My Shiroma
"You can't go in there!" the maid of honor protested, trying to block the doorway.
"It's only the groom who's not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony," Michael Hailey said patiently. "Excuse me---" The former SEAL dodged around her and gained entry to the room where Kimberly Shiroma was dabbing at her makeup.
She looked away from the mirror at his entrance, and Michael gave an admiring whistle. Since this was her second marriage, she hadn't donned a huge wedding gown, but wore an elegant ivory silk tea dress. Cream-colored flowers ornamented her black hair, which was swept up in a way that emphasized her classic bone structure.
"Don't worry," the go-between told her. "He's here."
"I never doubted it," she said, smiling. He remembered how, when they'd met, she'd been bitter over her first husband's death. Now happiness softened her face, and the light of joy in her eyes made her truly beautiful. "You look very handsome in a tuxedo, Michael."
Hailey sighed. "Edward told me I look like a Vegas leg-breaker. Daniel said a croupier at Monte Carlo. Take your pick."
Kimberly laughed. "I'm relieved---if he's in a good mood after carousing last night, maybe he'll say 'I do' without trying to negotiate."
It was probably a good thing she didn't know how hammered the groom and the best man had gotten during the bachelor party. His lips twitched at the memory of Marcase and Cassian at the karaoke bar, culminating in the groom's fervent performance of "My Sharona", with the lyrics changed to "My Shiroma". The best man had caught it all on his camera phone, which could make for juicy blackmail material at some future date.
"I'll let him know what a lucky man he is," Hailey assured her, heading toward the door. He'd better confirm that her beloved had enough java in his system to make it to the altar. The maid of honor shied back a step as he strode past her.
Fortunately, when he reached the room on the far side of the building where the groom and best man were cloistered, they were functioning. Two empty coffee cups on the table were evidence that they'd needed a jump-start, but the groom's boutonniere was in place, and the best man was suited up and wrestling with his tie.
"The bride is gorgeous," he announced. "I might have to fight you for her."
The groom gave him a searching look. His sartorial splendor was a suitable match for his magnificent bride.
"Just kidding!" Michael raised his hands. "But seriously, she looks beautiful."
"She's always been beautiful," contributed the best man, still struggling with his neckwear. The groom's intent stare shifted to him. "What, I wasn't supposed to notice? You just take good care of her so Michael and I don't have to kick your ass."
"I'm outnumbered," sighed the groom. "Here, you do it like this..." He stepped over to deal with the offending tie. "Let's get out there, it's time for the ceremony to start." He exited the anteroom with long strides, leaving the other two men to exchange amused glances.
The best man ran a finger under his collar to loosen it. He looked no more comfortable in his suit than Michael felt in his. "For a confirmed bachelor, he's certainly in a hurry to walk down the aisle. Think she's pregnant?"
"I heard that!" snapped the groom. Michael and Edward chuckled and made their way to the wedding of Kimberly Shiroma and Daniel Cassian.
The End