Shannon Mayflower Pt. 20

The air in the small chapel hung thick with the scent of lilies and the hushed anticipation of the gathered crowd. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, painting kaleidoscopic patterns across the polished floor. At the altar, stood Arthur. He nervously adjusted his tie, his massive hands dwarfing the silk. He usually felt like he could handle anything, bench pressing buses and chopping down trees was easier than this. He glanced towards the entrance, his heart feeling like it was to burst out of his chest. Today was the day he finally got married.

He eagerly awaited for his fiance to walk through those door at the end of his sight and walk down the aisle. Every second felt like a minute and every minute felt like an hour to him. As his nerves reached a breaking point, the double door opened wide and there she was, Shannon Mayflower, gliding down the aisle.

She wasn't gliding, exactly. More like a graceful waddle, guided by her father's steady hand. Her dress, a delicate ivory creation, flowed around her in gentle waves, artfully concealing (or perhaps highlighting) the magnificent dome of her massive belly.

She was radiant. Her face, framed by soft dark blue curls, glowed with happiness and a healthy flush. Her silver eyes were brimming with tears of joy.

And that belly… Arthur could barely take his eyes off it. Three little lives shifted and squirmed beneath the fabric, a constant reminder of the incredible journey they were embarking on together. Triplets. Who'd have thought he'd be a father of triplets?

As she drew closer, Arthur could see the faint shimmer of moisture on her cheeks. Her father, a wiry man with eyes just like Shannon's, squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Finally, they reached the altar. Her father relinquished her hand to Arthur, a silent exchange of trust and love. Arthur swallowed hard, his voice thick with emotion.

Arthur: You look… breathtaking, Shannon.

Shannon laughed, a light, airy sound that instantly eased his nerves.

Shannon: I feel like a beached whale, but thank you, darling.

Arthur gently took her hands in his. His fingers, the size of sausages, completely enveloped hers.

Arthur: You are the most beautiful whale I have ever seen.

Shannon: (A giggle escaped her, and she leaned in to whisper) Just try saying that at 3 AM when I'm craving pickles and ice cream. (7///w///7)

The ceremony began. The minister's words washed over Arthur, but he was only half-listening. He was too busy gazing at Shannon, at the curve of her cheek, the sparkle in her eye, the sheer, undeniable love radiating from her. He thought about their journey together. How he, the gentle giant, who moved into the house next door to her and their first meeting was the scariest and most magical moment of their lives. He had been completely captivated by the elegant beauty and sweet spirit of this petite woman. How she had challenged him, comforted him, and loved him unconditionally despite being a complete stranger in a new country. How their relationship grew so quickly from him helping her around her house, completing chores for her that she could do anymore, to that fateful day when Shannon revealed her true feeling for him and how she wanted him to be the father of her unborn children. That was the biggest and greastest decision he has ever made in his life and he would never wish to change it.

-Do you, Arthur, take Shannon to be your lawfully wedded wife?

Arthur: I do!

-Do you, Shannon, take Arthur to be your lawfully wedded husband?

Shannon: I do!

-Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Arthur didn't hesitate. He carefully, gently, kneeled down and lowered his head and pressed his lips to Shannon's. It was a sweet, tender kiss, filled with a promise of eternal love for her and their family.

As he pulled back, Shannon's eyes were shining. She reached up and oulled him back down to kiss him again. She jerked back a little as she felt her babies move around in a burst of joy. She smiled and patted her belly.

Shannon: I think they approve. 💜