“’tis the least I can do. Oh, and here's something for you to open later.” I watched Dale trying to be covert as he handed Colin an envelope, which Colin slipped in his back pocket with a smile and a nod before turning and approaching me and Layla.
“Mind if I hug the maid of honor?” Colin cleared his throat and handed us each a handkerchief.
“Yes, of course. I should go say thank you to Dale anyways.” I let her go and gave Colin a quick kiss before heading over to Dale. I decided not to ask about the envelope. Surely, Colin would clue me in later.
The closer I got to him, the more tears that threatened to spill over and obscure my vision. “How can I thank you?” was all I could say. He stood up and wrapped me in a brotherly hug and the floodgates busted open.
“Now, stop that blubberin’. I can't have my sister lookin’ all teary eyed and makeup ruined on her wedding day.” That only made the tears fall harder. It was the first time he called me his sister. I always knew I was like family to him, but today he voiced it. I couldn't have been happier.
“Okay. Enough with hugs and mushy stuff. Let's eat.” Isaac broke through my tears with his boisterous levity.
“Yes, let's eat and celebrate.” Colin walked over to Isaac, clapping him on the back.
In turn we grabbed plates and food and sat at one of the larger tables clearly set up for us. We ate, laughed, and talked. Dale gave a little brotherly speech hinting that if Colin broke my heart, no one would find the body. Layla tried to give a speech, but for once was speechless.
Colin stood up. “Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You all mean so much to us. And I know I can speak for both of us, just this once”—he winked—“we are truly grateful and love you all.”
Everyone held up glasses. “Here, here!”
“Cheers,” and the clinking of glasses responded. The night continued with small talk, laughter, and celebration.
Colin stole me away from some patrons who were talking my ear off and pulled me to an empty spot by the jukebox and chose “Bed Of Roses”.
He pulled me close and began swaying as Jon Bon Jovi’s sultry voice could be heard over the bar noise.
I'm not sure if someone put the song on repeat or if time just slowed in his arms. I laid my head on his chest. I so didn't care. I was happy.
Chapter 12
Life was bliss to say the least. Colin moved into my simple one-bedroom apartment and we began navigating the new terrain of living together as well as husband and wife.
Then the dreaded day we tried to ignore came: November 10th. Deployment orders. We knew eventually they would come, but still, it was a jolt back to reality when they finally did.
The knowing of when they’d head out didn't make it easier to accept. In fact, things got a bit frantic as holiday season was coming up. So certain places on posts would have limited hours until after the new year, then it would be a mad house trying to fit everyone in for the various logistical things all soldiers had to deal with prior to deployment: POA—power of attorney— forms, wills, bills, vehicles, and who knows what else.
“This is why I love you.” Colin grinned as I listed everything we needed to get done before the February 10th deployment window.
“This is the only, only reason you love me, cuz I need to organize things in order for me to not stress over what needs to be done. Really?” I was mockingly scolding.
“Okay. Part of the reason I love you.” He winked at me.
“What can I say? I like to feel in control as much as I can.” I shrugged my shoulders.
Over the weeks leading up to Christmas, we tried to deal with as many of the items as possible so we wouldn't be rushed like everyone else.
Thanksgiving was spent with Dale and Layla at the bar. We went to Colin’s company Christmas party, but left as soon as we could to go to our favorite park. Our walks were the best. No matter the frigid temps, those moments were warm and perfect.
And before I realized it, December 21st was only a couple of days away and it dawned on me Colin's birthday was that day. Layla and I were planning on Christmas shopping later that afternoon. So I decided to go birthday shopping then too.
But what do I get him?
I had been trying to think of what to get him for Christmas for days as it was. But nothing came to mind. I didn't want to get him only things he needed for deployment. I wanted to get him something from the heart. I continued picking up around the apartment before heading to get Layla.
Damn, I still have no clue. Maybe Layla can help, I thought as I closed and locked the door.
“Girl. We have been all over this mall. What are you looking for?” Layla plopped herself on the chair in one of the seating areas at Opry Mills Mall. She was clearly exasperated by me dragging her through the mall. We hadn't really visited many stores, maybe three or four.
We really had been walking the halls of the mall. She would point to one and say, “What about checking out this store? Or what about here? Or maybe here?” Most of the time, I barely glanced and shook my head. How could I not know what to get my husband? Not only for Christmas but his birthday too.
“I don't know. Something that
