Dinner Party - Part 12

 

The sun was setting over the park as we walked hand in hand. The trees were starting to turn shades of orange and red, signaling that autumn was approaching.

As we passed by a bench, Peter stopped and gestured for me to sit down. We both took a seat, facing each other.

“This is where we sat on our first date,” he said with a smile.

I looked around, taking in the beauty of the park. It was hard to imagine that just a few days ago I had been Jacob, a teenage boy struggling with school and social life.

But now, sitting here as Marion with Peter by my side, it all felt so surreal.

“You know,” Peter’s voice brought me back to reality, “I always knew I wanted to marry you after that first date.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words.

“And now here we are, ten years later,” he continued, “It hasn’t always been easy but I wouldn’t want to go through this journey with anyone else but you.”

“Happy anniversary,” he said as he leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips.

“Happy anniversary,” I replied, returning his kiss.

We passed by the pond where Peter and Marion used to feed the ducks. Peter chuckled as he remembered how Marion had accidentally thrown an entire loaf of bread into the water, causing chaos among the birds.

“I can’t believe I did that,” I said with a laugh, “I must’ve been so nervous.”

“Yeah, you were adorable though,” Peter replied with a smirk.

The laughter faded, replaced by a tender silence as we watched the ducks paddle around. I felt a strange mix of nostalgia and warmth swelling within me, understanding more about Marion’s memories and experiences with Peter as we shared this moment.

“Do you remember our wedding?” Peter challenged me, his gaze distant as he reminisced.

“Of course,” I replied matter-of factly, trying to channel my inner Marion, “You were so handsome in your tuxedo.” 

He laughed softly, shaking his head. “And you were a breathtaking bride. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

I could feel my cheeks flush under the weight of his words. It was both exhilarating and terrifying to be on the receiving end of such adoration. Marion had reveled in these sweet moments, and whether I was prepared for it or not, I found myself savoring them too.

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