I love you.”
“Good, because I love you.” They shared a quiet moment and Ella said, “We’re going to have to drag ourselves out of bed. Brunch is in a couple hours. The caterers dropped everything off last night, but there’s still a lot to do, heating things up and setting the outdoor table.”
“How are we dressing for today?” he asked.
“Casual for brunch. Then I thought you and I could change before the ceremony. Maybe it’s silly, but I bought a wedding dress.”
Finn kissed the tip of her nose. “My bride, even more beautiful today than the day we met.”
“Thank goodness your eyesight has declined.”
He laughed and tenderly ran his finger from her brow to her cheekbone. “Trust me, I see you exactly as you are.”
“No, you see me asyouare, through the filter of those generous, loving eyes. That’s the magic of what love does.”
“It sure is.”
“Finn, today let’s celebrate that despite the challenges life brings, we somehow always manage to love each other.”
“Show me,” he said with a devilish look as he slipped his hand under her nightgown. “Let’s start the day off right.”
“We have to set up the table.”
“It can wait,” he said, weaving his fingers into her hair and kissing her passionately.
“OH MY GOD, MY FACE HURTS,” ELLA SAIDas everyone continued to laugh hysterically.
“It’s true,” Roo insisted. “Jean almost had a bloody stroke.”
“I can picture the whole thing,” Ella sputtered through her laughter.
