It was the event of the year in Anderson. The champagne, the ice sculptures glistened, and the guests chattered as they waited for the ceremony to begin.
Sasha knocked softly on the oak door as Beth stood, nervously adjusting her wedding dress. Startled by the interruption, Beth laughed at herself.
“Come in.” Sasha peeked through the slight opening she made in the doorway.
“You look…like an angel.” She fanned her eyes for fear of ruining her mascara.
“No, don't cry. If you cry then I'm definitely going to cry.” Beth stared at her friend as Sasha crossed over to the bride.
“You're just so beautiful. My best friend is getting married.”
“I know. I'm nervous.” Her hands shook as she tried to place the veil over her head.
“Here, let me help you with that. There, perfect. Now all you have to do is walk down the aisle and say "I do".”
They both turned to the familiar face that appeared at the door. “They're ready for us.”
Taking a deep breath, she slid her arm through her fathers' as she gave him a peck on the cheek. Side by side, they walked down the aisle that was drenched with crimson red and white rose petals.
To her left she saw countless unfamiliar faces whose eyes watched her with a mix of curiosity and contempt. To her right, she saw that there was not one person who didn't have a tear in their eyes. And then it was Thomas she saw. Beth passed her white orchids to Sasha who stood to the side.
Beth couldn't believe it, it was finally happening. Ever since she'd met Thomas, everything seemed to fall into place. She felt safe, she felt secure. She knew that everything would work out, everything had to work out, she wouldn't let anything spoil this for her, she was finally happy.
“And do you, Elizabeth Annabelle Lee take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forth, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“You are now pronounced husband and wife. Thomas, you may kiss the bride.”
Music sounded through the hotel, barely drowning out the sounds of celebration that rang throughout the room. Thomas and Beth mingled, greeting those whom they knew very well and those they'd never before met.
After the toasts, the DJ announced that it was time for the father-daughter dance. Timothy led Beth out onto the floor, took her by the hand and drew her into a slow dance.
“My little girl done went and got herself married, the same little girl who said she'd never leave her pop.” Timothy's eyes glazed over.
“I haven't left you daddy. I'm still your little girl.”
“You picked a good one there Bethy” T hey both glanced over at Thomas who was looking at them from a distance.
“I know daddy.” A tear escaped her left eye.
“Beth, are you happy?”
“Yeah, I am.” Timothy held her closer as the music ended, as if he was about to lose her forever.
“I love you.” He gave her a warm peck on the cheek and touched her face with the palm of his rough hands. Thomas walked up and stopped in front of them.
Timothy turned and looked Thomas in the eye. “You take care of my little girl, she's special.”
“I will sir.” Thomas took Beth by the hand and danced to “The way you look tonight.”
After dancing for a while, everyone took their seats and enjoyed cake and wine as friends and family toasted the bride and groom. Ethan stood with wine glass and spoon in hand.
“I'd like to make a toast…to my son and his beautiful bride.” He look at Thomas with a warm smile and tender eyes, just as any father would look on his son. To any other than Thomas, Ethan actually looked the part of the loving father, “You've always been an ambitious boy Thomas, always after what you wanted, allowing nothing to get in your way. Now you have a beautiful wife, an aspiring career, and a promising future with our firm and I am thrilled to announce that there is a top position waiting for you that comes with a house for your new family and a sizable yearly salary, if I do say so myself. To the bride and groom.”
Beth's eyes were glued to Ethan as he spoke the words she just couldn't believe.
