This is the point of no return. At least it feels that way. He has shown unwavering determination and dedication towards our relationship. All of this feels the culmination of our struggles, beautiful, sad, heart-wrenching moments. I can't help but visualise every moment we spent in each other's company, whether it was while making love, arguing, or just being with each other in quiet contentment. It's strange, joy bubbles inside my chest, and I smile up at him through tears, he mirrors my smile, and with that, I know that it will be worth it. He is worth it, and so am I. We deserve a small slice of happiness, even though it's not everlasting. Nothing lasts forever, and there is a good chance that we won't survive Micah. Nothing can prepare us for the unexpected, all you can do is brace yourself for the worst, and pray that you'll survive it.
We both settle on our knees facing each other, holding hands, as if we are small children who vow each other to give to each other eternally. In some absurd way, we are doing just that. Some things are universally true, no matter the circumstances. In this case, Mason is the embodiment of what I hoped my future husband would be like. Resourceful, strong, determined, ambitious, kind-hearted to the right people, and last but not least, he loves me, just as much as I love him. And for me, that is more than enough since my love for him knows no limits, it is an entity in its own right that has claimed him, and won't let go. I don't question it anymore, I don't doubt it, just accept that this is my reality even though sometimes doesn't make a lick of sense.
Clearing my throat, trying to clear some of the emotions threatening to choke me," Before I begin, I have a confession to make," I say shyly, and Mason's brows rise to his hairline. He probably doesn't remember anymore, but that day stuck with me for some reason. It was our first argument, now looking back at it, I can't help but smile at the memory.
" I'm intrigued. Please continue," He smirks at me playfully, " But could you hurry up, I'd like to make this official as soon as possible," He quips as an afterthought, his blinding smile threatening to obliterate any sensible thought.
"Don't ruin this after you've made such a beautiful speech, and made me cry," He raises a hand in surrender and nods, that charming smile never leaving his lips. I take a moment to study it up close, my gaze traces his full lip stretched wide, the slight slant of his mouth, and the little dips at each corner of his mouth, that make it all that breathtaking. When he smiles like that his entire face lights up, he doesn't smile just with his mouth, he smiles with his eyes as well, and I feel it to the very depth of my soul. It's addicting, spellbinding, and I can't help but fall in love with him all over again. I wish I could turn back and pinpoint the exact moment when it happened because I would like to relive that moment for an eternity.
" You were right, all those years ago, when you confronted me in your office," I clear my throat, all of a sudden uncomfortable to admit. He frowns, probably trying to recall the moment I'm speaking of, but it quickly dawns on him which one I'm referring to," I could have said no to you each night you came back to me, but I didn't. Because I hoped that one day you'd love me just a fraction of how much I love you," He chuckles, and I frown.
" Never took you for a gambler, but all that being said. I know, Lily. By then I was already madly in love with you, but I felt so guilty about everything that I couldn't tell you the difference between left or right, even if someone pointed directly at it," He sighs, curling his lips between his teeth, " That day, you took me by surprise. You were so young, so fragile and yet so bold, and full of gumption," He lovingly smiles down at me," We will have the rest of our lives to polish off the old bumps in the furniture," I giggle at the analogy, it makes him seem older than he actually is.
Nodding, I take a deep breath before beginning, " Mason, I've loved you for what it feels like ten lifetimes. We shared good and bad, and I hope that we will continue to do so in the years to come. Every minute spent with you is filled with joy, just because we are together. Because I can be near you, and see you smile, feel your lips on mine, wake up next to you. Most of all, I feel at peace. I have finally found a place that I can call home, and it's by your side. I love you with all my heart, and I'd be equally honoured that you have chosen to be my husband," The last bit comes as a whisper while I slide the ring on his finger, with shaky hands, an emotional wreck. Even though we are worlds apart, to each other we are husband and wife, and each other's world.
Shaken, we both rise to our feet with my hands in his, he looks at me with utter adulation written all over his expression, " I will cherish this moment for the rest of our lives," He kisses the back of both my hands, " Trust our love Canim. When things are hard, trust us. We will prevail," He pulls me into his arms, crashing his mouth against mine, his fingers deftly untangling the laces of my dress as he leads is on stumbling feet towards the bed. Well, I guess the ball will have to wait.
The dress slips off seamlessly off my body, cascading to the floor with a soft thud, a pool of silk and gauze shimmering in the soft light of the room, while Mason pulls the pins holding my hair together, letting it fall around my shoulders. Pinching my bottom lip between his teeth, he slowly pulls away, his eye tracing my features, settling on my eyes. With my heart in my throat and the wild drum in my ears, I let my eyes slide to a close, unable to bear the intensity of his eyes.
" I've dreamed of this day for a very long time," I open my eyes and watch his throat Bob as he swallows thickly, threading his fingers through my hair, " The day you would honour me by becoming my wife," His eyes flutter to a close on a heavy sigh, " You have no idea how incredibly happy you've made me today, Canim" His eyes snap open, " Trust us, Canim. Trust our love," He says darkly, voice thick with something darker and far more ominous than I'd ever heard him use.
All of a sudden the temperature in the room drops, as if all the windows have been open, letting the February chill seep into the room. His eyes drop to my mouth, and smirks, " Time to christen the rest of the room," His hand slides into my hair pulling me flush against his chest while his mouth slants over mine, savagely devouring and plundering its depth. Slowly my body melts into his, surrendering as my hands slide up his shoulders and curl around his neck.