A/N I decided to add the end. I felt that it was very appropriate considering the circumstances.
Sybil turned to her husband. The look in her eyes was all that he needed.
Tom pushed through the pew and into the aisle. He ran out of the church only to find Anthony fleeing the scene.
"Anthony! Anthony! Stop!" Tom yelled from across the courtyard.
Anthony glanced back and saw Tom running after him. Anthony turned away and headed towards the gate. Tom caught up with him, grabbed him by the shoulder and whirled him around. Anthony could not hide the fear and regret etched on his face.
"I can't do this Tom."
Tom shook Anthony's shoulders.
"Yes you can! Now go back in and marry her."
Anthony shook his head and felt the tears coming fast. He bit his lip to keep them at bay.
"I'm not good enough for her," Anthony whispered.
Tom let out a singular chuckle. He thought of his years waiting for Sybil. Hoping and praying that she would say yes. When she finally did that fateful night in the garage, a whole new set of fears rushed in. Will I be able to support her? Will she hate me when we're living in Dublin? Does she know what it means when she finally said the words? Tom looked at his hopefully-soon-to-be brother-in-law and gave him a small smile.
"Do we ever think we're good enough for our wives?"
Anthony mirrored Tom's smile. He thought of Maude. Lovely woman. She was a safe choice, but that didn't mean he didn't love her. She was a proper lady, coy, courteous and quiet. She wasn't like Edith. No, Edith was something entirely different. Edith pursued him and she was always so insistent. A quality his former wife lacked. Edith was a breath of fresh air to his life. Something new. Something different. A welcome and much needed change to his monotonous life. He loved Edith with all his heart and nothing could change that.
"Look. I never think I'm good enough for Sybil," Tom admitted, " I always feared she would resent me from taking her away from the only life she knew. Whatever fear or doubts you have, let them go. She loves you and you love her. That's all that matters."
Anthony met the Irishman's gaze. He glanced at the Church behind him and his cheeks reddened.
"What am I supposed to tell her?"
Tom shrugged his shoulders and turned to face the church. At the entrance stood Sybil rubbing Edith's back, consoling her.
Tom smiled and answered Anthony's question.
"I do."
As Tom and Anthony walked up to the church doors, they were met by Sybil and Edith. Mysteriously, a cloud of smoke appeared out of nowhere and a fat, old, fool emerged. The mysterious man cackled and said, "You four will never be happy."
Edith grit her teeth.
Anthony gripped the flask of whiskey and matches he had in his pocket.
Sybil clenched her fist.
Tom cracked his knuckles.
The four of them launched themselves at the fool and beat him up to a pulp.
It was Anthony's idea to set him on fire.
No one came to the funeral.
THE END
