Out of The Box Regifted

by Jennifer Theriot

  “Uh yeah I can believe it. That was so romantic.” Kyra replies.

  “So Em, it’s time to take off the robe girl. Let’s get you into your dress and ready to go. You’re husband to be is waiting for you.”

  We’re all standing around to help her, as she steps into the dress. Lainey zips her up and Kyra has the halo of fresh flowers, which she carefully fastens into Emily’s beautiful wavy long hair with bobby pins. “Olivia, can you please help me attach the veil?” She asks.

  I carefully attach the veil, take her over to my full length mirror and marvel as she stares at herself. For a moment she says nothing, she’s transfixed and just gazes at herself. By the look on her face, it’s difficult to tell what she’s thinking. She breathes out several times through her mouth and looks at Kyra, who comments first.

  “Em, My God! You look beautiful. Tommy’s so gonna lose it when he sees you, I hope you know.” “I feel like a princess Kyra. I really do. This is real, isn’t it?” Emily asks.

  Just as we’re all caught up in the moment, Ash softly knocks at the door and Emily makes a quick exit into the sitting room, afraid of being seen. “Ladies? Olivia? Are you in there?”

  I go to the door and open it ever so slightly. “Olivia, it’s just me. I brought you gals a little champagne. Thought you might want to take the edge off, and this will do the trick.”

  I open the door just enough to get the bottle, hand it off to Kyra and then Ash passes me the glasses.

  “See you shortly my love. The guys are still getting ready; I’m just waiting on them and missing you.”

  I stick my head out of the door just enough to receive an affectionate little kiss from him and then step back into our room, securely locking the door.

  We pop the cork, fill our glasses, and toast to Emily.

  I walk by the back window in the sitting room, just standing there, staring out in wonder as I observe everyone in the yard and how the place has been magically transformed in just a matter of hours. The tents are in place, ceilings adorned with twinkle lights and all the tables have been set with crisp white linens, bearing simple arrangements of green hydrangeas and coral sweetheart roses, thanks to Sarah. Votive candles surround the table-top arrangements and glow softly. At the edges of the patio and surrounding the tents, tall torches flank the entrances. The dock is glowing as well with a multitude of twinkle lights, and I can see the dance floor, empty now but soon to be filled with happy guests. The chairs for the ceremony are lined up perfectly and covered with fabric and tied with coral sashes. I’m startled, as someone quietly knocks twice and I peek before opening the door. An attractive curly haired brunette girl is standing there, dressed in a trendy little brown sundress, metallic sandals with a huge black bag strapped across her. “Hi there, I’m Rachel the photographer. I just need to get a few pictures please. I don’t want to interrupt anything, though…Is this a bad time?”

  “No, not at all. Please come on in. You’re not interrupting anything.” Emily gleefully exclaims.

  Rachel walks around the room, expertly assessing and observing the lighting and decides to takes several shots of Emily standing at the window gazing out. “The light here by the window is superb. Let’s start here. Don’t look at the camera Emily, just find something outdoors to fixate your eyes on and stare at it. You ready?”

  Emily does just as she’s asked and not surprising, her focal point is Tommy. He looks so handsome in his off white casual tux and vest with his white shirt. He isn’t wearing a tie and the shirt is unbuttoned. He is oblivious to us, and Emily stands at the window gazing at him. “God, isn’t he just the most gorgeous guy you’ve ever seen?” She asks.

  Kyra comes to peek out at him. “Yeah, he’s pretty flippin hot Em.” Rachel takes repetitive shots of Emily at the window. She shows me a few on her camera and I think these are going to be some of my favorites.

  “These will be incredible in black and white. Emily’s so photogenic.” Rachel remarks.

  Once she’s finished at the window, she takes several pictures of Emily in front of the full length mirror, a few of Emily, Lainey, and Kyra with their champagne glasses and several of us all together. Just before I turn to leave the room, Emily calls to me. “Olivia, would you let Rachel take a few pictures of just me and you? Pretty please?” She gives me a pouty and convincing look.

  “Emily, oh my God, yes of course! I’d be honored to.” Rachel takes my hand and leads me sit on the ottoman by the window in the sitting room placing Emily on the matching chair so that I’m in front of her. She positions us so that we’re holding hands, facing each other and smiling into each other’s eyes. We make eye contact, as we both giggle.

  Rachel is snapping pictures randomly, “Beautiful girls. Oh my goodness this is perfect!” Once she’s finished with Emily and me, she touches my arm.

  “Olivia, let me get a few of you and your daughter if you don’t mind. I just love shooting mothers to be.”

  She takes us over by the mirror in my dressing room and has me place my hand on Lainey’s stomach, positioning Lainey’s hand over mine. I can’t resist rubbing her belly as we look at each other, tearing up.

  Rachel doesn’t miss a beat. “Aww this is great! Mom and mom to be. I think you’re both gonna love these!” She snaps several more of us and then begins packing up her gear smiling. “Well, I think I’m done here, so I’ll head outside and see if I can find some unsuspecting subjects to photograph, namely the guys. You ladies were perfect and I’ve got some awesome pics.” She laughs, as she grabs her gear and prepares to leave the room.

  Knowing Lainey, Kyra, and Emily likely need some private time about now, I decide it’s time to make my way out with Rachel to the bar and meet up with my special man who, upon seeing me takes a deep breath through his teeth and exclaims, “Wow! You look stunning Olivia and those legs…” He seductively looks down at them. “God they’re to die for.”

  Coyly I curtsy and respond, “Why thank you. I was just about to mention how irresistible you are as well…”

  With that, he takes me into his arms and discreetly whispers in my ear, nipping it softly.

  “I can’t wait for tonight after everyone has left, so I can make love to you and if I’m lucky, maybe you’ll wrap those to die for legs around me.”

  I bite my lip and entice him with my eyes. “Ash, I’m waiting with baited breath and I’m gonna hold you to that offer, you know.” I teasingly put my finger under his chin. “As for my legs, they’ll be waiting as well, so save some energy for later.”

  From our vantage point at the bar, we eagerly watch the guests arriving, happily mingling and being ushered to their seats.

  When I head over to Tommy, he introduces me to the deejay. “Olivia, I want you to meet my friend Smash. Smash, this is Olivia. She’s my Dad’s fiancée.”

  Smash gives me a hug and kisses my cheek, as I immediately notice the plethora of tattoos on his forearms and hands. “So nice to meet you, Smash. Beautiful artwork. Are you a client of Scott’s?”

  He proudly smiles. “Yes ma’am. He’s the best and I’m his work in progress. So nice to meet you. Bert and Tommy have told me really great things about you.” He claps and looks at me, “Congrats on the engagement. Mr. H is a cool dude and you’ve got yourself a keeper.”

  “Thanks so much for taking charge of the music tonight, Smash. I’m so excited and ready to get my party on.” I jokingly say.

  “We’re definitely gonna party, sweet lady. This is gonna be the event of the season, I promise.” He winks and smiles at me. “Tommy’s my main man. I’d do anything for him. I do the sound for the band, so I’m usually in the background. Being front and center tonight is pretty cool.”

  “So, are you going on the road with them?”

  “You’d better believe I am. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ve been working with Avenue from inception and the guys are like brothers to me.” He proudly says.

  “Well it’s so nice to meet you Smash, and we’d love to have you
come for dinner before everyone goes out on the road.”

  Ash spots us and comes over to where we’re talking. “I see you finally met Smash. He’s good people, Liv.”

  Tommy seems a bit nervous as I see him talking with Smash, who has his headphones on, meticulously getting his sound system setup and he is all but what I pictured him to look like. I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised by his good looks. With a name like Smash, I guess I just expected to see this burly heavy metal looking guy covered in piercings and tattoos. The ends of his curly blonde hair are sticking out of a perfectly tied black bandana around his forehead, which actually looks pretty neat, and he’s wearing fashionable black jeans and a black V-neck Avenue t-shirt, which distinctly accentuates his toned and muscular body.

  I look over to my left and spot the guys having a cold beer together out on the patio. Fortunately, the weather has cooperated and is in the low 70’s; sunny as well. God is good indeed.

  ***

  Smash is playing the list of songs that Tommy and Emily have picked out as we watch, listening to the beautiful music. They’ve picked so many fitting songs; soft and romantic and we anxiously await the start of the ceremony. No sign of Glenn yet and I hope he keeps with his promise to come. Brian and Steve find me and I can tell by the look on their faces they’re nervous. They have no idea that Glenn is supposed to be here, so I have to play along.

  “So, are you guys ready to escort Emily down the aisle and give her away to Tommy?” I ask.

  “As ready as we’ll ever be, Olivia. How do we look?” Brian proudly asks, taking off his sunglasses.

  “You both look superb. Such handsome guys you are.” I wink, as I hug them both. Pacing nervously, Ash offers them each a beer.

  “You both look like you need a little something to take the edge off.” He remarks.

  “Thank fuck Mr. H. Is it really that noticeable? I never in my wildest dreams thought we’d be walking anyone down the aisle. We’re not exactly poster boys for that job.” Steve says.

  They each look so dapper in their khaki pants, white shirts with their sleeves rolled up, tattoos visible, loosened black ties, black suspenders and converse tennis shoes. Each of them is wearing their Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. “Well I don’t care what they say, y’all look great!” I say.

  “Aww thanks Olivia. You look pretty damn hot yourself.” Brian hugs me. Angelica scurries over to us, herding everyone together and is ready to steer us to the line in our specific order, waiting on our descent down the aisle.

  With precision, she lines us all up, giving us each her explicit instruction, barking orders like a drill sergeant. Dalton and Bradley are on either side of me, and each takes one of my arms. “Mom, you look so pretty. I hope you know how much we love you.” Dalton says.

  “I do and I love you both more than you know.” I tearfully say.

  Wesley and Hayden stop to talk with us before they make their way to their seats and offer their support. They seem unaffected that they weren’t asked to be groomsmen; it’s only fitting that Tommy’s band guys have that job.

  “Big day for little brother. We’re so happy and by the way, you look gorgeous Olivia.”

  “Gee thanks Wesley. You guys look pretty spiffy yourselves.” I hug and kiss them both and point to where Ash is nervously standing. “I think your papa needs you about now. He’s a nervous wreck, though he won’t admit it.”

  “We’re on it Olivia.” Hayden says as they both make their way towards their father.

  Ash embraces them both and they are all quickly shuffled to their seats by one of Angelica’s trusty helpers, Amber who is one of the tattoo artists at Rebelution. She’s dressed in a trendy fitted little black dress with stiletto heels and hot pink stripes in her hair, tattoos covering her arms and back, and a nose piercing.

  Reba is escorted to her seat and is wearing a matronly taupe silk suit, complete with gloves and a beautiful hat. I’ve never seen her dressed up, and I can honestly say she’s striking. She spots me, waves and gives a thumb’s up. Ellen and David follow her and they sit on the row behind where we’ll sit. I still haven’t seen Sarah. She’s always fashionably late, which is her unique style.

  I look out and marvel at the arbor, which is a white wrought iron, intricately constructed and ornate architectural piece from Sarah’s shop. The arbor is covered in lush green vine with twinkle lights, with bunches of baby’s breath strategically tucked in among the greenery.

  Lainey and Kyra have come to line up, as they wait for Angelica to give them their signal to begin.

  Precisely at 7:30, just as the sun is going down, Angelica gently takes my arm. “Ok Olivia. You ready? Its time.” she winks and Smash cues up the music for our walk, which will be Norah Jones's soft and sultry version of Love Me Tender. Just thinking of the words to the song, my eyes are already brimming with tears and I’m grateful our makeup artist has applied waterproof mascara, because I’ve got a feeling I’m going to be crying nonstop for the next hour or so.

  “You ready Mom?” Bradley asks. He and Dalton securely have my arms, as Angelica gives us the heads up to go. I see Ash turn around in his chair to watch me, smiling from ear to ear. We make eye-to-eye contact, as he stands up and follows me with his eyes the entire walk to our row, singing the words of the song to me and I can’t help but smile. He confidently takes me into his arms, as the boys hand me off to him, kissing me as I take my seat. He tenderly places his arm around me, and whispers softly in my ear, “I love you so much my darling.”

  We turn to watch the rest of the wedding party make their way down the aisle.

  Mariah is next, escorted by her handsome boys, as they lead her to her seat, where Gary is smiling at them proudly.

  Kyra is next to walk and as she does, my focus is on Todd, as he’s following her with his eyes. He puts his right hand on the corner of his sunglasses, pulls them down and looks over the top smiling, as he exhales and mouths ‘wow’. He’s swaying slowly to the music, trying to make light of the emotion, but I can tell the sight of her takes his breath away. She looks at him and in a flirtatious manner; turns her head to the side, bats her eyelashes and coyly smiles. Tommy turns around and whispers something to Todd as Kyra is walking, and they both shake their heads and give a thumb’s up.

  Lainey follows and I look over to Kellan, who is sitting 2 seats down from me and when he sees Lainey, he holds two fingers up to his lips. She winks at him and with her little bouquet in hand; she rubs her belly and giggles, as she affectionately blows him a kiss. I’m certain he is thinking back to his own wedding day when he first saw her walking down the aisle, on the arms of her father. Even though they did the first look photos, Kel was an emotional mess when he saw her, and we still tease him unmercifully about it. My boys call him a girly guy because of that.

  Once the girls have taken their places, Smash starts the wedding procession song, Book of Dreams. Everyone stands and turns, eagerly awaiting Emily. From my vantage point, I can see Emily walk through the back door onto the patio with Brian and Steve’s arms wrapped securely through hers, and she’s positively radiant. Angelica adjusts her train, and gives her a reassuring hug just before she begins her ascent. From the corner of my eye I see Glenn slowly make his way to stand beside Emily, and I’m relieved he’s kept his promise. Confused and unsure, Steve looks at Glenn, not knowing who he is. Glenn whispers something in Steve and Brian’s ears and they respectfully step aside. Brian places Glenn’s arm on hers, as he smiles and nods. With a look of shock and bewilderment, Emily looks up at Glenn, who is a very tall man and mouths the words, “Daddy?” She looks into his eyes and I can tell she’s crying. They pause, and for a moment I wonder what must be going through her head. Did we do the right thing by having him come, without her knowing? Ash is rubbing my neck softly. He knows I’m worried. Several awkward moments go by and everyone is still standing patiently, waiting while wondering what the holdup is. Glenn wipes the tears from her eyes and kisses her ever so gently on the cheek. The emot
ion has overtaken her, and I can see her small body shaking. They briefly talk and she nods her head yes, so I assume it’s a go. Tommy looks worried and is straining his neck to look at the back door, because Emily is off cue to the music. He turns around to Todd and whispers something in his ear. Todd shrugs his shoulders and they both look over to Ash for answers. Ash mouths to them that everything is ok. Before they start to walk, Glenn takes Emily into his arms and is whispering something in her ear. He caresses her face as only a father can and with his handkerchief, again he wipes the tears from her eyes. I turn back around to face the front and see Tommy, who is equally overwhelmed with emotion. He’s nervously shaking his hands by his side, and the sight of Emily has just literally taken his breath away. His lips are quivering, as tears of joy stream down his face and Todd, his best man and closest friend in the whole world, is there to reassure him. He whispers something in Tommy’s ear, which I can only assume contains the F-word and must be funny, because it makes Tommy laugh through his tears. Standing behind Tommy, Todd puts his hands on Tommy’s shoulders and shakes him in an affectionate way. Everyone’s waiting anxiously as Emily, on the arm of her father, slowly makes her way down the aisle. Brian and Steve have come to sit behind us. Brian taps my shoulder and whispers in my ear. “Ok, can someone please tell me what the hell just happened? Is that her old man or something?”

  I turn around and tearfully respond. “Yes, that’s her father.”

  His elbows are on the back of my chair and he leans in, “Wait...so you knew he was coming all along?”

  I shake my head, “We were hoping he would, but we weren’t sure. It’s complicated.”

  ***

  At the altar, Glenn affectionately whispers something in Emily’s ear before placing her hand in Tommy’s. Tommy nods, and Glenn takes his seat beside Mariah and Gary. Todd looks over at me and gives me a secret thumbs up, which makes me smile. Once seated, Glenn is wiping tears from his face as Mariah comforts him, tenderly putting her arm around his shoulder.