The Nervous Groom

The wedding is held at The Gables. A vineyard located on rolling hills overlooking a valley. The ceremony is set in an open-air pavilion adorned with floral arrangements. White chairs line up to face an elegant altar. The wedding march is being played by a string quartet.

Brenda is radiant in a classic gown. Its silhouette is sleek, with a subtle train. The gown is a creamy ivory. Embellished with delicate lace patterns. Her veil is a fine tulle. Landed perfectly on her head. A simple yet elegant tiara holds it in place. In Daren's eyes. Brenda is a vision of perfection. A goddess walking towards him.

Daren fixes his tie as he looks in a mirror, feeling his nervousness building up. He can't believe that this is it, the day he's been waiting for, the day he will marry Brenda. The love of his life.

He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "You can do this Daren. You love her. She loves you. Everything is going to be fine." He tells himself.

He still can't believe it. How a man like him can get a woman like Brenda. A beautiful, smart, successful woman who could have anyone she wants, yet she chooses him regardless. Daren still remembers when they first met. The company he works for, Morgan & Morgan, was holding a fundraising gala for a women's writing retreat, and he was there as part of his job. It was your typical palm greaser and networking kind of event, something that beyond routine and boring. That is, until Daren saw Brenda. He never really believes in the whole love at first sight nonsense, until he saw her, and everything else faded away.

As Daren glances at his best man, he remembers his friend telling him to ask Brenda out right there, right then, no excuses. But Daren was too nervous to do that, especially not in the kind of situation he was in. So, instead, he just stared at her, from a distance, for the entire night, hoping she will come talk to him first. Of course, he did realize the chances of her coming to him was slim, as he's just one of the many suits that she was being paid to attend.

It wasn't until later that he noticed she was no longer at her table. He started to look around, wondering where she had gone. And that's when he saw her. In the hallway, surrounded by three men. Clearly, she wants none of the attention, and clearly, the three men disagree.

Serendipitously, as if fate itself christen their meeting, she has her eyes on him and vice versa. Thinking on her feet, she's somewhat loudly calling the word honey to Daren, much to the surprise of the men, Daren included. Then she walked right past them and grabbed his hand, quickly making an exit. Leaving the three men in confusion and disappointment. Once on the other side of the venue, Brenda started to apologize for her actions, explaining he's the first decent looking guy she spot, and that him being quite built physically is helping to sell the whole thing. Daren, feeling millions of things at once, gives out a sheepish confession that he was looking for a chance to talk to her too, but quickly defend himself to not being lumped with the three idiots from earlier. Brenda was surprised by his honesty, yet find herself warming up to him as the conversation flows.

Long story short, they ended up at a small pub nearby after the event. And that's where everything starts. From that night onward, they've been together. Their first kiss was something else, something so right, so perfect, it was like the whole world just stop for them. She said the same thing too, that it's just so good to finally be with someone that makes her feel like that. Everything feels like it happened in the blink of an eye, yet every memory is still as fresh as yesterday. Now, here he is, a year later, ready to marry her. His hand trembles slightly, his heartbeat accelerates. He feels like a teenager again, getting ready for his first date. Only, this is much bigger. This is the biggest day of his life.

"Man you look so pale, relax bro you're marrying the love of your life, not getting to war." His best man, Jake, laughs as he sees Daren looking at himself.

"Thanks Jake, that makes me so much better," Daren say sarcastically.

Jake just laughs it off and continues adjusting his suit, "Yeah, well just don't forget to say your vows, and don't trip over your own feet, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. I got it. I got this." Daren nod, taking a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves again. His mind wanders back to Brenda. He still remembers the moment she accepted his proposal. It was just another Tuesday evening, and they were sitting in the very bar they go to after the fundraiser. He had planned it for weeks, wanting everything to be perfect. He was so nervous he could hardly eat, but Brenda was her usual self, chatting away about her day. How her eyes lit up when she talked with so much passion, making her face practically glows. That's the moment he knew. He was going to marry this woman. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. Brenda stops talking and looks at him, her expression changing from curiosity to shock, then to pure joy. She said yes without even looking inside, but of course he opens it anyway, revealing the ring he picked out just for her. It was the most beautiful ring he could find, a simple yet elegant design that suits her personality. He remembers how his hand shook as he put it on her finger, how his heart swelled with love when she kisses him. The next thing he practically remembered is that the whole bar is cheering and clapping for them.

That day feels like a dream, and it still feels like it now. A dream come true. He smiles, feeling warm inside just thinking about it.

"Alright bro, you ready to go out there? Everyone's waiting for you." Jake says, patting his shoulder.

"Yeah. Let's do this." Daren say, taking one last look in the mirror before heading out.