Believe It Or Not (An Eddie Munson Story)

Going to The Chapel

"Because we're goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married
Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married
Gee, I really love you
And we're gonna get married
Goin' to the chapel of love."

'Chapel of Love' plays softly from the radio in the back of the room as I stand swishing my skirt back and forth against my legs in front of the mirror. My mom, Chrissy, Robin, Max, and El all fuss around me. My mom is in an elegant navy gown that brushes against the floor as she moves around me, taking pictures on a disposable camera.

Everyone except for Robin is in identical blue bridesmaid gowns. Robin is in the exact same shade, but she is in a jumpsuit instead. Cleo had volunteered to do everyone's hair and makeup and she did a fantastic job. Each of my friends looks absolutely gorgeous.

"You look beautiful, hun," my mom gushes as she takes my hand in hers. I can tell she is trying to hold back tears and I do my best to fight off the waterworks at her expression.

"I've got something for you," she smiles and I watch as she pulls a box from her bag and opens it. Tucked inside is a hair clip. It looks like floral vines and is decorated with tiny little forget me nots. I suck in a breath and a stray tear slips from my eyes as my mom cups my cheek. She moves to place the clip atop the elegant, low bun Cleo tied my hair into. Chrissy silently hands me a tissue to dab at my face, her own blotchy and tearstricken.

A knock at the door sounds and Robin turns to answer it. Wayne is in the doorway and for a moment, he looks around awkwardly before his eyes find mine. His smile is small and I could swear I see his eyes glisten as he takes it all in.

"It's time," he says and I nod. Each of my friends gives me a quick hug and murmurs words of encouragement and love in my ear. I follow them out and towards the entrance to the wedding hall. My mom and Wayne are on each side of me, ready to walk me down the aisle. It was important to Eddie and I that they both do it since they both helped mold us into who we are today. At the entrance to the hall, Steve, Gareth, and Dustin are waiting with Orion in Dustin's arms. He claps and squeals excitedly when he sees me and I wave and make a silly face at my sweet boy. It looks like someone has tried to tame his wild brown curls and they defiantly spring around his head like a curly halo.

Dustin hands Orion to El and she grins down at him as she rests him firmly on her hip. Max and Dustin, Gareth and Robin, and finally Steve and Chrissy pair up and prepare to walk down the aisle. The wedding photographer sweeps around us, her camera eagerly clicking over and over.

The instrumental rendition of "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac flutters through the air, signaling the start of the ceremony. The doors open widely and I hear a murmur pass over the crowd as El starts to walk down the aisle. I'm hidden from view and can't see them move down the aisle, but I hear a loud "awe" pass over the crowd as Orion undoubtedly does something adorable. Max and Dustin shortly follow after El and then Robin and Gareth steps up to the door. Robin turns her head and winks at me before disappearing around the corner. Chrissy and Steve follow suit and then finally it's my turn. Wayne and mom flank my sides. Wayne on my right and mom on my left. They help guide me to the door as everyone  stands and turns towards us. A collective gasp echoes through the hall at the sight of me, but I barely notice. Because at the alter, is the man of my heart, staring at me as though I've descended from heaven.

Eddie looks completely inraptured as his deep brown eyes lock on mine. The smile on my face is almost painful as I absently let mom and Wayne pull me down the aisle. Orion wiggles happily in Eddie's arms and he places a flat hand on his back to steady him, his eyes never leaving mine. When I get to the alter, I realize a tear or two has escaped the corners of his eyes and I know that I must be crying as well.

'Hi', I mouth as the officiant welcomes everyone to our ceremony and I absently pass my bouquet to Chrissy. Eddie's smile brightens as Wayne takes Orion from him and mom places my hand in his.