Part 9

Part 9

Hamilton and Jake stood at the altar of the old, elegant church, staring deeply and lovingly into each other's eyes. Hamilton held Jake's hands in front of him, grasping them tightly, as if to say, 'I'm never letting you go.' They smiled at one another, knowing exactly what the other person was thinking.

I want my life to be with you.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," declared the aged, stoic priest who stood before them.

Hamilton wasted no time and leaned in, when a coughing sound from the priest interrupted them. "This is just rehearsal Mr. Fleming, but I think you get the point. Let's save the fireworks for tomorrow shall we?"

His comments got a resounding laugh out of all in attendance, including Bella, Scout, and Will, who stood at the altar next to the couple. Hamilton said nothing and blushed even more than he naturally did, smiling sheepishly. Jake laughed at his abashment, thinking to herself how cute he looked whenever that happened.

"Well, I think we're all set. You all know what you are doing, so I have every reason to believe things will go smoothly. No need to worry," the clergyman assured them, pointedly looking at Jake. "Most brides are nervous wrecks the day before the wedding. However, you seem to be the exception, Jacqueline."

"Thank you," Jake replied, but it was all an act. She was not having second doubts, nor was she worried that the ceremony would not go as planned. There was this nagging feeling within her that would not let her go. A feeling that something unexpected was going to happen. And not necessarily something good.

"Should we get going?" Hamilton questioned Jake, observing her silence. He saw something, only for a moment…a moment in which fear and urgency filled her eyes. It was enough to indicate to him that though she was all right on the surface, something deeper brewed inside. He pulled closer to her and whispered in her ear, "Are you all right baby?"

Snapping out of a momentary trance, Jake shook her head. "Uhh…y-yeah. I'm starved."

Hamilton wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her temple. Leading her towards the church's huge double doors, he looked back at the others, a tinge of uncertainty lacing his face. Will detected this, as well as the inner perturbation Jake was experiencing. He just stared back at Hamilton, nodding silently to indicate to him that he understood.

Scout saw this too and in an effort to distract the others from some sort of strange melancholy, he ran to the exit and announced hastily, "I'll get the cab." He turned back and smiled, getting one in return from Bella.

Before he could do anything else, he fell to the floor, tripping on the leg of a table that lay in his path. As his face remained flat on the floor, the uncontrollable laughter of the others sounded throughout the church. Scout laughed too. 'I wanted to distract them, didn't I?'

He pushed himself off of the floor and on to his feet, a little red with embarrassment. He was too abashed to face them, but the sweetness of Bella's laugh crept in his ear. Her hand on his shoulder, she cracked, "Good job Master C. Good one!"

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _

It was almost nine when Hamilton arose from his seat at the front of the dining room, tapping his champagne glass to get the attention of the guests. It didn't take long for the room to come to a complete stand still; no one uttered a word as they waited for him to speak.

"It's been quite a ride," he said, looking down at Jake, who smiled back at him, "but it's not over yet. Tomorrow, Jake and I will begin the first day of the rest of our lives together. We are very grateful and honored that you all will share in our special day."

A few cheers came from the guests, mostly family and friends, who made up the wedding party. His parents sat at a table right in front of his and Jake's, his mother looking happier than he'd ever seen her. She'd been waiting for this day too. Her little Munchie was finally going to be a married man. He was so happy, that came through bright and clear. And his happiness was all she ever wanted for him.

"I know I'm supposed to save all of the really romantic and tear-worthy stuff for tomorrow. But I have to say that right now…I am the happiest and luckiest man alive. I'm not only going to marry the love of my life, but my best friend. Who ever thought that an act of rebellion would ultimately lead to all of this?" Hamilton asked, getting some laughter as a response. His stare again focused on his beloved, his sideways smirk adorning his lips. "I love you Jacqueline."

This brought a collective "awe" from the diners, and kiss between Jake and Hamilton. It was short, but sweet, their foreheads remaining pressed against each other, eyes opened. Jake never got tired of that…his intense blue eyes burning into hers—seeing straight to the heart of her and making her feel like no one else ever could. He made her feel alive. Whenever they were together, she felt it.

"Hey! Save some for tomorrow!" Scout yelled.

Bella joined in, "This is only the rehearsal dinner guys…not the wedding reception!"

At this, the party goers laughed even more, prompting Hamilton and Jake to break away slowly, but only long enough for Hamilton to say, "Okay everyone. Time to dance!"

The deejay started to play some music, as Hamilton led Jake onto the dance floor. Soon, most of the others joined them, yet three remained seated—Will, Bella, and Scout.

As Will loosened his tie he whispered to Scout, "Aren't you guys going to dance?"

"What do you mean YOU GUYS?" Scout interrogated in return. "Don't you mean…aren't WE…as in the three of us? Besides, you know I prefer dancing to slow songs."

Bella's gaze remained forward, oblivious to the conversation Will and Scout were having. Then, the fast music that had been playing for some time mellowed into a gentle melody. Will shook his head, laughing inside. Ironic.

"What are you waiting for? Ask her to dance."

"No…I don't think…"

"Do it. You know you want to."

That was no lie. He did want to. So, he rose up and offered his hand to Bella. "Let's dance."

Placing her hand in his, she stood on her feet, and followed him onto the dance floor. He gathered her in without getting too close. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment. Damn it felt good to have her in his arms.

If I'm not in love with you

What is this I'm going through tonight

And if my heart is lying then

What should I believe in

Why do I go crazy

Every time I think about you baby

Why else do I want you like I do

If I'm not in love with you

Bella's eyes were shut too. She exhaled, her chest so tight she could barely move. "Well, this is…"

"Nice."

Bella looked at him, her eyes seemingly brighter. " I was going to say weird." After a beat, she leaned in closer and whispered, "But you're right. This is nice."

With this, Scout tightened his grasp on her waist. His heart thudded in his chest, memories swimming in his head. He'd waited eight years for this.

Eight years. Each moment passing like an eternity.

Now, here they were. Together again. Dancing. He never knew dancing could feel this good.

And if I don't need your touch

Why do I miss you so much tonight

If it's just infatuation then

Why is my heart aching

To hold you forever

Give a part of me I thought I'd never give

Again to someone I could lose

If I'm not in love with you

They moved in silence, in perfect harmony, their bodies so close together that they could feel each other's chests moving as they breathed in and out. She folded in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder. In that moment, she felt closer to him than she ever had before. And she never wanted that moment to end.

Why in every fantasy

Do I feel your arms embracing me
Like lovers lost in sweet desire

And why in dreams do I

Surrender like a little baby

How do I explain this feeling

Someone tell me

Will sat at the head table, watching the entire thing. Scout and Bella. So in love with each other, though neither willing to say it out loud. There was an impassible barrier that lay between them and neither was willing to be the first to try and knock it down. Without either of them knowing it, with one little dance, they were already doing that.

If I'm not in love with you

What is this I'm going through tonight

And if my heart is lying then

What should I believe in

Why do I go crazy

Every time I think about you baby

Why else do I want you like I do

If I'm not in love with you

The song ended, but Bella and Scout didn't stop. They just kept dancing.