Chapter 14
Previously…
"Téa Gardner, you are the only woman in this world that I have ever loved like this. I cannot imagine my life without you in it, nor do I want to. Will you do me the extraordinary honour of becoming my wife?"
Téa stood before the mirror, a wide smile plastered on her face. How far she had come in her life still amazed her thoroughly. Rewind six years and she remembered being a hard-faced, lonely girl who struggled to get by in every possible way. And now, after all that turmoil, she was ready to tie the knot with the man who had offered his hand to her all those years ago in the school hallway. She sighed happily, knowing that she could never forget the day he proposed.
Flashback.
"You know, I only realised it the other day, but it's been four years, six months and two weeks exactly since we had our first kiss on that ice rink on Christmas Eve…"
Téa smiled, casting her mind back to that moment. She never thought she would find anyone who would care about her as much as Atem did. No matter what struggles they faced, he had never backed down or left her to face them alone. They had fought through thick and thin together, and come out even stronger as a couple each after each obstacle they knocked down. And Téa wouldn't have changed a thing about it.
"But that's not enough for me…"
She was pulled from her trance at the sound of those words. Atem's eyes locked onto hers as she turned to face her. He stepped forward so that she was mere inches from her face, giving her a soft smile and caressing her cheek.
"I want what we have to be like this. Unending like this ocean. I want to wake up beside you every morning until a take my final breath, sit in the garden and have picnics with lemonade during the summer and curl up by the fire with you during the winter months…"
He took a step back, getting down on one knee and pulling a black velvet box from his jean pocket. He held it out in front of her, revealing a beautiful silver ring with a small sapphire in the centre. Téa held a hand over her mouth, letting out a shocked gasp.
"Téa Gardner, you are the only woman in this world that I have ever loved like this. I cannot imagine my life without you in it, nor do I want to. Will you do me the extraordinary honour of becoming my wife?"
Téa stood, shocked into silence. Atem had just asked for her hand! She couldn't believe, and most of all, she couldn't think of anything more perfect. To spend the rest of her life with the man she loved more than anything else in the world. Both her hands had clamped to her mouth as tears of joy began to spill from her eyes. She threw herself at him, surprising him and causing him to topple over onto his back. She planted kisses on both his cheeks, his forehead and finally on his lips.
"Yes! Absolutely yes! Of course, I'll marry you!"
Atem beamed, pulling them both up to their feet before grabbing Téa by the waist and spinning her round like a prince would do to a princess. The two of them giggled and laughed together, both ecstatic and full of love. This was the next chapter for them both, and neither of them could wait.
He put her down slowly, slipped the ring onto her finger and they shared a kiss as the sun rose behind them.
End of flashback.
A sigh of pure bliss left Téa's lips as she straightened out her attire, a white halter neck mermaid wedding gown with crystals decorating the bodice and a small white satin belt with a small diamond broach in the middle of it that sat at her natural waist. She, Mai and Vivian had taken her dress shopping the minute they heard about the proposal, and the minute Téa had seen that dress, both she and her friends had known that that would be the dress she would get married in. Rebecca had also insisted on planning her wedding, from the ceremony venue to the dress code and the colour code for the wedding.
Now, she was standing in the chapel where her mother got married to her father when she was 3 months pregnant with her. She grinned lightly at the irony of the situation. It saddened her slightly that her father couldn't walk her down the aisle in person, but as she raised her hand to touch the sapphire teardrop necklace that sat on her neck, she knew that her parents were right beside her in spirit, watching their little girl getting married. She recalled her promise made long ago.
Flashback.
"Happy Birthday, Honey!"
Téa squealed as they handed her one of her many presents, ripping through the wrapping paper and opening a small black box. Her eyes went wide at the sight. The box contained a short chained silver teardrop necklace with a dark blue jewel in the teardrop centre.
"It's so pretty and sparkly!"
"You're father thought you would like it, and you are our little princess so you deserve the best present possible."
Téa threw her arms around her parents, squeezing them tightly.
"I love it! Thank you thank you thank you!"
"You're welcome, honey, just make sure you look after it, OK?"
Téa nodded enthusiastically.
"I will, mommy, I promise!"
"And you have to promise me something as well, darling…"
Téa looked to her father curiously, who smiled and ruffled her hair.
"…When you get married, promise me that you will wear this with your wedding dress, dear. Can you do that?"
Téa smiled brightly, nodding once again and hugging the gift tightly to her chest.
"I promise, daddy. Cross my heart and hope to die."
Her father laughed, ruffling her hair once again. Téa then pulled away, looking at her father with eyes filled with curiosity.
"Daddy, how do you know I will get married when I'm older? What if nobody ever loves me like that?"
Her father smiled, eyes filled with warmth and cupped his seven-year-old daughter's cheek.
"Because no one has a bigger heart than you, Téa. And certainly, no one could have more enchanting eyes than yours, my dear. Like big sparkling jewels, full of love, compassion and most of all, spirit."
End of flashback.
She smiled, looking to the sky out of the small window, where a stream of sunlight spilt through into the room. The same room where her mother awaited her escort to the alter.
"Mom, Dad, I hope you're proud of me, and of my choice of husband…"
A moment later, the door opened to reveal Mrs Elliott, dressed in her Sunday best. She beamed at the young woman, clapping her hands together.
"You look absolutely stunning, my dear! I can't believe how time flies. One minute I'm watching you dance around the garden in your tutu and now here you are, ready to get married."
Téa turned to her 'grandmother', hugging her tightly to her.
"Mrs Elliott, I don't think I've ever thanked you for everything you've done for me. You gave me a home, paid for my tuition and dance classes. You gave me a life. Without you, I don't know where I would be now…I just…Thank you so much, for everything."
Mrs Elliott squeezed her tightly.
"Darling, you have absolutely nothing to thank me for. When you were born, and before parents died, I promised them faithfully that should anything happen to them that I would take care of you until it was time for you to pave the way to your own future. I vowed that once again the day they died. So, my dear, this is just me following through on that promise."
Téa smiled at her. She couldn't have asked for anybody better to have helped raise her after her parents passed away. So caring, so wise, so full of life. Just like her own parents. Mrs Elliott smiled at her, taking her hands in hers and squeezing them lightly.
"Well, I think it's just about that time, darling. So, ready to get married?"
She smiled, picking up the bouquet and grasping it tightly in her hands. With one last look out the window, she turned to Mrs Elliott.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Mrs Elliott lowered the veil over her head, and the two women walked out of the room together.
Téa followed her escort out the back of the chapel and round to the front mahogany double doors at the front of the church. She sighed deeply, feeling the butterflies rise up and flutter in her stomach. She gripped Mrs Elliott's arm tightly, feeling her legs go jelly-like as the doors started to open.
"You'll be fine, Téa."
She smiled at her as the doors fully opened to reveal the church in its full glory. Violet and Sapphire-coloured ribbons decorated the pews and she saw her bridesmaids in their Navy blue dresses and White lily bouquets that matched her own. She watched all the guests rise in sync and gaze in her direction, but her eyes were only on one person in the room. Wearing a dark grey suit with a white lily pinned onto it, Atem turned towards her, his gaze locking on to her. Her breathing hitched in her throat and she swore that her heart rate had increased to the speed of sound. The organ blared out its tune and with a final deep breath, she began to walk slowly down the aisle.
Atem, meanwhile, was trying his best not to collapse. His heart had been thumping hard against his chest before Téa had walked through the door. Now, his heart felt as though it was about to break through his ribs and out of his chest. She walked towards him slowly, her eyes, though obscured by the veil, never leaving his own. So full of love, warmth, life. His saving grace, now walking toward him ready to make the biggest commitment any human could make, to him. And he couldn't have been happier to make the same commitment to her. The day she had said yes, he wished he could have frozen time right there and then, in the fondest moment ever shared between them. And when his family had found out, they couldn't have been more ecstatic, his father agreeing to pay for the entire thing. Rebecca had insisted on planning, of course, and Téa had thought it a fine idea, so he had no reason to argue. And here they were, about to be married. He felt his stomach twist with excitement. After what seemed like a millennium, his fiancé-no wife to be- finally reached the alter and was handed over to him by Mrs Elliott, who gave him a subtle wink. He blushed lightly, turning to face Téa, as the ceremony began.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to witness the joining of Atem Mutou and Téa Gardner in holy matrimony. If there is anyone here who has any reason to object to the joining of this couple, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Only silence graced the room.
"Right then. I believe that the bride and groom have written their own vows to each other. The groom first, please."
Atem nodded, clearing his throat and looking at Téa.
"Téa Gardner, if I'm honest with you, there are no words worthy enough to describe you, but I found some that came close: beautiful, stunning, captivating and absolute perfection are just a few. But the best word I found to describe you was…admirable. Both you and our friends have seen you face challenges that not many can understand, but through it all, you never gave up, especially when it came to your dancing. Though I cannot completely guarantee our future together will be easy, I can guarantee you that I will be with you through all the challenges that we may face together and that I will never leave you. I will give you all the love I possess within me and no less. But most importantly, I will always do my best to make you smile."
The audience 'awwed' at the end of Atem's speech, but Téa felt on the verge of tears. She had no nerves anymore, instead, her heart swelled with joy. How was she lucky enough to deserve this man?
"Now, the bride's vows please."
Téa nodded, took a deep breath and looked to the man she loved.
"Atem, I…well, to be honest, I don't know what to say about you. You have so many amazing qualities that to stand here and list them all would take an eternity. I can tell you a few, though: your kindness, compassion, wisdom and your willingness to help others are just a few that I can think of. As for the promises you have made, there is only one thing I can say to them: you don't have to promise me any of those because I already know with all my heart that you will do all of those things, as will I. But since we are making vows, I will make this one to you: I will be there for you, care for you and never leave you, and I will never love another like you."
By this time, most of the guests, including the bridesmaids and groomsmen were in tears or whooping at the couple, to which the Bride and groom laughed.
"Right then. May we please have the rings?"
Rebecca nodded, picking up the cushion, walking to the couple and allowing them to take one each.
"Atem Mutou, do you take Téa Gardner to be your lawfully wedded wife for as long as you both shall live?"
Atem looked to Téa
"Gladly. I love you, Téa Gardner."
He placed the golden band around her finger.
"And do you, Téa Gardner, take Atem Mutou to be your lawfully wedded husband for as long as you both shall live?"
Téa looked to Atem, smiling widely and placing the golden band around his finger.
"Without a doubt."
The priest smiled at the couple.
"Very well, then. It is now with the greatest pleasure that I declare that you are husband and wife. Atem, you may kiss the bride."
Atem took a step forward, lifting the veil up over Téa's head and looking into her eyes.
"Finally."
Téá laughed as he pulled her into a tight embrace and planting a soft kiss on her lips. The whole wedding party clapped, whistled, cat-called and cried. After a few moments, Atem pulled away from her, smiling widely while she grinned and pulled him in for a quick kiss.
"Ladies and gentleman, I give you Mr and Mrs Mutou."
Hand in hand, they walked down the aisle together and out the church. Outside, all the guests had lined up and were threw rise into the air as they walked to the wedding car. Just as the groomsmen and bridesmaids walked outside, Téa turned around and prepared to throw the bouquet. She turned her back, tossing into the air and watching it fall into Rebecca's hands. Both she and Yugi blushed wildly, making the newlyweds laugh out loud. Together, the two climbed into the wedding car, sharing another kiss as it drove away from the church.
Later that night, Téa stood against the balcony staring into the clear night sky. The day had been perfect. She had married her man, had a million photos to look back on later, had her first dance with her husband and had danced the night away with her friends, husband and new in-laws. It had been bliss. As to why she was out on the balcony alone, she primarily wanted to cool down a bit, but now found herself thinking about her parents. A part of her was a bit sad that her parents couldn't be here, but a part of her somehow felt that they were with her today. Maybe it was the fact that she had married in the same church as her mother, or something else. Before she could think on it further, she felt a pair of warm hands on her shoulders.
"Hello, Mrs Mutou."
She smiled, turning to face her husband. He cupped her cheek lightly, a warm smile gracing his lips.
"You look beautiful tonight. More beautiful than ever before."
She sighed contentedly, leaning into his touch and closing her eyes. She opened her eyes, looking right into his violet orbs.
"Téa, what's the matter?"
She blinked, turning away and leaning on the balcony once again.
"Nothing. Just a little tired."
She felt his hands snake around her petite waist and press a small kiss to her temple.
"I thought we made a deal a long time ago: no more lies. I know when my queen isn't happy."
She sighed, clasping her hands around his and leaning her head back on his shoulder. He really knew her too well.
"It may sound weird, but I feel like my parents are here somehow. I know that it's impossible, but I keep getting the feeling like they're right here holding my hand…"
Atem listened, feeling a needle of sadness pierce his heart. He knew something had been up when she had walked out to be alone, and now he felt bad for not thinking about it like that.
"I'm sor-"
"Don't be. It's just a feeling, and I'm feeling better for talking about it. I don't relish the feeling, I just wish they could be here to see how happy I am."
He smiled, squeezing her waist tightly and planting another kiss, this time on her cheek. Gently moving his hands, he turned her so she was facing him.
"I'm glad because I couldn't be happier with anyone else if I tried."
He leant down, kissing her lips with so much passion she thought her heart was going to stop. After a few minutes, they broke apart with hot blushes on their faces. It was then that Atem remembered the necklace she had on. He had noticed it before and been curious since he'd never seen this piece of jewellery.
"How beautiful. How long have you had this, Téá?"
She looked down, holding the teardrop shape in her palm.
"My dad gave it to for my 5th birthday. I…"
She felt her face flush even more.
"…I kinda promised to wear it for my wedding day. He said he knew I would get married because I had a big heart and enchanting eyes."
Atem chuckled, pulling her against him and whispering in her ear.
"He couldn't have been more right, you know. Those two things are just one of the many reasons I adore you."
It was then that Téa felt a warm breeze pass by them. Her eyes went wide in realisation. She finally understood.
"He's here, Atem. They both are because I kept my promise to them. I can feel my mom and dad here. I thought I was just imagining it, but it's like when we were at the cemetery. I can feel their love."
Atem cupped her face, stroking her cheeks lightly and kissing her forehead.
"I can too."
They stood on the balcony together, watching the stars dance across the sky and basking in the warmth of the breeze. Téa smiled brightly as the breeze twirled around her chocolate brown locks.
"Mom, Dad...I love you both so much!"