Part 18: The End is the Beginning

I didn't know what to say; I was dumbfounded. An awkward silence ensued. After what seemed like an eternity, Sid finally broke it. “I know what you're thinking, and yes, it is Jeffrey's ring. I know that it's a bit of an odd choice, and I actually did go out and buy you a new ring, but I ended up returning it. I chose to give you this ring because I was thinking about what you said about loving more than one person at the same time. Jeffrey was an important person in your life, and he'll always be a part of you, but so will I.” By the time he was done he was sweating profusely. I could see how hard this was for him, I'd never seen him like this before.

“Sid, that’s so...sweet.” I said, hoping to calm his fraying nerves. “More than a little weird, for sure, and certainly nontraditional, but still very sweet.”

“I can buy you a new ring, Lennie. You don't have to lie to make me feel better.” He told me. “I won't be offended.”

“No, Sid.”

“I did make one change.” He said. He got back up onto his feet and handed me the ring. “Look on the inside of the band.”

Hesitantly, I took the ring from him. Engraved in letters so small that they were barely legible were three words: A Little Push. I was overcome with emotion. “You didn't!” I exclaimed. Sid grinned again. “I wanted to add my own touch.” He told me. “I love it.” I whispered. “But I love you more.”

Beaming with pride, Sid slipped the ring onto my finger. “So,” He asked again. “Will you marry me?” I laughed breathlessly. “Yes.” I said. “Yes, I will marry you,” And then he swept me off my feet and kissed me passionately.

Eleven months later I, Eleanor Schuyler Hill, married my best friend turned soul mate Sidney Beck Somerset. Melanie, being my own real girlfriend, served as my maid of honor. I didn't have any other bridesmaids.

My wedding was held at our park. My father wanted us to be married in a church, and in protest he refused to pay for the wedding. Melanie generously offered, and I will forever be indebted to her. Unfortunately for me, that meant she got free reign over all aspects of the planning. She even picked out my dress; a princess style dress that I would have never chosen for myself. I secretly hated it, but I didn't protest. Besides, the dress wasn't the reason I was getting married. I was never the girl who fantasized about her wedding day. To me, nothing else besides Sid and I and our future together mattered.

Sid's career was starting to take off, and so was mine. He'd landed a job working for an up and coming weekly news site, and I’d been hired as a reporter for a relatively small televised news program. They weren't exactly our dream jobs, but they were a drastic improvement from our old ones. We even moved out of our apartment! Our new jobs paid enough that we were able to move into a beautiful, if small, house in a much nicer, safer neighborhood. It was in a good school district too, which was good considering I was pregnant. I learned of my pregnancy just over a year after Sid and mine's one year wedding anniversary. Our parents, even my dad, were beyond thrilled. Melanie told me that the baby could call her 'Auntie Melanie.' I wasn't really surprised by her eagerness regarding our baby. Since Jeffrey had never had children, our child was the best she was going to get. I didn't mind, either; I welcomed her enthusiasm. It would be nice to have a babysitter I could trust. We've already decided on names, if it's a girl her name will be Sydney Hill Somerset. If it's a boy we'll name him Sidney Jeff Somerset. Sid and I were both hoping for a boy. No matter what parents say, they always have a preference. If it does turn out be a girl, Sid says she'll be just as tough as her mom.