I thought of things that could sabotage the wedding, I thought maybe someone had found out about the contract we both had. But it wasn't likely but then I thought of the combination of the most troublesome women I know;
"Oh, what the hell did our mothers come up with now?" I asked rubbing my forehead.
"Well, we have to practice the wedding kiss,"
"Wait, what? Why would we practice that?"
"Well, considering your genophobia,"
"That's a big word, Richard. Have you been doing research?"
"In my spare time, yes,"
"Well, look at that. I thought research was things you outsource," I chuckled.
"Not when it means a great deal to me,"
I paused for a bit. Take away his arrogance and childlike character, he was a really sweet man.
"Well, I wouldn't want you to hurt your head," I said and got a chuckle in return.
"Nita, come on. It's a big event, we don't want our private issues displayed on the front pages of the daily business news,"
"You mean a picture of me hyperventilating and crying from a kiss?" I said sarcastically.
"Trust me, it'll be better for both of us if we get this out of the way beforehand."
I sighed, rubbing my forehead again. He had a point.
"Fine," I muttered, not exactly thrilled. "When?"
"I'll come over in an hour. Don't run away, okay?" His tone was teasing, but I could feel the concern in it.
"Yeah, yeah," I replied, "I'll be here."
The call ended, and I sank back into my chair, my stomach churning and twisting. I was going to practice kissing...
An hour later, I was on the verge of calling him back and canceling but it was too late, he was at the door already. I opened the door to find Richard standing there looking as good as he always does holding a bag of ice cream.
"Always," He handed me the bag and stepped into the house while I shut the door.
I flopped down onto the couch. "so how will this work?"
He sat next to me, "You're going to be fine, Nita. Just trust me. We'll take it slow."
"ok, let's get it over with then,"
We both got on our feet and I turned to face him,
"Alright, let's start simple. You look at me, focus on my eyes. And just trust me. You don't have to do anything, just leave it all to me,"
I exhaled sharply, trying to relax, but my body was still tense. My mind flashed back to every attempt I had in the past and how every time, I would run away with my heart racing.
"Alright," I muttered, swallowing my nerves. "Let's do this."
Richard reached out and gently brushed my face, waiting for a reaction. I steeled myself to feel his touch, it felt like butterflies kissing my cheek.
I looked up at him, holding his gaze and trying to breathe, "Just a kiss," I thought to myself.
And then he leaned in, slowly, waiting for me to run away. But I didn't. I felt his careful movements, his warm breath on my face, and the moment his lips reached mine, I stepped back. My heart was racing and my breathing came in gasps.
"It's okay, it's okay, sweetie. See, I stopped. It alright,"
I was still breathing hard, feeling my hammering pulse. "I... am... so... sorry...,"
"It's fine, Love. It's fine,"
My eyes flew to his at what he called me. "Richard?... Do you love me?" I asked in a mocking but jovial voice.
"What?" he looked at me like I was crazy.
"You just called me love,"
"I... I ... was trying to help you relax," he stammered.
I laughed at his discomfort. "Richard, I was just teasing,"
"Okay, don't do that," he smiled.
"I think I have to figure this out myself, Richard."
"Okay. If you need me, I am just one phone call away."
I met his eyes once more, and I felt something. Butterflies in my stomach.
The wedding day was finally here. I couldn't believe I actually made it this far with all the madness that had happened in the past few weeks since I met Richard again. I was standing there in the church, my hair done perfectly, my makeup flawless, and my white dress flowing around me like I was some sort of goddess. I tried to look strong but to be honest, I was just trying to keep it together and not collapse.
I was surrounded by my mom, my dad and my distant cousin Nikky who was my bridesmaid. The church was filled with people and then I caught sight of Richard.
He looked absolutely stunning, not that I would allow myself to say so. He was standing there, in a perfectly fitted tuxedo, his hair styled immaculately, his gaze focused on me.
"It's time, Nita." My dad whispered to me, taking my hand in his arms. I straightened up, took a deep breath, and slowly began walking toward the altar.
Richard's eyes never left mine, reassuring and I felt calm. This was actually happening. My dad handed me over to him as we reached the altar.
As the priest spoke, my focus never left Richard. His reassuring smile, the way he held my hand. When it was time to say our vows, we repeated after the priest. Unlike me, Richard was confident as he recited the vows. He felt very sure of this new phase in our lives that had a lifespan of a year. We exchanged our rings and then I heard the words I was dreading...
"You may now kiss the bride."
I took a deep breath, my mind flashing to the hours I'd spent studying videos and reading articles about how to kiss; wiki how to the Rescue, and mortifying to say some porn sites.
Richard turned to me with an expectant look, and I gave him a reassuring smile. I can do this, I will do this, I kept saying to myself. He leaned in, and I remembered everything we talked about; Trust. Focus. Breathe.