10. THE WEDDING
It was now 4:30. Everyone was in their place. Bobbi and Amanda were helping Christina with her gown. You look like a queen Chrissy. Thanks Bobbi. No tears girl. Ok I'll try. Bobbi and Christina both knew now why she had been an emotional rollercoaster lately. Are you ok? Bobbi was watching her and thought she seemed a little antsy. I'm ready to see Tom. Ooooh girl, you got it bad. Christina looked and smiled as she said, "I guess I do." At 4:50 Bobbi said, "Let's get ready to do this as they carefully hugged each other. The doors closed at 4:55 and the music began. Tom, Steve, and the minister were on the stage. Bobbi walked in by herself and stood on the stage. Next, Kelly, and Candy were escorted by Marcus and Ray. They took their places on the first and second steps to the stage. The flower girls Grace and Gretchen walked in together looking like two angels. Camille was still in the room with her mom. Well mom, are you ready?
I am Camille. Camille? Yes mom. I love you. "I know that." Camille replied, smiling. Mr. Morrissey let them complete their mother and daughter talk. He said, "Nurse Hawthorne, (pretending to be serious); you look fantastic, are you ready?" She laughed and said, "Thank you Mr. Morrissey and yes, I am." Camille blew her mom and air kiss and turned to walk down the aisle. Christina held her arm out for Mr. Morrissey. He took her arm and interlocked it with his arm. She took a deep breath and started down the aisle. Everyone stood as she entered the room.
You could tell from the expressions that all agreed she was queen of the night. (Her gown, just as her dress did last night, looked as if it was made on her body. Her gown- A Diamond White A-line gown of Breccias Organza had a dipped neckline and corset closure, with an a symmetrical wrapped bodice with glamour jewelling pulled to one side of her waist): Wow I can't turn back now she thought, but then, I don't want to. She walked down the aisle looking like someone from a fairy book. Tom smiled from ear to ear. The photographer was snapping pictures of her all the way down the aisle. As Mr. Morrissey walked her up the stairs she saw no one but Tom. She wanted to run into his arms but she saw Bobbi from the corner of her eye. She didn't remember hearing any of the ceremony, the prayer, the song: not anything. She did hear the minister tell the audience they would say their own vows. Tom spoke first. He choked as he spoke. Christina I love you. I remember the day I fell in love with you. I want you everyday, the Christina that's feisty, head strong, sweet, and adorable. I now know what it is to live and love. The world seems brighter to me now that you are in my life. Life has a new meaning. My heart has a different beat. I want you for better/ worse, richer/poorer, I'll take care of you when you are sick and promise to love you and protect you for the rest of my life. I promise to protect and love you and Camille forever.
Christina: Tom, Tom, she said with tears in her eyes. I haven't loved in a long time. I ran from your love till I couldn't run anymore. I promise to love you everyday of my life. My life feels lighter now that you are a part of it. I see the earth as a total different place because of you. I promise to take care of you, to be there for you. You ground me, and calm me when the storms are raging. I'll love you for the rest of my life. Thomas Wakefield. I love you for better and worse because you have seen the worst of me and didn't run. Christina vaguely remembered hearing: I Christina take you Tom and Tom saying I Tom take you Christina….and Take your rings please and repeat after me, with this ring I thee wed. By the power invested in me I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride. Christina looked at Bobbi right before the kiss and saw the tears in her eyes. Tom kissed her so sweetly till Christina thought she was in heaven. They had only been separated for a few hours but it felt like and eternity. She didn't want to stop but she managed to pull away. Tom looked so damn good right now she thought. Ladies and gentlemen I would like to present to you Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and Christina Wakefield.
All Christina could hear was clapping and cheering. Music filled the room Tom kept his arms around her as he kissed her again and she thought she would explode with happiness. The bridal party walked out and everyone continued to clap. In a few minutes they were back and the photographer was taking pictures of the wedding party. While they were taking pictures, the other guests had been seated at the reception in the back. The decorators were removing the chairs to clear the area for dancing. Christina had not moved from Tom's side. He smiled like a child in a room full of candy. Every minute or so she would look at him. This was so unreal she thought. I feel as if I have won the lottery for life. Everyone wanted to extend their congratulations and well wishes. Bobbi finally came and pulled Christina away so she could speak to everyone. Steve did the same for Tom. They both hugged and spoke to their guests and friends. Bobbi said, "You know you're still my girl. You look simply amazing Christina." It was hard to remember anyone that ever looked as beautiful as this couple. Amanda congratulated Christina. Camille was so elated that they were getting along and her grandmother was not giving her mom a hard time about the marriage. Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention please? We are ready for the bride and groom to take their first dance. Please welcome our guest soloist to the stage. Christina looked in awe as Tom escorted her to the floor. Tom that's Fantasia! "Oh my!" she said softly. She performed a song by Natalie Cole titled "Our Love". Tom and Christina were in their own world. He kissed her gently on her forehead. You look so beautiful until I'm afraid I might mess you up. "Well don't be." Christina said as she kissed him back. Tom I can not believe you were able to get her to sing here. Anything for you my love. She whispered to him, "I love you so much." How long do we have to stay here tonight? Maybe for an hour, then we can leave. Have you seen the cake? Not yet Tom. As the music ended they kissed again. Fantasia congratulated them as she exited the stage. Tom's next dance was with Camille. After then, everyone hit the floor. Bobbi danced with Steve and Tom. Christina danced with Steve, Mr. Morrissey and some of the guests from the night before. Christina thought she had never been this happy before. Her marriage to Michael was totally different.
The next song dedicated to Tom and Christina was performed by a famous country singer couple who were the manager's friends. The song was a very old song by a late artist titled "You Thrill Me". After this song can we leave Tom , please? Whenever she tilted her head and said please like that it always melted his heart. Let's see what we need to do before we leave. Is that ok? he said, kissing her softly on the lips. As soon as the dance was over, they went straight to Bobbi. They had to cut the cake, throw the bouquet, and the garter. Bobbi caught the bouquet and wouldn't you know the garter fell right into Steve's hand. Christina teased Bobbi saying, is it my turn to get you now?" Bobbi said, "You should be glad that you were not hardheaded this weekend." Christina smiled and went to speak to Camille and Amanda. She wanted to make sure Camille would be with Amanda until she got home. Mr. Morrissey gave Tom and Christina two additional days for their honeymoon. Now they could stay until Wednesday. They would be at work on Thursday. As they were saying their good-byes, Tom whispered, "I have a gift for you." She looked at him and then looked around to see everybody following them. She thought they were seeing them off, but her gut feelings said it was for some other reason. Just as they approached the door, Tom stopped to talk to Christina. Christina you have been so patient this weekend and I truly appreciate it. If you don't want this gift we can get you something else. She looked absolutely confused at this point. "Come with me." he said. As they stepped out of the door there was a brand new cream Mercedes GL 450 SUV in front of the building with a red bow on it. Thank you for being my wife, Christina. She looked at the SUV and back at Tom. Is that for me? He smiled and nodded. She leaned against him and tears just rolled down her face. He held her close to him and said, "I love you baby." Tom are you sure about this? I am Sunshine. Thank you baby. I love it. Tom, "I..I.. have something for you too." she said with a bit of doubt in her voice. I hope you are ok with it. Her eyes met Bobbi's and Bobbi nodded and whispered, "Do it Chrissy." Christina gave him the box and he opened it and seemed confused by the paper that he pulled out of the box. "Read it.", she said holding her breath. He looked up and a smile spread slowly across his face. Are you serious, really? Thank you baby, YES! That's my girl. He kissed her for so long she thought she would pass out. I think we need to go my love. I want you so much baby. When? How soon? How do you know? Christina's eyes glistened as she looked in his face. Let's leave here first. Then, we can talk.