Page 40 of More than a Memory
A chorus of “yeses” filled the room from her three young bridesmaids.
“Ok, everyone line-up,” Sarah instructed, taking charge.
Ursula took her place first in line for the procession, followed by her twin Fiona, then bringing up the rear was Casey’s daughter Clare.
Allie exclaimed, “I can’t believe how grown up you all are! You look so lovely.”
Suddenly, they heard the cello and piano begin playing “One Thousand Years,” the music floating through the air, giving a dream-like quality to the moment. As the song wove its magic, the group became silent, suddenly feeling the significance of this passage.
The girls, holding their bouquets of pink hydrangeas tightly in their hands, nervously looked to the older women for encouragement. Allie leaned down, gave them each a big hug, and said, “One day I hope that each of you find a love that you can spend your lives with … someone who treasures you just for who you are. You each deserve to be loved and cherished. Don’t ever accept anything less. Thank you for sharing this day with me. I love you so much.”
The girls gazed at Allie wide-eyed, a woman who, in their eyes, looked like a beautiful princess straight out of a fairy tale. They looked at each other solemnly and tentatively began their march down the aisle. Casey, in her navy, mid-thigh, dress, looked stunning as she took her place behind the three girls.
“This song gets me every time,” she said over her shoulder to Allie and Sarah as she stepped in line behind the girls.
The haunting sounds of the cello and piano playing the romantic notes drew Allie toward her love like a ship finding its safe harbor in a storm. Holding on tight to her mother’s arm, they entered the chapel, and proceeded down the carpeted path toward her destiny. All eyes were on Allie, mesmerized by her sheer radiance and beauty. She didn’t attempt to contain her tears as they slipped down her cheeks.
Seeing Zane standing so confident and strong, waiting for her with love radiating out of his very being, was a moment that would be forever etched in her memory. He was so beautiful, she thought, so real, so solid, so kind, and oh so incredibly sexy. She felt that her heart would burst.
Reaching the end of the aisle, she hugged her mother, then turned toward Zane. His eyes were suspiciously moist, and he quickly wiped his hand across them before taking Allie’s hand in his. His normally thick and unruly dark hair had been tamed back with gel, highlighting his dark brows and deep blue eyes. The laugh lines around his eyes and mouth deepened as he smiled at Allie, offering comfort to her frayed nerves. In that moment, her desire for him almost overtook the reason they were standing there.
Her love, her lover…her happily ever after…she felt she had loved him for a thousand years and beyond. Now here they both were, it all came down to this moment in time. The danger and drama from the previous year that had brought them together, the ups and downs, had only strengthened their bond. This was their destiny, and today they would pronounce their vows in front of their friends and family, promising to be together through all of life’s trials and tribulations.
“Do you take…”
19
“Wasn’t that just the most romantic wedding you have ever been to?” Casey spouted enthusiastically to Sam and Darcy.
“Absolutely. Not a dry eye in the chapel, including the esteemed Dr. Parker here,” Darcy said, elbowing Sam lightly in the ribs.
“What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic.”
“It only makes you sexier,” Darcy said.
“That’s good to know. I’ll have to cry more often,” he said, winking.
“I’m so excited that Gabe and his band are playing a couple of sets,” Darcy commented.
“Me too. He is really, really, good! He has got loads of talent not to mention gorgeous to boot,” Casey said.
“Yeah, I had kind of noticed that.”
“Hey, what am I, yesterday’s leftover pizza?” Sam complained.
“I love leftover pizza,” Darcy said, showing slight dimples when she smiled up at Sam, “and you are an extra cheese with pepperoni on top. My absolute fave!”
“Aw shucks,” he leaned down and softly brushed his lips across Darcy’s.
With cheeks slightly pink, she reached for his hand and held on. They both turned toward the stage as Allie and Zane stepped up to the mic. Zane spoke first.
“Hey everyone, Allie and I want to thank each of you for being here to celebrate this day with us. Life would be empty without all of the love we have, and truly our hearts are so full right now we can hardly find the words. Allie, do you have anything to add?” Zane asked, pulling her tight against his side.
Allie looked out at the group of friends and family gathered and felt blessed. She picked out her Aunt Nancy, who had flown in the day before from New Mexico, and there was Joe, their office security guard, laughing with his wife, Ethel. Standing with him were her co-workers, Stella and Annika, with drinks in hand. Off to the side of the room was her brother, Mark, and his wife, Astur. Their twins were Velcroed to Clare. Her mother sat with Pete while cradling Olivia. Her friend and favorite waitress in the entire world, Crystal, who had brought her daughter along. Monica’s husband, James, and son Jaime were there, holding her memory…. Just then she spotted her neighbors the Johnstons and waved from the stage. All her peeps were there, life was good.
“I love you all! Please eat, drink, and be merry. Don’t be shy; we have enough food and libations for an army. We’re so honored that Gabe Hunter and his band, The Lonesome Cowpokes, are playing a couple of sets for us today. Then we have an incredible DJ, “The Dog,” Allie smiled at Jaime, “who will spin some tunes and take requests. Get on your dancing shoes! Let’s party!” Allie shouted, as everyone clapped and cheered.
Sam and Darcy filled their plates at the buffet line and ended up at a table with Gabe and his bandmates.