Free Between the Lanterns by J.M. Bush Page A

thanks in part to some of August’s contributions. He never really thought about the ramifications of improving these machines. He just saw a problem and tried to solve it.
    His surprise for Samantha in place, August stood and waited for his bride-to-be. She had not let him see the dress before the wedding. August was glad of that because now there was a sense of mystery to go along with his anticipation to marry the love of his life. Suddenly the music started, and people turned their heads, waiting to catch a glimpse of the bride.
    Samantha took a deep breath and stepped out into the courtyard of the vineyard. She saw the audience turned back to look at her, and felt her face blush with embarrassment. Samantha’s gaze drifted further and settled on August, who was more breathtaking than Sam had imagined. He had insisted that she not see his tuxedo or him in it. He had only done so to tease her because she had set those same rules for her dress, but now she was glad he had insisted.  
    She was already happier than she ever believed possible, but at seeing him in that nicely cut tux with tails and a very handsome ivory vest and tie, she was filled with even more love and anticipation. She wanted to hold him and have him hold her. She wanted to feel his heartbeat against her cheek. At that moment, Samantha never wanted to stop holding August… and then she looked above his head, and her knees went weak. The Bride began to cry tears of endless joy. Samantha didn’t care if she was holding up the ceremony or making a scene. She lost control right there on the bed of roses that covered the aisle.  
    When Sam walked out, August’s heart exploded with light. He had never seen a person looking more radiant in his life. Samantha looked more breathtaking than he had imagined possible. Her dress was a Renaissance style, and she resembled a princess from an ancient legend. It was an ivory color that matched exactly with his vest and tie. He had no idea how they had matched unintentionally, but it was perfect. It’s how their entire relationship had always been;: filled with fortuitous circumstance.
    August could barely breathe with the sight of her looming in his vision. He noticed her look up and see the surprise he had added at the last minute. When she began to cry profoundly, August could not control himself, and he wept along with her. It was a cry that came from deep within his soul, and it was a gift to Samantha.  
    He didn’t care if anyone judged him for crying. He didn’t care if they were holding up the ceremony. It was their wedding, after all. August just wanted to hold her, and for Samantha to hold him back. He wanted to kiss the top of her head, and the back of her neck. He wanted to smell her hair and nothing else.
    Samantha started walking again and then broke into a run. She collided with August in front of their gathered friends and family. She kissed him deeply to shocked gasps, and even a few oohs and ahhs.
    “Are those our lanterns, sweets?” she asked breathlessly.
    “The very same, love,” August answered, grinning from ear to ear. “The ones from down at the end of West Main Street.”
    “How… how did you get them? Have you been drinking? Are you going to jail?” sShe asked, concealing a smile.
    August laughed, and answered, “No, Sam, I’m not going to jail, but I did have a few sips of muscadine wine. Let’s just say there are two perfectly good and newly repaired replacements floating above people’s heads on West Main.”
    “It’s amazing, August,” Samantha said. “It’s… perfect. It’s us.”
    “I couldn’t go through with this unless we had our lanterns,” he said, shrugging. “Everything important that has ever happened to me happened between these lanterns. I intend to continue that tradition for the rest of our lives together. When we have babies, when we have anniversary dinners, when I hold you in our home, it’ll be between the lanterns.”
    “I couldn’t agree