“The only ‘T’ you’ve seen is when you were breastfeeding from these about eleven years ago,” Talia said cupping her breasts. “You must have a pretty good memory.”
Henry pretended to shiver at the thought. “Yo, that’s so gross, yo. Why’s it gotta be like that? Anyway, I came here to tell you that Uncle Shane said the wedding’s about to start.”
“Thanks Henry. We’ll be right out,” I said, shooting Amanda a look that told her it was now or never. She shot me a look back that told me it would probably be never. For someone who barely feared anything, she looked scared shitless.
“Lily’s right, honey. I think you’re overreacting just a bit.” Amanda’s mom had been patiently waiting for the right time to speak. She probably knew her history with men didn’t make her much of an authority on the subject of love. “Psychics are kooks, dear,” Angela said. “You can’t make life decisions based on one comment from a crazy woman. And Talia, I just have to tell you, Henry is so cute. He reminds me of this guy Flap Jack I just started dating, only taller.”
A flood of disbelief washed over Amanda’s face as her eyes fixated on her mother. “Okay, that’s it,” she finally said, knowing that her future could either involve Shane and some sweaty socks or a midget named Flap Jack. Quickly rising to her feet, she made her decision. “I’m ready. Let’s get this shit show started.”
***
Standing next to Amanda as she and Shane took their vows had elicited a response in me I hadn’t anticipated. Mesmerized, I watched as Shane brushed his thumb across Amanda’s cheek to wipe a runaway tear as he promised to be there for her for their lifetime. He put a hand on the small of her back as they each picked up their separate candles and lit the one in the middle to symbolize the unity of their lives together.
It amazed me that two people could be so wrapped up in each other with an audience focused on their every movement and word. Not wrapped up in each other in a conceited, egotistical way that so many couples experience on their wedding day. Not a hey-look-at-us-this-is-our-day kind of way. Rather, they gazed at each other as if they were the only ones in the room, their eyes having a silent conversation that only they could hear.
As happy as I was for her, I’d never been so envious of anything in my life. I wanted that: what Amanda and Shane had. Whatever that was. What they had was more than attraction, it was more than compatibility, and it was even more than love. I couldn’t put my finger on what they felt as their lips touched, but a part of me felt it too. And I didn’t want to let it go.
Sadly, that moment was only that: a moment. A fleeting, vicarious glimpse into whatever true love feels like. I felt like a drug addict coming down from a high, willing to do anything for her next fix.
And in an effort to get that feeling back, I surveyed the guests for Adam, spotting him a few rows away almost instantly. Like my own had been, Adam’s attention was solely focused on Shane and Amanda, until he must have felt me silently urging him to look my way. When his eyes locked on mine, I made out the subtle movement of his lips. “I love you,” he whispered.
I felt a calm overtake me and I returned his sentiment with a sheepish smile. I love you too, I thought.
***
I’d ridden in the limo with the bridal party from the church to the reception, and with all of the chaos of the morning, I hadn’t seen Adam much at all. So when I stepped out of the car, I took a moment to let him envelope me in his strong arms as I breathed him in, slipping my hands around his waist.
“You look beautiful,” Adam said when we finally got a few minutes alone.
“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” I teased, keeping my hands on his hips while I pulled back a bit to admire him. His broad shoulders filled his jacket nicely, and the soft pink of his shirt created a nice contrast to his dark gray suit. “It was a beautiful ceremony, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, good weather too.”
“It was crazy. We almost didn’t get Amanda out there in time. She was a little panicked.”
“Sounds about on par for Amanda,” he laughed as we held hands up the escalator. “Well, I’m glad everything turned out well. And this place is incredible.” Adam stopped in his tracks as we arrived at the entrance of the reception area. “I had no idea they had rooms like this here,” he said, pointing to the two-story venue. “What a great idea.”