Chapter 69
The Groom
“Any minute she’s going to be walking down that aisle. Any last thoughts or words of wisdom?” Mike asked.
Martin glanced at Mike and Rafa. “Well, Rafa is already married and you’re dating my ex. I think you two are pretty hopeless already and nothing I can say will help you now.”
“That’s pretty pessimistic,” Rafa said laughing, “for someone who is about to get married himself.”
“Maybe, but I’m marrying the perfect woman.” Martin smiled at his best man and groomsman. “You got stuck with my sister, Rafa, and Mike . . . you made your bed, so sleep in it.”
“No comment,” Mike said, “and just so you know, Celia is here. She thought it would be in bad taste to be in the audience so she will be watching from a secluded spot inside.”
“Wow!” Martin replied hesitantly. “Are you talking about the Celia I know? Has she have changed that much? In any event, try and see that she and Randi don’t cross paths. It’s been a great day so far and I don’t want that to change. Even my soon to be mother-in-law seems to be in good spirits. God is smiling today.”
“Sure thing, but what about the paparazzi?” Mike asked.
“I hired extra security for that, but I don’t think Randi would mind. She’s a good sport about the star side of my life. After that contract Rafa prepared, things have been better than ever.”
“Glad to help, man, and there’s still time for that pre-nup,” Rafa said, as he feigned taking a pen out of his jacket pocket.
“Don’t you pull anything out of that pocket but rings. Randi is the one. No need for anything like that.”
Rafa smiled and shrugged. “Sorry, man. The lawyer in me just can’t give up. You can still get her to sign one later, you know. Just say the word.”
Martin waved Rafa off just as the music started. He watched as a young boy, dapper in a tux matching his, came down the aisle carrying a small white satin pillow with two gold bands tied to it with ribbon. Following behind, dressed in a floor-length soft burgundy flowing tulle dress, was the flower girl scattering white and burgundy-tipped rose petals. If he recalled correctly, they were Randi’s cousins.
Julie, also Randi’s very star struck cousin, was next. Her escort was Martin’s manager’s son. Julie’s fashionable high-low burgundy dress had a soft tulle overskirt and was accented with beaded fringe ice on the cap sleeves.
The last attendant was his four-month pregnant sister who was escorted by Randi’s Uncle Joe. Addison was glowing in a floor-length burgundy chiffon dress with a bateau neckline, delicate cap sleeves and a softly ruched empire waistline.
And then, the music changed. With his heart in his throat and his eyes glued on the door at the back of the church, he waited for his wife-to-be to appear.
*****
“Are you ready, honey?” Miles asked.
Randi smiled. “I can’t wait. I’m so ready for this day. I truly love Martin with all my heart. And, I’m so happy that Mom’s finally coming around.”
“I knew she would. She’ll be crying and telling everyone that she knew this would happen. Mother’s always do things like that.” Miles leaned in for one last kiss before he pulled down the veil. When they heard the music queue, Randi took her dad’s arm and they walked around the corner and started down the aisle.
Randi was radiant in a floor length English net and floral lace gown of soft ivory. Several layers of sparkle tulle under-skirting in pale blush created an unusually beautiful color illusion. The matching cropped floral lace bolero with a bateau neckline and three quarter length sleeves covered the V-necked bodice of the dress. Her hair was in a timeless bridal up-sweep with cascading ringlets. And, her only accessory was an antique hair comb with ivory pearls and pale blush quartz crystals set in rose gold her mother and dad had given her.
Randi couldn’t wait to see Martin. She had dared him to shave his goatee and had pleaded with him to not cut even a tiny bit of his beautiful brown hair. The moment she saw him, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.
She had seen his tuxedo. In fact, she had helped pick it but helping to pick it out and seeing him were two totally different things. His tuxedo was steel gray. His shirt was white and a burgundy paisley vest, tie and handkerchief completed his outfit.
An enormous smile was on his lips from the moment her eyes met his. She was thankful her dad was guiding her because she was not taking her eyes off Martin - maybe not all day!
There was the usual passing of the bride to the groom but the world was lost to her, and more than likely, Martin, too. It was a good thing the guests had no idea how little she was thinking of them in their fine attire. Nothing was on her mind but the man before her who would soon be her husband, lover and companion for life.
Martin’s hand was now on hers, and as they’d practiced, he helped her to kneel during the prayer and then steadied her as they rose. The minister said everything he was supposed to. Randi was vaguely aware when Julie took the flowers from her hands as she and Martin turned to face each other.
They had made plans and discussed their vows over the past few weeks. They wanted their wedding to be as unique as their relationship. It was Martin’s idea that they say their vows at the same time. They had practiced as she rested in his arms while sitting on the couch at Mike’s house. Every time they did, Martin would tease her that they could fool around now because they’d said their vows so many times they had to be married.
She wanted to whisper to him now, as they were about to say their vows, that tonight he would finally have his wish, but she didn’t want to disrupt the wedding. She did give him a very special smile and a quick wink as he lifted her veil and they prepared to repeat their vows one last time.
Martin took her hands, glanced at the minister and began speaking with Randi speaking her part seconds after he began.
“I Martin,”
“I Randi.”
“Take thee to be my wedded,