ONE MONTH LATER

"I do."

As I said those words, Robert reached forward and pulled my hand forward, slipping the beautiful diamond ring he'd bought me onto my ring finger. I did the same.

"You may now kiss the bride."

As his warm lips hit mine, tears began to well in my eyes, but did not spill over onto my cheeks.

The celebration afterwards was spectacular. Our parents had collaborated to create a ceremony fit for a Martha Stewart magazine.

It was when we were cutting the cake that I first noticed him. He was hiding behind the first row of bushes that surrounded our beautiful outdoor setup. In his hands was a camera. I tried to ignore the fact that he was there. I straightened out my dress and cleared my throat loudly, taking a bite of my deliciously prepared cake.

The wine was brought out soon after. I glanced over at the bushes every once in a while, checking to see if he was still there. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him moving towards the house. He was going inside.

I stood clumsily, smiling and saying, "I'll be right back!"

I sped towards the house as fast as I could in my high heels. I smiled at the caterers and walked through the house.

"Craig!"

He spun around, smiling slightly, "Let's go upstairs."

"Fine. But just so no one hears us!"

I led him upstairs and into Robert's old room. I wasn't very familiar with it, but I'd been in it enough times to feel comfortable in it.

"Craig, why are you here?"

"Because I've missed you. I've missed you so much," Craig said, taking my hand and pulling me in.

His lips danced upon my, and for a moment I seriously considered pressing mine down and holding him in a passionate embrace. But then I remembered.

"I'm married," I said, pulling away.

"Baby."

"No Craig! I'm not letting you pull me in again. We were kids, Craig. We fooled around in high school. Big deal. It's over. How many times do I have to tell you?"

"Then why did you fuck me?" Came his reply.

"Excuse me?"

"You're not as happy as you could be, Manny. You went out for drinks with me because he wasn't there. Right? He wasn't there to hold you and appreciate you. Am I right? You love him, yes. But you will never love him the way we've loved each other. Ever. Do you want to be alone the rest of your life?"

I couldn't believe this, "What are you TALKING about? I went out for drinks with you because I wanted to catch up."

"That's a lie. You know it is. He'll never whisper your name like I do. He'll never hold you like I do. And he will never make love to you like I do," Craig said fiercely.

"Excuse me? He can make love to me any way he wants to, and I'll enjoy it SO much more than I ever would with an ass like you!" I spat.

"Please, Manny. Don't do this."

I felt a sharp pain in my chest. My heart was pounding so loudly I was afraid Craig would hear it. It hurt so much to do this.

"Get out. You've insulted me and everything we've had. Get out."

"Manny, please."

"Out."

"Manny.."

"If I have to hurt you I will."

With those words, he turned away. I felt as if I sharp knife had been driven into my chest. The tears began to spill from my eyes. Craig faced me again.

"I can't go," He whispered.

I stared at him, biting my lip. He stepped forward towards me and held my face. He leaned down and kissed me gently. The tears continued to spill down my face as I half-heartedly kissed him in return. My mind was numb.

As much as it killed me to admit it, Craig was right. I wasn't as happy with Robert as I had been with Craig that night.

Craig continued to kiss me all over my face. He worked his down past my jaw to my neck. He held me tightly to him. It wasn't until about five minutes past that I realized what I was doing.

"Craig!" I exclaimed, pushing him away, "I'm married! I can't do this!"

"Manny," He started.

"No. Goodbye, Craig."

I fled from the room, freeing myself from the sight of his beautiful eyes. I stopped in front of the mirror in the hall to wipe the tears from my eyes before returning to Robert and our families. I knew Craig wouldn't stay. He could show himself out.

"Hey baby," Robert whispered into my ear, kissing me gently on the cheek.

"Hey," I responded, giving him a quick kiss on the lips.

Throughout the entire night, my heart leapt every time Robert said something. As much as I didn't want it to be, my heart was broken. All I could see was Craig's face. Later, when Robert and I lay in bed, all packed up and ready to leave for Hawaii the next day, I wept silently.