Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(54)
I’ve made a ton of mistakes. She’s right to say I’ve been a monster to her. There are instances where I can recall being drunk and calling her names that never should come out of my mouth. She’s put up with my attitude, and never being my first priority. I know what’s at risk if I continue to be selfish.
Finally the announcements are over and it’s time for the first dance. I know I’ll have to dance with the person I’m paired up with, and while I put my arms around the girl to join in, I keep my focus on my wife.
Jealousy has always been Shayla’s downfall. She can’t handle me being near another female. I can tell this makes her uncomfortable, but it gives me the knowledge of knowing she still feels strong enough about me that she doesn’t want another female within twenty feet. Halfway through the song I release the female and thank her for participating, like she was on some game show where she’ll win a fantastic prize. There’s humor in that statement, I can assure you.
When I arrive at the table where my family remains I hold out my hands for both of my girls. “Would you care to dance with the most handsome fella in this place?”
Aberdeen rushes to my side. “Come on, Mom.”
I can tell she’s not interested in perusing around any kind of dance floor. She’s always had two left feet. “Take off your shoes and come with me. Your life depends on it,” I tease.
She rolls her eyes as she arises and takes my hand. I lead the way to the dance floor just as another slow song mends with the first. It’s hard to manage, but I lift Ab into my arms while pulling Shayla close, silently vowing to never let go. Aberdeen only stays for a few seconds. As soon as she sees other kids her age conversing in the back of the room she finds it necessary to join them. Now it’s just the two of us. I pull her closer, forsaking any boundaries she doesn’t want me to cross. I lean in so I can whisper in her ear. “That dress is making me crazy.” She giggles as I proceed. “You should let me help you take it off later.”
I back away so I’m able to catch her expression. She’s not deterred from my open statement. I want confirmation. “Let me spend the night. Take me home with you.”
“What will it change if I say yes?”
“Everything.” I bring my face forward and kiss her softly on the lips. I don’t care who could be watching us. My focus isn’t on the nuptials of my friends. It’s only purpose is to hold my wife close and reassure her I can be the man she needs.
When she doesn’t pull away I know there’s a chance this could go somewhere. I keep my arms folded behind her back and slip them down to her ass. I don’t squeeze or do anything distasteful. I just want her to know what my intentions will be for later. “You’re misbehaving.”
“Stop pretending you don’t want it.”
“This isn’t how friends are supposed to be.”
I chuckle and drag the back of my hand over her soft cheek. “Don’t you get it, Shay? I don’t want to be your friend. I need to be your everything.”
“I can’t promise it will change anything.”
“I don’t care. Give me one night. Please.”
She nods while staring into my eyes. “Okay. I must be crazy, but okay.”
I’m anxious to leave, but I know we have to stay. I still have a speech to give and a celebration I’m suppose to be a huge part of. “This is going to be the longest couple of hours I’ve ever had to wait.”
She laughs. “It’s plenty of time for me to change my mind.”
I slap her butt as we part. “Don’t even think about it.”
The speech. I’ve been working on it for weeks but nothing seemed right at the time. Being close to Shayla has given me what I need to pull it off. It’s not just going to be directed to the newlyweds. I’m about to pour my heart out to my wife in front of a room full of people.
When all is quiet I begin. “We’re all here for the same reason; to celebrate the coming together of two people very much in love. I’ve known Toby since we were in grade school. He’s been my best friend through thick and thin, probably way more thick than thin, but who’s counting?” I wait as people find humor in my statement.
“I knew Cara was the one for him. I could see it in the way he looked at her. It didn’t matter what his plans were, or where he saw his future heading. He knew she had to be a part of it.”
“It’s always about love. Two people love each other and the rest falls into place. That’s not entirely true though. Marriage isn’t just about love. It takes something more powerful to keep it going. Friendship. Trust. Understanding. Companionship. Faith. You see, all those things are required for it to work effortlessly. Cara, as Toby’s best friend I want to give you something worth more than any amount of money. I’m giving you my best friend. He should have done this a long time ago and saved me a whole lot of heartache,” I pause for laughter. “Anywhoo, I just want you to know it’s hard work, but the end result is well worth the struggles you will endure. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness between two people I love like family.”
While everyone celebrates I take my seat and peer into Shayla’s soul. I want her to feel what I’m feeling. I need her to know I won’t go back to being the guy she pushed away.