Remnants of Narnia - Part 2

Chapter Song: As I Am, by Heather Dale; April's POV

April drifted in that lovely space between sleep and wake, between the morning and night. She stretched languidly loving that she had no place to be on this Saturday morning. A deep sigh sounded beside her and she glanced over. A soft smile formed on her lips and she heard his breathing even out again. She knew she should let him sleep, but she couldn't resist. Her hand reached out to caress the bare shoulder and back that was next to her. Peter shivered slightly as the skin turned to gooseflesh under her delicate touch, but still slept. Tracing what she could see of his body with loving eyes she couldn't help but remember the last few months. So much had happened since their reunion. There had been so many meaningful and life changing moments.

She let her mind fill with memories and sighed at the emotions they evoked. There had been such intense pride watching Peter in his graduation robes give the commencement address. He had urged his fellow students to never give up and to reach for the impossible, to be open to new experiences, and to be faithful to friends and family. She smiled as she remembered him meeting her eyes at the end of the speech. His eyes held such a promise of their future it had brought tears to her eyes.

The reception following the ceremony had been surreal. She found herself filling the role of his queen again as people offered their congratulations. The most significant came from a school alumnus, who was a notorious business man and MP (Member of Parliament). His professors all offered their well wishes and with his parents standing by beaming with pride, she felt like she would burst. Peter would make a difference in this world, she was sure.

Her fingers moved to touch the ends of his hair. He was tired. His internship with that Member of Parliament had him working long hours. He was eager to learn, eager to please, and eager to earn his place.

Her thoughts moved to the memory of his face as she saw it from the wings of the stage of her final performance. It was time for her solo and she had glanced over quickly. His eyes had shone with pride and love. He had held a beautiful bouquet of what looked like wild flowers from a distance. They reminded her instantly of Narnia, which infused her with a unique and beautiful energy that only thoughts of Narnia could bring.

Andre, as he had hugged her tight afterwards, had whispered that she had never danced better. After that her graduation seemed anti-climactic. She had enjoyed and been touched by the small party the Pevensies had thrown for her and her family. And while she loved having them around, all she could see was Peter.

His eyes that night had been so intense, she shivered at the memory. In fact, her body clinched just thinking about it. They had decided to remain apart until their wedding, and she hadn't been alone with him since the afternoon in the woods at Hendon House during her last visit. Her body and mind had been stretched tight with longing and she could see that he too was anticipating the next event...their wedding.

She wiggled with happiness as her memories tripped along to their wedding day. June 12, 1943. She would never forget that day. It was glorious! The sky had been so blue and the breeze perfectly cool for the wedding in her mother's garden, just as they had planned. She remembered Lucy's giggles as she came up the path with no shoes on. Even Edmund wore an indulging smile. But what stood out the most in her memory was Peter's glowing face. He was radiant with love and she melted at the first sight of him standing there next to Edmund.

She didn't think she would be affected by the sight of Peter by the arbor, after all this was technically their second wedding. But the sight of him in his black suit and white shirt with the second button undone took her breath away. It was the look on his face as he watched her coming to him was her undoing. She knew she would never be the same. His eyes were bright, and his expression was one of awe, like someone who was viewing a rare and beautiful piece of artwork that they love.

She had been grateful to her father who kept her moving forward. She thought of the tears standing in her Dad's eyes as he placed her hand in Peter's outstretched one. She had kissed him on the cheek, and whispered, "I love you Daddy." Her father had been so understanding during these last couple of years that had been so full of emotion and fantastical adventures. She pressed her fingers to her eyes and smiled as she wiped a tear away and settled in to keep reminiscing.

The vicar had been persuaded to marry them after all. With so many young couples getting married due to the war, it wasn't too far of a stretch to convince him. However, Edmund was Peter's best man and Peter had asked him to say a few words. She would never forget those few minutes. Edmund had stepped in front of them and looked at both of them meaningfully. He placed his hand over their joined ones and spoke in a husky voice, showing rare emotion.

"Time is a strange notion. For some it goes slowly, others fast. But all of us never know how much time we have with the one we love. So Peter, April, I charge you to make the most of each day and your time together. Love everyday like it was the last day!"

Thinking back on it, she was sure there was a story there. She doubted Edmund would share it with her though. There had been more to Peter's Narnia story than she had ever imagined possible, so she knew there was more to all of their stories.

She sighed. Thinking about her own time in Narnia was bittersweet. She missed the music, the dancing and the festivals. The Narnians knew how to live and how to celebrate.

The smiled dreamily at her thoughts. Music. Peter had planned a surprise song for her during their wedding. They had said their simple vows and then her friend who played the music for their ceremony began to strum a lovely tune that fit them perfectly. She remembered looking into Peter's bright blue eyes as the tears welled and threatened to spill. They had shared a silent conversation of love and commitment and he had smiled that special smile that brought his dimples out and made his eyes bluer. She knew if she ever doubted his love in the future she could look back on that very moment and be sure of it.

She remembered hearing sniffling next to her and turned to see Lucy's tear stained cheeks as they listened to the words...

I suppose that I look different without the robes and crown,
I come this day before you with no riches, no renown.
For here I am no leader, I am just a humble man
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am.

I'm not looking for perfection, and I'm not offering a saint
No, I'm not looking for a pretty bird to put in some restraint.
The only thing that I want is that you love me, if you can.
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am.

I offer you a look inside, I offer you that trust.
I need your strength to help me fight the battles that I must.
I need you to remind me of the light we bear within.
That there's more to life than struggle, and the things to seek to win.

Don't take me out of duty, and don't take me out of pride.
Just take me if the man you see is one you'd stand beside.
I'm offering an open heart. I'm asking for your hand.
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am.

Take me as I am.

Afterwards they shared simple snacks and lovely cake and enjoyed the well wishes of family and friends. There would be no gifts of dirt or sticks here, no waltzes or nobles swirling around them. The gifts here were practical: a bowl set, a toaster, hand stitched pillow cases and dish towels. And while these gifts were to some mundane, they made April glow with happiness for it meant she and Peter would be making a home of their own very soon.

Shaking herself from the memories, she glanced around that tiny home now and smiled. It was only two rooms and they barely had room to move, but it was theirs and it was blissful when they were both there.

Peter stirred and turned placing his arm over her waist and pulling her into him. His voice was with husky with sleep. "What are you thinking about love?"

Her fingers moved to his back and she realized she was tracing circles and drawing familiar patterns with her fingertips. "Our wedding."

"Mmm...that was fun. Although my favorite part was afterwards."

She laughed. "Of course, it would be."

She teased him about it, but it was one of her favorite parts too. Their time in the grove had been beautiful and sensual and timeless. That they had spent the time apart made coming together more delightful. That he knew her body so well and they were so connected made it more intimate. That the grove amplified emotions only made everything much more meaningful. Seeing the small bunch of flowers flourishing there after their tragedy was a blessing and a nice reminder of the storm they had weathered. Being on the other side of it brought a feeling of serenity.

A soft smile touched her lips as Peter opened his eyes. She gazed into the depths of blue. It felt like it had been ages since they had time like this just to touch and to look. She loved looking into his eyes. He was so open with her and she could read his emotions easily. His hand moved over her body. His touch felt heavenly and she closed her eyes.

"Eyes open, my love."

He smiled when she complied. "You are so beautiful," he whispered.

Sighing she sank into his touch. Being able to look at him meant she was open with him as well and moments like these were so lovely.

"Peter," she breathed. He kissed her deeply. She melted against him in a puddle of bliss.

How she loved being married to this man!

A/N: I feel I should apologize for the long wait in updating this chapter. I even contemplated ending the book at the last chapter, but I can't. I promised myself I would finish this book. It might be a little different going forward. The chapters may be more like snapshots into their life together, but I promise you, I will finish. Thank you for reading, commenting, voting and following. I appreciate it so very much! Have a wonderful day!