Chapter 9 - The First Anniversary
A full year slipped past with the kind of speed that only true happiness can afford.
The seasons turned from the bitter winter snows to the lush, vibrant blooms of Oregon spring, followed by the golden warmth of summer, and finally, the crisp, amber return of autumn.
On our first wedding anniversary, Owen and I didn't throw a massive party. We didn't need to. We drove out to the quiet coastal overlook where we had spent our first official date years ago, spreading a plaid blanket over the damp grass as the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the Pacific Ocean in shades of brilliant violet and gold.
"One year," Owen said, handing me a paper cup of coffee from our thermos.
"One year," I echoed, taking a sip and looking out at the endless expanse of water.
"Do you ever think about... that morning?" he asked gently, his eyes searching my face with tender care. "The bathroom floor? The sixty-eight empty seats?"
I smiled, setting my coffee cup down on the blanket and leaning my head against his shoulder.
"Every time I think about those sixty-eight empty seats, Owen, I realize something wonderful," I said softly. "If my mother hadn't sent that email, I would have spent my entire wedding day managing expectations, worrying about whether everyone was comfortable, and performing the role of the 'good daughter' for people who didn't actually know me."
I turned my face up to look at him.
"Because she cleared the room, the only people left standing in that church were the ones who loved me unconditionally. It wasn't a wedding disaster. It was the greatest gift she ever accidentally gave me."
Owen wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me tight against his chest. "You survived the worst she could throw at you, and you built something beautiful from the ashes."
My phone buzzed in my coat pocket.
May you like
I pulled it out, expecting a work notification or a text from Kyle. Instead, it was an automated calendar reminder I had set twelve months ago, titled simply: Anniversary of Independence.
I smiled, swiped the notification away without opening it, and turned my phone off entirely.
