CHAPTER 10
It was getting closer and closer to the big day. Scott and Shelby decided after homecoming that they would stay away from each other sexually until the wedding night so it might make it more special. Scott had a harder time dealing with this arrangement than Shelby did. There had been more than one occasion that Shelby had to kick him out of her room at night. She finally just started locking her door so she wouldn't have to put up with the pleading puppy dog eyes.
There was one night in particular that Scott couldn't sleep and he went to see if he could convince Shelby to reconsider but her door was locked. He still couldn't sleep so he wondered around downstairs thinking about a lot of different things. He started thinking about how his parents had run away to get married and so his grandparents never got to see the wedding. He kept rolling the idea around in his mind for awhile until he finally made the decision and picked up the phone. It was 11:00 PM and he was pretty sure that she would still be up.
He dialed the number and waited for someone to answer. The butler answered and he asked for Corinne.
"Hello!"
"Hello, grandmother this is Scott. I hope it's not to late because I can call tomorrow."
She excitedly responded. "Oh nonsense dear boy. It's so good to hear from you and you know that you can always call anytime."
"Is grandfather really upset with me?"
"Oh don't worry about him. He'll get over it. I want to know all about how you have been. Is everything alright with you or can I help you with something?"
"No I'm fine I just wanted to ask you something. You know how my dad and mom ran away to get married and so you were never invited to the wedding? I know he's going to be all against it but Shelby and I are getting married on Saturday. I was wondering if you'd like or if you wanted to come? You don't have to if you don't want to because I'll understand but I just thought that I would ask. It'll mean so much to me if you did come but I know that grandfather probably won't because he's pretty pissed I mean mad at me. I don't know, I just thought I'd ask any way because my dad never asked you so . . ." Scott was rambling on because he was nervous and his grandmother cut him off.
"Scott I would be honored to see my grandson get married. Edward will come whether he likes it or not. Just give me the details and the Barringer side of the family will be there."
Scott actually felt relief that he had told her. He decided not to say anything to his parents because tension might start building. Now that he was able to get that off his chest, he was able to settle down and go to sleep.
Shelby went up to Horizon a day early so that she could spend some time with her bridal party and because she needed the extra time to get ready. She brought up the dresses that the cliffhanger girls would be wearing and they all had a great time modeling their dresses in front of one another. It was so good to be back to the people that she considered family. Scott would come up with his dad Saturday morning and so there would be no rehearsals. The Horizon staff and students had the place decorated so lovely and they were taking care of everything. There seemed to be a last minute change in the food plans because Scott's grandmother had called and told Peter that she would like to have the wedding catered by a professional company. Peter didn't object because that meant that they could spend more time and money on decorations.
Juliet and Daisy gathered up a small group of girls who had known Shelby when she was there. They had a little bridal party and played games. One of the games was to see how much Shelby really knew about Scott. Each of the girls would ask a question and see if she could get the correct answer.
Juliet, "Ok I'll go first. Who did Scott sleep with the very first night that he was at Horizon?" Shelby look confused. "Oh Jules please don't tell me that you and Scott slept together?" Juliet started laughing. "It's a trick question. He slept over at Peter's place and Peter watched over him. That's one wrong." Shelby objected. "Wait you can't give me trick questions." Juliet, "Sorry, who's got the next question?"
Daisy, "Who had to be pulled off Scott because they were going to hit him?" Shelby, "Gee that could apply to almost anyone hear including me," she laughed. Daisy added, "It was the night of the rain storm and we were on our solos." Shelby, "Let's see. There was only Auggie, Juliet and you so I guess I would have to say Auggie." Daisy made a buzzer sound, "Wrong it was actually me." Shelby looked in surprise. "You? But you are the one that is usually the calmest. Why did you almost hit him?" Daisy, "Because the little turd interrupted your solo which caused you to leave your site and you got lost. I told him that if anything were to happen to you than it would have been his fault. That's two for two, whose next?"
Sophie, "Ok this might be a shocker. Name another female besides Juliet that Scott has kissed." Shelby smiled, "Are you trying to trick me again. The other person is me of course." Sophie, "Think again." Shelby's mouth dropped open. "He shouldn't have been kissing anyone else. Oh I forgot Natalie." Sophie, "Oh no I actually forgot Natalie also. I'm still thinking of someone else." Shelby was getting frustrated. "Ok I give up who?" Sophie, "I don't think you guys are ready for this but it was me."
"WHAT?" All the girls yelled in unison.
Sophie, "Don't worry the feeling wasn't mutual. It appeared that Scott had a crush on me and I tried to stay out of his way. It was the night of the electrical storm and Daisy and Scott came to get ice cream for desert. I told them that we threw it out and to go get the marshmallows from the pantry. Daisy left and Scott came up behind me. I turned around and then wham he kissed me just like that. I wasn't even prepared for it."
Juliet, "Oh Sophie, what did you do?"
"Well I became very angry and told him that he would never do that again and that I was going straight to Peter about it. He screamed do what ever you want. Kicked some buckets across the room and stormed out. He was so confused because I didn't know what kind of effect it had on him. I knew he must have been fighting something within himself but I didn't know what it was."
Shelby, "I remember that night. That's probably when he came storming through the lodge and we ran into each other."
Sophie, "So did he say anything to you?"
"No he just pushed me up against the wall and started kissing me very aggressively."
Juliet, "So did you yell at him too?"
"Are you kidding? I took him to the boys dorm so that we could continue." Sophie gave Shelby the disapproving look but got laughter out of the rest of the group. "Ok so you got all three wrong. That just means that neither one of you are predicable so that means that you were made for each other."
They than played the traditional toilet paper game where each person tears off as much toilet paper as they wish and then they would construct a wedding dress for Shelby. They all got a big kick out of it because the dress ended up looking very skimpy and revealing. It was getting late and even though she hated to end the bonding time, Sophie made them all go back to the dorms. She had to go back several times and tell them to turn the lights out because they still wouldn't settle down. They finally settled down and laid in the dark talking.
Daisy, "Do you really love him?"
"Yeah, I really do. Nobody sees the side of Scott that I do when we are alone together. He's really sweet to me. At first I worried about the whole pregnancy thing. I was willing to give the baby up for adoption or not get him involved because I didn't want him to alter his plans for college. He's the one who talked me out of it. He really wants this baby and he really wants this all to work. You should have seen his face the first time that he heard the baby's heart beat. It was like a little kid's face at Christmas time. He was so excited. He sometimes lays his head on my stomach and talks to the baby. He's going to make a great father."
"We're all so happy for you. Please don't forget us after you leave. Just think that if Scott and I never broke up than I could be in your shoes right now," Juliet said.
"Sorry Juliet but remember you are the abstinence girl"
Juliet dazed in a dream said, "I know but it would be great to be getting married right now."
"Maybe we should tell Auggie to run"
"Hey!"
"Just kidding. Juliet don't rush it if you can help it. Make it linger a little longer. I know you'll be happier in the long run. What's right for me doesn't mean it's right for you."
"I know but I just want to be happy like you."
"You will be some day Jules you will. Now go to sleep before I over sleep in the morning and I miss my own wedding."
Daisy, "Don't worry we won't let that happen. The last thing I need is Scott out to get me. I'm sure he'll be on the war path if you didn't show up."
Scott and Martin showed up early that Saturday morning. Peter quickly ushered him over to his house where all the guys would be getting ready. They didn't want any chance meeting that Scott and Shelby would run into each other if Scott were at the school. The old saying that it is bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the wedding. Peter called over to the school for Roger to tell the cliffhanger boys that Scott had arrived and they should get together and come over. Roger walked into the dinning hall where most of the students were gathered together for a late breakfast. Roger spotted the cliffhanger group eating and went over to speak.
"Hey guys Scott has arrived so as soon as you all finished eating you need to head over there and. . . "
Before he could finish, the guys all jumped up and ran out the door. Roger looked at the remaining girls at the table, "Was it something I said?"
Shelby, "Thanks Roger. You just said the most important thing besides I Do that I've heard today. At least I know now that he didn't back out."
Daisy, "What'd I tell you. You've got him PW'd"
Juliet not understanding the slang said, "What's PW'd?"
Shelby laughed, "That's short for pussy whipped."
Juliet wrinkled her nose, "That doesn't sound good."
Daisy, "It means she has Scott wrapped around her little finger now."
Sophie walked in and asked the girls if they were ready to start preparing themselves for the wedding. They walked out across the campus and saw how the students were busy setting up the chairs. The gazebo was to be the central point of wedding. Chairs were lined up with an aisle down the middle heading to
the gazebo. There was an altar set up in the gazebo where a minister would stand. The girls headed to the dorm to start getting the complete beauty treatment. Sophie had hired a beautician from town to come and do all the girls hair and make-up.
It was like a foot race to see who could get to Peter's house first. It ended up with Auggie and David pulling each other back as they were neck and neck in the race. They finally stumbled over each other and fell to the ground. Scott heard all the commotion outside and went to see what was going on.
"Hey, you guys trying to kill each other or what?"
They both looked up from the ground, "Scott." They both got up greet him.
Auggie, "Hey muchacho? How's it going meat? He went over and gave Scott a hug. Ezra finally appeared breathing heavy and all out of breath. He went over and embraced Scott also. David just stood back feeling a little out of place.
Scott looked over at him and made light of the whole situation. "Don't worry, I won't touch you. I never want to mess with a mess." David smiled and he put out his hand for Scott to shake. Scott took his hand in his and then pulled David closer and embraced him so he couldn't move. "I lied." David pushed Scott off of him and said, "Don't touch me man." He had a smile on his face when he said it. It brought back memories of the first time that they had met.
It was getting closer and closer to the time of the wedding. Roger came over to Peter's house to let them know that they were going to have a problem with seating arrangements. "Scott, how many people did you say you invited?"
"What? Just the students from Horizon. Why what's going on?"
""There seems to be a lot of students that aren't students here. I think half your high school showed up. We don't have enough chairs to sit everyone. Also there is a limousine that showed up with a couple of elderly people that claim to be your grandparents."
That last statement made Martin's head jerk around. "WHAT. How the hell did he find out? He came here to ruin things I just know. I'm going right out and say . . ."
Martin never finished his sentence because Scott interrupted him. "Dad calm down. I invited them."
Martin was furious now. "YOU WHAT? Scott how could you. Are you insane? This is the man who kidnapped you and held you prisoner for over a month. What were you thinking?"
"Listen dad. I don't care what you think. They are my grandparents and I have a right to see them if I want. They never got to go to your wedding because you never invited them. I happen to like my grandmother very much and she is really nice and understanding. How would you have felt if I didn't want you here? They are your parents and they are the only ones you'll ever have. What if I never forgave you for any of the rotten things you've done to me?"
"I've never done anything rotten to you. I've supported you in everything you've done."
"OK that's right. I'll just forget about all the times you left me alone with Elaine and the time you got drunk and decided to use me as a punching bag."
Peter stepped in to try and bring some peace before everything got out of control. "Alright let's everyone take a breather and go to neutral corners. Roger we are just going to have to have people standing around the in the background to accommodate everyone. Because it's in the gazebo, we can make a circle around it as long as the center aisle stays open for Shelby and the girls to come through. As for you two, I suggest you leave the past behind and get on with the present. Scott and Shelby are just starting a new life together and he doesn't need to start out on a sour note. Can we just let bygones be bygones?"
Scott and Martin shook their heads and continued to get ready for the wedding. Even though they agreed to forgive and forget, their still seemed to be a lot of tension in the room.
When the guys were all ready they just sat around and waited until the right time to depart. Scott was beginning to get the nervous look about him and the other guys tried to calm him down. Roger came back and asked everyone if they were ready.
Auggie pointed towards Scott and said, "We're not the ones you need to worry about. It's gloomy boy over there." Scott was so much in thought that he never realized that they were talking about him
"Scott there's someone here who wants to see you." He looked up and in walked Corinne his grandmother. He went over and gave her a big hug. "I'm glad you came."
"I wouldn't miss this for the world. Can I talk to you in private?"
Scott nodded and walked her into another room in Peter's house. He had a worried look on his face. Corinne touched the side of this face with her hand to ease the tension. "Why do you look so worried? Is this what you really want?"
"Yes. I love Shelby with all my heart but I just can't stand the tension between my father and grandfather all the time. Why can't they just get along and forget about the past?"
"Don't worry. Weddings seem to have a magical affect on people. I came here to give you something." She pulled out his hand and dropped the most elegant diamond ring he has ever seen in it.
"What's this?"
"This my dear is a family heirloom. It was my mother's and she passed it down to me. I was going to pass it down to Martin but he ran off. Does your girl have a ring?"
"No. We couldn't afford one so we are just exchanging gold bands that are not real gold. We were going to worry about the real thing sometime in the future."
"Please take this if you want and give it to your new bride. You don't have to and please don't feel obligated to but I want to pass it down to you."
Scott was a little stunned. "It's beautiful. Shelby will love it. I know it's got to be valuable and I don't know if I can accept something that's worth this much."
"How much does Shelby mean to you?"
"She means the world to me."
"Than Shelby is more valuable than this ring is so your standards have just been uplifted. Shelby is worthy to wear this."
Scott hugged his grandmother and had a tear slid down his cheek. Corinne noticed the tear and questioned him about being unhappy. Scott replied. "I'm only unhappy because my father kept me from knowing you all these years."
"It's time to start a new life and I welcome you and Shelby both in it."
"Thank you. That means a lot to me."
Martin came in the room. "Hello mother. Scott do you want to keep that bride of yours waiting to long?"
"Hell no. She might make me sleep on the couch."
They all left to head to the ceremony. Edward had provided the limo to bring the guys over to the gazebo. When Scott got out he couldn't believe how many people where there. He really didn't think his school friends were serious when they said they wanted to come.
The broom to be, the best man and the ushers walked up to the front of the gazebo and stood in a line to the right side. Someone managed to bring the piano out so someone could play the wedding march. When the music started playing, Scott looked down the asile to see Jessie, Shelby's sister, walk down throwing rose pedals on the white cloth runway they had rolled out. Kat followed as well as Daisy and then Juliet. Once the official wedding song started, everyone that was seated stood up to witness the beautiful bride escorted by Peter walk down the aisle.
When they reached the end, Peter gave her hand to Scott to hold and he backed away. Scott was having a hard time breathing because she just took his breath away. They together turned and walked up the couple of steps into the gazebo. The others stayed down on the ground.
The minister asked who would give this women away Peter said "Her mother and I." Then he asked if anyone out there opposed the joining of the two people together. Scott closed his eyes and held his breath hoping that his father or grandfather might not object at the last minute. When no one said anything, Scott finally let out his breath. The wedding went on uneventful until it was time to share the rings. The minister asked for the rings and Auggie who was holding them gave them up. Scott took the ring his grandmother gave him and slid it on Shelby's finger.
Shelby's mouth dropped open and without thinking said, "Scott where did you get this. It's so beautiful." Snickers and laughter could be heard throughout the congregation. Scott answered, "Um Shelby, we're kind of in the middle of a wedding here. You want to say your vowels or what?" Shelby looked up all embarrassed. "I'm sorry what I'm I suppose to say?" The minister repeated the vowels again so that she could repeat them. Finally the part of the ceremony that everyone had been waiting for. The minister asked if Scott would take Shelby to be is wife.
Scott replied, "Absolutely, yes, of course I mean I do." Shelby nudged him and whispered, "You never could just say two words could you?"
The same question was asked of Shelby and she turned to Scott and just stared at him for a minute. Scott started to become worried and he raised his eyebrows in a questionable look. After Shelby was sure that she had made him sweat a bit she said, "I do."
The minister said you can now kiss the bride. Juliet helped lift Shelby's veil over her head and the two joined together for the sweetest kiss that they've ever shared. When it was becoming evident that they might not brake it off, Auggie came over and pulled them apart. The minister announced, "May I present Mr. and Mrs. Scott Barringer." They both turned towards the audience and stood there with huge smiles on their faces.
It was getting closer and closer to the big day. Scott and Shelby decided after homecoming that they would stay away from each other sexually until the wedding night so it might make it more special. Scott had a harder time dealing with this arrangement than Shelby did. There had been more than one occasion that Shelby had to kick him out of her room at night. She finally just started locking her door so she wouldn't have to put up with the pleading puppy dog eyes.
There was one night in particular that Scott couldn't sleep and he went to see if he could convince Shelby to reconsider but her door was locked. He still couldn't sleep so he wondered around downstairs thinking about a lot of different things. He started thinking about how his parents had run away to get married and so his grandparents never got to see the wedding. He kept rolling the idea around in his mind for awhile until he finally made the decision and picked up the phone. It was 11:00 PM and he was pretty sure that she would still be up.
He dialed the number and waited for someone to answer. The butler answered and he asked for Corinne.
"Hello!"
"Hello, grandmother this is Scott. I hope it's not to late because I can call tomorrow."
She excitedly responded. "Oh nonsense dear boy. It's so good to hear from you and you know that you can always call anytime."
"Is grandfather really upset with me?"
"Oh don't worry about him. He'll get over it. I want to know all about how you have been. Is everything alright with you or can I help you with something?"
"No I'm fine I just wanted to ask you something. You know how my dad and mom ran away to get married and so you were never invited to the wedding? I know he's going to be all against it but Shelby and I are getting married on Saturday. I was wondering if you'd like or if you wanted to come? You don't have to if you don't want to because I'll understand but I just thought that I would ask. It'll mean so much to me if you did come but I know that grandfather probably won't because he's pretty pissed I mean mad at me. I don't know, I just thought I'd ask any way because my dad never asked you so . . ." Scott was rambling on because he was nervous and his grandmother cut him off.
"Scott I would be honored to see my grandson get married. Edward will come whether he likes it or not. Just give me the details and the Barringer side of the family will be there."
Scott actually felt relief that he had told her. He decided not to say anything to his parents because tension might start building. Now that he was able to get that off his chest, he was able to settle down and go to sleep.
Shelby went up to Horizon a day early so that she could spend some time with her bridal party and because she needed the extra time to get ready. She brought up the dresses that the cliffhanger girls would be wearing and they all had a great time modeling their dresses in front of one another. It was so good to be back to the people that she considered family. Scott would come up with his dad Saturday morning and so there would be no rehearsals. The Horizon staff and students had the place decorated so lovely and they were taking care of everything. There seemed to be a last minute change in the food plans because Scott's grandmother had called and told Peter that she would like to have the wedding catered by a professional company. Peter didn't object because that meant that they could spend more time and money on decorations.
Juliet and Daisy gathered up a small group of girls who had known Shelby when she was there. They had a little bridal party and played games. One of the games was to see how much Shelby really knew about Scott. Each of the girls would ask a question and see if she could get the correct answer.
Juliet, "Ok I'll go first. Who did Scott sleep with the very first night that he was at Horizon?" Shelby look confused. "Oh Jules please don't tell me that you and Scott slept together?" Juliet started laughing. "It's a trick question. He slept over at Peter's place and Peter watched over him. That's one wrong." Shelby objected. "Wait you can't give me trick questions." Juliet, "Sorry, who's got the next question?"
Daisy, "Who had to be pulled off Scott because they were going to hit him?" Shelby, "Gee that could apply to almost anyone hear including me," she laughed. Daisy added, "It was the night of the rain storm and we were on our solos." Shelby, "Let's see. There was only Auggie, Juliet and you so I guess I would have to say Auggie." Daisy made a buzzer sound, "Wrong it was actually me." Shelby looked in surprise. "You? But you are the one that is usually the calmest. Why did you almost hit him?" Daisy, "Because the little turd interrupted your solo which caused you to leave your site and you got lost. I told him that if anything were to happen to you than it would have been his fault. That's two for two, whose next?"
Sophie, "Ok this might be a shocker. Name another female besides Juliet that Scott has kissed." Shelby smiled, "Are you trying to trick me again. The other person is me of course." Sophie, "Think again." Shelby's mouth dropped open. "He shouldn't have been kissing anyone else. Oh I forgot Natalie." Sophie, "Oh no I actually forgot Natalie also. I'm still thinking of someone else." Shelby was getting frustrated. "Ok I give up who?" Sophie, "I don't think you guys are ready for this but it was me."
"WHAT?" All the girls yelled in unison.
Sophie, "Don't worry the feeling wasn't mutual. It appeared that Scott had a crush on me and I tried to stay out of his way. It was the night of the electrical storm and Daisy and Scott came to get ice cream for desert. I told them that we threw it out and to go get the marshmallows from the pantry. Daisy left and Scott came up behind me. I turned around and then wham he kissed me just like that. I wasn't even prepared for it."
Juliet, "Oh Sophie, what did you do?"
"Well I became very angry and told him that he would never do that again and that I was going straight to Peter about it. He screamed do what ever you want. Kicked some buckets across the room and stormed out. He was so confused because I didn't know what kind of effect it had on him. I knew he must have been fighting something within himself but I didn't know what it was."
Shelby, "I remember that night. That's probably when he came storming through the lodge and we ran into each other."
Sophie, "So did he say anything to you?"
"No he just pushed me up against the wall and started kissing me very aggressively."
Juliet, "So did you yell at him too?"
"Are you kidding? I took him to the boys dorm so that we could continue." Sophie gave Shelby the disapproving look but got laughter out of the rest of the group. "Ok so you got all three wrong. That just means that neither one of you are predicable so that means that you were made for each other."
They than played the traditional toilet paper game where each person tears off as much toilet paper as they wish and then they would construct a wedding dress for Shelby. They all got a big kick out of it because the dress ended up looking very skimpy and revealing. It was getting late and even though she hated to end the bonding time, Sophie made them all go back to the dorms. She had to go back several times and tell them to turn the lights out because they still wouldn't settle down. They finally settled down and laid in the dark talking.
Daisy, "Do you really love him?"
"Yeah, I really do. Nobody sees the side of Scott that I do when we are alone together. He's really sweet to me. At first I worried about the whole pregnancy thing. I was willing to give the baby up for adoption or not get him involved because I didn't want him to alter his plans for college. He's the one who talked me out of it. He really wants this baby and he really wants this all to work. You should have seen his face the first time that he heard the baby's heart beat. It was like a little kid's face at Christmas time. He was so excited. He sometimes lays his head on my stomach and talks to the baby. He's going to make a great father."
"We're all so happy for you. Please don't forget us after you leave. Just think that if Scott and I never broke up than I could be in your shoes right now," Juliet said.
"Sorry Juliet but remember you are the abstinence girl"
Juliet dazed in a dream said, "I know but it would be great to be getting married right now."
"Maybe we should tell Auggie to run"
"Hey!"
"Just kidding. Juliet don't rush it if you can help it. Make it linger a little longer. I know you'll be happier in the long run. What's right for me doesn't mean it's right for you."
"I know but I just want to be happy like you."
"You will be some day Jules you will. Now go to sleep before I over sleep in the morning and I miss my own wedding."
Daisy, "Don't worry we won't let that happen. The last thing I need is Scott out to get me. I'm sure he'll be on the war path if you didn't show up."
Scott and Martin showed up early that Saturday morning. Peter quickly ushered him over to his house where all the guys would be getting ready. They didn't want any chance meeting that Scott and Shelby would run into each other if Scott were at the school. The old saying that it is bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the wedding. Peter called over to the school for Roger to tell the cliffhanger boys that Scott had arrived and they should get together and come over. Roger walked into the dinning hall where most of the students were gathered together for a late breakfast. Roger spotted the cliffhanger group eating and went over to speak.
"Hey guys Scott has arrived so as soon as you all finished eating you need to head over there and. . . "
Before he could finish, the guys all jumped up and ran out the door. Roger looked at the remaining girls at the table, "Was it something I said?"
Shelby, "Thanks Roger. You just said the most important thing besides I Do that I've heard today. At least I know now that he didn't back out."
Daisy, "What'd I tell you. You've got him PW'd"
Juliet not understanding the slang said, "What's PW'd?"
Shelby laughed, "That's short for pussy whipped."
Juliet wrinkled her nose, "That doesn't sound good."
Daisy, "It means she has Scott wrapped around her little finger now."
Sophie walked in and asked the girls if they were ready to start preparing themselves for the wedding. They walked out across the campus and saw how the students were busy setting up the chairs. The gazebo was to be the central point of wedding. Chairs were lined up with an aisle down the middle heading to
the gazebo. There was an altar set up in the gazebo where a minister would stand. The girls headed to the dorm to start getting the complete beauty treatment. Sophie had hired a beautician from town to come and do all the girls hair and make-up.
It was like a foot race to see who could get to Peter's house first. It ended up with Auggie and David pulling each other back as they were neck and neck in the race. They finally stumbled over each other and fell to the ground. Scott heard all the commotion outside and went to see what was going on.
"Hey, you guys trying to kill each other or what?"
They both looked up from the ground, "Scott." They both got up greet him.
Auggie, "Hey muchacho? How's it going meat? He went over and gave Scott a hug. Ezra finally appeared breathing heavy and all out of breath. He went over and embraced Scott also. David just stood back feeling a little out of place.
Scott looked over at him and made light of the whole situation. "Don't worry, I won't touch you. I never want to mess with a mess." David smiled and he put out his hand for Scott to shake. Scott took his hand in his and then pulled David closer and embraced him so he couldn't move. "I lied." David pushed Scott off of him and said, "Don't touch me man." He had a smile on his face when he said it. It brought back memories of the first time that they had met.
It was getting closer and closer to the time of the wedding. Roger came over to Peter's house to let them know that they were going to have a problem with seating arrangements. "Scott, how many people did you say you invited?"
"What? Just the students from Horizon. Why what's going on?"
""There seems to be a lot of students that aren't students here. I think half your high school showed up. We don't have enough chairs to sit everyone. Also there is a limousine that showed up with a couple of elderly people that claim to be your grandparents."
That last statement made Martin's head jerk around. "WHAT. How the hell did he find out? He came here to ruin things I just know. I'm going right out and say . . ."
Martin never finished his sentence because Scott interrupted him. "Dad calm down. I invited them."
Martin was furious now. "YOU WHAT? Scott how could you. Are you insane? This is the man who kidnapped you and held you prisoner for over a month. What were you thinking?"
"Listen dad. I don't care what you think. They are my grandparents and I have a right to see them if I want. They never got to go to your wedding because you never invited them. I happen to like my grandmother very much and she is really nice and understanding. How would you have felt if I didn't want you here? They are your parents and they are the only ones you'll ever have. What if I never forgave you for any of the rotten things you've done to me?"
"I've never done anything rotten to you. I've supported you in everything you've done."
"OK that's right. I'll just forget about all the times you left me alone with Elaine and the time you got drunk and decided to use me as a punching bag."
Peter stepped in to try and bring some peace before everything got out of control. "Alright let's everyone take a breather and go to neutral corners. Roger we are just going to have to have people standing around the in the background to accommodate everyone. Because it's in the gazebo, we can make a circle around it as long as the center aisle stays open for Shelby and the girls to come through. As for you two, I suggest you leave the past behind and get on with the present. Scott and Shelby are just starting a new life together and he doesn't need to start out on a sour note. Can we just let bygones be bygones?"
Scott and Martin shook their heads and continued to get ready for the wedding. Even though they agreed to forgive and forget, their still seemed to be a lot of tension in the room.
When the guys were all ready they just sat around and waited until the right time to depart. Scott was beginning to get the nervous look about him and the other guys tried to calm him down. Roger came back and asked everyone if they were ready.
Auggie pointed towards Scott and said, "We're not the ones you need to worry about. It's gloomy boy over there." Scott was so much in thought that he never realized that they were talking about him
"Scott there's someone here who wants to see you." He looked up and in walked Corinne his grandmother. He went over and gave her a big hug. "I'm glad you came."
"I wouldn't miss this for the world. Can I talk to you in private?"
Scott nodded and walked her into another room in Peter's house. He had a worried look on his face. Corinne touched the side of this face with her hand to ease the tension. "Why do you look so worried? Is this what you really want?"
"Yes. I love Shelby with all my heart but I just can't stand the tension between my father and grandfather all the time. Why can't they just get along and forget about the past?"
"Don't worry. Weddings seem to have a magical affect on people. I came here to give you something." She pulled out his hand and dropped the most elegant diamond ring he has ever seen in it.
"What's this?"
"This my dear is a family heirloom. It was my mother's and she passed it down to me. I was going to pass it down to Martin but he ran off. Does your girl have a ring?"
"No. We couldn't afford one so we are just exchanging gold bands that are not real gold. We were going to worry about the real thing sometime in the future."
"Please take this if you want and give it to your new bride. You don't have to and please don't feel obligated to but I want to pass it down to you."
Scott was a little stunned. "It's beautiful. Shelby will love it. I know it's got to be valuable and I don't know if I can accept something that's worth this much."
"How much does Shelby mean to you?"
"She means the world to me."
"Than Shelby is more valuable than this ring is so your standards have just been uplifted. Shelby is worthy to wear this."
Scott hugged his grandmother and had a tear slid down his cheek. Corinne noticed the tear and questioned him about being unhappy. Scott replied. "I'm only unhappy because my father kept me from knowing you all these years."
"It's time to start a new life and I welcome you and Shelby both in it."
"Thank you. That means a lot to me."
Martin came in the room. "Hello mother. Scott do you want to keep that bride of yours waiting to long?"
"Hell no. She might make me sleep on the couch."
They all left to head to the ceremony. Edward had provided the limo to bring the guys over to the gazebo. When Scott got out he couldn't believe how many people where there. He really didn't think his school friends were serious when they said they wanted to come.
The broom to be, the best man and the ushers walked up to the front of the gazebo and stood in a line to the right side. Someone managed to bring the piano out so someone could play the wedding march. When the music started playing, Scott looked down the asile to see Jessie, Shelby's sister, walk down throwing rose pedals on the white cloth runway they had rolled out. Kat followed as well as Daisy and then Juliet. Once the official wedding song started, everyone that was seated stood up to witness the beautiful bride escorted by Peter walk down the aisle.
When they reached the end, Peter gave her hand to Scott to hold and he backed away. Scott was having a hard time breathing because she just took his breath away. They together turned and walked up the couple of steps into the gazebo. The others stayed down on the ground.
The minister asked who would give this women away Peter said "Her mother and I." Then he asked if anyone out there opposed the joining of the two people together. Scott closed his eyes and held his breath hoping that his father or grandfather might not object at the last minute. When no one said anything, Scott finally let out his breath. The wedding went on uneventful until it was time to share the rings. The minister asked for the rings and Auggie who was holding them gave them up. Scott took the ring his grandmother gave him and slid it on Shelby's finger.
Shelby's mouth dropped open and without thinking said, "Scott where did you get this. It's so beautiful." Snickers and laughter could be heard throughout the congregation. Scott answered, "Um Shelby, we're kind of in the middle of a wedding here. You want to say your vowels or what?" Shelby looked up all embarrassed. "I'm sorry what I'm I suppose to say?" The minister repeated the vowels again so that she could repeat them. Finally the part of the ceremony that everyone had been waiting for. The minister asked if Scott would take Shelby to be is wife.
Scott replied, "Absolutely, yes, of course I mean I do." Shelby nudged him and whispered, "You never could just say two words could you?"
The same question was asked of Shelby and she turned to Scott and just stared at him for a minute. Scott started to become worried and he raised his eyebrows in a questionable look. After Shelby was sure that she had made him sweat a bit she said, "I do."
The minister said you can now kiss the bride. Juliet helped lift Shelby's veil over her head and the two joined together for the sweetest kiss that they've ever shared. When it was becoming evident that they might not brake it off, Auggie came over and pulled them apart. The minister announced, "May I present Mr. and Mrs. Scott Barringer." They both turned towards the audience and stood there with huge smiles on their faces.