Chapter 17 The Kline Wedding #7
“Veronica, I love you too, but you know that my heart is still conflicted,” he said softly. “I need time to figure out why I am losing self-control, but for now, we’ve got your performance to take care of.” He ran his right hand through his hair. “I’m glad you want me to walk you out on stage.”
“I want you beside me, like Gail will be with Alex. I am still nervous about this song.”
“Relax, Veronica. I’ll be right there with you.
Just sing it like you did with Aarie in the studio in San Antonio.
” Greg offered her his arm, and she latched on quickly.
“Let’s head out,” he said, taking the back door out of the lounge, leading directly behind the stage.
“Here we go.” He walked her out to the microphone in front of the band, noticing that Carry was waiting at the back with Gwen and Cassie was behind her with Dana.
He saw Wendy and Katie waiting by the risers to assist the brides maids.
Alex stepped out with Kelly and walked down the aisle to the risers where the minister was waiting.
Greg stepped up to the microphone. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to welcome you to the wedding of Alex Kline and Gail Marcus. The wedding march will be sung by our very own hometown singing sensation, Miss Veronica LaFayette,” he concluded and handed her the microphone.
The audience burst forth in applause and cheers.
“Thank you so much for that warm welcome,” she said then fanned her face.
“I have to admit that I am a bit overwhelmed. I didn’t expect this kind of reception at a wedding.
” She paused as she scanned over the group and located Alice Kline waiting for the wedding to begin in the first row.
“Thank you, Alice, for believing in me like you believe in Alex and Gail. I’m rather nervous, but I’m also feeling very honored that you chose me for this.
” She turned to look at Greg. “One day, I hope someone sings a wedding song like this for me and my man.” Everyone knew she was talking about Greg, and Carry’s stomach recoiled and her chest went tight.
“This better be good,” Carry whispered.
“It will be cousin,” Cassie whispered from behind. “Don’t worry.”
“Today, I want to dedicate this wedding march to Gail Marcus, the bride. So, without further ado, I will now sing – Here’s Your Bride.” The band struck up and she took her position with the microphone just below her face.
Here’s Your Bride
Here comes the woman of your dreams
She’s so much more than what she seems
Can’t you see the magic in her eyes
Creating a new reality under the open skies
It’s not just a promise whispered low
Now her whole world begins to grow
She steps out in pure white silk light
Her heart opens up to you tonight
Bringing tomorrow, wrapped in white and grace
Love flowing out like sunlight in this space
She brings her mother’s courage today
Starting a new journey where love stays
She carries her dreams all the way
This is more than just her wedding day
The life she’s now building in this place
Stronger than the storms she’s faced
So bless what she is becoming on this road ahead
Bless the hands that shaped her; words she’s never said
In her hands, a small bright future that’s never the same
She doesn’t change or vanish at taking on your name
Not just a bride - not just a wife
She’s building castles with her life
A universe of what could be
For everyone for all to see
Every dream she held close
Every night she prayed through
Every hope she kept safe
Walks right here with you
Greg followed Veronica off the stage to take their seats in the front row beside Bill and Alice to view the remainder of the ceremony.
Alex and Gail recited personal vows to each other, and then exchanged rings.
The groom kissed the bride, sealing the ceremony, then Alex and Gail nearly sprinted down the aisle to the back.
They were followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
That’s the moment when everything started to blur in Greg’s mind as people started to empty the seats from the front row.
His mind raced through the emotions he was trying to process both the effect of the lyrics in Veronica’s performance and the hurt he’d seen on Carry’s face even as she’d walked Gwen up the aisle to her seat while Veronica sang.
He nearly tripped over a stray cable for the lighting of the photo area as they transited through on their way to the Pimico suite for the reception meal.
He recovered his balance with Veronica stabilizing and guiding him.
She looked at him with concern as she could see a nearly vacant expression on his face as they arrived at the table.
“Greg,” Veronica whispered in his ear. “Are you alright?”
“I don’t feel great right now,” he softly muttered. He instinctively reached out his hand for the chair, bracing himself. Veronica stabilized him by leaning in and kissing him, keeping Bill and Alice from seeing his expressionless face. “Thank you,” he whispered and forced himself into the chair.
“That was such a beautiful wedding,” Dana was saying as Veronica took her seat to Greg’s right. “Gail’s dress was exceptional.”
“She always had great tastes in fashion,” Gwen acknowledged.
“Indeed,” Bill countered. “Seems she extended that to men by choosing my son.”
“Bill!” Alice said with a touch of pride and embarrassment at the same time, giving a soft backhand to his forearm. “You boast on your son way too much.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Gwen countered back. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree here. He’s literally a younger version of you, Bill. I know Gail was very grateful to have you walk her down the aisle.”
“It was my pleasure, Gwen. I’d do it again if needed.”
“That’s interesting, Bill,” Greg struggled to get out, and suddenly the whole table focused on him.
“You are everything that I’ve heard about my own father,” he said, then his eyes rolled back in his head and he slumped into his chair.
Carry was walking by to the Club Suite and saw it happening.
Panic went through her and she raced toward him.
“GREG!” Veronica screamed.
“GET A DOCTOR!” Bill yelled as he jumped the table to the left of Greg, catching him as he fell out of his seat.
“NO!” Carry screamed as she burst into the suite to drop beside Greg as Bill was gently lowering him to the floor. “Greg,” she softly called as tears started to well in her eyes.
“GREG, Wake up dear!” Veronica implored as she had moved down beside him on the other side of him. She softly began to sob.
“I’m on my way!” Darren called from the Presidents suite on a dead run.