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8
Sansa
Today is the day I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl: my wedding day. I’ve imagined it a million ways, dreaming of a simple chapel ceremony, to ocean front affairs, to weddings nestled deep in the forest. I’ve even fantasized about indulging in a ceremonial Buddhist joining where my partner and I light incense and present packages of food and flowers to a solemn stone figurine of the Mahatma himself. The only wedding I never envisioned was a quickie at the courthouse. And yet, that’s what my life has come to.
However, Brent’s done what he can to make this venue special in a short amount of time. There’s a wreath of white flowers on the podium that I’m pretty sure he arranged, and when I arrived at the courthouse, a florist was waiting for me outside with an elegant bouquet of blue orchids.
“Your something blue, madame,” he said kindly before melting away. I was touched, and my heart contracted a bit, but I know today’s ceremony isn’t the thing of childhood dreams because this isn’t a real wedding at all. Yes, we’ll be signing documents and taking oaths, but behind our words is a lie too great to be fathomed.
Yet, I’m consumed with real, raw emotions. Nervousness, excitement, and joy wash over me as I tiptoe tentatively through City Hall. The space is huge, with marble floors and triple height ceilings, and has a majestic feel, even if it’s a municipal building. In anticipation of the day, I made an extra effort with my appearance. My hair is tied up in a loose braid atop my head and embellished with an elegant crown of small white flowers. I have on a white lace cocktail dress that’s demure, stopping at my knees. My lips are painted a soft pink, matching the flush on my cheeks, and to top it off, I’ve paired the dress with a pair of low-heeled court-shoes. I feel beautiful, and when I arrive at the marriage division, Brent sees me immediately and strolls over.
“You look amazing,” he says softly, leaning down to kiss my cheek. I’m shaken by how handsome he looks in his black suit, and my heart pounds so fast that I literally feel faint. Am I really getting married to this man? The blue of his eyes is warm, making my heart race, but then I shake myself back to reality. It’s just a charade, the voice in my head chides. Keep your wits about you, Sansa.
Yet, Brent keeps acting like a real fiancé. He gently takes my chin in his strong fingers, bringing my eyes to meet his and then leans forward and whispers in my ear. “Everything is going to be fine, sweetheart. Trust me on this.” He strokes my cheek and his smile melts my heart, making me feel warm and taken care of inside. Even if these circumstances are otherworldly, it feels so right to be with him because even his smallest touch soothes me. I swoon for a moment as my heart leaps with joy.
Mary, Frank and Neal are waiting by the Registrar’s Office, as are my parents.
“Hi Mom, hi Dad,” I greet as they give me hugs. “I’m sorry there was no notice about this wedding. I’m glad you were able to make it.”
My mom merely wipes tears from her eyes before giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“No, it’s okay, honey. We just met the Carsons and your new in-laws are lovely people. If you love Brent, then we love him too and can’t wait to welcome him as our new son.”
I give them a wobbly smile, my heart breaking a bit, but then our name is called and the entire group is herded into a small room where the officiant waits. The wedding is short but meaningful, the words intimate and spoken in front of the people who mean the most to us. The officiant gives a simple speech, explaining our duties to one another as man and wife. Then before I know it, we’re speaking our I do’s followed by a short and tender kiss.
My heart leaps into my throat as Brent’s lips touch mine. He’s gentle yet passionate at once, one big hand going to caress my waist as he claims me as his bride in front of this small familial group.
“Brent,” I sigh when he pulls away.
Those blue eyes gleam, and there’s a promise in their depths. I can feel it, even if I’m not supposed to, and I sense he’s saying something to me, albeit without words. We stand there for a moment, gazing at one another, but then the crowd begins to clap and we turn to the audience with joyful smiles. My mom rushes to embrace me and Frank shakes his son’s hand. Over my dad’s shoulder, I spot Brent’s mom dabbing away tears with a handkerchief, and even his brother Neal looks emotional. God, they don’t deserve to be lied to in this way, and a lump rises in my throat. What’s going to happen once this is all over? Will they hate me? Luckily, I don’t have much time to dwell on the thought.
