Page 106 of Forever Fascinating

They both grew silent, lost in their thoughts and drinking their coffee as they sat there in the sunshine.

“Would you change anything?” he asked suddenly, his voice quiet.

“That polar plunge,” she said immediately, before smiling over her coffee cup at him. “I’m kidding – sorta. I don’t know that I would change anything. I always thought I would get married with my family near, but I really like how private, secluded, and personal this is… you know? It’s like our vows are just ours to cherish.”

“I know just what you mean,” he admitted. “I really like that we are alone, because it makes the rest of the world fade away when I look at you. Everything I worry about, everything I fear deep down inside, just melts away when I see the look in your eyes… I love you with everything I am, Jana.”

“I love you, too.”

Her voice was thick with emotion as she understood exactly what he meant. There was something in the way that he looked at her, that made her feel a connection unlike any other. She felt love… hope… security… and seeing him was like reaching for the other part of her soul.

She felt complete in his eyes.

Matthew leaned forward, kissing her softly, before smiling softly at her.

“Let’s take our time today, relax, and enjoy our wedding day to the fullest,” he began tenderly. “We don’t have to be at the church until three this afternoon, so you have all day to get ready. I don’t know how involved it is or what your dress looks like, but for me? It’s a quick shower, shave, and my uniform.”

“Men…” she whispered mockingly, smiling at him. “You have it sooo easy. I’m glad it’s later in the day, because I’d like to curl my hair and look nice. Do you think someone can take photos or a video with our phones for us?”

“I already asked,” he said tenderly, getting up and walking to the kitchenette. “Do you want a yogurt? Are you hungry?”

“Yes, please,” she smiled, realizing that she would really love sharing a home with this sweet man, and couldn’t wait to see him within the walls of her own home.

* * *

Hours later,Jana was in the bathroom curling her hair painstakingly to make sure it was absolutely beautiful for later. Her dress was hanging on a hook on the back of the bathroom door. She never traveled or used this much makeup or product on herself, but today was special… and she wanted to remember it always.

Running her fingers through her hair finally, she shook out some of the curls, before taking a comb, piecing a few locks of hair from her temple, twisting and securing it with bobby pins, to hold it back. She turned slightly, seeing the cascade of curls running down her back, and smiled… before it faded.

She was getting married.

Jana had no doubts about her feelings of marriage and loved Matthew with her entire being, but it was a little intimidating to be taking such a step, forever changing her life. This was no longer just her, making it on her own… it was them, a couple, and she would never be alone again.

Not after today.

Letting out a shaky breath, she moved to don her dress. It was a simple, satin sheath gown with tiny fluttery sleeves that reminded her of Greta Garbo – sleek, timeless, and classic.

Jana had bought a small broach to fasten right at the base of the ‘V’ neckline to dress it up, making it feel a little more appropriate for a wedding.

She had seen the gown on a mannequin at the store and knew it was perfect the moment she spotted it. It might not be the fancy wedding dress with all the tulle, sequins, and beads, nor did it have a massive train to flow down the aisle behind her… but this was elegant in a way that suited her.

She wanted to stand tall beside Matthew in his dress uniform, remembering what it had looked like at her brother’s own wedding.

Slowly opening the bathroom door, she hesitated.

“Matthew?” Jana called out nervously. “How are we doing this? Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?”

“Yes!” he balked, “Wait! Don’t come out… I’ve got it all planned, let me shut my eyes.”

“We are going to be in the car together, silly.”

“I’ve got that figured out, too…” he began. “Okay. You can come out now.”

Anxiously, she peered around the corner to see him wearing a sleeping mask on his face as he stood beside the small table.

“Am I driving?” she asked, smiling, and feeling amused because his sleeping mask said ‘BRIDE’ in sequins on it.

“Nope,” he smiled, looking more adorable than ever standing there. “Walk me to the car – and then you sit in the back seat. I’ve got a sheet waiting for you, so you can cover your gown, and turn away the rearview mirror so I can’t chance a look at you. I’m trying not to have any snarls or screwups – and certainly not taking any chances today.”

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