The day of the wedding dawned warm and fair. Jack and Karen prepared themselves for the noon ceremony. Attempting to disguise her condition, Karen wore a loose fitting light lilac colored sleeveless lame dress with cream pumps, a matching sequined handbag, and of course, plenty of jewelry. Jack wore his best dark suit with his patent leather oxfords and a lavender colored necktie that set off Karen's dress. The limo delivered them to the church where they were escorted to their seats that were fairly close to the altar.
Jack looked around to see who else of his old acquaintances were in attendance. There was Joe with his daughter, Hannah, and her husband. Larry had succumbed to a bad case of flu several years ago. Scattered around the church were a few of Vince's siblings and their respective families or current relationships.Rob and Ellen occupied a bench in a central location. All their numerous children had grown up and left home. Some married, some were still looking, but Jack heard that they were all happy. Thinking of children, he glanced down at Karen's slightly bulging abdomen. He smiled faintly. He would like to have known if it was going to be a boy or girl, but Karen opted not to have the test done. She said she wanted to be surprised. Looking up again, he saw many others that he didn't know. Of course the group in police uniforms were Vince's friends from the NYPD. Others could have been acquaintances of Leo and Grace or Vince and Will. People that they had come to know since they had all gone their separate ways. There were quite a few young people, likely college friends of Leila's and Ben's. Unfortunately none of the couple's grandparents could attend. Of course, Will's father had passed on for quite some time as had Vince's father and mother. Grace's dad was gone also. Her mother, Bobbi, was confined to an assisted care facility, as was Marilyn Truman.. Leo's parents had retired to Florida and were not in good enough health for the long trip to New York. Of course, the wedding was being recorded to send to those who coudn't attend..
Jack looked ahead. Will and Vince were sitting right up front and a little to his left. They looked nervous, but who could blame them. Grace was sitting in the next bench across the aisle to Will and Vince's right, almost in front of Jack and Karen, but four rows in front. She looked serene under the circumstances. Ben was looking very handsome in his dark suit and white carnation in his lapel. The best man seemed to derive amusement at his edgy fidgeting. The bridesmaids were lined up near the altar looking splendid in their light pink dresses. The couple had opted for a traditional service. The Bridal March sounded and heads turned towards the back of the church. Leila emerged, looking fabulously beautiful in her lacy white gown and flowing veil; holding Leo's arm as they made their way slowly to the alter. Leo looked almost the same except for a few more lines in his forehead and wisps of gray at the temples, and looking every bit the proud father that he was. He placed his only child's hand in Ben's, took his place beside Grace, and the ceremony began.
To be continued...