Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 87 - Matt and Ashley's Wedding

Organ music was playing when Greg and his family arrived at the church for Matt and Ashley's wedding. Young men in gray tuxedos and narrow bow ties in varying shades of pink stood ready to greet guests as they entered the church. Each guest was escorted down the aisle to sit in specific areas of the sanctuary, depending on who they were related to or who they knew.

"Hi Greg," Zack said with a grin.

"Hello Zack. Is your mother with the girls?" Greg asked.

"I guess. I haven't seen her since just after we got here," Zack told him. "Um ... can I show you to your seat? You're supposed to sit in a particular place."

"Certainly," Greg said. "Just me? Or the rest of the family too?"

"Mainly you, but it's okay if you all want to sit together," Zack said. "You're supposed to be in the second row on the groom's side."

Greg looked back at his family.

"Maybe we should sit behind Dad with the children, so we don't distract the wedding party?" Alan suggested to his wife.

"We'll sit with you, Alan," Neil agreed. "Near the side aisle so we can leave suddenly if LeeAnn starts to cry."

"We'll sit with you, Dad," Julie said.

Zack looked at them all. "Okay. Neil and Rosemary, come with me?"

They followed Zack down the aisle. He took down a ribbon that was blocking the fourth pew and waited while they filed in, walking far enough to be seated on the far end of the pew. Chris was right behind them, escorting Alan and Cindy and their two children to the same pew while Joel escorted Rachelle and her children to the third.

Meanwhile guests for the bride were being escorted by Jerry and Tyler to pews on the opposite side of the aisle.

When Zack returned to the foyer, Julie, Elliot and their two boys followed him to the second pew where they took their seats, waiting for Greg who, due to where he was supposed to sit, would be seated last.

"Where's my dad?" Chris asked Greg quietly while they waited.

"He's coming. Your mom got a run in her stocking at the last minute and had to change them," Greg explained.

Chris nodded. "That sounds like Mom."

He stepped aside when Zack returned, before escorting some of Matt and Ashley's friends to another pew, this time on the bride's side.

Gradually the church filled with guests while the organ played. Friends and family members were seated as they came in. As it approached three o'clock however, the flow of guests slowed to a trickle. Pastor Wilbury signaled the ushers and groomsmen to the back of the church.

"Chris and Jerry, you may continue to seat any late comers along the side aisles. From this point forward, we'll keep the center aisle clear. Watch for us to come back with the mother of the bride."

"Will do," Chris said.

"Zack and Joel, come with me," Pastor Wilbur instructed.

Pastor Wilbury led Matt and his groomsmen in a brief prayer, then announced they were ready to begin.

"Just like we practiced everyone," Pastor Wilbury said. "Michael, you and Howard should meet the mothers in the hall."

c

Susan was standing just outside the door to the groom's dressing room when Michael emerged.

"You look lovely, Susan," Michael said.