Just about the time I felt my temper mounting to a new high, the photographer knocked on the door. I gestured for her to come inside for a couple of photos in the changing room before heading into the sanctuary for the group photos. My parents entered the room seconds later, both erupting into tears when they saw Crystal in her gown. They gushed with all sorts of flattering words, hugs, and well wishes, and the bridesmaids joined in, all smiles.
Finally. The focus had shifted to the proper person. Now, if we could just keep it that way, all would be well.
At five minutes after two, with the sanctuary filled to the brim with guests, the long-anticipated wedding ceremony began. The bridesmaids had gathered in the foyer, doors to the sanctuary closed until the appropriate moment. When Mrs. Frazier gave the go-ahead, the processional got underway. She swung the door open and the bridesmaids entered, one by one.
I led the way, my heart in my throat as I took one calculated step after another. To think I’d once fretted over being the last in line. It had never occurred to me that I’d be the first to make an entrance. What was it the Bible said about the first being last and the last being first? I almost giggled now, thinking of the irony.
Next came Brianna. Then Gillian. Then Cassie. Finally Sienna stepped into the sanctuary. Of course, her low-cut gown caused quite a stir among wide-eyed guests. I turned my focus to Phillip and his groomsmen, who stood in a perfect row at the front of the church.
Okay, so the groom looked a little wobbly. Nauseated, in fact. But when the back doors of the sanctuary opened a second time to reveal his beautiful bride, Phillip’s expression shifted from fear to deep, pure love. And joy. I could see the excitement behind the tears in his eyes as he watched my gorgeous, wonderful sister make her way down the aisle on our father’s arm.
Looked like my dad was a little misty too. As they neared the front of the church and the pastor asked, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” my father could barely spit out the words, “Her mother and I.” He managed, and then took a seat on the front row next to Mom and Grandma Nellie. Mama once again dabbed her eyes with a tissue. I glanced at Mr. and Mrs. Havenhurst on the other side of the aisle. Phillip’s mother appeared to be smiling through her tears, too—a sincere smile. Perhaps she finally realized just how happy her son was to be marrying my sister. The look of sheer bliss on Phillip’s face was all the proof anyone could ever need, after all.
Our pastor welcomed the guests and the ceremony got underway, but I found myself distracted as the best man gave me his signature wink. I felt my cheeks grow warm. I gave him a warning look, but it didn’t stop him. This time I shook my head and nodded slightly toward the bride and groom. Derrick finally focused on them . . . thank goodness.
My gaze shifted from Derrick to the other groomsmen standing in line behind him. Like me, Tyler was at the end of his row. Wow. He looked pretty spiffy in a tuxedo. With his face clearing up and his hair neatly combed, I almost didn’t recognize him. Then again, he looked a little uncomfortable in the bow tie. He tugged at it, a pained expression on his face.
I tried to focus on the happy couple, but found myself completely distracted. Memories of my sister flooded over me as they said their “I do’s.” The two of us swimming at the neighborhood pool. Vacationing at Disneyworld with our parents. Mission trips with our youth group. These images planted themselves in me, but I did my best to push away the tears.
The tears could not be held back, however, as Crystal and Phillip had their first kiss as a married couple. And the emotions only intensified when the pastor introduced them as husband and wife. The congregation gave a cheer as the new Mr. and Mrs. Havenhurst turned to face them, then headed up the aisle.
Sienna and Derrick linked arms and headed up the aisle after them. Sienna seemed a little subdued, and I briefly wondered why. Then Gillian and her partner, followed by Brianna and hers. Tyler and I met in the middle. He gave me his arm, flashed a comforting smile, and we walked up the aisle last. I didn’t have a care in the world, nor did I feel less than any of the others. In fact, thoughts about me didn’t enter into it. I was far too busy focusing on my sister and Phillip, who were standing in the foyer, kissing.
A few minutes later the foyer filled with happy wedding guests, who offered their congratulations. I allowed myself to be pushed to the edge of the crowd, pressed away by the ever-growing throng. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone. I found myself standing right next to Derrick, who slipped his arm around my waist.
“That went well.” He drew me close.
“Mm-hmm.” I snuggled up to him, loving the scent of his cologne. “Loved every minute.”
“Oh, but the fun is just beginning. Remember, you promised me a dance.”
“I did. I hope your feet are ready for the pain I’m going to cause.”