As the Dawn Breaks Read Free

of them waltz fluidly across the patio-turned-dance-floor for the first time as a married couple.
    Blanketed across the cloudless, midnight sky are millions of shining stars, glittering and glimmering as if the man upstairs himself added his own personal touch to the celebration. A tender love ballad resonating from large speakers strategically placed around the lawn serenades the dancing newlyweds along with the rest of the guests, who are all swaying slightly in their chairs as they gaze idyllically at the couple. I look around the expansive yard, in awe of how incredibly breathtaking the entire scene is. Twinkling white lights spiral tightly around the base of the palms scattered about as elegant azure and silver decorative fabrics flow freely in the night wind. Part of me is still in disbelief I’m even here.
    After the first dance, the emcee of the reception announces over the speaker it’s time for the customary father-daughter dance. Immediately, my heart clutches, assuming the guy’s unaware of Katrina’s family situation, but as she leaves Lucca’s side and walks over to where I’m sitting, I’m speechless and fighting back a slew of tears. Reaching out to me with her small, delicate hands, she helps me to my feet and drags me to the dance floor. My clammy palms grab ahold of her narrow waist as her slender arms lazily loop around my neck, and we begin to rock leisurely to the melody. For these few brief minutes in time, the rest of the onlookers blur into an out-of-focus backdrop, and it’s only her, me, and the years of memories we’ve shared together. Memories are all I’ll be left with after tonight.
    Never in her life has she looked more magnificent than she does right now. The traditional white wedding gown is stylish yet classy, hugging her curves perfectly. Her long blonde hair is tied back in a twist, but several rebellious strands cascade loosely around her face, and she’s only wearing enough makeup to accentuate the natural beauty she already holds. As I hear the song coming to an end, I press my thumbs further into her flesh and breathe her heavenly scent deep into my lungs, hoping to etch this moment permanently into my memory.
    On her tiptoes, she tenderly kisses my cheek and repeats the last sentence of my goodbye letter to her in a whisper, “I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I’ll love you tomorrow.” Then, spinning around with glassy eyes, appearing completely angelic with a halo of white lights radiating behind her, she floats over to her waiting husband.
    I leave the dance floor, immediately walking straight to one of the two bars set up in the yard, in desperate need of a stiff drink. The music has resumed and the guests are now watching Lucca and his mom dance in similar fashion; thankfully, their eyes are no longer on me. Seeing Katrina on her wedding day was reason enough for me to come here, but being included in the ceremony and now the reception has truly brought me the closure my heart so desperately needed.
    “Scotch, neat,” I request, leaning my elbow against the deep mahogany surface as I look out across the yard.
    “Yes, sir. Any specific label?” a young, female voice asks in return.
    I assumed there wasn’t much of a selection, seeing these are just makeshift structures, so I turn around to examine all they have to offer. However, instead of looking at bottles of liquor, I find my eyes locked on the face of a striking, young platinum blonde.
    “What do you have?” I inquire, my gaze unwavering.
    “Pretty much anything you like, sir. I’m sure I’ve got something that’ll satisfy your thirst,” she flirts back, unfazed by my stare. She’s a tiny thing, barely tall enough to rest her elbows up on the counter, and I’m instantly drawn to the vibrant self-assurance she carries herself with. A mischievous glimmer dances in her eyes, and the way her lips curve upwards into a wicked grin makes me want to kiss the corners of her mouth. I need a drink