Chris, Jess and Janet took a step back and smiled upon seeing Emma.
"What do you think"? asked Emma nervously.
"Simply beautiful", replied Chris.
Emma smiled and turned to look at herself in the mirror.
The off the shoulder ivory crepe wedding dress was more beautiful than she had remembered it. She turned and looked at the back. It had a low V-shape with lace designs. It went down to the floor and ended in a round train of about a foot and a half long.
Her hair was up in a loose and wavy bun with a leaf comb with rhinestones and pearls.
The two bridesmaids and the maid of honor joined her in front of the mirror, and they all smiled.
The photographer took a few pictures then stepped out momentarily to head for the groom's room.
There was a knock at the door. It opened and Carl peeked his head inside before entering. He was wearing an elegant black suit and tie with a red rose boutonniere.
He smiled upon seeing Emma then looked at the others.
"May I have a moment with my beautiful daughter"? he asked smiling.
"Of course," said Jessica as she and the others headed for the door. "We'll be waiting for you downstairs".
They left the room and Carl hugged Emma.
"You look wonderful".
"Thanks Dad".
"Sit with me for a minute". He said as he took her hand and led her to the couch.
He took out a small jewelry box from his pocket and handed it to her.
"Your mother wore this on our wedding day. She kept it so that she could pass it on to you when it was your turn".
Emma's eyes filled with tears as she opened the box and took out a beautiful diamond bracelet. Carl took it out of the box and placed it around Emma's wrist. It was pure, simple and beautiful. It was a white gold bangle with the bangle separating at the sides and twisting into diamond-lined ribbons until it reached the middle where a single diamond glistened.
As she touched it, a tear trickled down her cheek, thinking about her mother.
"Now, hopefully, one day, you'll be able to pass it on to your daughter".
She looked at her father. "I miss her".
"I know. So, do I".
"I wish she were here".
"She always dreamed about this day for you. I know that she's watching over you and she's proud of the woman that you've become. Just as I am proud of you".
He took out a handkerchief from his vest and handed it to her.
"Your mascara is going to run. She wouldn't want you to cry, not today, unless they are tears of joy".
Emma nodded as she dabbed the handkerchief under her eyes.
"I love you", said Emma as she hugged her father.
"I love you too".
He looked at his watch.
"It's almost time".
Deacon, Dom, Hondo and Jim walked from the open French doors out into the garden. When Emma and Deacon had decided to have the wedding at their new home, they knew it would be perfect. This was where their life together was really starting and where they wanted to create memories.
At the end of the garden, the Pastor was waiting under the beautiful white pergola.
Guests said hi to Deacon and the others as they headed towards the decorated pergola.
When they were in place, the Pastor nodded, and soft music came on. The doors opened again revealing, Janet and Chris in beautiful rose chiffon and satin, halter gowns. They slowly walked down the aisle.
Dom looked at Janet, he smiled and winked at her.
Shortly after, Jess walked down the aisle and placed herself in front of Janet and Chris near the Pastor.
The soft music was replaced by Pachebel's Canon and everyone turned to see the bride arrive.
It was the oohs and aahs that made Deacon lift his head and look down the aisle.
His eyes filled with awe, joy and love as he smiled at her. She smiled back, her heart racing. Just as he knew he would never forget the way she looked at that moment, she knew she would never forget how he looked at her.
People returned to their position as she and Carl passed them and headed for the pergola.
They paused a few seconds. Dom left his spot and placed himself on the other side of his sister.
"Who gives this woman away in marriage"? asked the Pastor.
"We do", said Dom and Carl in sync.
The pastor nodded. Dom returned to his spot between Hondo and Jim. Carl kissed Emma on the forehead lovingly then placed her hand in Deacon's.
As they took a step, hand in hand towards the pastor, he never took his eyes off her.
She was relieved. She knew he'd done this before, the proposal, the wedding, the dress and suit and her biggest fear had been that he would be blasé.
They listened attentively as the pastor made his speech.
They then exchanged vows and wedding bands.
"You may now kiss the bride", said the Pastor.
Deacon put his arms around Emma, pulled her in and dipped her slightly as he kissed her, sending the guests in applause.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. David Kay"!
Emma and Deacon, walked down the aisle hand in hand, smiling and happy.
The reception was perfect, and Emma and Deacon opened the dance floor on "Take my hand" by Emily Hackett, only having eyes for each other. Afterwards, the other guests joined them, and Emma danced with her father, then Dom and others as Deacon did the same.
"You look so happy", said Dom, looking at his sister as they danced together.
"I am happy. I feel like I have a constant smile on my face. People must think I'm on drugs", she said smiling.
"No, it warms my heart to see you this happy. Deacon is a very lucky man".
"I'm the one that's lucky. I have Deacon, you and Dad. What more could I possibly ask for"?
"Nothing, there is nothing more important than love and family and you've got all that", he said as he glanced at Deacon who was dancing with Janet.
Emma smiled at her older brother. "Looks like someone is getting mushy".
Dom laughed. "You know me, I love happy endings".
"You'll get yours".
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I don't think we're there yet".
Emma grinned. "I didn't say right now, but at some point in time, when you're ready".
He looked deeply into her eyes. "How do you know when you're ready"?
"If you're asking me, then you're not ready yet".
"Come on, humor me. How did you know"?
"I felt it in so many ways. When he isn't around, I don't feel complete. I can't picture my life without him in it and, I would move heaven and Earth for him. I'd sacrifice my life if it came down to it".
Dom smiled at the beauty of what she was saying. "As I said earlier, Deacon is extremely lucky to have you for a wife".
He then kissed Emma on the forehead lovingly and remained quiet until the song ended.
Later in the evening after cutting and eating the cake, they bid their guests farewell as they settled into their getaway car and headed for the airport for their 5-day honeymoon at the Pink Sands Resort in Harbour Island, Bahamas.