Though we were all ten years older, it was just like old times in many ways. The three marriages appeared to be going strong, while Stephanie rarely let go of my hand the entire time, even while we were eating. I think she was still worried it was all a dream and I’d disappear again. I’d constantly squeeze her hand in return, or give her a soft kiss, reassuring her it was definitely real.
When we’d finished eating, everyone gathering around the table with a drink, I finally cleared my throat. I kept it simple. Taking the ring I’d kept hidden in the small pack I’d brought along, I got down on one knee in front of Stephanie. “I made a mistake of my own ten years ago, Stephanie. I credit the Legion with making me the man I am today. I needed to mature myself. If I was the man I am today back then, I’m sure I would have handled it maturely. We’ve both lived with regret for a decade. I don’t want to live with that regret any longer. I love you, Stephanie. I wanted a life with you then. I still want that life with you. Will you honour me by being my wife?”
She couldn’t reply verbally, making do with a smile and nod as I placed the second engagement ring on her finger. Then we kissed before hugging me tightly. “I love you so much,” she whispered, “I’m going off the pill straight away. I want our baby.”
“I love you too, sweetheart. And that all sounds good to me. I’m guessing we can get some practice in before the wedding.”
After another round of handshakes and hugs, I wasn’t surprised the four women were immediately planning. In fact, I learned rather quickly that Stephanie didn’t want a big bash for a wedding. She wanted something small and intimate. Close friends and family only. The only thing that mattered would be the fact we’d end the ceremony as husband and wife.
We quickly agreed there’d be no bachelor or bachelorette party, not because we didn’t trust each other, but there was no need for one. Instead, we enjoyed a party together, inviting the people who wouldn’t be at the wedding.
Stephanie and her friends organised nearly everything. I gave my opinion to any question asked, but although it was our big day, I was happy to go with most of her choices. I was just pleased Stephanie didn’t want anything to break the bank. The only major questions I asked were about what I was going to wear and then where we were going for our honeymoon.
“Legion dress uniform and France,” were her replies, “You were so handsome in the former, and I’d love to be escorted by my husband around the latter. Helps you’re fluent in the language so it’ll make things easier.”
“I speak some Spanish and Italian to a good level. And decent enough German.”
That made her smile. “So we can do a little European tour?”
“I missed out on doing Asia with you. So this is making up for missing that by doing our own little trip, just the two of us. Trust me, I was the Legion for ten years and could live off what I saved for the next decade and more probably.”
We married only three months after my proposal. It was a simple ceremony held in a park near our homes. My three best friends were groomsmen. Her three best friends’ bridesmaids. Our parents and extended families attended. At most another dozen or so guests. I was dressed as she requested, and noticed her face light up when she saw me. Her white gown was something else entirely. When she stood next to me, taking her hands in mine, it was the first time I could remember that I was on the verge of shedding a tear.
“If you cry, I won’t stop,” she whispered, hearing the shudder in her breath.
The vows were exchanged were simple before we both said ‘I do’. There was the traditional kiss, the taking of photo’s, then the car ride to the restaurant we’d be enjoying our meal. The reception, as it was, would be at my parents’ house. Stephanie would be moving in until we found a home for ourselves. We’d been searching online and were already putting out feelers. We both had more than enough savings for a deposit and could afford a mortgage with our joined salaries.
It would be awkward living at home until then, but rent money was dead money, and my parents insisted we live with them until we were ready to move into a home of our own.
Stephanie was able to get a month off from her work without a problem. Getting time off with mine took a big of negotiation, since I hadn’t even been there a year, but considering they’d been so keen to hire me in the first place, once I explained the whole story to my boss, he was happy to give me the time, though I wouldn’t have any holiday time available for the rest of the year. I assured him that was fine, and I’d put in more hours once I was back.