Episode 36: The Wedding
It was a warm, sunny, day in Miracle City the perfect day for a wedding. Manny and Frida were getting married today and the young couple was filled with excitement.
"Dad? Did you pick up the suits?" Manny said.
"They're right here Miho." He said. "I can't believe my boy is getting married!"
"Dad please! Don't get emotional now."
"You're right, we have to get to the church. Go wake your grandfather."
Frida and her bridesmaids were already at the church getting dressed. All the bridesmaids were wearing red dresses except for Zoe who wore black. Frida was dressed in Maria's a-line, lace, wedding dress and the veil she wore had a headband of forget-me nots attached to it. She also wore her mother's sliver necklace and earrings. All of them looked beautiful but Frida was the most beautiful of them all.
"Oh, Frida you look so lovely." Maria said.
"Manny is very lucky." Zoe said.
"Thank you, and I can't wait to be Mrs. Frida Rivera."
"Oh my baby girl." Carmela said.
"Don't cry Mom or I'll start crying." Frida hugged her mother as they shared a sentimental moment.
"Seems like only yesterday you were taking your first guitar lesson and now your getting married." Carmela said.
Meanwhile the guest were all arriving. The groomsmen ushered the guests to their seats. Manny went back to check up on everyone.
"Hey, how are things going?" He asked.
"Everything is fine." Maria said.
She looked at her son.
"Look at you. All grown up and getting married. Oh my baby is getting married!"
"It's okay Mom." He said hugging her.
"I'm sorry I just can't believe how much you've grown." She said. "I still remember how cute you were in diapers."
"Mom!"
He took his place by the other groomsmen and waited patiently. The music played and the bridesmaids made their way down the isle and took their places. Finally Frida came down the isle with her father. Manny felt like his heart had just stopped when he saw the beautiful bride.
"Who gives this woman away?" The minister asked.
"I do." Emiliano said. But when Frida tried to leave he wouldn't let her go.
"Papa. Let go." Frida said.
"I don't want to." He said getting emotional.
"Papa."
"I'm sorry. You're right Miha. Take care of her Manny."
He let her go and went to sit next to his wife. Manny and Frida gazed at each other with loving eyes.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the house of God and Jesus to join these two together in holy matramoniey." The minister said.
"Rodolfo are you alright?" Grandpapi asked.
"Sniff! I'm just so happy!" Rodolfo whimpered as he blew into a tissue.
"Get a grip man!" Grandpapi said. "Maria's not crying."
"Actually I am." She sobbed. "Oh! Someone hold me!"
She buried her face in Rodolfo's shirt as she cried.
"Suddenly I'm not that very sad anymore." Rodolfo said grinning.
"Do you Manuel Pablo Gutierrez O'Brian Equia Rivera take this woman to be your wife, to love and to hold in sickness and in health til death do you part?"
"No." He said.
Everyone gasped.
"Not until death, much longer than that." He said. "Much longer."
Frida's eyes filled with tears of joy. This man truly loved her with all his heart.
"And do you Fridaniella Cristina Lorena Rosalina Suarez take this man to be your husband, to love and to hold in sickness and in health til death do you part?"
"I do." She said.
"May I have the rings?"
Manny and Frida exchanged the rings on their fingers.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Manny and Frida looked at each other.
"Kiss me you fool!" Frida cried.
There lips met in a long passionate kiss. The guest cheered and clapped. At the reception Manny and Frida cut the cake and smeared it on each other's faces then started handing out slices. Later the young couple shared a slow dance and once that was over they decided to crank it up and have the atomic sombereos play. It was one heck of a party and everyone was having a wonderful time.
"Alright ladies, are you ready to catch the bouquet?" Frida asked.
The bridesmaids ran and lifted their hands up. Anita and Nikita practically slaughtered each other trying to get it.
"It's mine!" Anita said werseling her.
"No it's mine!" Nikita said smacking her.
"I'm older!"
"By two seconds!"
Frida threw the bouquet and Zoe caught it.
"I got it!" She cried. "I'm going to be a bride."
Manny sat Frida down, removed her garder, and tossed it for the groomsmen to get. And the lucky guy who caught it was Django.
"Hey, I'm the next one to get hitched."
"Yeah, to me." Zoe said as she tackled him with kisses.
When it was all over Manny carried Frida bridal style outside with the guest following. They got on a motorcycle with the sign JUST MARRIED taped to the back.
"He better be good to her." Emiliano said.
"Oh give it a rest Dear." Carmela said.
They waved goodbye to the guest and drove off to their honeymoon. It was the happiest day of their lives. Manny Rivera and Frida Suarez had come a long way. From childhood friends, to high school sweethearts, to finally husband and wife.