Ah weddings, that magical time when two become one. I love them, the happiness of the day, the excitement of the people around, the beauty of the bride, and yes even the groom, as well. I hope you enjoy this chapter, please vote and comment.
From This Day Forward
From this day forward,
You shall not walk alone.
My heart will be your shelter,
And my arms will be your home.
The morning dawned bright, cheery, and clear. The air was buzzing with excitement. At her parent's home, a nervous bride sat in her childhood bedroom, nervous and wishing that the day would end.
"Sweetheart, I know you are excited. Darren is a good man. I'm so glad you found someone like him. That boy loves you and I know he'll make sure you have everything you want and need. I know you'll be happy." Sara told her oldest child. Her heart was pounding. She felt silly; Sharon had been on her own for years. She'd only moved home for the last few days to separate from her groom before the wedding. Sara loved having her baby back home, and even though she wasn't really leaving for good, her marrying felt somehow felt so final.
"Oh Momma. I'm just getting married not leaving the country." Sharon whispered as she embraced her Mom. She didn't understand her feelings of ambivalence. They'd lived together for a year and now it would be no different. Only that she'd wear his name. Smiling she recited her new name to herself.
Mrs. Darren James, Mrs. Sharon James.
The new name had a nice ring to it.
"I know dear. It's just that, I won't get to see you as much. And I'll miss that." She explained.
"Sara, Sara! Come here!" Jeffrey called his wife. He was laying out his tux and couldn't find his cufflinks.
"Sorry baby, I have to help your Daddy." Smiling she added. "You'll see how needy they can be, real soon." She kissed her forehead and left to help Jeffrey.
Sharon laughed. She and Darren had lived together for a year, so she already knew he didn't keep up with anything and expected her to know where it was. Thinking about him made her smile. She loved the big brute. She couldn't wait until they made it official. She was getting married to the man of her dreams and could not be happier.
Sharon took a shower and dressed in some sweats. She'd go to the church a few hours before the ceremony and dress. Her friend, Kim, was doing her hair and makeup. She had to go to the salon now to get it done. Clem, Dana, and Charlene were meeting to get their hair and makeup done as well.
They met at the salon and the beauticians went to work. Two hours later, hair and makeup was perfect. Next they were heading to the church to dress for the ceremony. An hour before the wedding began, Sara and Delia helped Sharon dress. She had selected an ivory embroidered princess cut gown with a tear drop collar. She was the most beautiful bride.
The bridesmaid came in, all wearing matching royal blue gowns that hugged their figures, showing their curves appealingly. Except for the Matron of Honor, Clemmie, her gown was also royal, but covered with a lace let that distinguished it slightly from the other two women. Clemmie and Sharon's friendship had grown so much and they were practically inseparable, much to the annoyance of Darren.
The women all laughed and joke, as the Delia and Sara came in and chastised them. They were in a church after all. All four girls appeared contrite, but Clemmie still whispered the name of the male stripper that entertained them well the night before.
Soon, the men arrived and Sharon was so nervous. Everyone left her alone with her mother and they talked. Sharon wanted a few minutes alone, so Sara decided to go find Jeff and see if he was alright. She knew her husband was having a hard time with this wedding. As she was headed to the see her husband, she found the groom suspiciously heading towards the strong dressing room. She stopped him.
"Where are you going, young man?" Sara asked.
Darren stammered, "Momma Sara, I just want to say hi. It's been three day. I just want to speak." He wanted to see Sharon. Being separated for three days was hard and he missed his woman. He needed to see her. So while the guys were talking, he snuck out and tried to steal time with her when his mother-in-law halted him in his tracks.
Sara smiled as Delia joined her. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo. Sara could see what Sharon was attracted to him. Standing tall and strong, wearing a white tux, against his dark tone, eyes twinkling with mischief, what woman wouldn't want a man that looked that good.
Delia spoke, "No Darren, you'll see her in less than an hour. Go finish dressing, now." Both women admonished him and walked him in the opposite direction.
Soon they were back in is dressing area where their husbands were sharing war stories with the younger men. Delia looked at Shaun and he looked as handsome today as he had when they'd married almost thirty years ago.
Jeffrey smiled when he saw the women with their young charge. "Thank you ladies." He greeted as he kissed Sara's temple. "Son, you're not going to see her before the ceremony. She'll be there. I promise." Jeff reassured his soon to be son.
Embarrassed and feeling like a naughty kid, Darren sat on a sofa to sulk. JJ laughed. If this is what getting married did to a guy, then it wasn't for him. Soon all of the guys were ragging on Darren to help pull him out of his mood.
Shaun and Jeff were telling the guys to back off, when Darren looked at Kevin and asked. "Do you have the rings Kevin? I mean you didn't forget them, right?
Kevin smiled at his friend, "Yes I've got them. And he took then out so Darren could see them. Michal had a ring also, but he would keep his hidden until much later.
