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Darling.

No matter what I would say, you refused to budge. Calm, careless, you had taken up residence on the front lawn of the corner home, though I declined to join you. Instead, defiant, I remained faceted to the sidewalk and out of view from the living room window. I could have sworn each moment would be your last, as I waited for the homeowner to fly out of the front door, enraged by the idea of such a bold young lady. I loved it, though, to be honest, it said a great a deal about your character. Perhaps now I am questioning my hesitance, as it would have been special to have truly known you at that moment. But you eventually joined me again on the sidewalk, taking a rose from the garden on your exit from their lot, a souvenir of your efforts, or a reminder of my reluctance.

I remember this day very well, it plays over and again in my mind when the day is empty, and my thoughts are without purpose. These days, that front lawn and garden is bordered by a brick and steel fence, oddly aggressive in nature to chance passersby who simply wish to enjoy others property. I smile when my daily routine takes me in this direction, because the barrier seems so out of place! The roses are still alive and well, perhaps teasing those who cannot access them, beautiful in their age and permanence.

I think of the type of decisions I made, or did not make, 10 years ago, and perhaps the difference come of them, for better or worse. Maybe all that matters is that I now wish the same opportunity for my own children, that they might recognize something unique in another and pursue it. I am sure your child deserves the same? I have not been able to keep touch with you, besides the odd letter here and there which ultimately go unanswered. You must remember something about those days, don't you? Playing me Politik, your endlessly empty house, walks in the rain and your father calling at the most inopportune moment? I remember those days well.

Perhaps I am naive, to write you, to care about letters and words as we once did. The truth is, Darling, I lost much of you 8 years ago, I destroyed much of our original correspondence for something which had not yet been allowed to come about being. A failure on all accounts, to be sure, if only to see what has come of us since we took our absences from love. I don't know what you are doing now, but part of me still believes your mind is beautiful, and your words are sincere. I hope this letter finds you well, just as calm and confident as you always were.

-Tony

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Dearest.

Today we begin something new, a life together. Do not mention the time, the day, the place, think only of the time, days, and places to come. A promise, if you will, and our mark in life, this is the oath I support and my wish, that we might share our troubles and love, unblemished, without regret. Recognize my words, my hand, I will speak to and touch only you, Dearest, there will never be reason for doubt or question. I will define my character on principles and logic, perhaps hesitant, at first, though I will always pursue a higher purpose and I will never make you wonder of my sincerity. Have faith, patience, and purpose, Dearest, I believe we can do no wrong together.

It is a warm evening, though the wind is bound to pick up sooner or later. I see you are shy, quiet and thoughtful, and I could not honestly say that I am not overwhelmed with the day's events. Our picture on the Kema Boardwalk is simple, and genuine, I am glad we took the time to take it. For all that we know we missed out on, the flowers and friends and family, I believe our treasure will be great, a somewhat mishandled tribute to our independence and potential. Where do we go from here? Who do we tell, where do we live, how do we work? Who can really know...I will be honest, there was a great deal of life which brought me to you, Dearest, and I cannot begin to imagine the journey we are embarking on, together. The anticipation you have brought to my life is nearly indescribable, I love you and love you for it.

I am watching you now, soft heels, white dress, red flowers coaxing your dark skin, holding back your smile but radiant regardless. My wife. You are the story of my being, and our existence as a pair will impress itself on others. It is easy to see we are newlyweds, our rings only recently exchanged and awkward on our fingers...but they fit well. I am proud to answer the wait staff when they inquire as to our relationship, happy to look across the table at you, excited, exhausted, and perhaps ready for a celebratory drink. Cheers to our marriage, to our love and compromise, because we bring out so much good in the other. Cheers to us!

This letter has been written with some degree of distraction, as it is difficult to take my eyes off of you and perhaps even more difficult to restrain or channel my thoughts. The words put to paper here will be a mere reminder of all that took place on this amazing day, and of all that can now be possible because of it. I can think of nothing more perfect than this moment, looking at you sitting across from me, against a backdrop of the marina at midnight. I am overwhelmed with my fortune for being in love with you.

-Tony