Devil's Silver #7 A Wedding Story Part 3
By Carol M.
Author's Note: So here is the wedding. Grab a few tissues if you cry at weddings or you can grab a barf bag if some of this sweetness makes you sick! Either way, I hope you enjoy the next part. I know I had a great time writing it!
Saturday, September 1, 2001
Eberts walked around Bobby's apartment in a panic. "Aw crap. He's gone, he's gone," he yelled as he walked into Bobby's bedroom where Bobby and the Official were putting the finishing touches on their tuxes.
The Official looked at him with confusion. "Who's gone?" he asked.
"Darien. One minute I was fixing his tie and the next, he just disappeared and walked out the door," replied Eberts. "We have to find him!"
Bobby stuck a small white rose boutonniere into the lapel of his jacket. "That's where your wrong, my friend. We don't need to find him, because Bobby Hobbes knows exactly where his partner is," he said with confidence.
"You do?" asked Eberts.
"Part of the best man's duty is to anticipate the groom's every move. I know my partner like a book," he said as he picked up the keys to Golda. He motioned to the door. "Follow me, boys," said Bobby as he opened the door to his apartment.
The Official and Eberts looked at one another in confusion and followed Bobby out the door.
Darien stood over Kevin's gravestone, holding one of the small boutonnieres in his hand. "Well bro, today's the big day. Wish you were here," he said. "I know Claire does too."
He kneeled down and set the boutonniere on Kevin's grave. "This would have been yours, Kev. I wish you could have been a part of it. If you had played your cards right, maybe I would have made you best man," he said with a sad smile. Then he shook his head. "Naw, actually you would have been my co-best man, along with Hobbesy. You two could have fought over who got to do what," he said.
The back of Darien's throat started to burn. "You know, there's a lot of stuff I have to work out with you, man. Like why you didn't take the gland out of my head when you had the chance, why I never knew about you and Claire, you know, all that crap. But I still love you and god knows I still miss you," he said as a tear worked its way down his cheek. He stood up and patted the headstone. "Six thirty, bro. Kensington Beach. Tell mom. Maybe you guys will get to see me get married after all," he said.
"You're gonna be late, Fawkes," came Bobby's voice out of nowhere.
Darien turned around in surprise and couldn't hold back a smile. "Am I that predictable?" he asked.
Bobby nodded. "Pathetically so," he said. "You ready for this?" he asked.
Darien slowly nodded. "I think so," he said, wiping away another tear from his cheek.
Bobby stepped forward and put his arm around Darien. "Let's go, buddy," he said.
Darien took one last look at Kevin's grave and then let Bobby walk him towards Golda and his future.
Thirty minutes later – Kensington Beach
Darien paced back and forth in the sand as he stood at the altar. He breathed deep, trying to calm himself down. He could see Hobbes and Eberts arguing about something from their position at the beginning of the silver carpet. He could see the Official shuffling in the sand.
The guests were all there. Leila, Casey, Gloria's family, his aunt Celia, Viv and Brock, Kate and her husband, Pizza, a couple of agents, Jessica's family, a few of Claire's DOD colleagues, Grams and a small group of cyber friends. He absently wondered if his father would put in a guest appearance.
Rev. Moss stood next to Darien, studying his lines. He stepped over to Darien and patted him on the back. "You ready, Mr. Fawkes," he asked.
Darien smiled. "You know, you can call me Darien, Rev," he said.
Rev. Moss nodded. "Okay… Darien, you ready?"
Darien nodded. "I think so," he said.
He looked towards the parking lot and saw Claire's SUV pull in. His heart started beating rapidly in his chest. Calm down, D, don't want to be going invisible right about now, he told himself.
He could see Claire stepping out her car, her dress sparkling in the dwindling sunlight. He turned around and looked at the brilliant reds, pinks and oranges that lit up the sky. Damn, this sunset thing had been a really good idea.
Darien watched as Alex and Gloria held Claire's veil as they made their way to the silver carpet. Jessica followed close behind, carrying a basket filled with flowers. Alex, Gloria and Jessica were all wearing dark blue bridesmaids' dresses with spaghetti straps that flowed to the ground. They all looked gorgeous. But none of them could compare to his Keeper. He saw that her dress was similar in style to their dresses, except it was white and it sparkled. He couldn't see her face through the veil, but he knew that she looked beautiful.
Claire walked nervously towards the silver carpet, carrying a bouquet of white flowers. She inhaled deeply and took in a scent of flowers, perfume and a fresh sea breeze. She looked at all the guests sitting in the white folding chairs, all chattering quietly. White flowers tied with silver ribbons were attached to the chairs and also scattered across the sand. She looked towards the water and saw the sun sparkling against it.
She saw Darien standing nervously next to Rev. Moss at the altar. He was wearing his formal tux, which was fitted to absolute perfection. She didn't think she had ever seen him look more handsome. She caught his eye and smiled. His eyes sparkled in the sunlight and he smiled back.
It was perfect, everything she could have ever hoped for.
Bobby, who had been taking in the scene himself, walked up to Claire nervously, holding a small box. "Hey Keep, before you do this whole marriage thing and ruin your life, I got a little present for you," he said with a smile.
Claire smiled widely. "Bobby, you shouldn't have," she said as he handed her the box. She opened it carefully and inside she found a small sapphire hanging from a silver chain. "Oh Bobby," she said as she lifted up her veil and kissed him on the cheek.
Bobby smiled and blushed slightly.
"Here, put it on," she said.
Bobby took the necklace from Claire and fastened it around her neck. Then he helped to put her veil back down across her face. He looked at her warmly. "You look beautiful Claire," he said softly.
Claire looked at Bobby in his tux and couldn't help but melt. "You look very handsome yourself, Bobby. Thank you for everything. I know how much you've helped Darien these last few months and you don't know how much it means to me," she said.
"Anything for my best friends," he said.
"Hey Hobbesy, quit trying to pick up my woman," they heard Darien jokingly yell.
Claire laughed and waved at Darien. He waved back and smiled.
Rev. Moss looked at Darien. "You ready to start, son?" he asked.
Darien stared at Claire's angelic form. "Oh yeah," he whispered.
Rev. Moss motioned for the wedding party to line up.
The group instantly went crazy. Eberts and Alex ended up arm in arm with Gloria and Bobby behind them.
Claire cleared her throat in irritation. The two couples realized the problem and instantly corrected it. Jessica giggled from her position behind Bobby and Alex.
"Come on, people, make me proud," said the Official sternly as he and Claire lined up behind Jessica.
When Rev. Moss was happy with the arrangement, he cued two violinists who were standing on either side of him and Darien to start playing.
Music flooded through the small gathering, intensifying the electric atmosphere. Darien could feel cold sweat making its way out of his body. He had never felt so nervous or excited in his entire life.
Claire's reaction to the music was much different. A serene calmness washed over her. Suddenly, everything fit together, like this moment in time had always been her destiny. A warm buzz flowed through her body, bringing a rosy glow to her veil-covered cheeks.
After everyone recovered from the sudden stupor the music had caused, they instantly got down to business.
Eberts took Gloria's arm confidently into his own and slowly started the walk down the aisle.
Darien's eyes instantly went to Eberts and Gloria, wanting to etch these next couple of minutes into his memory forever. He saw a look of great pride pass over Eberts' face as he walked down the aisle. He supposed that this was the first time Eberts had ever truly felt accepted into a group his whole life.
Darien took his eyes off Eberts and looked at his Grandma and his Aunt Celia, who were sitting together in the front row. They both looked incredibly happy and proud. Darien's heart leapt for a second, so happy that for once, his family wasn't disappointed in him.
He looked back towards the silver carpet and saw that Eberts and Gloria had reached the center of the carpet and that Bobby and Alex had started their own descent down the aisle. Darien couldn't help but grin at Bobby's use of the military footsteps once again.
Eberts and Gloria crossed in front of Darien, both giving him a supportive smile. The aisle was now clear, allowing Darien to look at Bobby and Alex straight on.
Darien caught Bobby's eye and was unable to let go. Bobby's look was giving him all of his love and support. It was letting him know that Bobby was his best friend, telling him he would always be there for him. "Works both ways, my friend," Darien said in his mind and somehow he knew that Bobby heard him. A few tears welled in Darien's eyes and he thought he could detect a similar sparkle in Bobby's. It was at that moment that Darien knew that everything would be okay. He would never hurt them ever again when he was QSM. He would control it and not let it ruin his life. And he knew Bobby and Claire would always be there for him, no matter what. Suddenly, all of Darien's fears and worries from the last couple of weeks seemed to melt away from his body, leaving him warm and relaxed.
"Thank you," Darien mouthed to Bobby as Bobby and Alex crossed in front of him.
Bobby nodded and mouthed back, "You're welcome, partner."
Alex winked at Darien as she walked past him to stand next to Gloria. He returned the wink, along with a small smile.
Darien looked down at the aisle and saw Jessica slowly making her way towards him. She tossed her red and white rose petals like an old pro. Darien looked in the rows of chairs and saw Jessica's mother watching her with tears flowing down her cheeks. He looked back at Jessica and caught her eye. She gave him a toothy grin and he returned the look.
As she crossed in front of him, Darien stuck out his pinky and Jessica clasped it onto hers for a moment before making her way towards her position next to Alex.
The music stopped for a second and then the violinists started to play "Here Comes the Bride." All the guests stood up, turning to look at Claire and the Official.
The Official leaned down and kissed Claire on the head. Then with huge smile, he stuck his arm out and slowly led her down the aisle.
Claire looked over the crowd of people attending the wedding as she walked. She recognized Leila Bach and Kate Easton, both with warm smiles on their faces. She saw Darien's aunt and grandma in the front row of chairs and nodded towards both of them. Then she saw Gloria's family watching her with love in their eyes and couldn't help but let a small tear trickle down her face.
Claire looked towards the altar and saw her own family. Bobby and Eberts stood like big brothers, watching over her protectively. She glanced over to the other side and saw Alex, Gloria and Jessica. Two sisters and a daughter supporting their sister and mother on the happiest day of her life.
She saved the best for last. She slowly worked her glance so she was looking Darien in the eyes. Her started to beat rapidly in her chest and a few more tears found their way down her cheeks.
Darien was feeling pretty much the same way. He was sweating again, his heart was thumping rapidly and he could hardly breathe. Tears welled up in his eyes and a lump formed in the back of his throat. Everything was hitting him all at once and suddenly something very cold was spreading across his skin.
"Aw crap," he yelled as he lost all control and quicksilvered in front of the entire group.
The music abruptly stopped and gasps of surprise came from the audience. Rev. Moss stared at the empty space that was next to him, looking very perplexed.
Claire let a small giggle escape from her lips. This was just too perfect.
The Official, none too pleased, grumbled in Claire's ear and stopped them both in the middle of the carpet.
Bobby looked at the empty space next to him and thought fast. He stepped in front of Rev. Moss and a very invisible Darien. "It's okay folks, just a little magic trick my partner likes to pull from time to time. You know Fawkesy, always a prankster," said Bobby to the crowd.
He swiped at empty space and found Darien's arm. "Come on back, buddy. That's enough magic for one day!" Bobby urged.
Darien took several deep breaths and got his heartbeat under control. He gradually reappeared, scattering the quicksilver off in what looked like a storm of glittering diamonds in the dusky light.
"Smoke and mirrors, my friends, smoke and mirrors," said Bobby to the guests as he stepped back to his position.
The crowd clapped at the reappearance and a red-faced Darien took a small bow.
Rev. Moss shook his head and cued the violinists to play again. As the music started, the Official once again led Claire down the aisle.
The pair got closer and closer until finally Claire and the Official had made it to Darien. The Official pulled up Claire's veil and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
He looked at Darien and without warning, pulled him into a tight embrace. "Take good care of her, Fawkes," he said.
"I will, sir," whispered Darien as they both separated from the hug.
The Official stepped away and sat down in his appointed seat next to Darien's aunt.
Darien took a deep breath and looked at Claire. Then he took her hand and pulled her close to him, waiting anxiously for the nuptials to start.
Rev. Moss dramatically opened the book he had been holding and looked towards the guests. Then he fixed his eyes on Darien and Claire who stood facing one another.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this couple in holy matrimony," he said.
As Bobby listened to the words coming out of the Reverend's mouth, his eyes scanned the crowd for Viv. When he found her, he saw that her eyes were locked on his. He gave her a small smile, which she returned. His eyes then floated back to Darien and Claire to continue watching the nuptials.
Rev. Moss looked at Darien. "Darien Bartholomew Fawkes, do you take Claire Marie Spencer to be your wedded wife?
As Rev. Moss spoke, Darien looked at his guests. In the distance, he could make out a shadowy figure watching from the parking lot. He recognized the proportions of the man as his own. His heart started to pound when he realized his dad had come to watch him get married.
Darien waited for Rev. Moss to finish his lines and then his eyes met Claire's. His face lit up in a huge smile. He took his hand and caressed her veil-covered cheek. "I do, " he said softly.
Claire's face instantly lit up. She looked over at Gloria and Alex and telepathically shared her joy with them.
Rev. Moss turned to Claire. "Claire Marie Fawkes, do you take Darien Bartholomew Fawkes to be your wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, to honor and cherish him, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health?"
A tear slid down Claire's cheek. "I do," she whispered happily.
Rev. Moss looked towards Bobby. "Can we have the rings, please?"
Bobby walked over to the trio and handed Rev. Moss the rings. The rings were a very simple antique silver band. Darien had picked them out during one of his many visits to Kristin's Thrift and Antique Shop.
Claire eyed the rings for the first time and gasped a breath. The rings were beautiful, exactly what she would have picked out. She looked up at Darien and nodded in happy approval.
Rev. Moss handed one of the rings to Darien. "Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."
Darien took the ring and looked at Claire. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"
Darien caught Eberts eye for a second and noticed a few tears sparkling in his eyes. He grinned at him warmly, causing Eberts to swipe at his eye in embarrassment. His eyes drifted back to Claire. "Claire Marie Spencer, this ring I give to you in token of my constant faith and abiding love," said Darien as he slipped the ring on Claire's finger.
Rev. Moss looked at Claire and handed her the other ring. "Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."
Claire looked in the audience and caught the Official's eye. A warm content smile had relaxed on his face. She couldn't remember ever seeing him more at peace. She looked back to Darien. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"Darien Bartholomew Fawkes, this ring I give to you in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love," said Rev. Moss.
"Darien Bartholomew Fawkes, this ring I give to you in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love," Claire said as she gently slipped the ring onto Darien's finger.
Rev. Moss smiled widely and looked towards the audience. "Ladies and gentleman, it is my honor to pronounce Darien Bartholomew Fawkes and Claire Marie Spencer man and wife," he said with joy. His gaze went to Darien. "You may kiss the bride," he said.
With shaking hands, Darien lifted up Claire's veil. "It's about time, Mrs. Fawkes," he whispered softly as his lips met hers. The kiss was electric, sending stars into both of their eyes. They both forgot where they were momentarily, kissing for what seemed like an eternity.
They were both brought back to reality when they heard the Official clearing his throat loudly. They reluctantly broke apart and saw that the entire audience was staring at them. Darien and Claire both looked at each other with red faces.
Darien glanced over at Bobby and saw a smirk spread across his face. Darien mocked his look and then turned towards the guests. "Okay kids, time to party!" he shouted.
Rev. Moss cued the violinists to start playing again. Darien grabbed Claire's arm and started to lead her back down the aisle. They were followed by Jessica, Bobby and Alex, and Eberts and Gloria.
The wedding party started on the short walk to the pavilion that would serve as Darien and Claire's reception hall. The rest of the guests slowly got out of their seats and followed them, ready for the party to begin.
TBC in a few minutes