The Varchie wedding day arrived and as expected anticipation built. After I proposed to Betty, Veronica stole her away to finish wedding planning, try on bridesmaids dresses, and for the bridal shower. Which left me to plan the bachelor party. Instead of going the usual stripper route which would have landed both of us in hot water, we decided to take in a professional boxing match and drink way too much. Archie commented on the technique and made accurate predictions as to who would win, and I just drank my beer thinking about how quickly things had wrapped up
Most likely due to a generous donation from the Lodge family, Veronica was able to secure the St. Patrick's Cathedral for the ceremony even if it was a week away. Apparently there had been a 'cancellation' last minute, but knowing how her mother worked, I had a feeling that there was more coercion than cancellation. A few days before the date, we all drove to the city. Veronica put Archie and me up in the Penthouse suite, and she and Veronica took one in a different hotel to avoid seeing each other in any wedding attire before the big day. For somebody so confident, Veronica certainly was superstitious.
We got through the rehearsal dinner and rehearsal and then kissed our significant others and turned in for the night. Then bright and early we awoke ready for the big day. When we arrived at the cathedral, I couldn't help but take in the massive archways and towering spires. We entered through a huge wooden door and then went our separate ways. Archie paced his suite trying to perfect his vows. I offered to help him, but he shook his head claiming that it had to come from him. He adjusted his black bowtie and ran his fingers through his hair. A knock on the door indicated it was time.
Archie nervously walked down the aisle and stood next to the priest who offered him a kind smile. Then I met Betty, ready to walk her down. She wore a burgundy, floor length, satin number fitted and high necked with a black shawl covering her shoulders. As we locked elbows, her engagement ring caught my eye. I looked at her lovingly and couldn't help but admire the makeup they chose for her. It was simple, but severe bringing out the green in her eyes. This time, though they only focused on the eyes. We made our way down the aisle and then parted ways. Next came Josie and Sweetpea who had reconnected in New York, and finally Cheryl and Toni which caused a gasp from the crowd. Cheryl always knew how to cause a scene. She kissed Toni on the cheek as they split up. Cheryl stood in for the third groomsmen and Toni took her spot next to Josie.
The wedding march reverberated against the walls and all eyes turned on Veronica. Though I was in love with Betty there was no denying how beautiful Veronica looked. She wore a pearl tiara in her curled onyx hair to match her signature pearl necklace. Her dress was pure white with a floral, lacy high neck and a soft silhouette. She carried a bouquet of white and red roses in her right hand while Pop walked down the aisle on the left side. He teared up as he passed her on to Archie and then took his seat. It was then I noticed the empty seats in the front row. In place of a person, somebody had placed framed photos of pictures of people who should have been there—Fred, Hiram, Smithers, and other people who had taken on a paternal role in Veronica's life.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union between Miss Veronica Cecelia Lodge, and Mr. Archibald Andrews." The priest spoke, his voice echoing against the cavernous walls. "This couple has decided that they would like to share their own vows, foregoing tradition." He turned and smiled toward Archie. "Mr. Andrews, would you like to start?"
"Veronica," He smiled at her. She blinked, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I remember when I first saw you. I was sitting at Pop's with Betty and she was talking about her internship. And there you walked in. And I knew." He squeezed her hand, looking at her in the way he had never looked at anybody before. "I knew that I loved you. You were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen." At this point, tears streamed down Veronica's face as she smiled at him. "We have been through a lot together, and I never considered myself a fighter before I met you. So I can't promise that we'll live in the lap of luxury, or that we won't argue, but I can promise that I will fight for you, instead of fighting you. I promise to raise our son with the same values that my dad raised me with, and I promise to be the most loving husband I possibly can. Oh, and to share my onion rings with you." He added which made her laugh. Her face lit up, but then she looked at him.
"Archiekins." She reached up and touched his face used her pet-name for him. "I think it was fate that day I walked into the diner. I was new, and you were always kind to me. We had a rocky road, but it smoothed out. If it wasn't for you, I would have never found my best friend for life." She turned to smile at Betty who had tears in her eyes. "If it wasn't for you, I never would have seen what goodness in a person looks like. I have lived my life fighting expectations of who people wanted me to be. And you loved me in the struggle. You supported me in every crazy idea I ever had. I promise that I will continue to see the good in you, even when things get rough. But mostly I promise to cheer you on whether you succeed or fail. I'm here for you."
Even with her pregnancy hormones she had managed to only shed a few tears. They slipped the wedding rings on each other's fingers and then the moment they all came for. I took a step back, and pulled out my camera. Then I captured the moment—a wedding present to them. The perfect kiss—loving, passionate, sensual, and theirs. He picked her up, squeezing her and I snapped a photo of that, too. Then he put her down. Betty handed Veronica the bouquet and the newly-married couple exited the church. The rest of the party exited and we made our way to the reception.
It was a simple affair in the middle of a garden. Circular tables surrounded a vinyl dance floor and from the entrance any guest could see the rectangular table set aside for the bride and groom and party. I pulled out the chair for Betty and then took the seat next to her.
"You look gorgeous," I looked her up and down.
"You're not too bad yourself." She leaned over and planted a kiss on my cheek. "Just think, in a few months, this will be us."
I squeezed her hand and opened my mouth to speak but the DJ's voice blared through the speakers before I could.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome the brand new, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews!"
Veronica had changed into a shorter dress and flatter shoes. She had also removed the tiara and loosened the curls. They took the center of the dance floor and Archie nodded to the DJ. Chasing Cars blared through the speakers as Archie held the brunette tightly. They twirled on the floor getting lost in each other. I took the opportunity to snap a few photos that the wedding photographer may not have thought of. I zoomed in on their faces, making sure to capture the moment. As the dance ended, they kissed again, then took their seats.
The rest of the night was spent making speeches, drinking way too much champagne eat gorging ourselves on decadent food that filled us up with just a little plate. And by a little plate, I mean several. The night ended with another slow dance. I held Betty close, running my fingers through her curls, inhaling her sweet scent. We were some of the last to leave, and as we fell asleep that night I thought about what the future held.
Virginia was just around the corner and there was still so much packing to do. At least we didn't have to bring the bed. As an engagement/housewarming gift, Cheryl had invested in a new mattress and bed-frame to be delivered and set up the first day we moved in. We found a little yellow house near Quantico with two bedrooms and hardwood floors. It was no Smith-Jones residence on Elm Street, but it was ours.
By the time we moved in, the wedding was just around the corner. Betty hid her dress at Cheryl and Toni's new place while Veronica and Archie, stayed in our spare bedroom, which was outfitted with the same kind of mattress, because according to Cheryl it was 'buy one get one' but knowing her, she just wanted the best for her cousin and her future second cousins, even though that was a long way off. Still, time ticked away, and before we knew it, the day before the wedding arrived. I slept alone that night, tossing and turning, perfecting my vows. Betty stayed at Cheryl and Toni's. Tomorrow was the day I didn't know I had been waiting for since we were kids. Tomorrow it was official.