Dawn inserted the last invitation
into the envelope and sighed. “Just weeks
away, can you believe it? Charles will have a full month of leave before his
next deployment. Our wedding and honeymoon will be heavenly.”
“I’m
sure it will be dear. You’ve been very
patient, both of you. Your father, and
I are very proud of you.”
“It’s
been difficult, but we’ve both wanted to fulfill our obligations. Working at
the Pentagon has been a great honor, and
Charles has spent three years in Afghanistan. Now he’ll join me in Washington, and we’ll complete our military careers
together.”
“I’m
amazed that you’ve both stuck to your goals so stringently, but it’s why we’re
so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom. This wedding proves that.”
“Your
dad thought it was the least we could do. You’ll need your money to furnish
that new house.”
“Has Charles told you where you’ll be going on your
honeymoon?”
“No,
he’s got it all arranged though. Charles said I won’t know until we land. A
private jet and all first class. The one thing I’m sure of is that I’ll need a
bikini.”
~~**~~**~~
The minister started the ceremony
with Isaiah 32:
“Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a covert
from the tempest, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a
great rock in a weary land. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and
righteousness abide in the fruitful
field. The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of
righteousness, quietness, and trust
forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings,
and in quiet resting places. Please be seated.”
“The bride and groom have written
their own vows. Dawn, please share with us your words for Charles.”
Nervously Dawn cleared her
throat, smiled at Charles, and their eyes locked. “Charles, you are my life, my
love, my hero. I promise to cherish, honor and always be ready for a new
adventure. I pledge to hold your hand through
life, to never interrupt your football games, and to always seek your guidance
for the important decisions. I am blessed with
your love, your friendship, and vow my devotion, forever and always.”
She smiled through her tears when
she saw his eyes fill with moisture and delicately wiped the escaping drops as
they rolled down his cheek.
“Now it’s your turn, Charles,” The minister said.
“You are the most blessed thing
that has ever happened to me. I cherish you, your honesty, your strength and
especially your smile. I promise that laughter will always outweigh the tears. I
vow a shared future, of fulfilled dreams, diminishing obstacles, and a balanced
life of love, family, and personal satisfaction. You are my hero, and I will love
you until the end of time.”
They exchanged rings, and the priest pronounced them husband and
wife. At the reception, their first dance
as man and wife held so much meaning as it was their first real moment together
since his arrival was last minute and just hours before the start of the
wedding. Dawn finally relaxed in his arms, and
they clung together in silence. Swaying to the music, appreciating each other,
and looking forward to their future together.
~~**~~**~~
Spending Christmas and their honeymoon
on the beach in Hawaii was everything Dawn had ever dreamed of, and as they soaked up the sun, she noticed their glasses were empty. Rock,
Paper, Scissors decided who would refresh their drinks. Charles won again, but
after declaring himself the winner, he
kissed his wife and told her. “Relax, Mrs. Collins. It will always be my
pleasure to serve you.”
Charles had only been gone minutes
when the air raid sirens went off. Thinking it was just another drill Dawn
remained in her seat but searched the sky. Hearing shouts of "it's not a
drill! I can see it. Look!" She jumped to her feet and sprinted toward the
bar and her husband.
During those same moments, Charles
dropped the drinks he'd just purchased. He witnessed the missile hurtling toward
them and raced back to Dawn. They met in an embrace just seconds before their
world ended.
~~**~~**~~
*****
Yolanda Renée © 2017
My apologies to those looking for
a happy ending, I honestly meant for my story to be light and uplifting when I
first started. I began writing it while at the dealership waiting for the oil
change on my car. The television station on in the waiting room was set to CNN,
and a story about Hawaii reinstating regular
Nuclear
Attack Warning Siren tests caught my eye and sadly changed my story.
