WestFiction- "The Best Thing" by Sue

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THE BEST THING

by Sue

Mark slowly opened his eyes and stretched out his arms and legs. He looked at the bedside clock. It was 9a.m. Mark smiled and rolled over. He got out of bed and went over to the window. The sun was shining and the sky was clear and blue.

Turning away Mark saw the suit hanging on the end of his wardrobe. He smiled again and felt the silky fabric. Today was his wedding day. This afternoon, at 2p.m, he would marry Rachel.

There was a knock at the door.

“Come in” said Mark.

The door opened and Oliver came in carrying a tray. Mark’s eyes widened as he saw the huge breakfast on the tray.

“A hearty meal for the condemned man!” Oliver joked.

Mark laughed and got back into bed. He rested the tray on his lap and started eating.

“Your mother is flapping about downstairs” said Oliver sitting on the bed.

“Something to do with a hat pin!”

Mark smiled. His mother had been going on for weeks about her hat.

“So” Oliver said “How are you feeling?”

“Nervous, excited, scared. You name it I’m feeling it” said Mark.

Oliver laughed.

“I remember it well” he said. “Marrying your mother was the best thing I ever did.”

Oliver’s face softened.

“That, and holding your first-born in your arms. There are no words to describe that feeling.”

Mark giggled.

“Steady on dad he said “We’re not even married yet!”

“You wait” said Oliver “You’ll know what I mean one day.”

Mark pushed the tray to one side. He got out of bed and went to kneel in front of his father.

“Thank’s dad” he said his voice breaking with emotion. “For everything.”

Oliver put his arms round Mark and hugged him tightly to his chest.

“I love you son” he said quietly. “I’m so very proud of you.”

Mark sniffed as the tears ran down his cheeks.

“I love you too” he said.

Oliver looked at Mark.

“Hey” he said “I thought it was the women that were supposed to cry at weddings!”

They both laughed and stood up.

“Right” said Oliver wiping his watery eyes. “You go and have a nice long bath. I’ll go and find your mother’s hat pin!”

Ten minutes later Mark was relaxing in a deep bath full of bubbles. He thought about Rachel. She was so beautiful she took his breath away. He loved her so much it made his heart ache. 2p.m. couldn’t come quick enough for him.

He thought about his dad. He hoped that when the time came he would be as good a dad as his own. He remembered all the times his dad had been there for him. Especially when the band first started and when he had met Rachel. It had beed his dad who had encouraged him to tell her his feelings. He shuddered at the thought that he could have lost her through his shyness. He remembered every one of their ‘father and son’ talks.

At 1:30 he was ready and waiting for the car to arrive to take him and Rowen to the church. His parents were about to leave. He kissed his mum, ducking under the large brim of her hat. She looked lovely. He turned to his dad and the two men hugged each other, careful not to squash their button-holes.

“Remember son” said Oliver “What we talked about this morning.”

Mark smiled and nodded. He watched as his dad gave his mum his arm and escorted her out to the car. He turned to Rowen who smiled at him.

“Ready mate?” asked Rowen.

“Yes” replied Mark “Let’s go”

They got in the car and set off for the church. Mark knew that today would be special.

It would be the best thing he ever did.

The End

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