Chapter 75: Wedding Bells, Part Three

Saturday, October 28th, 2006

** Author’s Note: If you haven’t seen the blog post. Chapter 74 has been re-written and you should re-read it before continuing. **

The barn was alive with soft golden light as the last rays of the October sun filtered through the slats of aged wood. Rows of Edison bulbs crisscrossed overhead, casting a warm, romantic glow across the space. The scent of pine lingered in the air from the Christmas trees outside, blending with the faint aroma of fresh flowers and polished wood. Everything had come together just as Katie envisioned.

Guests were beginning to arrive, their footsteps crunching lightly over gravel as they made their way toward the barn. A light breeze rustled the pine branches surrounding the venue, whispering through the trees like a blessing. Inside, the mismatched china place settings gleamed under the string lights, and clusters of sunflowers, lavender, and ivory roses adorned each table. Mason jar lanterns flickered with candlelight along the aisle, casting tiny flames that danced in the still air.

Josh, Joel, William, and Kyle were stationed near the entrance to the barn, greeting guests and directing them to their seats. Each of them wore matching tailored suits with plum vests and black ties. Josh adjusted the cuff of his shirt absentmindedly, eyes scanning the growing crowd.

“I feel like a maitre d’ at a five-star wedding,” Kyle said, adjusting his boutonniere with a flourish. “Now accepting bribes for front-row seats.”

“That’s not how this works,” William muttered, passing out the last stack of wedding programs.

“Speak for yourself,” Joel added with a grin. “I already got tipped ten bucks by someone’s grandma for helping her to her seat.”

Josh chuckled but said nothing. He was focused, making sure everything was perfect.

They moved through the crowd, helping older guests find their seats, double-checking that the drink tubs were full of soda and water, and that the side table held a neatly stacked collection of tissues, just in case.

Kyle darted back over from the aisle after smoothing down the aisle runner for the third time. “Tell me again why we didn’t hire a wedding coordinator?”

Josh glanced toward the floral arch, its ivory lace and green sprigs perfectly arranged. He exhaled slowly, finally allowing himself to believe everything was in place. The florist had come through. The caterers had set up quietly and efficiently. Even the antique galvanized tubs were filled with glittering ice, soda cans nestled inside like little jewels.

The playlist was queued. Barry had given the DJ table one last sound check. Pam had her officiant notes in hand and was practicing her lines quietly beneath one of the pine trees.

In the groom’s suite, their jackets hung neatly on the back of chairs, ready to be thrown on at the last minute. Ties had been adjusted. Pocket squares perfectly puffed. Shoes polished.

Josh checked his watch. “Fifteen minutes.”

Joel clapped a hand on his shoulder. “How you feeling?”

“Nervous energy. But good,” Josh replied.

“It’s almost showtime,” Kyle sang out, smoothing his hair with both hands. “Let’s go, gentlemen. Final checks. We’ve got rings, right? No one’s left them in a cereal box or something?”

Will reached into his inner pocket and held up the velvet ring box. “Got ‘em. Safe and sound.”

Josh took one last slow breath and looked out at the barn, now filled with guests quietly chatting and laughing. The sunlight had shifted, giving the space a soft golden hue that made the candles and bulbs seem to glow brighter.

They walked back to the groom’s suite to grab their jackets and take their places. As they stepped into position near the ceremony arch, a hush began to fall over the crowd.

Josh stood tall, heart pounding in his chest, eyes on the barn doors where the bridal procession would soon begin.

Everything was ready.

The ceremony was moments away.

As the soft music filled the barn, a hush fell over the guests. The last rays of the sun filtered through the aged wooden slats, mingling with the glow of the Edison bulbs strung above like captured fireflies. Everything shimmered—the flickering mason jar lanterns lining the aisle, and the hopeful eyes of everyone gathered.

At the far end of the barn, the double doors creaked open, and the wedding procession began. First came Amanda and Beth, graceful and poised in their silver chiffon gowns, bouquets of lavender and ivory roses in hand. Next, Hannah and Noel followed, their dresses swaying gently with each step, their faces glowing with joy.

Judith and Dorothy walked arm in arm, a symbol of unity between the two families. Both women dabbed at the corners of their eyes, barely able to contain the emotion of the moment.

Then the music shifted.

A hush fell deeper. All eyes turned to the doors.

Katie appeared, framed in light.

She wore a gown of ivory satin, embroidered with lace that cascaded from her fitted bodice to the flowing skirt. The dress shimmered with every step she took, the train whispering along the wooden floor. A delicate veil, secured with a silver comb, fell softly down her back. Her bouquet was a classic arrangement of ivory roses, lavender sprigs, and pine accents, echoing the venue around them.

Her arm rested on her father’s. Kirk, dapper in his tailored black suit and plum tie, looked every bit the proud father. He held his daughter steady, but it was Katie who carried the gravity of the moment.

Josh’s breath caught. His hands trembled slightly as he stood at the altar, his brothers at his side. For a moment, it was just her. Every sound fell away. All that remained was the woman walking toward him, the echo of memories between them, and the promise of forever that waited at the end of the aisle.

When Kirk reached him, he turned to Josh, his voice low and steady. “You have something rare, son. Love like this ... it’s a gift. Don’t ever take it for granted.”

Josh nodded, emotion thick in his throat. “I won’t.”

Kirk kissed his daughter’s cheek and stepped aside.

Katie took Josh’s hands.

Pam stepped forward, her presence warm and reverent. She welcomed the guests with a calm grace, her voice weaving through the space like a comforting melody. “Today, we witness not just the joining of two lives, but the reunion of two souls who have already weathered a thousand lifetimes together.”

Josh and Katie turned to face each other fully. The energy between them was magnetic.

Pam continued, speaking of love—of its resilience, its power to heal, its ability to anchor us through life’s fiercest storms. She shared stories of the couple, both tender and humorous, revealing how they had grown together through hardship, loss, and joy.

Then came the vows.

Josh went first. He took a breath and looked into Katie’s eyes. “You were the light in my darkest moment. The voice I heard when I had no strength left. I’ve only ever wanted one thing—to spend forever with you. I vow to honor that. I vow to honor you. Every day, for the rest of our lives.”

Tears slid silently down Katie’s cheeks.

She squeezed his hands and began. “You were my beginning and my end—and everything in between. I loved you through loss. I found you in hope. And now, I choose you in joy. I promise to walk beside you, through whatever comes. Always.”

A stillness followed—heavy, sacred.

Pam lifted her hands and declared, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Josh, you may kiss your bride.”

Josh pulled Katie into his arms and kissed her deeply, a kiss filled with every missed moment, every reclaimed dream. The barn erupted in applause and joyful cheers.

As they turned to face their guests, hand in hand, the light of the setting sun poured in from behind them, painting them in gold. The music swelled as they walked down the aisle together, past family and friends whose faces were lit with tears and smiles.