Time

Chapter 20: South Africa

We waited at the altar on the beach, my parents on my left and Leah and Tom to the right of the priest. It wasn't a private beach or anything but it was secluded enough that the other beach goers didn't interrupt the romantic atmosphere set by the glow of the setting sun. And then, from the corner of my eye, I spotted Anya and Charlie - he said I can call him that - walking down the wooden steps emerging from the brush lining the beach. All focus was on her, I'll never forget how breathtaking she looked in the ivory white wedding dress flowing down to her knees and lace flowered sleeves decorating her arms. A dress I now recognized as a altered version of her mother's wedding dress.

I watched in pure ecstasy as she walked barefoot with her dad across the sand, as if in slow motion, and stopped in front of me. Her bright smile calmed my racing heart as Charlie kissed her cheek and gave me a approving nod.

I knew the priest was talking, but I couldn't for the life of me listen to his words while the most beautiful creature in existence is standing right in front of me and looking at me like I hung the moon. Her hair was pulled back and away showing off her beautiful face and sparkling deep green eyes. Anya and I agreed on not having a big formal wedding which explains my casual attire of a white T-shirt, black blazer and washed out blue jeans rolled up at my ankles revealing my bare feet to match Anya's. Instead, I thought about my vows... and tried to recall my words like I did while shaving this morning. I tried to picture my reflection and what I said to it, when I heard my name.

"Demitri?" the priest addressed "Your vows?"

I cleared my throat "Anya, you are the light of my life, my best friend and you have always held my heart. We've laughed together, we've cried together and we grow together. I loved you when we we're apart and I love you more with each passing day. I promise to stand by you as we face the world's tribulations like we always do, together. And at night, I promise to keep you safe in my arms as you dream"

I saw Anya's eyes sparkle with unshed tears "Demitri, years ago, you changed my life, by being no other than yourself. I love all I know about you and I can't wait do discover more about myself with you. There's not much we can say to each other that we haven't already said and there's nothing I can give that isn't already yours. Before you even knew it, I was already yours so I marry you with no hesitation or doubt. My love for you has always been absolute and I vow my commitment to you eternally. I promise to always be your biggest fan and partner in crime"

I couldn't help but feel all warm and loved at her vows "Do you Anya Harrison, promise to be a loving friend and partner in marriage, to trust and appreciate, respect and cherish, support, comfort and strengthen Demitri as you share in life's joys and sorrows? Do you vow to share in his hopes and dreams as you build your lives together?"

"I do" Anya answers without hesitation

"Do you, Demitri Evens, accept Anya as a equal partner, do you promise to choose her everyday both in words and in deed, do you vow to do the hard work in turning now into forever? Do you vow to honor her, to be her lifeline and her partner? Do you vow to share in her pain, strengths and weaknesses, directions and doubts until the final setting of the sun?"

"I do" I say while reaching for Anya's hands

"May we have the rings?" the priest asks with a smile

My dad hands me the ring I had engraved for Anya as Leah hands her the ring she has for me "In the presence of God and your loved ones, I bless these rings, as a symbol of your love, and commitment to each other. Demitri and Anya have pledged their love for each other. I now pronounce you husband and wife. May their bond radiate onto others, making their lives more beautiful because of it"

"Umm... You may now kiss your lovely bride" the priest whispers to me when I continued to stare at a teary eyed Anya with a goofy grin on my face.

Finally! I didn't hesitate in pulling Anya, my wife, into my arms holding her to my chest with one arm and cupping her face with the other had kissing her with all the tenderness and love I could muster. Behind my closed eyes I saw a flash go off and heard the resonating sound of cheers and clapping of... more than just our small wedding party. I couldn't care less about who was watching, I had Anya in my arms... always and forever.

We went back to our vacation villa to sign the necessary paperwork, take some photos and have some refreshments before heading to the local hangout for the party... it is New Year's Eve after all.

It was already past ten when we finally arrived at the campground square where the party was full blown. For a while we all danced with the other party goers... even though we didn't understand the music since most of the songs was in a different language. Even dad looked like he was enjoying himself. Soon most of the party goers made their way to the beach to watch the fireworks, we decided to stay and dance and catch up with our wedding party. Finally the DJ started playing the familiar sound of Ed Sheeran singing perfect. Anya and I swayed side to side as her head rests on my left shoulder and I incased her loosely in my arms.

"I love you Mrs. Evens" I whisper to her with a smile loving being able to call her that

She giggled softly "I love you too Mr. Evans. Forever and always"

This moment was perfect. Holding my wife as we swayed to romantic music and feeling Anya place soft butterfly kisses along my jaw and neck. The whole experience sent shivers down my spine.

"Come dance with me bestie!" Leah demanded, ruining the moment as the song ended.

I groaned as Anya is pulled from my arms and into the crowd by her female best friend. This is exactly why I don't go out with Anya if Leah is going to be there. I don't like sharing Anya's attention... not with anyone. Looking back at me Anya smiled at me apologetically and I returned it with my own warm smile. I watched contently as she danced with Leah and Tom before turning to dance with Charlie. I reluctantly took my eyes off her for a few moments to talk to mom and dad.

"Congratulations son. I'm glad you finally got your girl" dad started "I was starting to think my son was slow, what with how long you were taking to make your move Demitri" dad joked at my lack of 'take charge' approach

"Thanks dad, it's nice to know my own father had so much confidence in me" I say sarcastically. He only chuckled at my fake annoyance

"Julie and I always hoped you two would get together one day" mom declared her voice grew soft at the mention of Anya's mother "She would have been appalled at the lack of celebration though" she chirped jokingly

Mom went on and on about having a proper party once we get home from our trip but I wasn't so bothered. Everything was already perfect. I excitedly turned my attention back to Anya...

Panic.

In the time it took for our eyes to meet, he face paled, the color draining from her face, her eyes rolled back into her head as she collapsed on the ground.

My world... laid lifeless on the concrete floor.

Fear.

---------------------------------------------------------
A/N BOOM! A actual update at a decent time!!!

So unlike me😂

The photo is one I took in December at the actual place where they got married.

My happy place

Thank you so much for reading! Please make me smile by voting and leaving me a comment

Cyber hugs to all!🤗🤗🤗