Irene Fitzgerald Kennedy

A Wedding

    The next few nights were restless in the Kennedy home. John-John cried every couple of hours, Caroline had a cold, Jack was getting phone calls at all hours, and on top of it all, Irene's and Tom's wedding was quickly approaching. Finally, the night before the wedding arrived. Jackie, Joan, Ethel, Rose, Pat, Jean, Eunice, Irene, and all of the children were staying in the main house while the men were staying at Jack and Jackie's home. After all of the children were tucked in bed, the women began watching romantic comedies such as Funny Face and Father of the Bride.
       "Has Dad been like this?" Irene asked Jackie referring to Spencer Tracey in Father of the Bride.
       "He's surprisingly dealing very well with everything."
        "I've been worried," Irene whispered.
        Jackie patted her hands, "I can tell, kiddo. You needn't worry about him. He will miss you, but I'll keep him busy and then he'll be president. He will be okay."
       The women watched more movies from the Kennedy's personal projector before Irene retired to bed. In the process of her tossing and turning, the door creaked open and in the doorway stood Rose Kennedy.
      "Can't sleep?"
      "Not at all," Irene responded.
      "It's alright to be nervous. You're committing to someone for the rest of your life."
      "How do you do it?"
      "Do what?"
      "Gram, you and Pops have been married for a long time. How do you keep it together?"
      "Patience and love. Patience is love and love is patient. Always remember that.
     "I will," Irene said as Rose came and sat down on the corner of her bed.
"I know you and I haven't had the most ideal of relationships, but I want to make that better. I do love you, Rene."
Irene felt tears rolling down her cheeks, "I love you too, Gram," she hugged her.
"Now," Rose stood, "Get your rest. tomorrow is going to be a very long day and if I remember anything from my honeymoon,  it'll be a very long night as well."
Irene blushed and Rose patted her shoulder, "Goodnight, kiddo."
       "Night," Irene replied quietly.
       The next morning the house was bustling. The milkman brought milk and the baker brought doughnuts for breakfast. Irene dressed in a pair of tailored pants and a loose shirt and hurried downstairs. With everyone being busy, the day went quickly and soon it was just Jackie and Irene in what was once Jack's bedroom. "Well," Jackie said sitting on the edge of the bed, "It's time."
         Irene was sitting next to her in her slip and both of them were staring at the white gown that hung on the closet door adjacent from them. "I'm nervous."
       "It's only natural," Jackie said patting her hand, "Go on. You'll be less nervous once you see how wonderful you look."
       Irene stood up from the bed and carefully took the dress down. She slowly slid the gown on over her slip. Jackie zipped the dress and Irene then looked in the mirror. She looked beautiful. Her hair was fixed perfectly, her makeup made her look like a movie star, and the dress framed her perfectly. Jackie cupped her hands over her mouth, "You look like a bride."
        As Irene slipped her heels on, Caroline burst into the room. "Re-Ne! You look pretty!"
        Irene took Caroline into her arms, "You call me anytime, okay?"
        Caroline nodded and then Irene set her down so Jackie could fix her flower girl dress.
        "Listen, Buttons. It's just going to be you, me, and Tom up there, okay? Don't be nervous and if you get scared you can hold my hand."
       "Okay. I love you, Re-Ne."
       "I love you too."
       Moments later Caroline and Irene were loading into Teddy's car to go to church. Jack was going to go with Tom.
       "Don't crease her dress!" Jackie exclaimed while watching them load up.
      "Well where the hell else am I going to put all of this fabric?"
       "I don't know, Teddy. Figure it out; that's why you Kennedy men make all of the money."
      Teddy rolled his eyes and smoothed out Irene's dress, "Better, Jackie?"
      "Yes, much better."
      When they arrived at the church, everyone was already there. Irene had asked Teddy to take the scenic route so that she could clear her head. Jack met them at the doors, "Are you ready, kiddo?" The music began to play as Irene nodded nervously. Jackie walked down with John-John and then Tom held Caroline's hand and they walked down together. Just then, Jack and Irene took their first step towards the alter. Everyone stood and looked at Irene. When they made it to the alter, Tom whispered, "You look beautiful."
       After everything was done, the priest finished with, "You may kiss your bride."
       Tom kissed Irene and then Irene grabbed Caroline's hand as they exited the church. "How are you, Mrs. O'Hara?" Tom asked as everyone gathered outside.
         "I'm wonderful, Mr. O'Hara," she beamed.