November 20th, 2012 by Theresa

“Mary!” Frank’s voice boomed across the half empty church.  His voice echoed off the high ceilings as he called her again. “Mary! Please!”

Mary finally emerged from the office behind the altar. Frank’s breath caught. She was radiant and more beautiful than ever. He had to make his case now.

“Honey I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for you. Please give me another chance!” Frank got on his knees ignoring the shocked whispers around him. He reached for her hands and kissed them both.  “I promise from this day forward,  in front of God and everyone here, that I will be the man you want. I will love you forever and never leave you.”

Mary stood speechless.  She looked desperately around the crowd and behind her.   Frank saw confusion in her face then relief.  Frank smiled. ‘I’ve got her back,’ he thought.

“Sorry, that job’s taken.” The bass voice didn’t come from Mary. It came from a man exiting the same office. Dressed in a tuxedo, the big man reached a hand to Frank to help him up.  The big man patted him on the shoulder. “Nice try, though.”

“Mr. and Mrs. McDever?” A smiling chauffeur stood at the church doors. “Your limousine’s’ ready!”

Frank stumbled back and sat heavily on the floor of the church. Tears falling, he watched the love of his life walk away with the man of her dreams.

Honorable Mention on Thursday Threads with Siobahn Muir

contemporary, Flash Fiction, romance, Thursday Threads, writing