When the Cameras Stop Rolling

The Secret (Part Two)

Bryan...

He was amazed by how great everything looked. The roses, chandelier, and candles took him back to the night when he was sure, he and Rachel would spend the rest of their lives together. Now they stood, together, several feet from the grand entrance of the private dining room waiting for guests to arrive.

"Uncle Bryyyyyaaaannnn!" was all Bryan could hear before Rachel's four-year-old nephew bolted into his arms! "Whoa! Buddy! I'm happy to see you too, but you've got to slow down," Bryan laughed. Alistair was almost always full of energy and excited to see Bryan and Rachel. Since Bryan had moved to Dallas, he'd developed quite the bond with Rachel's family. He loved that the family was just as close as his, and enjoyed his role as a new uncle to the children. A few seconds later, Rachel's older sister sauntered in with her husband, both couples smiling at one another and exchanging hugs. "Wow, this is gorgeous!" Constance exclaimed, as she took in the room. "OK. What is really going on, here? I know this isn't just another din--"

"Daddy!" Rachel said, running up to her parents, as they walked in. Bryan smiled at the perfect timing. That Constance was clever and always trying to get to the bottom of a situation. Bryan always teased her about her 'super mommy senses.' This time, he was happy for the interruption and walked over to greet his future in-laws.

"Hello there, sweet heart!" Rachel's father, Judge Sam Lindsay, responded to her greeting, giving his daughter a warm embrace. After hugging Rachel, he looked at Bryan and paused for a moment. "It's alright, Bryan, bring it in!" Judge Lindsay said, with a smile. Thus far, all of Bryan's interactions with Rachel's father had been positive, however; the Honorable Sam Lindsay was typically a strong and quiet presence, so any small gesture meant a great deal, coming from him. Getting this kind of greeting from his future father in law made him feel all the more confident in his place in the Lindsay family.

Everyone started to take their seats at the long, ornate table, when a woman's voice suddenly echoed through the room, "Hola mis amoras! Bryan! Rachel!"

Rachel jumped up from her seat and replied, "Mama Olga!" Bryan's heart nearly melted as he watched the two most important women in his life greet each other with so much affection. He approached them saying, "Hey, can I get in here?"

Laughing, Bryan slipped between the two women embracing, so he could also hug his mother. Soon to follow was chattering around the table, as everyone got up to greet Bryan's mother, father, grandmother, cousin, and his cousin's son, Noah. Just as soon as everyone quieted down from greeting Bryan's family, Rachel's youngest sister came in with her beau, and it started all over again.

It had to be another ten minutes before everyone settled down, for good. Taking the quiet as his cue, Bryan stood up at the head of the table. Clearing his voice, he started. "Good evening, everyone." At the opposite end of the table, Rachel's father was staring at Bryan, expectantly, without blinking. Bryan swallowed, hard. He looked down to his left, and Rachel was beaming up at him, from her seat. He felt his nerves subside, and smiled back down at her, taking her hand, for comfort. "First of all, Rachel and I want to thank you all for joining us tonight. It means so much that all the people, who matter to us, most, are sitting in this elegant room, prepared to break bread, and help us celebrate our love."

"Not another engagement party?!" Constance mock shouted, and the families enjoyed a hearty laugh. Still smiling, Rachel stood up next to Bryan, and started to speak.

"No. Actually, we're here to celebrate a couple of things. First, we want to announce that we've finalized all negotiations with the network and our wedding will be aired on television." Quiet murmurs wafted throughout the table, including a few "oohs", "ahhs", and "are you sures?".