Forever
Ria stood in front of a floor length mirror. She stared long and hard at the dress she wore, the stark white contrasted with her tan skin. Her black hair hung down her back in loose curls, and anyone who came in to wish her good fortune marveled at the Latina beauty. Her dark eyes took in the red roses. Eighteen red roses with Baby's Breath. She couldn't believe this. At one point in time, she said she would never get married. But here she was, Ria Torres, about to walk down the aisle to her new life.
She was prone to those tender moments only few people witnessed. She hid behind her tough girl demeanor, and had been certain no guy would ever pursue her furtively. But she had been wrong, and now, standing with her family in the small hotel room, she felt like the whole world revolved around her at that moment. When she walked down the aisle, she could hear the people in each row turn to watch the procession. It was nothing short of grandiose. But when she saw him waiting for her at the front, the world fell away.
Their eyes met for a moment, his boring deep into hers. She blinked and tried to keep back the tears. Finally, a long hour later, they were married. He was hers and she was his. Forever. Not just for a few dates here and there when they had nothing better to do. But, then again, she had always felt happy around him. She needed no praise or acclamations from him. Just a simple smile and a gentle kiss would do for her. And, needless to say, he had waited for this day for over a year.
The DJ went to the introduction music and announced the parents. The bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Then, the bride and groom themselves.
"Now presenting...Mr. And Mrs. Eli and Ria Loker..." Among the smiles, tears and laughter, Ria felt an overwhelming sense of peace sweep over her. The whole point to this was love. And nothing more. Seeing the smiles on family, friends and colleagues' faces made the day even more special for her. But then, as she looked over at Eli, she couldn't be happier if she tried.
And it was their forever.