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“Can you just not say anything at all?” I asked, and she cackled.
“Impossible. I’m here to torment you; it’s my way of blowing off steam from my own complicated and extremely disappointing life.”
Shaking my head, I moved away and caught the shot I wanted. I noticed through it how both men looked at their wife and mother. Their gaze on her was also affectionate, and they huddled so closely to her as though scared that she would fall but ready to catch her either way. It was so endearing and made my heart go soft. I took a few more shots of them from different angles and then went ahead to the top pew on the top stairs to take some of the entire location. I decided then that I would just stay there until Aurora arrived.
Chapter Fifty-One
Drake
I loved listening to my parents' recollections of their own wedding ceremony and everything that had gone wrong. I had heard it multiple times over the past few years since I was a kid, but they loved to repeat it, and I had to listen. I had minimal complaints now anyway because I was just so grateful that rather than mourning at her bedside this evening, she was back on her feet and talking to us. They had given her a few months left to live, but I was praying to extend that out for as long as possible and determined to cherish every moment, regardless of how it could possibly be the last. If she didn't live with my dad, and he didn't need her more than anyone else for companionship, then I would have moved her in with me.
This was why I had been so looking forward to this trip. The time away from work, and from being constantly called on or stuck in meetings, and the time to spend with her and family. What I hadn’t expected whatsoever to gain was one more especially intimate interest. I tried to ignore it for the time being so that she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. My parents were watching my every move, I was aware, curious out of their minds as usual, but of course, I couldn't control myself. I watched as she took our pictures from time to time and as she went around the small church taking pictures. Then eventually, she disappeared up the wooden steps to the small space above. There were only a few pews there, but I could see who it was for, what she was doing. It was to give her the view of the entire hall that she wanted. It was all truly heart-wrenchingly beautiful. The candles were all flickering; the space was warm and cool, and the flowers were just divine. They had truly spared no expense on it, and I was in a moment I wanted to remember.
“Anyone we want to invite over?” I asked as I pulled out my phone to check up with our bride and groom of the hour, who were now severely late and making us all wait unnecessarily long.
“Nope, this is just as Aurora wanted: immediate family and friends.”
"Her friends have arrived," I informed them as I placed the call to my ears. I didn't want to text him any longer in case Aurora just happened to be in the vicinity of his phone. She was sure to see perhaps what she shouldn't and mess up the whole thing. It was the last thing I wanted, so I wasn't taking any chances.
David picked up, and at the sigh he sent me, rather than a hello, I was sure there were already problems. Before it slipped my mind, I asked about additional guests.
“Are Rory’s friends in now?” I asked.
“A few arrived today, but they’re not very close. The closest ones will be here tomorrow.”
“Oh, I guess they’ll miss tonight's festivities then,”
“It’s okay,” he replied, and I nodded.
“Where are you both now? The candles are dying out. They’ve been burning for the last half an hour.”
“They are endless?” he asked and I nodded.
“Hundreds. Please hurry up.”
“She’s in the bathroom. She doesn’t feel very well. I think she might have eaten something that made her nauseous or it’s the baby. I really don’t know, and if I rush her too much, she knows me too much. She’ll suspect that something is wrong.”
I sighed.
“At this point, I really don't mind if she suspects that something is wrong. I just really need you to get cleaned up. Say you’re running late for a special date or something and that you have reservations.”
“We’ll be there,” he said. “I’ll get her there now.”
“Please do,” I replied, and the call came to an end.
I kept covering then, waiting for his message and wishing that I could also take the time to converse with Evelyn. But she was in work mode now, and I knew that she wouldn’t allow any distractions whatsoever. My parents, however, I had something to discuss with.
I eyed them for a little while, wondering if this was even necessary to say at all. But we had time to kill, and since Evelyn was here as well, I really didn't want to hold back.
“What do you both think about me finally getting a girlfriend?” I asked.
They had been conversing heartily about a few friends from the past that they had met again because of this event, but as soon as the words left my mouth, they both turned to give me peculiar looks.
“Just a girlfriend?” my mom asked, and I was truly perplexed by her words. “What do you mean by just a girlfriend? It better be more than just a girlfriend this time around,” she said, and I smiled.
"Girlfriend is always a safe start, Mom, trust me.”
“I approve,” my dad said. “She seems lovely.”
