Any persons engaging in physical intimacy are above 18. Heck, they're in their mid-late twenties for that matter! i
Throughout the ceremony, I didn't really notice much of what was being said. The only thing I paid much attention to was Rebecca, my bride, and how beautiful she was in her simple, yet elegant pastel pink evening gown.
"I now pronounce you man and wife! You may kiss the bride."
Sarah and I leaned in and kissed. Pulling back, she sported a wide grin, and I could feel that I had one of my own as well! A moment later we turned toward the small cheering crowd gathered in our back yard.
Once the ceremony was over, chairs were relocated to the tables we had set out the night before. Sarah and I headed up the line for the buffet table, got our food, then sat down to eat. Micheal and Annie followed right behind us. Their daughter, Chloe Williamson was due in less than a month, so Micheal carried her plate along with his own and helped her ease into her chair.
About halfway through the meal, Annie stood up and tapped the back of her spoon on her glass to get everyone's attention.
"Hello, I'm Annie Williamson, and I'm Sarah's matron of honor. To be honest, it took a long time for me to figure out what to say here. For those of you who don't know, the origin of the history between Leon and Sarah is quite... interesting to put it mildly." Turning toward us with a smile she continued. "But despite those rocky first few years, they ended up becoming very good friends."
She turned back to the crowd with a light sigh. As her expression fell, I knew what was going to be at least referenced next. Glancing over at my wife, it looked like she did too. "Almost a year and a half ago, they each went through the greatest hardship of their lives, and though my husband and I would have done anything we could to support them, living halfway around the world meant that there wasn't much we could really do." Sarah took my hand under the table and squeezed. "But they clung to each other, and became each other's support, and their friendship grew. Over time that bond kept expanding and deepening until it grew into the love that is plain to see today." She took a moment to glance at us again, her grin having returned to her face. "While we only caught glimpses of that journey, we are so very happy that you were able to find love and happiness with each other. We know that you won't take each other for granted, and that you'll live your life together to the fullest."
She reached for the glass of sparkling grape juice at her setting and raised it. "Best of luck to the both of you!"
With a little bit of predictable fussing from Michael, she took her seat again and It was his turn.
"I'm Michael Williamson, Leon's best man." He faced Sarah directly. "First, it may have taken about twenty years, but I'd like to congratulate you for finally getting him!" I grunted out a chuckle at his teasing. Most everyone there knew about the ridiculous and obsessive crush she had on me during middle and early high school, but the few people who didn't looked surprised. Sarah, not being proud of some of the things she did in pursuit of that crush, rolled her eyes and groaned.
"Though you two had a bit of a rough start, the friendship that you two have had through the years has been true and genuine. Looking back, you two really grew separately into a great match, and even though we were kinda surprised, we were so happy for you when you told us about your relationship!" Michael looked around for a moment, then grinned at the couple. "And I think I speak for all of us when I say that you look great together!" He picked up his own glass. "May you have a lifetime of happiness!" He raised the glass In our direction. "To the happy couple, cheers!"
Everyone finished eating and then there was some mingling amongst friends and family. After a few hours, most of the guests left, but Michael, Annie, Sarah's dad and my parents stayed to help clean up. Once the yard was back to normal, our parents left and only Michael and Annie remained.
"Congratulations. Best of luck to you guys," said Michael, shaking my hand before giving Sarah a hug. When he backed up, I put my arm around her waist and gently pulled her up next to me. At first Annie said nothing and just looked at us with misty eyes. A moment later she quickly waddled up and hugged us both.
"They'd be happy for you too..." she whispered just before letting go.
"I know," I replied, and Sarah laced fingers with the hand I had around her waist and squeezed my hand.
"Well, we're gonna go, and congratulations again," said Michael.
"Have fun you two!" Annie said suggestively with a mischievous smirk and wink, causing my face to heat up slightly. They turned around and Michael helped his very pregnant wife waddle to their car.
"Well, back to just you and me," remarked Sarah once our friends drove off. We both turned and looked at each other.
"Yeah, but that's ok. You've kinda grown on me," I joked, making Sarag snort out a giggle.
"You love me and you know it!" She retorted, giving me a playful shove. We grinned at each other and I leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
"Yeah, I do." I replied, completely serious about it. After that bit of banter we headed inside.
"I'll be back in a minute," said Sarah. She walked to the bathroom and closed the door. I took off my suit jacket and hung it on one of the dining room chairs before going to front room to sit down while waiting. A few minutes later, Sarah came back out, looking like she had removed her makeup, jewelry, and the shaping that was done to her long dark hair for the wedding, leaving it's full length to cascade freely across her shoulders. "That's much better," she said, looking a lot more relaxed.
I stood up and we looked at each other, each grinning slightly for a few seconds. I walked over and gently tilted her face up by her chin, kissing her softly for a few seconds.
As if on cue, we separated and started walking without saying a word. We both knew exactly where we were headed. As we made our way, my heart rate increased and my face started to flush. In what seemed like both hours and seconds we arrived at our destination, the bedroom. More specifically... the bed
"Michael," murmured Sarah, breaking the silence after several seconds staring at the place that until now had been used pretty exclusively for sleep. I glanced over and it was easy to see the apprehension in her face. "I'm... I'm really nervous about this part." She admitted. "I guess I always was, but now it's here..." She looked up at me, nibbling her bottom lip. Swallowing my own nerves I smiled and wrapped an arm around her and with the other arm I cradled her head, holding her close. I felt her hands gripping my shirt as she returned the embrace.
"I'm pretty nervous too," I whispered. "But you know what?"
"Hmm?"
"It's still just you and me, like always."
"Yeah, it is." I could hear the smile in her voice.
"I love you, Sarah."
"I love you too, Michael." We just rocked together for a little while, enjoying the closeness. Before long though, my nerves began to subside and I found myself wanting a little more. I backed away a few inches, leaned my head down and kissed her slowly.
