by F. L. Jacob
The palms of my hands are starting to sweat. I start wringing them in front of me. Beth reaches out and grabs them. “No fidgeting. You’re beautiful, you have a wonderful guy, you are one lucky bitch, do you know that?”
I squeeze her hands and pull her to me and wrap her in a big hug. Sara stops in the doorway, giving us a minute, but I wave her over. She has helped me get to this perfect moment too. The smile that spreads on her face makes me so happy. She joins in on the embrace.
“Thank you, girls. Really, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you two.”
We all part, and Sara slides the veil into my hair. Beth dabs her eyes. “Are you ready?” she asks me.
I take a deep breath. “I think so,” I whisper.
Sara smiles. “Turn around, honey. You’re so beautiful.”
Taking another deep breath, I turn slowly. My breath catches as I see myself for the first time and tears start falling.
“Wow.”
Beth and Sara nod behind me.
Standing before me is a grown women, ready to embark on the most terrifying, most amazing journey of her life. I can’t help but think that my mom should be with me right now helping me get dressed and my dad should be standing in the corner waiting for his little girl.
I let my arms smooth my dress at the sides. The drop waist lace dress was perfect. I knew it the moment I saw it a few months back. The layers of lace that fall to the floor are light but full. The train isn’t too long, but it’s perfect. I pull up my dress to see my shoes. The white shoes with crystalized heels and blue soles were absolutely perfect, elegant and sexy. I reach up to touch my necklace. Caston. All of this is for him, and I can’t wait to see him.
Beth takes this moment to hand me a hankie. I dab my eyes, trying not to mess up my makeup. My hair is pulled up with a few tendrils falling out. The cathedral length veil is the perfect complement to my dress. I’m ready.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Sara rushes out of the room.
She comes back carrying a small blue bag. “Caston asked me to give this to you.”
Dabbing my eyes again, I reach for the bag. I take it out of the bag and gasp. “Oh my God. How?”
Sara shrugs. Beth tries to see what I’m holding. I turn around and hold it out for her to see. Her hand flies up to her mouth.
“Sara, how did he get this?”
“It’s Caston, sweetie. How he does anything is a mystery to me.”
I clasp my shaky hand around my mother’s wedding ring. It’s the most beautiful rose gold with three little pink diamonds on the band. I’d recognize this ring anywhere. It was unlike any I’ve ever seen. It fit her perfectly. I remember telling Caston about the day she showed up without it one afternoon we were snuggling on the couch.
I’d just gotten done practicing and Claire De Lune was playing in the background. She was nervously rubbing her ring finger. ‘Mom where’s your ring?’ I asked her.
‘Oh, it’s nothing, honey. No worries.’
I could tell that wasn’t the truth. I gathered my bags, but kept my eye on her. Her eyes were puffy and red. They were glassy, like she could cry at any minute.
‘Mom, please tell me.’
She looked up at me from the seat she had taken. ‘Oh honey, I sold it. We needed the money and Joe had been asking me about it for a while. He said he never saw anything like it before. I got a lot of money for it.’
I couldn’t believe what she just said. I sat next to her and grabbed her hand in mine. ‘Mom, why?’
She just shook her head and tears began to fall again. ‘So you can dance,’ she whispered.
I slide the ring onto my finger and pull out his note.
Your something old. I’ve been keeping this for a while and knew today was the perfect day to give it to you. You need a piece of your parents with you today and what better than your mother’s wedding ring, the symbol of your parent’s love? They would be so proud of you. I can’t wait to see you at the end of the aisle. I love you, Bre. Thank you for making me whole.
Love always,
Caston
I place my hand over my stomach and cry. How am I going to make it through today without them? My parents should be here to give me away. Sara and Beth guide me to a chair.
I’m on the verge of hyperventilating. “I’m so sorry,” I choke out between sobs.
“No apologies.” Beth pulls me in for a big hug. “Honey, you have to breathe. No trips to the hospital today, okay?”
Nodding, I wipe at my eyes again. Rachel and Julia walk into the room with a big sheet. “Okay, everyone out. We have to make her look as though she wasn’t just crying her eyes out.”
We all laugh through our tears. “Hope that’s all for the night,” I say.
A short time later I appear in the main room. Sara and Beth have been joined by Terrance and Kaitlyn.
“Are you ready, Sabrina?” Terrance asks.
“Yes, more than ready.”
“Wait!” Beth announces, stopping us in the doorway. “The six pence.”
“What?” I ask.
“You know something old, your mom’s ring. Something new, your dress. Something borrowed, my hankie. I want that back after you wash it, of course. Something blue, the soles of your shoes. Lucky six pence in your shoe.”
She produces a coin from her pocket book and lifts my dress up, pulling my foot towards her. Sara grabs my arm to help steady me.
“Well, this is going to be uncomfortable.”
She looks up at me. “Just until after the ceremony. Okay, now you’re all set.”
Looking over to Terrance, I giggle. “I guess, now, I’m more than ready.”
He just chuckles and shakes his head. Beth hands me my bouquet of pure white roses with red berries poking through. We all head out the door. Terrance and Kaitlyn in front, Sara and I, Beth carrying my train, and then Jake.
We walk outside to jump into the waiting limo. It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining, with a light breeze. The leaves are the brightest shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Arriving at the church, I walk into the vestibule and can hear Bach’s “Air on the G String” playing. I know this was the last song before the girls head down the aisle. It’s almost time.
Looking around, I see men in tuxes everywhere with ear pieces in. Things move in slow motion, but the music stays the correct tempo. It’s surreal. Sara and Beth are laughing. Julia is there putting a few extra pins in my hair. One last dash of powder on my nose and Rocco, the wedding coordinator, is lining everyone up like we’d planned last night.
Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” starts. The doors to the church open. You can hear the benches creak as everyone turns to look toward the back.
Sara takes her place in the doorway, turning back, she blows me a kiss. Jake holds his arm out, and Sara takes it walking toward the altar. A few seconds later Beth takes her place and heads out the door alone. The coordinator is behind me, holding my dress and veil up. I wait for the music change. It’s almost as if I’ve done this a million times.
The doors close again, and I take my place behind them, alone. Caston asked if I wanted anyone to walk me down the aisle. I couldn’t fathom someone taking my dad’s place. Even though he isn’t here physically, I feel him standing next to me. The air flies around me as my dress is fluffed. Everyone seems to scatter and as the first few chords of “Trumpet Voluntary” start, the doors swing open and everyone stands. For me. I’m ready, Daddy, are you? I count to three and start my walk down the aisle.
It’s then that I see him. Waiting for me. My future husband. My love. My life. I can see nothing but him. He’s wearing a black tux with a crisp white shirt, white vest, and white tie. He’s never looked so good. His smile lights up the room. I see him wipe his eye and a tear slides down my cheek too.
Reaching the end of the aisle, I blow out a breath as Caston reaches for my hand. He raises my hand up to his lips.
“You look beautiful,” he whispers and another tear falls down my c
heek. His other hand comes up and wipes it away.
“Ready?” he asks.
I glance over to the empty pew that was left for my parents. I can almost see them there smiling at me. Looking back at Caston, I smile. “Ready.”
He helps me walk the last few feet up a few stair steps to the priest. The music ends and the ceremony begins.
I take my place at the altar with Jon by my side. I’m trying to shake the funny feeling I’ve had all morning. Today will be perfect, one way or another. I smile at Sara when she makes her way to the front of the church. She sends me a wink, then I focus on Beth next. Once Sara and Beth are in their places, there’s a short pause.
The music changes and the doors open. I’m at a loss for words when I see her appear in the doorway of the church. All I can see is Sabrina. She looks radiant. There’s a glow about her, like an angel. I feel like we’re the only two people in this church. Tears escape, and I wipe them away. I don’t think anything can ruin this moment for us.
She finally reaches my side. This is where she belongs. Forever. I pull her hand to my mouth, placing a kiss on her mom’s ring. I’m so glad I could do that for her. Her tears fall again, and I wipe them away with my thumb as I caress her face.
Once we make it to the priest, we both take a deep breath, face each other as the priest begins.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to join Sabrina Marie Bennett and Caston Michael Black in holy matrimony, which is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly.”
Sabrina looks at me and makes a face that makes me chuckle. The priest pauses looking at me sideways. Bre squeezes my hands, and I look at her and smirk back. I shake my head lightly. I can’t believe she’s making me laugh when we’re supposed to be serious. Another reason why I love her.
“Sorry,” I whisper to the priest.
He clears his throat and continues, “Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”
The part I’ve been dreading. I hold my breath, and I squeeze Bre’s hands. Her eyes are closed. She doesn’t like this part either. I feel like the priest is pausing longer than normal.
Commotion at the back of the church pulls everyone’s attention.
“Fuck,” I mutter.
I pace nervously outside of the church. After talking with Terrance at the diner, I wasn’t sure if this would still be happening. I thought for sure he would somehow figure out my plans, even though I managed to stay away from talking about them. I told him about Beverly’s plan for sabotage down to the very last detail. Since, my plan’s almost in full swing, I have just a few more small details, and it’ll finally be done. The alleyway outside of the church is dark. Where the fuck is Bruce?
Pulling out my phone, I check the time. It’s almost midnight. Almost D-day. A noise makes me flatten myself up against the stone exterior of the church. The door swings open and Bruce walks out.
“Mark?”
I step out of the shadows. Pulling the hood up on my sweatshirt, I walk over to him.
“Whatcha got for me?”
Bruce looks around nervously before looking back at me. Pulling out a cigarette, he lights up and takes a deep drag before beginning.
He slowly passes me a card.
“This is what you’ll need to get in. They decided against metal detectors, so you won’t have to leave anything here tonight. If anything changes, I’ll contact you.”
Nodding, I slide the card in my pocket. “Does everything still seem to be the same?”
“Ya, Sabrina’s going to the hotel. Caston’s at home. Terrance should be here any minute to sweep the church again. Bastard is so paranoid.” He laughs deep and it bounces around the alleyway.
Grabbing the cigarette, I pull the smoke deep into my lungs feeling it calm me. Blowing it out, I throw the butt on the ground and crush it with my foot.
“See you tomorrow.” I clap him on the shoulder and take off down into the darkness.
A few short hours later, I’m standing in my room adjusting my tux. Beverly has made herself scarce, and her room has been cleared out. I haven’t seen her in a week, and I question myself if I should still go through with this. I grab my phone and press the button bringing the screen to life. Kaitlyn’s face shines back at me. My insides felt warm thinking that soon I will be meeting up with her to start my new life, but I know if I don’t finish this the bitch will haunt me for the rest of my life until it’s done.
Donning my jacket, I grab my guns. Here we go.
Arriving at the church, the hustle and bustle of the guests is nerve wrecking. I stick to myself and try not to look at anyone in the eye. I pat my pocket and feel the card that Bruce gave me last night. Since I haven’t heard from him, I hope to hell it works or everything will be over before I even start.
The church bells begin ringing. Looking up to the sky, it’s a beautiful sunny day. Standing in line, I fidget with my jacket to make sure everything is covered. The girls in front of me are chattering away when one of them looks at me.
“Are you a friend of the bride or groom?” Her southern drawl’s so thick it was almost hard to understand her.
“Um.” Making eye contact, I recognize her as Hollywood Sweetheart of the Year from two years ago. Her friend links her arm and smiles at me. I shake my head when I remember they’re waiting for me to answer. “Bride. Known her since college.”
They sigh and place their hands on their chests as we move closer to the door. “Isn’t she just the luckiest? Caston is so amazing. Wish it was me he fell in love with. Can’t say I didn’t try.” The girls start laughing, and I roll my eyes and glance backwards.
Thankfully, we’re at the front of the line, and I can already hear the music playing. Perfect timing. I just hope there’s a seat at the back. The girls make it in with no problem. Quickly handing the card to the guy at the door. He scans the plastic thing and taps the screen a few times. Seconds seem to last for hours.
“You may proceed, sir. Thank you.”
Nodding, I quickly walk from the check-in area through the maze of halls into the church vestibule. I’m immediately hit with the floral smell of the decorations, and I hear voices coming from around the corner, recognizing Beth’s. Feeling the pit in my stomach drop, I duck into the church and take my seat on the end of a pew toward the back.
I make it in just in time to see the doors close and the music changes. The chatter slows, Caston and Jon walk out, taking their place up front. The room is lined with security with ear pieces. Stretching my neck, I peer toward the front of the church and immediately find Terrance. Smirking, since he isn’t looking at me, good, because he would immediately end this whole thing. Just as Terrance turns his head, I think my cover will be blown, people shift their attention to the back again, and the doors open.
I recognize Sara, Caston’s sister-in-law, walking down the aisle. When she gets to the middle, she joins up with her escort. My collar tightens, Jake, the trainer from the gym, what the fuck was he doing here? I feel the sweat form on my brow as I watch them make their way to the front. Turning back around, Beth is making her way down. When she gets close, I glance away, so Beth doesn’t see me and ruin everything.
Second thoughts are once again flooding my brain, I don’t have to do this. Maybe I shouldn’t. The music changes again, and I look at the doors opening. There she is. Sabrina looks beautiful, happy. Her eyes are locked on Caston at the front of church. My heart clenches at how horrible I was to her.
I can’t bring myself to turn away now. If she sees me, I know it will be over, but she won’t. I don’t think she’s seeing anyone or anything right now. I wonder if it will be like this for Kaitlyn and me. I hope so, I want to find happiness.
Once she reaches the front, I see Caston wipe her tears. He took her away from me. I need them out of my life forever. I cou
ld have been her forever. Then again, I would have never met Kaitlyn.
A smile creeps up on my face when I day dream of us up on that alter. I can just picture her with her red hair up with some falling around her face, like it does when she puts it up. The white dress and veil. I bet my vixen would have a tight simple dress through. She isn’t into frill. Damn her body would fucking rock in a dress like that.
As I’m daydreaming, I realize that the cue I was waiting for is upon me. That one line in every wedding that no one likes. Objections? HA! It’s the cruelest line in the wedding. Some sick fuck had to have come up with it, but I fucking love it.
Placing my hands on my guns, I suddenly realize I don’t want to do this. I want to let them live the rest of their lives in peace and so do I. I step out into the aisle, tripping on the runner before getting my footing. A few people turn to look in my direction at the small distraction I caused. I see some security guards reaching for their ear piece. Shit! Hope they don’t recognize me.
I’m almost to the doors when, gasps from the guests to my right start a commotion, causing the entire church to shift its attention in that direction.
“I fucking new it. I knew you didn’t have the balls!” The screech of her voice cracks through the silence. She continues pushing her way through the crowd. I see it then. The gun reflects in the sun from the stained glass window.
“Mark, you’ll never be anything. You can’t do one simple task. This would have been over with already if you didn’t fuck up the first time.”
“Beverly, no! No more.” Changing my direction from the exit to try to get to her.
“STOP!” she screams, cocking her gun and shooting it into the air. “She goes with me and no one gets hurt.”
The screams that radiate through the church echo off the stone walls. Looking over to Caston, I see him instinctively move Sabrina behind him to protect her. Stupid son of a bitch, she’ll kill them both.
I hear the clicks of guns being chambered all around me.
