Beauty walked in the same labyrinth garden where they were wed but with no tent. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.Beauty gave birth first to identical twin sons and then to a daughter five years later.
This time, she walked alone while her aged parents sat at the front with their grandchildren. White-haired Clyde sat beside his granddaughter.
She was still wearing the same wedding gown but went through the seamstress" hands to make wider sides.
Her sight went directly to the altar where bearded Clarence stood wearing the same black unexpected wedding outfit but the coat and trousers had have gone through the tailor as well. Her heart longed for him more. He was the man she gave her heart and love forever.
Their facial features hadn"t changed much, only some sign of mid-forties maturity.
Their smiles were radiant.
Clarence saw her sweet smile that didn"t change for years. The all smiling Beauty that made his heart beat faster and made him vow to make her his wife.
The relatives and close friends clapped as she walked the aisle with confidence.
Suddenly she overstepped her dress" seams and almost fell. Gasps and Ohs reverberated simultaneously. Clarence ran fast preventing her falling.
"Love, be careful. You walked this same aisle before and you wished me to run to save you?" He joked with flirty eyes and whispered in her ear. "Or you want a replay of our first night tonight?"
"Hey! Stop those jokes. The guests will hear you." She felt helpless after what happened as her eyes roamed around.
"Don"t worry, I"ll make sure I have enough stamina tonight." He snickered like there"s no one surrounding them.
Beauty couldn"t bear the giggles and waves of laughter from the audience. "Stop it." She pulled his coat.
"Come, my love." Clarence entwined their fingers and took her to the altar. "Today will be replayed in the next 25 years as well as long as we live. I made this promise 25 years ago and I"ll continue to keep my promise."
Beauty proudly looked at this man by his side. Marriage life was not easy. They had their share of fights and misunderstandings. She thanked G.o.d for this man who kept their marriage intact. His love for her never changed, making their love stronger in years.
She couldn"t believe she was still in love with whom she thought was orderly but disorganized in some ways.
She discovered his weaknesses and more strengths.
One night, when their daughter almost died in asthma, she saw how vulnerable he was. He was immobile for hours. She had to slap him to face reality, yet when he realized his stupidity, he took all the burden from her and became their strength as a loving father to their children.
When his parents had an accident and his mother died, he cried like a child and couldn"t think for days. Nonetheless, after he shed all tears, he became the pillar of the Peres" company, respect encompa.s.sed him. The board of directors allowed his father to retire from the chairmans.h.i.+p and accepted him without question as the new chairman.
She only saw his leaders.h.i.+p and skills during courts.h.i.+p but she now saw a man who"s weak emotionally but strong in spirit. Though he was not perfect, she could lean on him to walk hand in hand with her on the journey of life.
They renewed their vows.
Clarence kissed her for minutes and the guests had to continue clapping.
His heart soared in the joy that he met her on which he called unfortunate but destined circ.u.mstance. This woman in his arms moved him to travel far just to court her.
Beauty made him believe in love again. Her unselfishness, simpleness, and humbleness made him chose her over the other girls.
She was a submissive wife who loved him dearly, who waited asleep on the sofa almost every night, and shared his woes in his frailty. She never tired of loving him.
When a rumor began that he had another woman, her trust in him didn"t waver, though it was overwhelming for her.
One time, he blew for a mistake she thought she made. She stood with love in her eyes and said, "I"m sorry. Allow me to make it right." Later, he learned it was his fault after all and she still chose to keep it a secret to relieve him from more pressure. He couldn"t bear to let her receive the blunder, so he openly accepted the consequences and let everyone see how wonderful she was.
Oh, how could he measure up to what she has done for him? His heart swelled of pride for her.
When Clyde fell from his standing as chairman after Claire died, Beauty"s support strengthened Clarence to stand in behalf of their family. Without her unfailing encouragement, he couldn"t have earned the board"s trust.
Beauty wasn"t a woman without flaws. She was bad when it came to cleaning the house. She snored louder than him and moved in circles when she"s asleep. Her jokes were not funny at all. She gave him a silent war when he told her that. Thus, he promised to himself to laugh at her jokes no matter what. Her silence was his fault. Despite all these, her good points were greater.
In conclusion, he saw she was the best woman for him.
Clarence"s kisses announced to everyone how much he loved Beauty.
They gasped as he let go.
He looked into her eyes. "If there is another life after death, I still choose you to become my wife."
Her lips curved up and said, "I"ll b.u.mp on you again to make you notice and marry me."
"Please don"t give up on me when I"m no longer as strong as I am now," Clarence said with pleading eyes.
"I"ll always love you. Don"t give up on me as well if I"m no longer slim and s.e.xy and pretty."
"I married you not for that. I promise to always love you, my Beauty."
They kissed again.