Chapter 27 Wedding Bells? #2
“Now, this is a simple ceremony,” Pastor Jenkins said as he opened his bible. “I understand you are going to do a bigger production in Dallas?”
“Yes, we are,” Tina confirmed.
“Then I will dispense with the pomp and preview, let’s just get right into the vows.”
“Can we say our own?” Tina asked. Pastor Jenkins just nodded and gave a wave.
“Mark, your love has overwhelmed me. I was never noticed before, but for you I am your whole world. From this day on, it becomes OUR world. I take you as my husband to stand beside and walk though this life as your wife, now and forever. Let my love always show in every action we take together, no matter what life tosses at us. I know you will be there for me, and I will be there for you. I love you with my whole heart, my love, my friend,” she paused then looking directly into his eyes, “my husband.”
“Tina, there’s never been another woman before and there will be none after.
You have my whole heart unreservedly. I vow to share my life with you every day from today onward, no matter what we go through I will be there walking with you each step of the way.
What I have I share with you. I’m proud to be called your husband.
Proud to call you my wife. Now as we become one, I share with you my name and my life.
I love you so completely, my friend, my love, my wife. ”
“In as much as these young persons have shared their vows of the covenant of marriage before these witnesses and there is no protest, I will ask for the rings,” Pastor Jenkins declared.
Billy put forward the two ring boxes. Mark took the red one and Tina grabbed the smaller blue one.
“These rings are circles showing that your love for each other has no ending, and it binds you together as one. Please exchange your rings.”
“Mark, with this ring,” she said as she pulled the simple gold band out, “I declare you to be my husband.” She slipped the ring onto his finger.
Mark opened his ring box revealing a oval shaped one and a quarter diamond ring with amethyst, garnet and rubies flanking it. “With this ring, I, Mark Arcun, take you, Tina Slater, as my wife. May this ring and our love never fail.” He slid the ring onto her finger.
“With the exchange of the rings, I now declare by the power vested in me by God above and confirmed by the State of Missouri that you are husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride,” and there wasn’t a hesitation before they were kissing passionately.
“I present to you Mr. And Mrs. Mark Arcun,” Pastor Jekins proudly pronounced, his smile nearly stretching his older face.
Cheers and applause went up from everyone.
“Now, I’ll sign your certificate and congratulate you.
Unfortunately, I do have other duties to attend. ”
“Thank you Pastor Jenkins,” Mark said. “I’m the happiest man on earth today.”
The marriage certificate was signed and the wedding ceremony had concluded, but Veronica insisted on singing ‘Together Forever,’ as their first dance song and everyone watched as Mark and Tina enjoyed their first dance together.
Alice moved over and gave them both a hug.
“Now, if the two of you are satisfied, I’ll file this paperwork, and you can head to Dallas. ”
“Thanks, Alice. It meant a lot to us that you were here too,” Tina said.
“Anytime. Stop by when you get back from your honeymoon so I can get the benefits paperwork straightened out.”
“We will,” Tina said as she moved towards the door, then stopped and flung her bouquet over her shoulders right into Carry’s face. As it bounced off, Cassie grabbed it floating in the air and pulled it toward her chest tightly.
The room was dead silent for a moment as Tina and Mark turned around.
Everyone was stunned because Tina hadn’t announced the traditional throwing of the bouquet, but had just done it.
Carry hadn’t even been looking when Tina went into motion.
Her hands never stood a chance of deflecting the bouquet, much less catching it as she turned just in time to be hit in the face.
Cassie had been talking with Carry and just saw the flying bouquet out the corner of her eyes.
She wasn’t fast enough to grab it in the air, but immediately after it rebounded from Carry’s face.
Carry was still stunned as Cassie secured the bouquet to her chest. Carry shook her head back and forth to shake off the hit, and suddenly the room erupted in laughter.
“Did you just hit me with the bouquet?” Carry asked.
“She did indeed, cousin. And now they’re mine,” she grinned
“I’m so sorry, boss,” Tina said apologetically.
“Don’t be,” Carry said waving it off. “I should have been paying more attention.”
“Thank you Carry. Mark?” Tina said turning to him. “Will we make our flight?”
“If we leave right now,” he said. “I wish we could stay longer, but we have to get to KCI for our flight to Dallas.”
“Mark,” Greg called before they left. “If you need anything, just call.”
“Thanks, Greg. Goodbye everybody,” he said as they spun to leave with shouts of congratulations from throughout the room.
“So, Cassie,” Billy said slowly. “What does this mean?”
“It means that with ‘The Enforcer’ dead, Ben and I can finally get married.”
“I’m losing girls left and right,” Veronica said in frustrative sarcasm.
“I’ll be back, V,” Cassie answered then realized that Veronica was just teasing. “Oh,” she said softly. “You weren’t complaining.”
“No, Cassie. And given everything, I’m going to ask James to cancel the end of the tour since I don’t think I’ll be able to perform on stage anytime soon. Carry, can you keep things going at Veronique?”
“Of course V. What do we do about Wendy though?”
“Check with James. He’s still dealing with Aarie, and maybe we can talk with Wendy. She’s just gone through a massive trauma. She’s going to need us now more than ever, even if she doesn’t realize that we’re on her side.”
“After her betrayal?” Carry asked in shock.
“Like Billy taught us, Carry. Forgive others or you won’t be forgiven yourself. Besides, she’s like Katie, hopelessly caught in life’s hardest struggle by the circumstances, not by choice. We need to help her if we can.”
“I hate admitting that you’re right,” Carry said somberly. “I want to hate her for what she did, but I just can’t.”
“You have learned a lot, cousin,” Cassie said. “You said she was basically a good girl with bad influence in her life. Why don’t we even that out with the good influences in ours.”
“You’re right,” Katie said. “It was meeting you, Carry, that gave me a sense of hope once again. And that gave hope to my mother again.”
“Speaking of which,” Greg said holding up his phone.
“Eddie and Matt were in and out in thirty seconds without even being noticed. The Manor is in total chaos, and with Jason and Philip arriving with wounded, they were able to use that confusion to sneak in to set up surveillance cameras which allowed them to orchestrate the plan that blitzed the Manor to retrieve your mom. That’s K2 successfully executed. ”
“You had a plan for this?” Katie asked.
“When he watched you and your mother interact in front of the door, he recognized Kelly and started planning her extraction. He just needed permission to go.”
“THANK YOU GREG!” she screamed and ran over and kissed him on his cheek as she hugged him tightly. Then she looked at him, gazing into his eyes. “That kindness should be repaid, and if Carry or Veronica don’t want to marry you, I will.”
“Thanks, Katie,” Greg said with a chuckle. “I’d prefer to keep you as my niece.”
“Okay,” she said softly, slight disappointment showing. “I guess I can accept that.”
“We do still have some eligible men over at Pimico you might be interested in,” he offered. “I’ll gladly introduce you to them.” She smiled. “We’ll find you one.”
“Hey, guys. Rabbi Steve’s services has been going for almost fifteen minutes,” Billy announced. “Isn’t that why we’re here?”
“You’re right, Billy,” Greg admitted. “Get it set up and let’s all enjoy this Sabbath of Rest that God Almighty has given us.
” Billy set up the link from his phone to the big screen tv.
Veronica wheeled herself over beside Greg’s bed.
Carry and Cassie joined Katie in the chairs that had been brought in, as Alice quietly slipped out of the room.
Billy sat down next to Carry and they all watched the services, joining in during the hymns, singing together.
After the services were finished, Veronica reached over with her hand on Greg’s.
“Are you sure you want me to convalesce at your house?” she said softly.
“Just in case this isn’t over,” he softly replied. “The Enforcer might be dead, but she’s still got plenty of weapons available. Also, Jason and Philip are still a threat as well.”
“Then I guess it’s the safest option. Too bad I’m not moving in as your wife,” she said and smiled. “Maybe someday.”
“I think I need to have a conversation with someone else before this goes any farther, Veronica,” Greg said with a smile. “I’ve enjoyed this service, Billy. Would you mind if we discuss this lesson deeper alone?”
“Sure, Greg. I can do that,” he said and saw a flash from Carry’s eyes. Suddenly, he realized there was more to this than meets the eyes. “Just let me get V back to her room.”
“We’ll do that,” Carry said standing up.
“Besides, we need to discuss how to proceed with Veronique if Veronica is going to cancel the remainder of the tour.” She turned and said.
“Let’s go ladies,” waving them out of their seats.
“I’ll drive V, if you two would grab us something from the cafeteria. ”
“I’ve ordered you guys a pizza,” Veronica said. “I hope that’s enough.”
“Did you order the wings with it?” Katie asked eagerly.
“Yes, Katie. Chicken, Beef and Pineapple and Supreme Veggie Lovers.”
“Thanks, V.” Katie smiled. “I’ll get some soda’s.”
“There’s a couple of two liters coming with the delivery.”