Back to My Heart

Roughly ten months later, it is my wedding day again, but this time, I am not having a single doubt about who I am going to marry today. I am going to marry the man who I met when I was four and quickly became my best friend, then that friendship evolved into something wonderful nine years later: a relationship. We went through our share of difficulties for several years because of one jealous girl even past high school graduation, and when All Time Low thrived and have toured all across the country. We have only gotten stronger, our love for one another deepened and despite the pain that we experienced for the six years we spent apart, our love for each other never wavered.

“When I thought you could never look more beautiful, here you are, as beautiful as ever.” my mom said.

I was smiling from ear-to-ear while she was becoming teary.

"Mom, I'm supposed to be the one who's emotional."

"I can't help it. You're getting married today. That's a sure thing."

"Definitely. I absolutely cannot wait to walk down that aisle. I love him more than life itself."

"I have no doubts about that."

Ten minutes were remaining until I was to walk down the aisle. I wished the time would pass by faster; I could only imagine what Zack was thinking at this moment. When I saw that it was just my dad and me in the room, I knew it was time to meet my fiancé at the altar.

"Ready?" he asked offering his arm.

"100%."

I toned down the smile as I walked outside toward the beach where I could Zack waiting for me; I could see him smiling and it took me everything not to run to him. As I reached him, I truly noticed how he had never looked so handsome as he did at that very moment.

“Hey.” I mouthed.

“Hey.” he said in the same tone.

"We are gathered here today to unite Zachary Steven Merrick and Astrid Daisy Morrison in holy matrimony..."

Breathe, Astrid. Breathe.

“Would the groom like to recite his vows?”

“Astrid, I still can’t believe we have known each other since we were four. We were in preschool together when we first met. It was coloring time and you sat next to me and introduced yourself. You were the first true friend I ever had.

I was smiling, but I knew that tears would be soon to follow.

"When that evolved into a relationship in middle school, it just felt natural. You take my breath away and you have always been the most beautiful girl in the room. Despite the struggles we've had, we've only grown stronger and you’ve become even more amazing. I love you and can not wait to spend the rest of my life with the most beautiful woman and person in the world.”

I blinked and a few tears flowed down. He then slid the ring on my finger.

“Would the bride like to recite her vows?”

Whew. Here we go.

“Zack. You have no idea how cute I thought you were on that first day of preschool. You had the most adorable smile; in fact, you still do and it’s one of the things I love the most about you. When we became a couple, it was the easiest decision I’ve ever made, besides becoming friends with you that first day. Despite our difficulties, I couldn’t imagine being with anyone but you. I love you more than anything and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

I slid the ring onto his finger and waited for the minister to say the final words.

“By the power vested in me, in the state of Hawaii, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Zack’s lips couldn’t have been on my mine faster, but I had no complaints.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Zachary and Astrid Merrick.”

He then took my hand and off we went back down to the aisle.

“Ready for some pictures?” he said against my cheek.

“Absolutely.” I said leaning into him.

Those pictures with friends and family were wonderful along with the ones that were only us.

“Can you believe it?” he asked.

“Believe what?” I asked, facing him.

“We’re finally married, happy as could be. After you left, I never thought I’d see you again and I knew at the time I wanted to be married to you, the love of my life.”

I smiled and stood on my toes to kiss him.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

We must’ve been kissing for a while because I heard a voice.

“Hey lovebirds.”

It was my longtime friend and partner in crime and not to mention my maid-of-honor; I have known her since second grade.

“How long have you been standing there?” I said, pulling apart.

“Long enough. Everyone’s waiting for you two.”

“We’ll meet you in there.”

“Let’s go.” Zack said.

We walked into the area where the reception was to be held and heard everyone clapping. I heard the sound of my mom running toward me before I even saw her. She hugged me tightly, almost too tightly, actually.

"How's it feel to be married?" she asked.

"Mom, we've only been married for what? An hour?"

"Astrid."

She gave me a knowing look.

"Ok, it's pretty amazing. I'd been - we'd been waiting for way too long." I said, laughing.

"I couldn't have said it better myself." Zack said, pulling me close.

"You two... you two are way too cute and perfect together."

I blushed.

"Thanks, Mom."

When we sat down at our table, I sighed and prepared to hear toasts from our friends and family; that moment came ten minutes later.

"Astrid and Zack. I don't know of two people more perfect for one another. You two have the type of connection that only one can dream of; I could sense it within me meeting you both the whole way back in elementary school and when you two stepped it up to becoming a couple, it only became stronger. I wish you both the best and I love you guys. Congratulations! Cheers!” my friend and maid-of-honor, Polly said.

I smiled and leaned against Zack, making sure I took a sip of my champagne beforehand. When Alex came up to speak, I knew a great toast was coming.

“Astrid, you’ve heard me say this before, but we, as in Rian, Jack and I truly did miss you over those six years, not just Zack.

I kept on smiling; I missed them terribly because they were practically family.

“It was crazy to see how close you and Zack were when we first met at our first ever band practice; I knew from that day on that you and he were meant to be. When you came back, it was such a relief because he was clearly not himself. He was simply a much happier person when we went out on Warped last year, and I’m ever grateful. I love you guys. I wish you all the best! Congrats! Cheers!"

After those toasts, we each went to hug both Polly and Alex. Then, sooner rather than later, it was time to eat; I was starving.

"How's your steak?" he asked.

"Delicious. Yours?"

"The same."

"I love this, this whole reception already. Alex and Polly gave amazing speeches, food is amazing and we get to dance soon..." I said, drifting off.

"I cannot wait until our first dance."

"Me either."

When it came to our first dance, I had no idea what song was going to play. We've been together for so long that there have been several love songs that I loved and thought of us; not to mention, I have trouble making a decision, so I made Zack choose the song. Once my hands were on his shoulders and his were on my hips, the music began to play; a smile gradually grew on my face.

Her day starts with a coffee
And ends with a wine
Takes forever getting ready
So, she's never on time
For anything

When she gets that come-get-me
Look in her eyes
Well, it kinda scares me
The way that she drives
Me wild
But, she drives me wild

Beautiful, crazy
She can't help but amaze me
The way that she dances
Ain't afraid to take chances
And wears her heart on her sleeve
Yeah, she's crazy
But, her crazy is beautiful to me

She makes plans for the weekend
Can't wait to go out
'Til she changes her mind
Says, "Let's stay on the couch
And watch TV"
And she falls asleep

Beautiful, crazy
She can't help but amaze me
The way that she dances
Ain't afraid to take chances
And wears her heart on her sleeve
Yeah, she's crazy
But, her crazy is beautiful to me

She's unpredictable, unforgettable
It's unusual, unbelievable
How I'm such a fool
Yeah, I'm such a fool for her

Beautiful, crazy
She can't help but amaze me
The way that she dances
Ain't afraid to take chances
And wears her heart on her sleeve
Yeah, she's crazy
She's crazy
She's crazy
But, her crazy is beautiful to me
Her crazy is beautiful to me

The song was absolutely perfect and had me on the verge of tears.

"I love you." I whispered, looking straight into his eyes.

"I love you, too."

When the song was over, he pulled me in for a deep kiss, not caring who was watching and I was intoxicated as I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. By the end of the night, I was exhausted and wanted to sleep cuddled up next to him. I leaned against him as we got out of his car and began walking toward our home.

"Want me to-" he started.

"If you wouldn't mind." I said interrupting him.

I knew exactly what he was thinking because I was about to ask him to do what I wanted him to do. He picked me up bridal style with ease and I giggled.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

Slowly, but surely, I changed out of my gorgeous gown and into new skimpy pajamas. When I finished getting ready for bed, I could have sworn that I saw Zack do a double-take.

"Holy fuck."

"You like?"

"You could say that."

He picked me up and sat me on the bed; the man with no shirt on had such a hunger in his eyes, and in that moment, so did I. I took my top off and disposed of it while he pushed me down and removed my shorts; the panties came off within a few seconds. I moved further up onto the bed while I watched him take off his boxers.

“You take my breath away every day, Mrs. Merrick.”

Mrs. Merrick. I love that.

“The feeling is mutual, Mr. Merrick.” I said seductively.

He smirked before his lips latched onto my neck like a damn vampire. His hands then rubbed my breasts, making sure to roll over my nipples in the process; I let out a soft moan. Those equally soft lips of his traveled down my torso and his hands lightly touched my inner thighs.

“Please.” I whispered as his tongue ran up and down my pussy lips.

“Please what?”

When I didn’t answer immediately, that tongue dipped into my pussy causing me to buck my hips; he pushed them down.

“I think you know what.”

I moaned again.

“Zack, please.” I pleaded.

After he sucked my clit for a few seconds, he came back up and kissed me.

“Wanna try something new?” he asked.

“I’m always up for something new.”

“Good.”

He spun us around, so we were sideways and facing each other. He lifted his left leg over my body and pulled me closer, bringing his lips to mine.

“Ready?” he breathed.

“Ready.”

He slid inside me and I moaned into his mouth.

“Have I ever told you much I love you?” I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I love you, too." he said, looking straight into my eyes.

This was definitely the most intimate position we have ever been in when it came to sex; sure, the first time when we had sex at seventeen was missionary and intimate, but we are experienced this time. I was in awe with each move he made and how he looked at me the entire time and with each kiss. When I was about to orgasm, I buried my head into his neck.

“Fuck.” I said once we both came.

“You can say that again.”

“Now, I’m really tired.”

“So am I.”

“Hey, I will be right back.”

He nodded as we untangled from one another. I headed to the bathroom then returned to find him lying flat on his back. I didn’t bother putting my jammies because I felt I didn’t have to; apparently Zack had that same feeling about his boxers.

“Hey.” I said, smiling.

“Hey.”

I placed my head and partially my body on him; I was near sleep.

“I’m tired and happy.”

“Me too. Today was amazing. Wasn’t it?”

“The best day ever.”

It truly was and didn't think I could've been happier.

Notes

Song courtesy of Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs.