"What is it you don't want me to see?" Andrea was asking Gina; her face with a puzzled look. I'm sure they had seen everything of each other's before. It wasn't either of their birthdays. Nothing like a holiday, or an anniversary.....
The answer, more than the question haunted me. I was there, only to assist Gina in this surprise. Gina could have gotten anyone to bring Andrea to the party. But she insisted I do the honors.
Gina was dressed in a long black flowing gown, that was hugging her body. Back out. Hair pinned up in a bun, with dainty curls swirling down her neck. Not baddd... But, this was my buddy. I took my little notions, and stuffed them into the back of my mind. I watched, as Gina's eyes met Andrea. They always lit up. Like they were meant to be.
I watched, as Gina took her girl by the hand, led her over to the table where she had a cake lit. One candle. She carefully undid the scarf that I had tied around Andrea's eyes.
She kissed her eyes. She kissed her hands. She pulled her to her. They kissed. For probably longer than I had intended to stand there. Sigh.
One kiss lasted for what seemed like 10 minutes. I was clearing my throat. Andrea didn't seem to notice. Gina waved me away with her hands.
"Should I leave you two alone? I mean I did what I came to do. I can excuse my own self."
They broke lip contact, but, not their body contact; and shyly looked at me....trying to straighten up. But, I knew they were in romance mode, and I was an intruder. I began to feel uncomfortable. I looked down at the ground, trying not to blush.
'Nooo, don't be silly. Your presence was requested here, just as my lovely lady's was. It is her love that has brought us here, to this place and time.'
Gina turns to Andrea, with tears streaming down her face. I know she isn't gonna........
'Andrea, I love you. Seems I've always loved you. I lived my whole life waking up each morning, hoping I would find you. I smelled you in my dreams. I touched you so many times, even before I knew where you were. When I'm near you...I become lightheaded. I become silly, and weepy. My vision is much clearer. I no longer wonder about tomorrow since I found you, to build all my hopes with.
In front of God, my best friend in the world, and the minister in the other room; I ask you, will you spend the rest of my life with me? Will you make me the happiest woman in the world, by saying yes?'
As she was speaking, the minister walked into the room, with a Bible clutched in her hands, looking like she was whispering a prayer. I remembered her from the church I attended with them, from time to time. I loved how they were able to worship together. She walked over between them, and stood silently.
Andrea, stunned, obviously, gathered her breath enough to answer, "Gina. Whewwww. We have come a long ways. I don't remember asking for you. I was content taking whatever God sent my way, knowing I would be able to handle it, with His help. I made so many mistakes, Baby. And meeting you, I felt like God was smiling on me, and giving me a second chance to get it right. Nooo, I never imagined saying these things to a woman. I have to be honest.
But since I met you, I've learned not only to respect the power of love; but, I have learned that you can't help who you love. All my days are now complete, when I'm with you. I wake up to see what the day holds for us. another chance to love.
In front of God, and these people...I give you my heart."
The minister smiled. Gina reached in her pocket, and presented a set of gold bands. I know I'm not going to cry. 'Sniff'
As the minister said the vows, which were short, because they had already said their own; I tried not to cry. But, everyone was tearing up. It happened so perfectly. taking the chance that Andrea would say no, is not something I woulda done. They exchanged rings, kissed, and blew out the candle. That one little candle. Representing the first day of the rest of their lives
..................
I guess they been around each other long enough to know...when it's the right time.
