This week for the Writing Thursday feature, I’m presenting an original scene. I hope you enjoy this latest creation of mine below. Tomorrow for the Fiction Friday feature, I’m reviewing the Audible Original, Elizabeth II: Life of a Monarch by Ruth Cowen. Next week for the Writing Thursday feature, I’m continuing the Personal History series. Until then keep creating your passion; Nerd out!
A Romantic Scene in an Unromantic Place.
Our wedding date had been picked almost two years ago, and I could not believe that it was finally here. It was not the ideal situation either. We had planned a beautiful outdoor ceremony with 300 guests and a meal of our favorite barbeque with sides. However, a global pandemic happened, and I got so sick, that I needed to be hospitalized. One of our best friends, who was also our roommate, had gotten ordained online so they could marry us via a Zoom call. Xenia had done her best to decorate our apartment for the occasion. She had gotten cutouts from the work that were of a blacksmith and a couple of characters from a recently released musical. Unfortunately, I was stuck in a nosy ward where some woman kept screaming out her bible.
I did my best to make my hair look like a cute bundle for the ceremony. I struggled with all the wires attached and smacked my elbow on the table as I adjusted to a more comfortable position. I felt blind for the first seven minutes of the call because we were having issues getting the cameras on but could hear each other. The moment I saw my fiancé’s smirk on my screen, I stuck out my tongue and giggled. It may not be what I had pictured but I could not wait to be his wife. We tried to keep the ceremony short given all the disruptions on my end.
Ulriah began, “We gather together via technology to participate in the joining of Clayton and Bridget. Given the uncertain times, why delay such a joyous occasion!” Ulriah blew into a kazoo, causing us all to laugh. “Bridget, would you please read your vows.”
My hands shook as I read the paper in them:
When we met, I felt a spark right away. I never could have dreamt of a man like you finding me on social media. You have stood by me as I grew into the person I am today, and I could be happier to have spent that journey with you. I had never known love until you showed me what love should be. As your wife, I promise to learn more about the sports you love. I promise to make you, your favorite dinner for your birthday. I promise to not retaliate when you accidentally shoot me on multi-player. I promise to never let you win on a racing game. And I promise to love you forever and always.
Xenia couldn’t contain her giggles. Ulrich couldn’t contain himself either so he motioned for Clayton to go ahead. However, even Clayton was laughing when he went to state his vows:
The day I first saw you, I knew instantly that you were meant to be my wife. There isn’t a day that goes by that I feel any regret for having reached out to you. Your humor, your wit, and your whip to keep in me line are necessities I never knew I needed until you. I don’t want another day going by where I am not your husband. I will love you, I will keep you, and I will try not to annoy you, even though I cannot promise that last one. I do promise to cherish you and to make sure that beautiful smile never leaves your face.
Ulriah pronounced us husband and wife. Thankfully, after three weeks in the hospital, I was able to go home and enjoy a newlywed life as we waited for the shelter-in-place order to be lifted.
~End~
*Additional writing credit goes to Danielle Bellefeuille for contributing to this scene by writing Clayton’s vows*