"The Gift of Purity" Part II

And the story continues...

He thinks to himself, she must be the most beautiful bride and nods in confirmation.  He steps back, breathing such a deep sigh that he nearly trips over the step behind him.  He catches himself and his breath to realize she is about to approach him.  The pastor motions for him to step towards her, accepting his bride.  He wipes his hands one last time and steps forward with such anticipation that he nearly faints.  He bends down ever so gently…with drops of his perspiration joining her tears.  She is beautiful.   He leans forward, kisses her forehead ever so lightly.   He feels her breath on his neck, sending a tingle and sensation through his body he has never experienced.  He steps back and with one hand he lifts her chin and with the other holds her at the side as they turn to face the pastor.  His wait has only intensified with that simple kiss. 

Throughout the ceremony he sneaks glances at his beautiful bride, so as not to disrespect the pastor or God.  But…but…he can’t help it.  He has loved her for so long.  He has longed for her even more.  They agreed with their first kiss, to wait.  They would keep their relationship pure until their wedding night.  Many times it was difficult to close the door and leave.  He remembers the joy and relief in her face when he said “Of course I’ll wait, it is only you I need.  It’s only you I want.  And only with God’s blessing will I carry you into our home and our bed.”  From that day on, he hungered for her.  He would wait forever and he was glad today was the beginning of forever.

Finally, pastor had spoken the words they both had longed to hear, “I now pronounce you man and wife.  You may kiss the bride.”  He pulls her close with his left arm, nestling his hand securely around her waist and with his right brushes the ringlets from her face with a single finger.  Staring at the beauty before him, he waits to kiss her.  He whispers the words, “I love you.  I’ve longed for you and I’m even happier we waited.”  She looks to him, her tears begin and he knows she feels the same way.   He leans down and kisses her with more love and emotion than ever before.  She receives his love, returning it with single kiss on his cheek before they turn. 

As he walks along the side her leaving the church, he becomes overwhelmed with his emotions.  They receive their family and friends and pose for the traditional pictures.  They are introduced for the second time as the newly united couple at the reception.  He leads his bride through the guests to the center of the dance floor.  With a light kiss to her forehead he nods to the band.  And the music begins.  They dance as if no one is watching, their eyes unable to leave each other.  The music started slow, and then he realized something had changed.  It wasn’t the music but instead the lighting.   The sunlight had turned to moonlight.  He couldn’t remember when they left the reception.  All he knew for sure was he was dancing with his beloved on the balcony overlooking the lake.