I don’t believe him until he calls me from the airport the next day. “This is really embarrassing but I need your address.”
“For what?” I’m barely awake and have not been properly caffeinated. “Are you sending me something?”
“I need to give it to the Uber driver.”
Who needs coffee when your fiancé is waiting at the airport unexpectedly? “What? You’re actually in Boston?”
“You didn’t believe me?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Bloody hell, woman! Do you want to get married or not?”
I give him my address and after calculating how long it will take him to arrive, I hop out of bed and take the shortest shower in history. The moment I hear his feet on the steps in the hallway outside, I race to the door and throw it open. His foot touches the landing and I launch myself at him, wrapping my arms and legs around him and peppering his cheeks with kisses until finally, I reach his lips.
He tastes so good. Like home. Like love. Like forever. Like mine.
His arms hold me tight as he carries me back inside. We kiss and kiss and kiss until we’re breathless. Until I taste salt because I’m crying buckets of tears.
“I’ll never doubt you again,” I breathe out through my sniffles.
“As much as I’d love to shag you, let’s call city hall and see if we can get married tomorrow.”
* * *
On a Thursday morning,Ben and I travel via a sleek, black town car to Boston City Hall. Today, we’re getting married. All around us, people are commuting to work, getting ready to start their day and I’m on my way to becoming Mrs. Benjamin Waterstone.
Despite it being almost September, the city is brutally hot. Thankfully, Ben’s light blue suit is linen and he looks so damn handsome in it. Right before we exit the car, he adjusts his polka dotted tie and winks.
“You look absolutely stunning,” Ben says as he reaches out a hand to me. His eyes travel the length of my body and his lips form the biggest grin I’ve ever seen.
The sheer lace tea length dress is a bit formal for a wedding at City Hall but when I saw it in the window of a bridal shop, I knew it was perfect. The straps are thin, ideal for the hot, sunny day and the skirt flares out just above my knees.
“Thank you,” I reply quietly.
When Ben came back from London, we called City Hall straight away to see if they had an opening the next day. Since they don’t perform wedding ceremonies on Wednesdays, we had to wait and snatched the only available appointment.
So, here we are at 9:50 am, dressed in our wedding best, walking hand-in-hand into City Hall.
“Are you nervous,” Ben asks as we wait.
I suck in a sharp breath and think for a moment. “No, I’m not. I’m totally confident we are meant to be together. I’m ready to become your wife.”
The City Clerk calls us and begins to perform the very simple ceremony. When it’s time for the vows, Ben holds up a hand and asks if he can say his own. The Clerk looks taken aback but finally relents after Ben agrees to pay the late fee for the next couple.
He reaches out and takes both of my hands, his thumbs stroking the backs. His legs shake and for the first time, I see a hint of nerves.
“Milly Elizabeth Hanson, you are my happily ever after. You are the kindest woman I know. I love your sense of adventure and your courage to try new things. I promise to be the cure to your wanderlust forever but to always give you the freedom to roam. I promise to explore the world beside you as your partner and husband. I promise to love you faithfully until the day I die. Today, I commit myself to you for all eternity.”
As he slips the simple wedding band onto my finger, someone sniffles quietly. We both turn to catch the City Clerk wiping tears from his cheeks.
“Do you have your own as well,” the Clerk asks.
I don’t but I lie and say, “Yes.”Idiot. Ben’s vows were amazing and now I’m going to sound foolish.
“Benjamin Michael Waterstone, today, I finally become your wife. It seems like I’ve waited a lifetime for this moment but in reality, it’s only been a few short months. And in that time, I’ve found my partner, my soul mate, my forever. I promise to support all of your endeavors and to be the beacon guiding you home after a long day or a difficult journey. I promise to love you unconditionally and faithfully until I take my last breath. And I promise to never take for granted the love, respect, and freedom you give to me. Today, I commit myself to you for all eternity.”
“Copycat,” Ben whispers, causing me to giggle.
