October 13, 2012

Mary Catherine Woods Veit rushed down the back hallway of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul in search of her big brother. The door was ajar when she arrived at the groom's dressing area.

"Clayton!" She hissed though the crack in the door. When he didn't hear her, she opened the door all the way and called his name out again.

The minute he saw the panic in her eyes, Clay's stomach dropped. This is it, he thought, she changed her mind. Trying to not let his internal fears show, he stepped out into the hallway with Cat, "What's wrong?"

"Well, according to Charlotte, she has hives and can't get married today but I'm betting that she's just scared. You need to go talk to her." Cat explained as she smooth her hands down her satin gown.

"Me? Isn't it bad luck to see her?"

"You won't see her, trust me." She linked her arm with her brother's and started to guide him toward his nervous bride. "None of us have seen her in over an hour. She's locked herself in the bathroom in nothing but a strapless bra and slip."

Clay couldn't help but laugh, "Well, today couldn't be boring, could it?"

"All I know is that in about 20 minutes, this place is going to be flooded with 350 of your closest family, friends and enemies so we need to get her out of there."

"She was fine when we talked earlier – what happened? What set her off?"

Cat shrugged, "Not sure really." They paused outside the bridal dressing area, "She was in a good mood, laughing and joking with all of us and then she went into the bathroom and…now here we are."

Clayton inhaled deeply as he opened the door. He raised his hand as a quick 'hello' to all the women in the room and made his way to the back of the room. He entered the bathroom and locked the door behind him, the last thing he needed was his mother or sister coming in behind him trying to help.

"Charlie?" He called out looking for feet under the stalls.

Recognizing his voice, Charlotte stood up straight like a child who just broke mommy's favorite vase, "Did Cat tell you, we need to do this another day. Does tomorrow work for you?"

"Tomorrow? Yeah, that works for me but I can't speak for the guests or the priest or the photographer or the caterers or the-"

"I get it, ok?" Charlie leaned her back against the stall door and stared at the acrylic nails that had been applied over top her natural nails that the stress of planning a wedding had destroyed. "This is 'event' is bigger than us now."

"But it is about us, Charlotte." Clay rested his palm on the door, "And you like us, right?"

Charlotte turned in the tiny stall and unknowingly rested her forehead in the same spot that Clay's hand was braced on the other side of the door, "I love us. You know that."

"Then why are you hiding in there?"

"I-I don't know."

Clay chuckled, "Yeah, that's what I thought."

She swung the door open, "It's not funny! Why do you always think that me being scared of something is funny?"

"We're not supposed to see each other!" He tried to push her back into the stall but she protested.

"Give me a break. I'm 37 years old – I've kinda gotten over stupid superstitions."

He looked her up and down, "Well, at least you're not in your dress."

She looked down and wrapped her arms around her bare torso, "I forgot I wasn't dressed." Sizing him up, she grinned, "You look amazing, by the way."

Clay tugged at his lapels of his tuxedo, "This old thing?"

She smiled and closed her eyes, "I think I'm ok, now."

"Really?"

Charlie nodded and inhaled sharply, "Yeah, maybe I just needed to see you. To be reminded of why I was doing this in the first place."

"So, what you're saying is that I'm enough incentive?" He asked as he placed his hands on her hips and tugged her toward him.

"Indeed you are." She said as tilted her head back and licked her lower lip.

He kissed her once, then twice and then pulled back, "We've got somewhere to be, you know?"

"I know."

"I'm gonna go." He kissed her briefly, "And you're going to get dressed." Another kiss was exchanged, "And then I'll meet you at the altar, k?"

She nodded against his lips, "K."

Reluctantly he pulled away from her and walked backwards toward the door, "See you soon."

Charlie grinned as he closed the door behind him. She waited a few minutes before going back into the dressing area. Then she excitedly entered the room and announced, "Ok, let's get this show on the road!"

BbB

After reciting the traditional wedding vows they had agreed on, Charlotte found herself needing to say one more thing. "I've waited my whole life for you…" She blurted out while wiping a tear away and smiling at Clayton, "I didn't think I'd ever find you." She reached out and nudged him on the shoulder, "What took you so long?"

Clay laughed and grabbed her hand, "I was really, really busy. I am so sorry." He kissed her hand before releasing it.

The congregation erupted into laughter. An embarrassed Clay and Charlie looked out at them and then back to each other.

Father Francis cleared his throat and the couple turned to focus on him. He smiled and addressed the wedding guests, "Well, I think we can all agree that the important thing is that you two have found each other now."

The bride and groom nodded and rejoined hands. The rest of the ceremony was a blur for Charlotte but one part was clear as a bell and she knew she'd remember for the rest of her life.

It was when the priest announced, "It is my great honor and pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Samuel Woods!"