Finding Sage (Young Adult)

Twenty-Five: The Wedding

We've been getting primped and primed all morning and are finally, dressed and ready to start the proceedings.  Gillian looks like a princess. The bodice of the gown was handmade from the bottom of her mother's wedding dress by a dressmaker in Italy. It's covered in delicate pearls and intricate engraved designs that flow to the down silk skirt and short train. The bottom of the skirt swoops up to reveal light layers of Italian lace and cream-colored beads. I've never seen a more beautiful bride.

Adam has been sending her gifts all morning.  First, he sent a box of chocolates. Then, a dozen tulips in a small pumpkin vase arrived and made us all swoon. After that, he sent a delicate diamond bracelet. Every gift comes with a note professing his love for Gillian. It's the most romantic thing I have ever witnessed.

Gillian's demeanor has been that of a saint. The wedding coordinator keeps coming to the room to let us know of little issues with the cake, food, and table settings. Finally after the fourth visit from the little woman Gillian politely turns to her. "Miss Matthews, the only thing that truly matters to me today is that Adam and I are wed. Please make whatever decisions need to be made from this point so I can focus on marrying the man I love. I don't care if the cake ribbons are perfect or if the tables are missing a flower. The only thing I can focus on right now, is seeing Adam at the end of that isle and walking away his wife."

We are all surprised when the brash little woman's eyes fill with tears and she smiles. "God will surely bless this marriage my dear," she walks to Gillian and hugs her, "I will see to it that everything is perfect. You can put your trust in me."

As we pose for pictures Roxy and I stand on either side of Gillian, each holding her hand. There are no nerves or sweaty palms, she is as calm as can be. "You're not even a little nervous are you?" I ask while the flashes go off in our faces.

"Not at all," she giggles. "I'm just anxious to see him again."

The wedding coordinator makes the photographer finish with his photos before he is ready, but the music is playing in the church and the groomsmen are waiting for us. Gillian's mother leaves her side with tears streaming down her face and hands her over to Sean, her brother-in-law, whom is going to give her away. He gently kisses Gillian on the cheek, and whispers something in her ear. For the first time, Gillian gets teary eyed.

I take my bouget of roses from the stand and turn to look for Kellan. Mark comes from behind the tiny door under the stairs, followed by Kellan.

When I see him, my stomach drops. He looks incredible in a tux. I've read that a man in well-fitted suit has the same affect on a woman that sexy lingerie has on a man. I could write a dissertation on the truth behind said statement.

He sees me and his face lightens up while his eyes roam up and down my body. Making his way to me, he greets me with a kiss. I smile and grab his arm, getting ready for the one and a half beat march. He leans into my ear and whispers, "I don't know if I can find the words to properly describe your beauty Sage."

"You just did." I giggle. "You look so handsome. That tux does things to me." I whisper as the wedding march begins.

"What things?" he whispers.

"Go," I say, as it's our time to walk.

"What things?" he says again.

"Kellan, walk and smile," I say smiling at everyone looking at us.

Halfway down the asile I see Adam looking desperately for Gillian. I lean into Kellan and ask, "Was Adam nervous?"

"No, he was amazingly calm. He just hated all the waiting," Kellan said, as he slowly entiwined some of this fingers in mine.