Page 31 of A Man in Uniform
“I miss you Dad, but I know you're here with me. I can always feel you.” The delicate whisper presses off my lips, words only audible to my own ears.
And in my heart, to his ears too.
Wyatt and I are having a small wedding, set on the lake of our family summer house. A handful of people are sitting outside, eager eyes waiting to watch me walk out that door.
As the violin slows, a different song begins to strum across the strings. It's the most amazing music I've ever heard. The solo notes bring tears to my eyes.
This is the day—our day.
Stepping to my side, my brother bends his arm at the elbow. “Time to let you go, Lil Sis.” Smiling, his eyes well up, and gloss over.
Scooping my arm in his, I squeeze my fingers tightly. As much as I'm excited to be standing here, a piece of me is sad. I'm still mourning my father, and wishing he was here. But he's watching me from above, and I know he's happy with the man I'm spending my life with.
Brushing a tear from my face, I take a deep breath. “Let's do this.”
The door slowly opens, and a cool breeze rushes over us. Looking towards the water, all I see is Wyatt. His striking form takes over all my senses. It's as if a tunnel opens between us, and everyone else dissolves into blackness.
Lengthening my legs, I walk down the grassy path, keeping pace with the music. The ground is coated in bright purple roses petals, white ribbons float between the chairs, and there, at the end, is the love of my life.
His fitted uniform is snug against his body, perfectly contouring his muscles. He's the most handsome man I've ever seen, and he's mine. Wyatt's hair blows gently in the wind, brushing loose strands across his forehead. His eyes focus on mine, and I can see he's trying not to cry.
A huge smile fills my face instantly, as his eyes engorge themselves on me as I make my way to him; to my future, with our unborn child snugly tucked inside me. All of us are here, our small family, here to share our special moment, here to share our love.
Dipping my head, I look up under hooded lids. Wyatt was shining, a glow of pure happiness highlights his skin. Holding his hand out to my brother, they embrace.
Ben leans in and whispers. “Wyatt, I am happy my sister found you. Thank you for making her happy, and for everything you've done for our country.” Patting his shoulder, my brother guides my hand into Wyatt's. “Our dad was right, you are a hero.”
Wyatt nods, his thankfulness to my brother more than visible in his eyes. Wyatt's hand wraps mine tightly and my heart flutters in my chest. His touch sends tingles cascading down my body, and I know instantly everything we've been through was meant to lead us here.
I'm right where I belong. Wyatt is my angel without wings.
And no matter where we end up, I'll always be home.
The End