Years later...


Kaoru's P.O.V.

I can't believe this is happening! It's so exciting and yet...is this really where I'm meant to be?

I peeked around the doorway and saw Butch standing on the alter in his snazzy black suit and green vest. His boutonniere is a fresh white lily, similar to the ones that were at his funeral. There's a table near me holding four bouquets of these same flowers. I take a deep breath.

I am making the right decision. There's no one on earth that I treasure more than him.

Suddenly, there are hands on my back. "Hey, what're you doing now?" I let out a muffled shriek and whirl around to discover one of my best friends, Miyako, standing there in her bridesmaid's dress.

"Nothing. I'm not doing anything. And don't sneak up on me like that!"

Miyako giggles. "Ooh, Kaoru's got pre-wedding jitters!"

Momoko, my other bridesmaid, walks up. "Kaoru's nervous? Well I guess there's a first for everything!"

I look at them both standing there, smiling at me. Becky is my third bridesmaid, standing a little behind them, fixing the ringbearer's tie. Butch and Becky both were thrilled when I asked her. They're all wearing matching knee-length, fluttery dresses. They're identical except Miyako's is a light blue, Momoko's is a light pink, and Becky's is a light yellow. Their hair is in curly updos held in place with little rhinestone-tipped pins, so their hair sparkled. They also had small diamond encrusted bracelets that matched the one I wore, gifts from Miyako. I looked at them for another minute or so, and then turned to face the full length mirror.

I was wearing a light, floor length, off-the-shoulder white dress with a green sash that tied in a big, flowing bow in back. My little satin kitten heels are the same shade of green. My hair grew a bit over the years, so now it's a little past my shoulders. It's been gently curled and some of it's being held back by the same rhinestone bobby pins that Miyako and Momoko have in their hair. My veil is very plain and doesn't cover my face. It's attached to a comb and is placed at the crown of my head.

Oh man, why did I agree to this? This is horrible! Isn't this supposed to be a happy day? And why on earth did I let Miyako talk me into wearing heels?

I look back at Miyako and Momoko, who are now fussing over our flower girl, one of my second-cousins. I peek around the doorway again; butterfly's dancing in my stomach. I look at Butch again. For some reason, just looking at him soothes my nerves. Butch chose Boomer, Brick, and Ken to be his groomsmen. Their suits and vests are the same except the colors. Boomer's is blue, Brick's is red, and Ken's is yellow. Right now, those three are huddled around Butch, talking. I watch as Ken looks at his watch and say something. Then Brick gives Butch an encouraging punch on the arm, and the three men walk down the aisle towards me. Ken catches my eye and smiles. I pull away from the doorway and feel my face heating up.

My dad walks up to me. "How're you doing, kiddo? You excited?" I look up at him and see his eyes are brimming with tears. "I can't believe my baby girl's getting married," he says a bit softer.

"C'mon Dad, you're gonna make me cry," I say, elbowing him gently.

"Everyone, line up please!" Miyako calls. "We're about to start!"

My dad puts his arm around me. "You ready, sweetie?"

"Sure thing, Dad."

Everyone organizes themselves and Momoko signals the organist. The first chords ring out. Everyone starts moving slowly up the aisle, one after another. Becky and Ken walk up...then Miyako and Boomer...then Momoko and Brick...

I take my dad's arm as everyone in the church stands up and turns around. It no longer feels like there are butterflies in my stomach; now it feels like there are rampaging baboons. I grip my bouquet tightly and begin to walk.

Please don't trip, please don't trip...

I am now at the altar. I look up at Butch. Miyako takes my bouquet and Butch takes my hands and smiles. I smile back. The priest is talking but I barely hear him. I just keep looking at Butch as my stomach calms down.

Yeah, this is exactly where I'm supposed to be.

And then those magical words are spoken and my fate is sealed.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."