Epilogue
Greg slid onto the couch in the studio besides James. He settled in then Carry and Billy joined them. Cassie, Katie and Tina came out of the studio where Veronica was still giving final instructions to Wendy. Mark arrived with the drinks and started handing them out.
“I still can’t believe that Wendy is finally back with Veronique,” Mark observed.
“She did her probation,” Greg said softly.
“She learned her lessons the hardest way possible, Mark. Give her a break. Turning on the family like that for Aarie took a lot of guts. It might have taken her some time, but I think she’s really turning things around.
Besides, she doesn’t fit her Veronique uniform anymore. ”
“Not with that belly,” Tina laughed. “They didn’t wait to consummate their marriage, did they?”
“Nor did you,” Katie fired back, pointing at Tina’s belly. “It’s not like you have a lot of room to talk, rookie.”
“I’m not showing like Wendy,” Tina admitted. “But I have to admit, I’m excited about our future little bundle of joy.” Wendy finally came out of the studio.
Carry got up and moved over to hug Wendy. Tears started flowing from Wendy’s eyes, then Katie hugged her tight. Finally Cassie gave her a hug. She smiled and wiped her eyes. “I can’t believe all of you can welcome me back like this after everything.”
“IF we can’t forgive, Wendy,” Greg said, “then we’re wasting our time calling ourselves Christians.”
“I’m Messianic,” Billy interjected.
“Well, maybe we should just call ourselves Sabbatarian,” Carry said positively.
“I can go with that,” Cassie confirmed. “Ben’s coming up in a week then he’s picking a house for us here.”
“And when is the date?” James asked.
“He wants to get married in March,” Cassie confirmed.
“Not far now,” James replied. “Won’t be long before we’re on Valentines day.”
“That’s a couple of weeks away,” Greg observed. “Tessa is going to be happy. She’ll have delivered those twins before your wedding.”
“I’m glad she’s agreed to be my Matron of Honor too,” Cassie said.
“Alright, James, we’re set in here. Aarie’s got everything cued up and ready.”
“Relax,V. This first single is important, but I think it’s more of the message you are sending than the tone.”
“I think it’s both James. Keep an eye on the boards for me will you?”
“Sure thing, V,” James replied. “Billy, would you give the intro?”
“Sure,” he said as he moved over to the microphone by the board. “Are you sure you are ready for your first single?”
“Yes, Billy. We’ll do the rest of the album later, after we all get married.”
“Alright, then it’s Take One – Walking In Something Bright – written and recorded by Veronica LaFayette.” The music started playing.
Walking In Something Bright
[Verse 1]
I’ve wandered about lost in the night
Every step I’ve taken felt cold and tight
Searching for even a hint of the sky
No stars up above to guide my eye
My weary heart knew hope was scarce
Calling out to God in desperate prayers
Lost in these shadows consumed by fear
Always wondering if You would really hear
[Chorus]
Reaching into the dark You found my hand
Lifting me up You were helping me to stand
Taking me out of darkness into Your light
Now with you I’m walking in something bright
[Verse 2]
In shadows deep I’ve wandered lost and cold
A whispered prayer could barely break the mold
The lantern of my soul flickering in the night
God brought me a glimpse of everlasting light
Through valleys dark with whispers in the breeze
Each step a plea for solace and for peace
Stumbling on with questions in my mind
In faith hoping Your answers I would find
[Chorus]
Reaching into the dark You found my hand
Lifting me up You were helping me to stand
Taking me out of darkness into Your light
Now with you I’m walking in something bright
[Bridge]
In the quiet I sensed Your voice
Whispered truth gave me a choice
Love so pure it cast out all doubt
Broke my chains and pulled me out
Taking me out of darkness into Your light
Now with you I’m walking in something bright
Greg stood up cheering and applauding, and was soon joined by everyone else. “I can’t believe you nailed that in just one take, sweetheart.”
“Do you really think I got it?” Veronica said, not convinced. Billy stepped over.
“Don’t change a thing, V. That was exactly what it should sound like. It truly will tell your fans why you’ve switched by giving them a fully emotional testimony. Besides, you have a lot more songs to record.”
“Hey,” Greg said. “It’s Friday. You’ve been working on this all day, honey. Why don’t we knock off now so we can still get in pizza and game night before the Sabbath begins.”
“Please V,” Aarie pleaded. “I missed that these past couple of months.”
“Oh,” she smiled. “All right. If you’re going to gang up on me, fine. Let’s head home for Pizza and games.”
“Thanks, honey. I love you so much.” Greg winked strong and long. “You look gorgeous.”
“You’re going to love me more with an extra ultimate veggie pizza,” Veronica demanded.
“Oh! I’m so down for that, Greg,” Carry said.
“Me too,” Tina chimed in.
“Alright. I’ll add two of them to the order. Mark, let Thomas and Greta know we’ll be home in half an hour.”
“On it, Greg,” he said as he pulled out his phone.
“Honey, I can’t wait to marry you,” Greg said. “Let’s go home, everyone.”
The sunrise over Longview Lake glistened off the top of the small waves moved by the gentle southern breeze. Greg and Billy paced back and forth on the stage, looking back at the main tent where their brides would emerge. “You have to relax, Billy,” Aarie said. “This is a time to be happy.”
“Same goes for you, Greg,” David said. “It’s just a walk in the park,” he assured with a soft pat on the shoulders.
“Easy for you to say, you’ve already done this,” Greg said.
“Yeah,” Billy squeaked out. “How did you do this without shaking in your boots?”
“The secret is to think about your wedding night,” David said. “Then that excitement overrides the nervousness you have.”
“Alright,” Billy mumbled.
“Come on, Billy,” Greg assured him. “We’re the fortunate ones today. We’ve found the women of our dreams and we are getting to marry them today.”
“Yeah,” he mumbled in reply. “If you hadn’t found her first, I’d have never met Carry.”
“Let’s go. Pastor Jenkins is waiting.” Greg pulled Billy over to position beside the pastor then took his place.
He looked to the back as Cassie began singing ‘Here’s Your Bride,’ and felt his heart pound as both Carry and Veronica emerged from the back.
James Emory was escorting Veronica on the right and Bill Kline was escorting Carry on the left.
They glided down the aisle to the front where the men gave away the brides.
The ceremony went much faster than either man expected.
Greg finally found his voice as he repeated the vows and said, “I do, take you, Veronica LaFayette as my wedded wife for every day of the rest of my life.”
“You men may now kiss your brides,” Pastor Jenkins called to them. They kissed them both deeply.
“I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Greg Garrelson and Mr. and Mrs. William Blake,” Rabbi Steve said proudly.
“Thank you everyone for coming,” Cassie called.
“The welcome is in the main tent.” The crowd moved into the tent where pictures and conversations were happening.
Carlo came over to congratulate both of the couples as Grandma Grace embraced Carry, Grandma Graciella embraced Greg, Aunt Janet embraced Veronica and Bethany embraced Billy for the ‘Mom’s’ Photo.
“Everything is set over at the club. We are ready to host your reception,” Carlo said proudly.
“This, cousin, is why we came,” Rafael said to Mischel. “L’Amour is wonderful.”
“Indeed, cousin,” Mischel replied. “Like our own double wedding, this has been a celebration of love.”
“We should be heading over to the Club,” Greg replied. “Thank you Carlo for making Club Euchre available to us for our reception.”
“It’s my pleasure to charge David only half price for this event, considering how much he’s put into the improvements for the club as my silent partner. I do however still miss his father.”
“So do I,” David said. “But I know he’d be proud of that club, and of you Greg.”
“Thanks, David,” Greg replied. “Shall we go now?”
“We still have to throw the bouquets,” Carry said then turned to Veronica. “Where should we do it?”
“From the stage?” Veronica asked in reply?
“Sounds good to me,” Carry said and they started that way. “Should we announce this?”
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Please make your way to the stage area for the traditional throwing of the bouquets!” Hector announced loudly over the crowd.
Everyone followed along to the stage area.
Greg climbed up beside Veronica and Billy beside Carry.
“The brides will now throw their bouquets to the waiting maidens. Take your places ladies.” Veronica and Carry turned away from the gathering women below the stage area.
Greg moved in front of Veronica while Billy stood before Carry.
The women below moved around anxiously, taking positions they thought would be optimal for catching the bouquets.
“Get Set!” Hector called and Veronica and Carry lowered their bouquets in front of themselves, both hands firmly at the base with the flowers fully extended out as if they were catapults.
“On three,” Hector began, “One, Two,” he paused as the women jostled more for position.
“THREE!” Both women thrust their arms upward, launching their bouquets high into the air, the wind spinning them around in the bright morning sunlight, soaring higher against the soft clouds overhead before gently beginning to fall back down toward the waiting throng of women.