My parents are on the makeshift dance floor, embraced tight as they whisper sweet nothings to each other. They look happy. My mother’s health scare changed both their lives for the better. Sometimes, we need to lose something to appreciate its worth.
I observe the sea of familiar faces, thankful I got the chance to meet them.
Suddenly, someone with a head of luscious long brown hair catches my eye. I blink, certain I’m seeing things, but when she turns, I know I’m not.
My Georgia wouldn’t miss this for the world.
She stops twirling around the dance floor, standing still. There was always an air of tranquility surrounding her, and now is no exception. She looks healthy. She looks happy. She’s welcoming me home.
She raises her hand in a still wave, a gentle gesture that she’s ready whenever I am. I raise my hand, feeling her familiar warmth against my skin. The world is spinning around her, but time would stand still to save her.
“Who are you waving to?” Zoe asks, peering overhead to catch a glimpse of who has captured my attention. But she won’t see anyone.
“No one,” I reply dreamily.
Georgia nods with a conscious smile. She knows it’s not time, not yet anyway. Her feet glide along the floor, ghost-like, as she sways to the haunting music. She’s weightless. She dances to the beat of her own drum. She always has.
My fatigued legs tremble, begging for a reprieve, but we’re not done yet. There is only one person my heart seeks out. It will, until the end of time, always search for him in a crowd.
The low hanging branches of a tall tree shadow my Prince Charming. But eternal darkness can never shun his light. His tuxedo sets off his true masculine beauty; he looks rugged, and commanding, and he’s all mine.
A lopsided smirk tugs at his lips as he curls his finger, beckoning me over to the dark side. I don’t stand a chance.
I begin my slow descent down the star-sprinkled carpet, stopping beneath the arch and admiring its splendor. Tresses of diamonds fall from the summit, and small stars hang from the ends. It truly feels like I’m dancing under the stars.
Roman watches me with nothing but patience as he waits for me. No one, nothing exists but us. I keep my eyes locked on his, unbelieving this man is truly mine. He has taught me so many things, but most of all, we’ve taught one another how to live.
He steps out from under the tree, the full moon illuminating his radiance. Nothing has been more perfect. It gives me the strength to continue.
We come to a stop a few feet away, both appreciating the sight before us. His hair is slicked back, and his beard is full. He looks nothing like when we first met, but I suppose I don’t either. We’ve both grown and learned, and those life lessons have turned us into the people we were always destined to become.
My heart instantly recognizes him and begins the familiar dance of wanting to become one. But Roman has another dance in mind.
“May I have this dance?” He extends his hand, and just like that, I’m in heaven.
I slip my palm into his and allow him to escort me to the dance floor. My gown trails behind me, leaving footprints of magic in its wake. My parents beam as Roman draws me into his arms, appearing happy I’ve finally found my forever.
I melt into his arms, resting my head against his chest as we sway gently to the music. Our bodies move in sync. I’m engulfed in his fragrance and his warmth, and I only wish it could always be this way between us. But this moment, the memories we’ve made are more than enough. I will never forget.
“Are you having fun?” he whispers into my ear.
“Yes.” I snuggle closer, not wanting to talk because I’m afraid of what I’ll say. Roman’s life is about to change in minutes. Keeping this a secret from him wasn’t an easy thing to do.
I wanted to tell him so many times, but that unspoken promise stood in the way. I’ve held off for as long as I could, but time isn’t on our side, and I can no longer wait. I hope this doesn’t backfire. I hope he understands why I’ve done what I have.
I allow one final heartbeat of comfort before I seek out my prize.