The white dress, simple and plain, fit snugly, hugging my waist and trailing behind me as I took each step closer to Tobias. He stood there, under the daisy adorned arch, hands behind his back, never removing his eyes from me. I tried not to cry, I really did. It wasn't like me to cry, but on a girl's wedding day, anything can happen.
I glance at Uriah to the right of Tobias, his best man, and Christina already down the aisle and waiting on the left for me to arrive, wearing a lovely green dress that flatters her olive skin and golden eyes. Even Caleb, as mad as I had been for quite a time, finally patched things over with me enough to walk me down the aisle. As much as I missed my quiet conservative father, I was glad to have Caleb be the rock guiding me. If he weren't there, I would've most likely tripped on the lace ¾ sleeve dress on the first step down the aisle.
Everything about the small ceremony was beautiful; from the white and green floral bouquets and sunlight streaming through the sheer canopy, but nothing could compare to the beauty of Tobias standing at the end, waiting to grab my hand and promise to love me for forever.
I arrived at the archway, my eyes on Tobias the whole time as we spoke our vows in front of the small crowd that had been invited. Tobias had proposed a week after I had been discharged from the hospital. I had been immune to the poison set off, however I was badly injured from the bullets which took extensive care to heal. One week after I was discharged, we were taking our daily walk in the botanical gardens due to doctor's suggestion, and after I got lost in the buzzing bees and beautifully scented roses, I found him under an archway in the butterfly garden, on one knee and holding a ring. I had said yes and now, here we are, under another archway, Tobias speaking the most beautiful words I'd ever heard.
"Tris, I never expected to love you so much. But here I am, staring at the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, struggling to find the right words. I promise to be not only brave for you, but loving, honest, selfless, intelligent, and peaceful. I will cherish you for as long as I live, and try for that long to be worthy of your love. You never cease to amaze me with your ability to love and protect me and I promise to do the same. Don't be afraid to confide in me as not only your husband, but your best friend. I love you."
I duck my head to wipe a tear, my light hair falling in a cascade of waves, providing a curtain. I manage to get myself together before allowing everyone to hear my vows.
"Tobias; love is a freight train. Before I met you, I couldn't even look at it without shuddering and backing away in fear. But now, I'm brave and I can tell you, because of that freight train, I have met the most amazing person I could have ever dreamed of. I promise to encourage you in everything, your individuality and your uniqueness, because that is what I cherish. I will help shoulder our challenges, however difficult they may be, I will love you and work with you as a whole. And most of all, I promise not to argue and allow as many children as you want. You are my other half, and I will strive to make us a better whole."
After being pronounced husband and wife, we kissed and I could hear the loud claps and whistles as we pulled apart. I looked into Tobias' eyes and found home.
"I love you Tris Prior. Or should I say, Mrs. Tobias Eaton?" I laughed, grabbing his hand as we walked slowly down the aisle to the reception party, the small crowd clapping and beaming happily. I found my brother, Uriah, Christina, Zeke, and a few others waiting for us in the tent.
The party was in full swing when we left for our honeymoon. I kissed goodbye to my friends and Evelynn before sliding into the small car Tobias had bought once we had moved into the city. The factions had been destroyed and apartment complexes and homes had been built in their place along with airports and stores. It was like the world had been restored to how it was before the experiments had been installed; normal.
We sped off down the road and I couldn't help but stare happily at Tobias. One hand was on the wheel and the other gripping my hand, thumb stroking my wrist gently.
"Would you tell me where we are going?" I hated surprises, especially bi-costal surprises that meant getting on a plane or boat.
"Nope, you'll just have to use those special skills of yours to be patient." I rolled my eyes and sighed, turning to stare out the window as each different terrain passed by quickly, like a dream. Soon, I found myself staring at the ocean whiz by and eventually at an airport. We were, as I had assumed, taking a private plane Evelynn had arranged.
"Okay, so not here I take it."
"How about you just enjoy your time with me for now and let the destination be my concern."
"Fine. But I'm expecting lots of events to make up for this surprise. You know how I hate surprises."
"You do? Hm, I had no idea!" I can hear the hint of sarcasm in his voice as we sit on the tan leather seats and grip his hand tightly as the jets roar and the butterfly feeling in my stomach returns. Even though I loved flying and soaring freely through the sky as if I was one of the ravens on my collarbone, I hated the feeling of flying in the plane.
"So tell me, is it tropical or mountainy?" I ask, not able to erase the curiosity from my mind. I really was desperate to know. The playful smirk on his face told me he wasn't going to budge any time soon.
"Tris, I told you! I'm not going to spoil it." I resigned from my interrogation and decided to rest on his shoulder until we landed. No matter how much time I wanted to spend with Tobias, all the wedding planning that took place today really drained me of any energy I might have possessed this morning. I had chosen a simple lace and dress with a very low back and ¾ sleeves that gently hugged my curves and then tapered out at the bottom, trailing behind me. It was an obvious choice from the moment I found it in my mother's closet before the remains of Abnegation had been destroyed. Tobias wore my father's suit, a simple gesture he surprised me with when he showed me his tux. He found pleasure in surprising me, however I never got to return the favor.
I felt a gentle hand shaking my shoulder and I knew we had landed. "Tris, we're here. I know you'll hate me, but I have to blindfold you." I sat straight up after hearing this, refusing to be visually impaired so I wouldn't ruin a surprise.
"Heck no. I'd rather not spend the first few minutes of our lives together blind. Tobias, no."
"I was just kidding! Tris, I was kidding. You're already here. The plane landed and I carried you to the boat which took us here. You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't want to wake you." I sighed in relief and looked around. The large windows were shielded with brown twine curtains, exposed ceiling beams, white walls, large bed with sheer drapery and blue pillows.
"Where are we?" I draped my legs over the side of the bed and looked at Tobias who was sitting on a chair across from me.
"I'll be outside. Meet me there when you're ready." And with that, he left, leaving me to a million thoughts at once. What the hell Tobias? I found a large suitcase that I assume Christina had packed and was thankful, our years at the Dauntless quarters had shown me she had slight modesty but with a flare. I found a swim suit, sundress and sandals and after quickly and eagerly dressing, I walked out and found Tobias, sitting on the sand, tanned skin glistening in the setting sun of what looked like Greece. I smirked, always one for romanticism that Tobias.
"So Greece, huh?" He turned around and smirked, patting the ground next to him where he had laid a towel and champagne.
"Well, Evelynn had said she'd seen it once in a picture. Called it paradise. Insisted we come here. So I did some research, rented our own private island for a week and a half and planned the most event filled honeymoon you could've ever hoped for. I know how to keep a girl busy."
"No, but you know how to keep me busy." I bit my lip and he smiled, his hand finding my waist and drawing me closer. I didn't object, in fact, I'd been waiting for that for hours. The heat of the sun beating down and the soft lapping of waves nearby only added to the mood. I didn't want the kiss to end, but unfortunately it had to. He pulled away, only leaving inches between us.
"I have some pretty good ideas." I laughed and leaned in again, pushing him gently down onto the towel.