ELI- I cant remember the first time I ever saw Grace……….. I probably passed her in the hallways a couple of times, without even realizing that my destiny was walking right past me!

Maybe, the first time I ever really met her- was in the school office, the first time our parents met.

God- no, I really don't have a clue……….but I do know the moment I fell in love with her……….it was the first time she made me laugh, during one of our study sessions………and I have continued to fall in love with her every day since!

Eli stared at himself in the long mirror before him- dressed in a slick black tux, with a white shirt underneath, and a white flower in his pocket.

He adjusted his jacket, and examined himself again- before glancing down at his watch.

He had twenty minutes.

Eli saw the red velvet curtains ruffle, as his father, and best man- stepped inside the small change room.

"Dad?" Eli asked, curiously.

"I feel like I should say something, before you-" Rick seemed more nervous than Eli did.

"Before I get hitched?" Eli asked, a faint smile.

Rick looked into his son's eyes, and nodded quickly.

"Ok then" Eli said, waiting for his father's words of wisdom.

"Err………well………" Rick tried to find some words, clearly struggling.

"Why don't you just say you love me, and you couldn't be happier that I have found someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with?" Eli tried.

Rick looked up- not quite believing that the chubby little baby he used to hold in his arms- was now a man……..about to start his own family.

"Exactly" Rick smiled, feeling a tear run down his cheek.

The two men didn't say anything else, instead Rick pulled his son into his arms; and held him for a long time………."thanks dad" Eli whispered, causing Rick to squeeze him tighter.


GRACE the first time I saw Eli? –Was at my first pep-rally.

Eli was playing basketball, and I remember seeing him walk out on the court- and, I swear, every single girl in that hall, held her breath- including me.

I developed a crush on him straight away………as did every other junior and senior- and even a few of the teachers if you ask me!

God- I remember passing him in the hall, his arm draped around a different girl every day- just wishing that he would look over and notice me, and the next day I would be the different girl………..

That day that our parents met in the office- I almost choked on my own happiness and nervousness………ya know, I still get that feeling every time he looks at me- - - I hope it never goes away.

Grace looked into the mirror, turning around slowly to examine her dress.

It was diamond white, Full Organza Skirt With Scattered Pink Flowers, had a sweetheart neckline- and because it was sleeveless, she wore long silk gloves.

Her hair, which had grown so long now- it was practically all the way down her back- had large, perfect, ringlet curls- and was loose, except for the sides which were pinned on top of her head with two diamond clips.

She wore little make-up- only a tinge of blush, mascara, and soft pink lipstick.

She smiled faintly- staring at herself in the mirror.

The white corset top accentuated her curves perfectly- but was just a little too tight.

"Sweety?" Lily ruffled the red velvet curtain- finding her way into the change room.

"Oh!" Lily gasped, looking Grace up and down.

Tears immediately began to fall- and the moment her mother started, Grace couldn't stop her own tears from cascading.

"Oh no honey- you're makeup!" Lily said, stifling her tears- she began to rummage through her purse, pulling out a few tissues, she began to dab at Grace's makeup.

"Do……….I………..look………ok?" Grace managed to croak, sniffing in between words.

Lily nodded enthusiastically "Like a princess!" she beamed, fixing her daughters hurricane-proof hair.

Grace smiled, while her mother fussed over her seemingly perfect dress.

"Mummy-" Grace croaked.

Lily stopped fussing, and looked at her daughter.

"I'm really happy" Grace smiled, more tears falling.

"Oh!" Lily tried blinking back her own tears- but couldn't stop them; "that's all I want for you!" she smiled.

Grace opened her arms, and Lily fell into them- while both women cried.

Just while their whimpers reached the peak- Jake came through the curtain, taken aback by the water works.

"Honey- you're on!" he smiled, trying to maintain composure while he looked at his beautiful little girl.

Grace nodded, and thumbed away her tears "please help me put my veil on" she asked her mother- who also composed herself…………..