The Best Years

Four years ago, I got up early on a Saturday morning.  I went to a salon with some of my closest girlfriends and had my hair done in a classy bun.  I went to Panera with the girls to eat a little brunch and then went to a beautiful outdoor garden.  I carefully applied my make-up, put on a sparkling white dress and had some pictures taken.  I got a rose and a sweet note from a cute guy.  I anxiously looked out the window at my friends and family arriving.  I made to sure to hide from the cute guy.

My dad came and said it was time.  We looked at each other nervously and waited for our cue.  I put my arm in his, reminded him of his line and we stepped out for all our friends and family to see.  But really, all the preparations were for the cute guy.

I had eyes for only him.  And I smiled, and I walked toward my future. 

Toward the one I would come to spend my days and nights with.

Toward the one I would take road trips with.

Toward the one I would watch LOST and theorize with.

Toward the one I would “quit” Mountain Dew with. At least 20 times.

Toward the one I would wake up in the middle of the night to pray for me when I had a bad dream.

Toward the one I would buy Fruity Pebbles for at the risk of the judgement of the cashier.

Toward the one I would cry with when our grandparents died.

Toward the one I would split dinner chores with—he to cook the meat.  I, the sides.

Toward the one I would go on walks with and one day get a puppy with.

Toward the one I would get annoyed with because of his(imagined?) ailments.

Toward the one I would ask every week, “If you were on American Idol, what song would you sing?”

Toward the one I would discover Yagoot and Zip’s Café and Boi Na Braza with.

Toward the one I would weep with over the loss our first baby.

Toward the one I would run half marathons with.

Toward the one I would compete with over who would get to use the bathroom first.

Toward the one I would have cheering me on to PUSH so we could meet our little girl.

Toward the one I would climb mountains with (and run from thunderstorms above treeline with).

Toward the one I would spend my life with.

The mundane, the fun, the beautiful, the heartbreaking, the exciting.

*****

The rest of that day four years ago was a blur.  Vows and kissing and cake and dancing and mingling.  Driving away in an overly decorated car as Mr. and Mrs. Royce Baker. 

 Toward the best years of our lives…

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