72

Richard, the man said, pulling me from my thoughts. It’s your turn for the vows you’ve written.
I watched as he nodded and took a deep breath. Jackie, he breathed, trying so hard to control his nerves. I worked on these vows day and night, trying to think of the words to express how much I love you. But I realised I couldn’t. What I feel for you, what I’ve always felt for you…I don’t know how to describe it. You’re the person I want to grow old with, and you’re the person I want to have my children with. Everyday I spend with you, I still can’t believe that somebody as beautiful, gentle and kind has chosen to be with me. And I thank God everyday for sending you to me. You’re the girl for me Jackie, he smiled. I knew it the first time I saw you. Thank you for choosing me sweetheart.
I exhaled, still not quite believing how honest and beautiful his vows were. Jackie had tears in her eyes and she was looking at him with so much love. The rings were exchanged shortly after, and just like that my big sister was married. And as they kissed under the archway to applause from everyone, my eyes drifted to Lily and I smiled at her.
She was stood up, clapping along with everyone else and she had tears in her eyes, just like my parents beside her. I couldn’t take my eyes off her as Jackie and Dick stepped out from under the archway and ran up the aisle, laughing like a pair of kids. I was rooted to the spot as Lily walked over and climbed the few steps so she was standing in front of me. The other guests were starting to walk up to the hotel and within a few moments, it was just Lily and I alone, standing under the archway.
Hey, she whispered. That was
I strolled forward and crashed my lips against hers, stopping her mid-sentence. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me hard, moaning in to my mouth. I placed my hands on her hips and pulled her body against me, savouring every moment. I had been longing to kiss her from the first moment I had laid my eyes on her. After a minute, I pulled away and rested my forehead against hers, both of us breathing heavily.
I missed you, I said, threading my hand through her hair and closing my eyes. God, I missed you so much.
She reached down and took hold of my hand, threading her fingers through mine. I missed you too, she smiled. This day was so beautiful, wasn’t it ?
I nodded, taking a deep breath and stepping back. I could spend the rest of this day out here sitting by the lake and just being with you, I said honestly. But I guess we should go up to the hotel. After all, I can’t be late for my surprise.
Surprise ? Lily asked, as we started to make our way up the aisle. What do you mean ?
You’ll see gorgeous, I smiled, as we walked through the patio doors and in to the reception room. I just want you to remember something. When I’m up there, it’s for you. It’s meant for you.
I don’t understand, she said, looking confused.
You will.
I guided us over to the table where Jackie, Dick, mum, dad, JJ and Dick’s parents were sitting. But as Lily took a seat and looked up at me expectantly, I winked at her and made my way over to the stage. I nodded to one of the hotel employees and he dimmed the lights. My heart was beating wildly as I stepped out on to the stage and the room went quiet. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed the acoustic guitar and picked up a single stool. Placing it in the middle of the stage, I took a seat behind the lowered micophone and looked in to the crowd of family and friends that were staring up at me.
My heart pounding furiously, I rested the guitar on my knees and looked over at my sister. Hey everyone, I said nervously. Now I know it’s usually tradition for the best man to make a speech. But my beautiful sister has asked me to do something a little different. I’ve been requested to play the song for the first dance, which I’m very nervous about. I glanced at Lily momentarily and saw her staring at me with wide eyes, not understanding. I carried on, despite the nerves increasing by the second. Jackie wanted to pick the song, but there was one that I heard and I knew it was the song for them. I hope you like it sis.
Looking down at the guitar, I exhaled slowly, trying to calm my nerves. Suddenly a bright light erupted around me. I cringed as the spotlight hit me, the light illuminating the entire stage whilst the rest of the room waited silently. Looking up, my eyes met Lily’s and I smiled at her. She was watching me intently, still looking confused. I had never told her that I played the guitar for one reason ; I thought I wouldn’t play again. But as I had fallen in love with Lily I knew that if I sang again, it would be for her. And as I looked in to the haunting grey eyes that mesmerised me every time, I started to sing.
When I look into your eyes
It’s like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
Well, there’s so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you’ve come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul ?
Well, I won’t give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I’m giving you all my love
I’m still looking up
And when you’re needing your space
To do some navigating
I’ll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find
‘Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We’ve got a lot to learn
God knows we’re worth it
No, I won’t give up…
As I strummed the guitar and sang like I hadn’t done in years, I watched as my sister and brother in law walked on to the dance floor. Rich wrapped his arms around Jackie and pulled her in close. His back was towards the stage where I was sat, and I saw Jackie look over his shoulder, straight at me.
Thank you, she mouthed, before resting her head on her husband’s shoulder and dancing in his arms.
I nodded, my eyes drifting back to Lily as I sang the words that were meant for her. The song was my sister’s first dance, but I was singing it to Lily. I could see the tears in her eyes as she watched me, an amazed smile on her face. The song was coming to an end, but I smiled as she stood and picked up JJ, balancing him on her hip. Lily walked on to the dancefloor and laughed with JJ as she spun him around. Soon, the dance floor was filled but my eyes never strayed from Lily’s. And as my voice faded, I strummed the final chord and smiled.
Everyone started clapping and Jackie ran up to me as I put the guitar down and stepped off the stage, a huge grin on her face. She flung her arms around me and held me tight. You’re choking me, I joked, patting her back. Can’t breathe.
After a minute she pulled away but kept her arms around me. Thank you Noah, she smiled, tears still in her eyes. That was more than I could have asked of you. I love you bro.
I love you too sis, I smiled, watching as she walked away and made her way over to Rich, taking hold of his hand.
So you play, huh ? I heard a familiar voice say behind me.
Spinning around, I saw Lily standing there. I tried to think of excuses as to why I didn’t tell her, but my mind went blank. But to my surprise, Lily just reached up and cupped my cheek. You play beautifully, she smiled. You’re just full of surprises aren’t you !
It was for you Lily, I whispered, placing my hand over hers as she stared up at me. The song, I sang it for you.
I know, she murmured, kissing me lightly on the lips.
Groaning, I gently pulled away and took hold of her hand, leading her past the tables swiftly. Where are you taking me ? Lily asked as I dragged her along and out of the reception room.
I didn’t answer. My eyes were too busy scanning the hotel, looking for anywhere that we might be able to be alone. I grinned when I noticed a door marked Linen closet. Swivelling on the spot to make sure no-one was around, I tried the handle and thanked silently when the door clicked open. Pulling Lily inside, I shut the door behind us and turned to face her.
The room was small and one wall was completely filled with shelves of towels, blankets and sheets. It was dimly lit and I could see Lily staring at me, her eyes wide. Why did you bring me in here ? she murmured, stepping back as I edged forward.
You know why, I whispered.
She gulped when her back hit the far wall, leaving her with nowhere to go. My eyes raked over her body as I moved towards her. Stepping closer, I put my hands on either side of the wall. Leaning down, I gently nibbled her earlobe causing her to moan and halfheartedly try to push me away.
We can’t, she breathed, although she made no move to leave. Someone could come in.
That’s true, I murmured, trailing kisses across her collarbone. But the thing is Lily, I don’t care.
Looking up and staring in to her eyes, I grabbed hold of her hips and pulled her away from the wall so she was pressed tightly against me. Reaching behind, my hands found the zipper of her dress and I pulled it down slowly. Lily looked up at me and started to breathe heavily, her chest rising and falling. Once the zip had gone as far as it would go, I took a deep breath and stepped back.
Take it off, I whispered, ignoring as voices passed by from outside. I want to see you.
Without saying a word, she reached up and grabbed hold of the straps, removing them from her shoulders. Arousal coursed through me as her dress fell to the floor and she just stood there, wearing nothing but a lacy strapless bra and panties. Her chest continued to rapidly rise and fall as she stood there watching me. I could feel myself getting hard at the mere sight of her, and it was when she untied her hair and it fell over her shoulders that I lost control.