Demon

Ron

Gabe and I are just putting away the chess set when the pastor comes in. Gabe did a good job on the game. Didn’t win, of course, but he expects that. He’ll catch me someday.

“Okay, gentlemen, you ready for the main event?” Pastor Lyman asks.

I spring to my feet and huff out a breath of air that I must have been holding. Gabe grins and shakes his head. “Dad, you do know it’s just Mom, right?” he asks, laughing.

“What do you mean ‘just’?” I gasp, pretending to be insulted. “She is the most wonderful woman in the world and I am the luckiest man alive!”

Pastor Lyman chuckles. “There you go, Ron, that’s the right attitude. Okay, let’s head out.”

I let him lead us over to stand in front of the altar, with my son standing by my side, as we wait for the ceremony to start. There’s a couple dozen people sitting there in the audience, more than I expected. Brenda’s sister is sitting with her mother. The organist stayed behind after the church service ended, and after a few minutes of hearing some activity going on behind the doors at the front of the sanctuary, she starts playing the traditional wedding march.

The doors open, and Gabe and I see Natalie start heading up the aisle. She looks like the most adorable little fairy princess, that flouncy dress shimmering all yellow and orange and pink like a sunset around her. She has her hair up in a fancy bun that somebody has given her. She’s holding a frilly little basket filled with flower petals that she starts lightly tossing out on the path in front of her as she approaches me.

I feel my lips start to twitch, and I have to stop myself from laughing, when I see Timothy’s giant ungainly black digital watch on her delicate little wrist, spoiling the entire effect. It’s hilarious and adorable. I’ll bet Brenda had the same reaction.

Then I see Brenda step out of the foyer, wearing the most perfect cream colored gown, elegant and simple, clinging to the lines of her body, exactly right to set off her glorious dark hair and sparkling eyes. She is looking at me with a breathtaking smile.

Brenda

There he is, staring at me with a delighted expression, like I’ve caught him laughing about some charming secret. He takes my breath away in his tuxedo, tall and elegant and gorgeous. His hand is on Gabe’s shoulder, and the two of them are smiling at Natalie and I as we progress up the aisle.

My Dad walks with me, just like the first time, only this time he isn’t going to do the whole giving me away thing. Seems a little late for that. He’s just there to escort me. He peels away and sits down next to Mom when we get to the front.

Ron takes my hand, looking into my eyes with an intense expression of love, then we face Pastor Lyman. Natalie and Gabe stand flanking us. I see them glancing at each other with grins and nods.

The pastor waits for everyone to settle down, then begins with the traditional “Dearly Beloved.”

I glance up at Ron, and his blue eyes are gazing down at me, full of delight. This whole second wedding thing is all slightly corny, but so perfect. We both laugh a little when we notice Natalie bouncing on her toes, she’s so excited to be part of this. He reaches behind me to give her a little pat on the back, then we turn our attention to Pastor Lyman.

Gabe

Really? Weddings really do start with Dearly Beloved, just like in movies? I can’t wait to tell Jonathan when we get back. We’ll get a real laugh out of this.

The pastor is wearing a robe with a sort of flat scarf hanging down over his shoulders, and holding a book which he starts to read from. But then he closes the book and holds it down in front of him.

“We are all gathered here today to witness the union of Brenda and Ron. As I am sure you all know, this will be their second wedding. They are here with their two beloved children, ready to recommit their lives to each other. It is inspiring to see that even when it seems that love has been lost, it can still be found again.”

I hear Dad sniffing, and I look up to see that he is getting all emotional about this. Well, I’m the best man, it’s my job to support him. I reach over to touch his arm, and he looks down at me, sets his mouth in a firm line, and nods. I think it helps him get it together.

Natalie peeks over at me behind their backs and gives me a smile. I’m sure Angel is keeping her posted about how everyone is doing.

There’s a lot more wedding stuff. The pastor talks about God and love for a while. When it’s time, I give Dad the rings that I’m holding in my pocket, and Natalie takes Mom’s bouquet to hold it while they are putting the rings on each other’s fingers. It’s been a long time since breakfast, and I’m wondering if anyone else can hear my stomach growling.

Finally, we’re done. Mom and Dad give each other a giant kiss, Natalie just about literally glows with joy, and Grandma and Grandpa come up and give us all hugs.

Is it time for lunch yet?