Officiality 

He waited for her at the end of the dock surrounded by fireflies and moonlight. A few candles lit the edges, highlighting the water below.

In the distance, he could make out car doors slamming. She has arrived.

He remained rooted in his spot, watching with bated breath as she stepped onto the dock followed by two guards.

She stopped, turning to talk to the men who followed her. They bowed their heads and disappeared back into the night. Then, she began her walk to him.

Her curls bounced as she walked, the free tresses framing her face as the rest sat on top of her head in a bejeweled bun. The dress that hugged her curves began with a sweetheart neckline and ended in a straight skirt covered in a fluffy trim. All traditionally white except for the silver chain that fell from her neck to her breasts and had a shield with an engraved middle ages’ lion. A pendant she had always admired and wore whenever the mood suited her.

He wore a classic black tux with a fresh haircut and cologne she always adored. A fresh, clean look with a bit of color from the rings he wore.

“You look handsome.” She ran her hands down the front of his suit.

“And you look…” He trailed off, letting his gaze wander over her, memorized.

She smiled at his speechlessness.

“I’ve never known you to be speechless.” He licked his dry lips, still not speaking. “Now, you’re beginning to worry me.”

“Sorry.” He took both her hands in his own. “Everything feels the same, yet different.”

“It’s better, then?”

“Much.” He kissed her knuckles.

“Then, why do you seem so morose on a night like tonight?” She soothed the furrow in his brow. “So tense, love.”

“Because I’ve never wanted something so much before in my life.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out her ring. “When they approached you at your event and out on the street, I was angry. How dare they ruin your happiness? So, I sought to take of it without stifling you, though I did lie-“

She ran a thumb over his bottom lip, stopping him. He gathered his thoughts at the chance.

“Sorry.” He cleared his throat and continued, “when you were attacked in the lab, I was angry, no doubt about it. But, I was terrified. You were steps from your office, inside a facility I believed to be secure-“

“It is secure.” Her words didn’t stop him.

“And to know that, had me scattered brain all day long.”

“Now, you know how I feel about you.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

“Yeah, but I have guards.”

She let out a hefty sigh and surrendered, “alright, two guards to ease your mind.”

“Thank you.” He pulled away to get back on track. “I love you. I want everyone to know that I’m permanently taken by a wonderful woman. I want to wear the ring with you.”

“As long as you’ll have me.”

“I do and always will.” She took his ring, a plain, titanium band with two steel ropes wrapped around in the middle and a single diamond embedded.

“Then, I will always have you.” He waited patiently for her to collect herself.

“Generally, there’s a veil to lift…” He teased a curled lock of hair.

“Didn’t like anything at the store…” She grabbed his hands, holding them between his own.

“Will you have me? To forever hold? Through the best and the worst?” His audible gulp made her smile.

“Absolutely.” Her conviction made him smile and he slipped her ring onto her finger. A simple silver band of rubies.

She repeated the questions back to him.

“I do.”

She merely grinned, cupping his face to pull him in for a dizzying kiss.

Just beside the two, tied securely to the dock, was a small boat lined with lights. It had oars just inside.

He helped her down, careful to not ruin her dress and situated herself on the velvet seat.

“You really didn’t have to…” She covered her mouth, poorly hiding her smile.

He rowed them across to where another dock lited by candles awaited their arrival. Once more, he helped her out before sweeping her off her feet.

Her grin never faded as they entered the cozy lodge and she kicked off her heels as soon as the bedroom door came into view.

“Still have to make it official, right?” He kissed her nose as she laughed and slammed the door shut behind them with the toe of his foot.