Chapter 43
Chapter Forty-Three
My mother and Rita helped me into my wedding gown, careful not to smudge my makeup or disarrange my hair.
I held my breath as Mom pulled up the back zipper, then breathed a sigh of relief that the dress still fit.
I didn’t have a full-length mirror, but Mom took a photo and showed it to me. “You look beautiful, honey.”
I wrapped my arms around her, so grateful for the moment that engendered such deep emotion for both of us. Rita reminded me about the mini veil, and suggested that we have the stylist place it correctly. “That’s a good idea,” I agreed. “How are we doing on time?”
“We have fifteen minutes before the limo arrives,” Mom replied, “so we’re good. Heather’s getting her makeup done now, and Alicia has put away our breakfast items.”
I checked my phone after hearing the ping. “Angela’s at the church with Mike and the boys, and she’s keeping Brad calm.” I laughed nervously. “We need to get going.”
“Take a deep breath and step into your shoes,” Mom said. “Do they feel comfortable?”
I would have preferred glitzy sneakers. “Yes,” I agreed.
Alicia called, “The limo’s here!”
“Oh, my gosh,” I yelped, rushing to a window. “We’re going to be late.”
Rita stopped me. “He’s early, so don’t worry. Let’s get the stylist to arrange your pretty little veil and get out of here.” Mom reached into her purse, saying, “I know Angela paid the woman, but I’d like to add a nice tip. After all, she went beyond the call of duty.”
I gave a crooked smile, not sure if she meant the extra time spent on me or the additional makeup for Heather and Alicia. “Thank you,” I replied anyway.
Despite the last-minute chaos, we arrived at the church in enough time for a few photo shots and a chance to meet up with Angela and her family.
Heather looked radiant, especially when Wyatt pulled into the parking lot.
She scurried to meet him, while my mother kept Alicia occupied.
I heard Mom ask Ali, “Would you reply to the caterer for me? Comparable substitutions within our budget are fine.”
Alicia reached for my mother’s phone. “Gladly,” she said. “I can handle this.”
I wanted so much to see Brad, but smiled for the camera.
The organist and cantor arrived, greeting us before going inside for final preparations. I didn’t know them, but appreciated that they’d make the day memorable for Brad and me.
As our friends passed by, I told them how much Brad and I appreciated their presence. Silently, and seriously, I again thought we should have eloped.
Alicia must have texted my father of our arrival because he suddenly appeared at my side. He kissed my cheek, then squeezed my mother’s hand. “I think we’re all ready,” he remarked.
She turned to Alicia. “Let’s find our seats.”
Watching from the vestibule, it looked as if everyone was waiting in anticipation. I leaned into my dad. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
He smiled, a mixture of happiness and pride. “I’m ready.”
When the organist played the first notes, Heather started down the center aisle to the sanctuary. Angela followed. I took Dad’s arm as our guests arose. “You look radiant,” he whispered when we stepped into the limelight.
I caught sight of Brad waiting for me and wanted to forego the pomp. “I have no doubts, Dad.”
“Me, either, honey. Let’s do this ceremony, then celebrate.” We both chuckled, timing our steps perfectly.
I kept my eyes on Brad, as he did with me. His smile made me want to rush toward him, but I remembered the priest telling us to take our time. “You have a whole future ahead of you, so don’t cut your guests short. They want anticipation.”
I’d laughed during our rehearsal, but not now. “Step on it, Dad,” I murmured. “I wouldn’t want Brad to get cold feet.”
He chuckled softly. “I promise that won’t happen.”
He kept pace with the beat of the music—slow and steady. At the altar, Dad put my hand into Brad’s, then leaned to kiss my cheek. I saw him brush away a tear before he turned toward the pew where Mom and Alicia sat.
“Dearly beloved…” the priest began. Brad squeezed my hand and I felt electricity pass between us as I returned his touch. It wouldn’t be long until we could finally spend time alone, and I relished that thought.
After the ceremony, our photographer asked the wedding party and family members to pose for pictures in the church’s garden.
Brad took my arm, leading the way along the footpath lined with gorgeous fall flowers, then we followed directions for posing.
Of course, I wanted the photos of this special day with my husband, but I hoped those with my parents would be equally fabulous.
Afterwards, being driven in the limousine with Brad to the firehouse, we kissed more passionately than at the ceremony until we paused to take a breath. With a nervous giggle, I reminded him that we still needed to get through a few hours of celebration.
“I know and I’ll behave.” He looked into my eyes, smiling. “It was a nice wedding ceremony, don’t you think?”
“Yes, and I’m grateful that the people who mean so much to us were there to support us.”
“Your parents are awesome.”
That comment meant so much to me. “Your sister and her family are, too.”
He nodded. “We’re really lucky.”
I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Yes, we are.”
When the limo driver arrived at the banquet hall entrance, we noticed the photographer waiting to take more photos. “Who hired him?” Brad whispered to me.
“My parents, so smile.”
He posed us in the limo, next to it, and at the front of the building. When guests arrived, he took pictures of them with us.
Apparently, we also had a videographer. Every movement at the reception was captured as the members of our bridal party were announced. Brad grinned when they called our names.
“Mr. and Mrs. Davenport,” the announcer exclaimed.
“That’s us, honey,” he said excitedly. He took my arm and we danced toward the head table while everyone cheered. Finally, we could have fun.
Brad’s sister stepped up to the microphone while guests took their seats.
“What an awesome day,” she declared with a grin.
“Welcome!” The disk jockey played a lively tune until everyone was seated.
“We’re so glad you’re here with us,” she announced, “and we hope you enjoy every moment. First, though, Jodie and Brad would like to thank Jim McNally and his wife for renting the fire hall for their celebration.”
She called them to the microphone. They slowly made their way, looking hesitant, while she said, “Shawn McNally and my brother were best friends throughout their school years, and they challenged each other to go a step beyond. Apparently, our family histories entwined years before when our grandparents supported each other. Let’s give a hearty welcome to the McNally family. ”
Brad covered his heart with his hand, then stood to take the microphone. “Shawn should be here, but that wasn’t meant to be.” He shook off his sadness, then took a deep breath. “My wife and I thank you and your family for your sacrifice, and we’re here for you.”
I stood next to him, then reached to kiss Mr. McNally and his wife on their cheeks. “Thank you so much for your kindness to Brad and me.”
Angela intervened before we became too maudlin. “Next, the Matron of Honor and Best Man, yours truly, Angela and Mike Miller.” He joined her at the microphone and waved. They smiled for the camera amidst the applause.
“Also in the wedding party,” Angela announced, “we have Heather Archer as bridesmaid, and groomsman, Wyatt Crenshaw, dear friends of the bride and groom.” They danced forward to lots of applause.
I thought Angela would stop there, but she also introduced my parents, then Rita, Alicia, and Aunt Marie, who happened to show up with one of my distant cousins.
Mom and Dad stepped up to the microphone and I had no idea what they’d say.
To my relief, he told our guests that he and my mother were happy to welcome Brad to our family and didn’t bother to offer his poem.
Next, Angela called the priest forward, and he gave a brief blessing. Brad and I truly appreciated his heartfelt words, while my mother looked ecstatic.
Finally, our best man and brother-in-law raised a glass of champagne and offered a simple toast of good wishes to us, the bride and groom. Brad and I squeezed hands before we echoed his “Cheers!”
With that, servers brought food to our table, then served our guests. We watched the scene before us as we tasted the food.
“Your mother did a great job choosing the menu,” Brad noted. “By the looks of it, everyone is enjoying their meal.”
I chuckled delightedly. “I told you, she’s a pro.”
“I imagine Rita gave her input.”
“Without a doubt,” I replied, laughing. “How did we get so lucky?”
Eventually, the DJ stopped by to ask if we were ready for the honorary dance as husband and wife. We’d selected our song and had even practiced a slow dance through the week, so we gave our approval to get the party going.
Neither of us stepped on each other’s toes and both of us felt emotional, which probably added to everyone’s enjoyment. When that song ended, the DJ introduced Dad and me. We danced to the music, celebrating those moments together.
Following tradition, the DJ called my mother and Brad to the floor for the next dance. Watching their smooth steps, I told myself they must have practiced because they looked really good together.
With our time in the limelight finished, Brad and I watched others step to the dance floor from our table. He took my hand and leaned toward me. “I didn’t know we had so many friends.”
“Me, either, but they’re having fun.”
“So am I,” he said, reaching for a smooch.
I laughed. “Me, too. Let’s show them our moves.” And we did.