Her smile is radiant; stretching from ear to ear. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that this is the happiest she has ever been. But this smile was not for him and never would it be again.
He stands back at the edge of the crowd of cheering people. He looks as handsome as ever in his dress suit and polished shoes, holding his hat neatly at his abdomen. But amongst the bliss, he is alone in his sorrow. He watches silently as bride and groom rush down the pathway and towards the waiting car.
Her gown flows around her ankles as her brown curls bounce at her shoulders. Her hand is secured in that of her groom. She waves at family and friends as she passes by, while they shower her in their praises.
Before climbing into the car, she turns for a final wave to the crowd. Then she spots him.
He stands motionless, almost lost within the sea of people. There is pain in his eyes as he looks on, but his face remains unyielding.
And for a second her smile drops.
The grip on his hat tightens.
Her eyes find his and they soften, like so many times in the past.
His heart rises to his throat.
But before she can form a word upon her lips, an arm gently reaches to tug her into the car. The trance is broken and her smile returns.
He swallows thickly as the feeling overwhelms him.
She turns back briefly. Her grin is wide but her eyes beg forgiveness. And then she slips away.
His eyes close and his mouth crams shut. He looks absentmindedly to the ground before placing his brimmed hat upon his head. He parts through the crowd and walks off unnoticed. Though the sun shines brilliantly, all he can see is grey.
He will forever be hers but she can never be his.
-x-
Seriously guys, I'm sorry. I don't know why I thought of this. I guess I'm thinking about season 2 and all the possibility that the writers will never let Peggy and Jarv fall in love. I think they do love each other, but then there's the guy Cap saved that becomes Peggy's husband and what if it's true and he's not Jarvis. Then Jarvis will stand there at Peggy's wedding - his very best friend and the woman he loves - and watch her marry another man. And he keeps his mouth shut because all he wants is for her to be happy even if her future doesn't include him. Oh great, I'm crying again...