sixty two - taylor

                                    

                                          
Part of me wished that Travis and I could just stay taking time for the two of us forever, but I also knew that we had the most magical reception with everyone we loved waiting for us. So eventually, we released each other from our tight hug and parted.
"I still have that surprise for you." I whispered, smiling up at Travis.
"Yeah?" He smiled back, and I nodded. 
"Can you undo my dress?" I asked, turning around and moving my hair off my back. Travis' fingers were gentle as he weaved the buttons of my dress open. Once it was undone, I carefully stepped out of my dress and folded it up. 
I could feel Travis' eyes on me as I went to the bag in the corner, extracting the shorter white dress Brittany and I had bought yesterday. I didn't want to wear my long wedding dress at the reception, and I'd been so nervous about wearing a dress that showed more of my back and legs, but I also knew that I was ready. These people were my family. I didn't need to hide myself.
The dress lay halfway down my thighs, with long flowy sleeves and a top that cupped my chest. The back was open, ties to hold it together up the back. And it had a soft lace overlay like my wedding dress; the perfect dress to change into. 

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
Everyone would see the scars on my back and some of the scars on my thighs, but I didn't care anymore. The people that mattered most still loved me even though I was broken, and that was all I cared about. I'd worked on healing myself, and I was getting there.
"Oh, Sunshine." Travis breathed as I showed him the dress.
"Help me?" I asked, and he nodded, pursing his lips to stop from crying.
Travis quietly helped me into the short dress, and when I was changed, he turned me around. I saw how much it meant to him that I was taking this step. He was almost crying.
"You look..." Travis' voice cracked as he took my face in his hands. "You look so beautiful Sunshine baby. I'm so proud of you." And he really was. I could see the impact this had on him. "Fuck, I'm such a mess today." He laughed, pulling me close and hugging me tightly. I smiled as I rested my cheek against his chest, wrapping my arms around my husband. My husband. God I loved that word. 
"I've realized that the only opinion I really care about is yours." I mumbled. "And our family and friends, but mostly yours. I know you love me and I know you love my scars, so I'm trying to as well. This is my first step."
"I'm so proud of you." Travis repeated, and I pulled back just enough to kiss him. 
Travis removed his jacket, and then I gave him a cheeky smile before loosening his tie for him and putting it on myself. He laughed at me as I reached to undo a few buttons of his white shirt to make it more casual. And to give my eyes a little treat too.
"What's that for?" Travis murmured.
"My eye candy." I winked.
"Well I've certainly got mine." He winked, eyeing me playfully.