The death of both my parents in quick succession made me think about my own life. I decided that it really is important to live every day as if it's your last. So I decided then and there that I wouldn't wait any longer to marry the love of my life. I talked to Kathleen and we booked the venue and bought our outfits. She agreed with me that we shouldn't wait a moment longer. We all needed something happy to cheer us up after the past few weeks.
And soon enough the day came round. I hadn't felt like having a bachelor party and my best buddy didn't push it this time. We only invited a few close friends and family to the wedding and it was quiet and intimate as we had wanted. I had even convinced Kathleen to have the wedding in the outside area. When I saw Kathleen walk down that aisle in her pure white dress, I smiled the biggest smile that could fit on my face. All eyes were on us as we gazed into each others eyes and the ceremony began.
We said our vows, me with a tear in my eye, and exchanged rings. It was almost perfect, the only thing that would have made it completely perfect, was if Mum and Dad had been there. But I know they were watching from above, and it finally made me feel at peace with myself about my promise to Mum.
And those words "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." couldn't come soon enough. Kathleen and I embraced and held each other under the flower arch. At that moment all I could see in the world was Kathleen. No one else. No scenery. Just my beautiful wife.
After the wedding, I took Kathleen out for a fancy meal. I hadn't wanted a big reception and Kathleen had loved the idea of a quiet romantic meal. It was a wonderful evening and we got to talk about a lot of important things. Harry had gone to stay at his half-brothers house for the night. Sam had offered to look after him whilst we enjoyed our first night of marriage. Seeing as we couldn't afford a honeymoon and I didn't think it would do any harm for Harry to get to know his half brother, I took him up on his kind offer.
After the meal, Kathleen and I went home and enjoyed having the house to ourselves. It was the perfect end to the best day of my life.
It wasn't until a few days later that Kathleen became unwell. She started being sick every morning. I worried about her but she just palmed me off with her excuse of 'women's problems'. It went on for a while before Kathleen went to see a doctor and we received some unexpected news. Kathleen was pregnant. We hadn't been trying for a baby but I must admit, we hadn't exactly been trying too hard to prevent it either. I was speechless as Kathleen explained to me that I was going to be a Dad.