We were changed in an instant
We became so much more
Our definition of perfect was written when she was born
As she drew her first breath
I learned what love meant
And my heart reconciled
All the darkness and light
Inside my chest
As her hands held tight
And her eyes met mine
I saw the future unfold in silver and gold
And I’m already proud
Beautiful like your mother
You are grace, you are light
The better version of our past, from the start of life.
“Alright,” Andrew called out, approaching the standing-room table with a wooden tray lined with seven small glasses. “I got us each a flight -- figured we might as well try everything we’ve got before committing to anythin’.” In between the pair were eight samples of whiskey, eight different flavours. Andrew straightened them out, glancing at the small, golden words embossed on each glass. “This one is pumpkin whiskey -- I’ve tried pumpkin beer before and hated it, but I figured we’d give it a shot.”
“So -- what do you think?” Andrew said, turning with his arms raised, to face the person behind him. He wore a bright smile, reflecting how proud he was of his recent purchase. The house around them was old, obviously so, to the point where it was falling apart. With every step he took, the hardwood floors creaked, almost as if they were aching under his weight. The windows behind him were boarded up and the built in shelving covered in dust. The stairs ... well, Andrew wasn’t quite sure how sound they were. He had been upstairs, but every time came hurrying back down as though a gust of wind would knock the whole place over. Nonetheless, Andrew was proud. The home was his.
“I know it needs some work, but that’s where I thought you would come in.”
Every piece in Andrew’s closet has a purpose. The man shops carefully -- takes his time to find classic, high-quality items that will last through wear and tear. Andrew doesn’t mind dropping two hundred on a pair of jeans -- so long as they are the perfect pair. Most of Andrew’s clothes are made from natural materials: cotton, linen, jean, wool -- that sort of thing. His style could be described as modern, relaxed, maybe a little preppy.
Andrew tends to lean towards neutral pieces, his closet an earth-toned ombre of black, navy, green, pink, and every shade from beige to white. Over the years, Andrew has also acquired a collection of high-end, well tailored suits. His favourite -- a two piece, dark navy suit by Dolce & Gabbana -- is one he pulls out for nearly any occasion. Expensive or not, Andrew gets what he pays for from every piece. In fact, Andrew still has a jean jacket he purchased in his senior year of high school.
ACCESSORIES
Aside from a collection of bright silk ties and pocket squares, Andrew doesn’t have much in terms of accessories. He does have two watches, though -- one that he received from his mother for graduating college, and one that belonged to his father. That one was special -- a wedding present from Marshall’s father, Andrew’s grandfather, gifted to Andrew only weeks after Marshall passed. It stays in a box, tucked away in Andrew’s sock drawer. Speaking of socks -- Andrew has a wild collection, ranging from bright patterns to unique prints, his favourites being a pair printed with a picture of artist Bob Ross painting.
Much like with his clothing, Andrew prefers high-quality, basic shoes. He has a pair for any occasion -- Keds and Converse and Hunters, loafers and sneakers and sandals and boots. Most of the time, Andrew is wearing his old white Keds.
HYGENIE
Andrew is very particular about his maintenance. He showers daily, sometimes twice, and is very thorough with washing and moisturizing his hair (and facial hair). His nails are always short cut -- clean -- and his skin always somehow perfectly clear. Andrew wasn’t as lucky in his teenage years, having a face full of acne, and learned what products worked best to keep him fresh-faced and blemish free. With such a particular routine, it can take Andrew a little while to get ready. Every morning before work, the man would spend a solid hour perfecting his look. It’d take him just as long to get ready for a date. Now, with a more laid back schedule and a toddler running around, Andrew is lucky to spend half an hour getting ready.
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BLUE CLAY CITY PARK, WILMINGTON
So excited to start this next chapter of our lives together. With you on my team, I can take on the world. 😍👪 #partnersincrime #thisblondehasmyhart #hart #geddit?? #equallyasexcitedtotastetestweddingcake
↳ INSTAGRAM: andrewreed added a new photo
CUMBERLAND, MAINE
Thinking about you today. I’ve lived twenty years without you, and it never gets any easier. You were the best person I ever knew -- I miss you, Dad. 💙💙