I needed some fluff in my life, so here is something new!
The sun was setting on the pier as he stood, waiting - hands alternating between rubbing his lightly stubbled face and plunging into his pockets; twisting the lining between his fingers. His feet ached a little in the stiff, new shoes he wore. Those that were chosen to match the tailored black suit that she had helped him pick out. He knew how much she loved it when he wore a suit.
The nerves were beginning to kick in; he hooked his finger in the collar of his crisp, white shirt and pulled it slightly as it began to feel tighter around his neck. The scene around him was bathed in a golden, warm light which soothed him somewhat. Looking to his right he smiled, Winston giving him a reassuring pat on the arm. His foot began to tap a little as he nervously looked behind him - immediately catching the eye of his ma, already with tears in her eyes.
Suddenly, soft strains of music began to fill the air. Looking up, he saw a car pull up at the bottom of the pier. Cece slid out first, clutching two bouquets of flowers. Next, Bob Day emerged holding out his hand for ... Jessica. There she was, a resplendent vision in frothy white. She caught his eye, beaming at him and in that moment all his fears melted away.
It seemed to be taking forever for the car to get to its destination. Next to her, Cece sat her hand on Jess's knee, giving it the occasional squeeze as she took deep breaths. Across the seat, her father sat, his face unreadable. She was worried.
"Dad, are you okay?"
He looked up and gave her a small smile, "Sure pumpkin, just thinking."
"Good thoughts?" she asked hopefully.
"The kind of thoughts every father has on his daughter's wedding day," he replied.
"You know he's a good guy Dad, right?" At this, Bob Day leaned forward and took her small hand in his.
"No father ever thinks any man is good enough for his daughter," he admitted, holding her hand tightly, "But I know you and I trust you to make the right decision." This brought a full smile to her face as she leaned forward and gave her father a kiss on the cheek. "And in any case, he hurts you and he has me to deal with!"
The sun had started to dip below the hazy blue horizon as she made her way past the small party of guests that had gathered, towards him. The smile on her face had begun to hurt- it hadn't left her lips since she had locked eyes with him those few minutes earlier. How was it possible to be this happy? This in love? She sighed and wanted to pinch herself and make sure she wasn't dreaming.
He held the silver colored band in his hand, shaking a little as he approached her finger. "Jessica, this ring represents my love for you. Never-ending, complete, whole. My life has not been the same since I met you and I cannot imagine it without you," he finished and slid the band onto her pale hand.
Cece handed Jess a separate, thicker band and she took hold of Nick's hand, just as he had done with hers. "Nicholas, you are my soul mate. Without you, my life seems less vibrant. Since you've been part of it, my life has new meaning and I can't wait for the adventures we're going to have together." She gave him a sweet smile as she finished her vows.
The band was a little tight on his finger and she had to push a little, eliciting a chuckle from the crowd and a cheeky shout from Schmidt- "It's a sign!" - which made the chuckling descend into raucous laughter.
When the noise died down they turned to the minister who was officiating. "It is my proud pleasure to announce you husband and wife," the small crowd cheered at this, "You may kiss the bride."
Nick took a step towards her, slid one hand behind her neck and the other around her waist and boy, kiss her he did.