Ramsey

“Today we’re throwing this special party for our very own Lt. Monica Bradford, formerly Carrington, formerly of the 33rd Fighter Wing, and her husband Ramsey,” Colonel Jim Marshall says, to the large crowd gathered around us in the airfield.

It’s just like when I first met Monica. Except now, there are no rude comments or snickers from fellow service members. Now there’s applause, because they’re congratulating us.

“Thank you all for coming to celebrate with Monica and Ramsey, and to honor Lt. Bradford for her service after her retirement.”

The F-35 Lightning II jet stands behind Colonel Marshall in all its glory. Everyone has come to a reception in honor of Monica’s service and also our marriage.

We weren’t able to have our own big fancy wedding reception because our budget was tight, but that’s fine, because we’d rather spend the money on James, who is right here in Monica’s arms. But I pulled some strings to give Monica the kind of party I thought she deserved, and Colonel Marshall was eager to make her happy because he had always been so impressed by her service and accomplishments.

“And now,” he announces, into the loud speaker, “without further ado, it’s time to party.”

I go jump on a makeshift stage and my band begins playing “Heroes.” I can make out Monica’s face in the crowd, and tears well up in her pretty eyes. Tears of happiness, joy, love, surprise, and everything else I always want her to feel, always, as my wife.

“Good job!” Jensen shouts at me from the crowd. He pulls Riley in close, giving her a hug.

Harlow holds up his beer to pretend toast me, and then actually does toast Whitney.

They’re proud of me for getting a band together and actually trying to make something out of my passion for music. We even have roadies now, kind of. They helped us set up this stage.

When I get to the refrain, I sing loud and strong into the microphone while looking at Monica, telling her how we can be heroes, just for one lifetime. The crowd goes wild, cheering for me now just like they were cheering for her a minute ago. But no matter what, they’re cheering for us. As a couple. As husband and wife and parents.

Once the song is over, I jump off the stage so I can dance with my bride. She hands James to Riley, who begins to slow dance with him by putting his little feet on her feet and moving around in a circle. Jensen walks over and puts his arm around his wife and nephew, all of them slowly swaying.

My band plays “Hallelujah” without me and I sing it into Monica’s ear and everyone watches.

She can bring me to my knees and I’m not afraid to let her, now. I was hesitant to love and trust her, but everything worked out just fine. Thanks to the surprise that is our son, we have a happy future together and that’s exactly how I want it.

I kiss her deeply and passionately and then when the slow song ends the band starts playing more upbeat music. All our guests join us, dancing and congratulating us. All night long, I take turns jumping on the stage and singing with my band and then dancing with my wife, brothers, friends and son while my band plays without me.

As the night draws to a close and people begin to leave, I pull Monica in close to me.

“This is the absolute most perfect wedding reception we could ever have,” I tell her. “Even if it is over a year later.”

She gazes up at me and I ask her, “Is it perfect for you, too?”

“Almost,” she says, with a wink.

“What do you mean by that?” I ask her.

“Well, I appreciate you arranging all of this for me, so let’s just say I arranged a little something for you. So that everything really can be perfect, and all your dreams and fantasies can come true.”

“What?”

I’m nearly speechless, just looking down at her in wonder. I have an idea as to what she might be hinting at but I can’t even believe it could be true.

“A surprise,” she says, with a wink. “I’m good at those.”

“Yes you certainly are,” I say, laughing.

She motions towards the jet plane and winks, confirming that it is really going to happen.

Holy fuck.

I’m going to fuck my wife in a fighter jet. The one she used to fly. I can’t even believe it.

“What about James?” I ask, but she puts a finger over my lips.

“Look,” she says.

She nods towards Jensen and Riley, and as if on cue they walk over with a sleepy James in their arms. Our little trooper is one of the last guests still here hanging with us, even though it’s way past his bed time.

“We’re going to head out,” Riley says, as James rests his head on her chest. “Someone needs to sleep.”

“She means me,” Jensen says, laughing.

“This was a great party,” Riley says, leaning in to hug Monica and then me.

“Thanks so much for agreeing to watch James tonight,” Monica says.

“Anything so that the Mr. and Mrs. can have a great night,” Riley answers. “And besides, we love the little guy, and I could sure use the practice.”

“Oooooh,” Monica coos, looking happy for both herself and Riley. Whitney comes over then too, with Harlow at her side, and everyone hugs and says goodbye.

I plant a kiss on James’ chubby little cheek and I say, “Good night, little man.”

Monica can’t resist taking him in her arms and saying, “Give Mommy a hug, little prince.”

He holds on tight, but then when Monica passes him back to Riley, he easily lays back down on her chest. He’s comfortable with his aunt, and he’s always such a good little guy.

After everyone has gone, Monica takes my hand and leads me over to the jet.

“It’s a shame that we’re christening it at the same time we’re saying goodbye for good to it,” she says.

“I’m just glad it’s going to be able to happen at all,” I answer.

Everything that has ever happened with Monica has been the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life, and this is just the cherry on top.