*The song in this chapter is called "True love" by Pat Benetar. Also, I
made up Alison's parents names because I have no clue what they are
actually named*
The barn was beautifully decorated with pink and white roses all around it. Inside there were tables set up for the food, including the wedding cake. Rafe and Alison had decided that, since the barn was too small to fit everyone in for the reception, they would use it to put the food in. There were tents set up outside the barn for the guests and also a space cleared for a dance floor. Ricky's band had agreed to play for them, since Alison's grandmother was paying them a very good amount.
"Alison darling, I just wanted to say how happy I am for you. You just seem to be glowing with love. I wish you and Rafe nothing but the best." Amanda kissed Alison and gave Rafe a hug. "Welcome to the family, Rafe."
"Thank you Mrs. Barrington," Rafe said.
"Oh, please call me Amanda."
"Well, thank you Amanda."
"No problem. Now, if you ever need anything, you know where to find me."
Alison smiled and gave her grandmother another kiss. "I love you, grandma."
"I love you too. Well, I'm going to mingle with the guests. Be sure to come see me later on. I haven't given you two your wedding present yet."
Rafe took Alison's hands and planted a big kiss on her neck. "My beautiful wife."
"My handsome husband."
"Can you believe it angel? I thought for sure I would never see this day. Never in a million years! Oh, I'm so lucky that you didn't give up on us. I'm just sorry I did."
"No, no Rafe, don't say that. I know you didn't give up on us either, or else we wouldn't be standing here right now. It's not your fault that you lost your memory. We've been over and over this."
"Yes I know. I just don't ever want to lose you again." Rafe wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a tender kiss.
Alison giggled. "Rafe, we have all the time in the world for that. I don't think the guests will be very happy if we stand here and make out all night."
"I don't think they care." He nibbled on her ear and stroked her back.
"Hey love birds! I hate to break this up but the band is going to play and you guys are blocking the dance floor," Jack said, impatiently tapping his foot.
Rafe laughed. "Oops! Sorry." They immediately stepped out the way. Ricky's band started playing a cool techno remix of the Electric Slide and all of the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and about 30 other people joined in.
"Oh, angel, come here. I want you to meet someone special." Rafe yelled over the music. He grabbed her hand and led her to where Ed was sitting.
"Alison Barrington, I would like you to meet my father, Ed."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Alison. I can't count the number of times my son has talked about you." He gave her a little friendly kiss on the cheek.
Alison gasped. "Oh my gosh! You're his dad? But, I thought you told me he was......"
Before she could finish her sentence, Ed cut in. "Well you see, I died right before Rafe was born. Basically I've missed all the important events in my son's life. So, I made a few deals, and I was granted the opportunity to stay and see you're wedding. I have to leave at midnight, though. But let me tell you, seeing my son happy is the most important thing in the world."
Alison smiled. "Well let me tell you, it's so great to meet you. Listen, since you only have until midnight, I'll leave you two alone."
"But angel," Rafe protested.
"No arguing. I'll see you when we have to cut the cake." She winked and went off to join everyone on the dance floor.
"Well Rafe, I must say I have to hand it to you. You sure do know how to pick them. Alison is a lovely woman."
"She's the best. I feel so lucky everyday to be the man in her life. Oh dad!" Rafe exclaimed, looking sad and suddenly remembering something that he necessarily didn't want to bring up but he knew it had to come sometime. "This really is going to be goodbye, isn't it?"
"What do you mean, Rafe?"
"I mean the deal between James and I. I have to spend eternity in hell because of it."
"No you don't."
Rafe was confused. "Um, excuse me? Could you say that again?"
"You get to come back to heaven Rafe. Of course, not until it's your time. What you don't know is that James and I made a deal also. Since you proved your true love to Alison, you'll be able to spend eternity where you truly belong."
"Dad, I don't know what to say." Rafe looked like he was about to cry.
"You don't have to say anything, Rafe. It's no problem." They hugged.
An hour or so later, Lucy went over to the band and told them to a little break. "Ok everyone, can I have your attention please? I would just like to say a little something, since I am one of the bridesmaids. Rafe and Alison, I must say that you two are truly two of the most wonderful people on this earth. You both have such kind hearts. Rafe, you helped Doc and I get back together. I will always be grateful to you for that. And Alison, I must say, you're a very strong woman. Whatever life throws at you, you're ready and willing to fight it. I love you guys both so much, and I hope all of your dreams come true." She raised her wine glass. "To Rafe and Alison!" Everyone raised their glasses and clicked them together.
Alison and Rafe went over to hug Lucy. "Well cousins of mine, I think it's time for you to cut the cake!"
Alison and Rafe went into the barn and over to the cake table. Everyone followed close behind and had to literally stand shoulder to shoulder because of the lack of room in there.
"Ok guys, we'll make this as quick as possible." Alison cut the first piece and gently fed it to Rafe. Rafe, on the other hand, wasn't so gentle. At first it looked like he was going to be, but then he smashed the icing into her face and laughed.
Alison screamed. "Rafe Kovich! Oh, it's on now!" She took another piece of the cake and threw it at him. He playfully tackled her to the ground, and their cake fight soon turned into a tickle fight. Everyone around them laughed. Kevin, who ordered the cake, said "Alright if you guys don't stop, you'll waste all the cake!" He pretended to be mad, but he smiled.
Alison and Rafe finally got off the ground after a few minutes. Rafe brushed off his tux, and said "Well everyone, dig in!"
"Alison, sweetheart!" She looked up to find none other than her parents. She grabbed Rafe and brought him over to them. "Mom, Dad, I am so glad you could make it!" She hugged her parents.
"I'm sorry we couldn't make it to the ceremony. We had trouble finding a flight that early," Her dad said, handing them a card.
"It's ok. Rafe, I would like you to meet my parents, Aimee and Greg Barrington."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." He shook their hands.
"Yes, likewise. I'm glad our daughter has found someone."
"Well honey, we're going to go say hi to your grandmother. Congratulations!" Alison's mom gave her a hug and then went with her dad to find Amanda.
"Well geez, they sure didn't talk to you for too long," Rafe said.
"Yeah well, I told you about them. I'm still surprised they even came. I mean, don't get me wrong I'm glad they did. They just never do anything they say they will."
Rafe gave her a kiss. "Well, I'm just wondering why they don't come to see they're amazing daughter more often."
Alison smiled at him. "I love you."
Ricky's band stopped, and he picked up the microphone. "Well, I think that in the excitement of planning this lovely event, you all forgot to pick a song for the bride and groom's first dance." The bridesmaids and groomsmen all groaned as they remembered that. "But not to worry. A special request for the song "True love" was put out by a man named Ed. Hope you two enjoy it."
Rafe took Alison's hand and led her out to the dance floor. They danced in each other's arms, almost forgetting about anything else. The music filled the air with it's sweet melody.
Never been no fragile flower, I always got too much to say
Never had much luck with love and romance, I guess it's always been that way
But I've been seriously thinking 'bout slippin' on a velvet glove
I know it's strange, but my luck's about to change
'Cos what we got here is true love, yeah yeah
True love, you can't buy it, no no, you know it ain't like nothin' else
True love, you really oughta try it
You owe it to yourself to get you some true love
You know I wake up every morning, it's the first thing on my mind
This is a permanent condition of the most serious kind
Now let me tell you baby, that you were sent from up above
Give me a sign, let's not waste any more time
'Cos what we got here is true love, yeah yeah
I called the man at the video store and I said
Cancel my membership, I won't be needin' it no more
Found something else to occupy my nights, and baby, it's just right
I'm out on true love, true love yeah
I called the man at the video store and I said
Cancel my membership, I won't be needin' it no more
Found something else to occupy my nights, and baby, it's just right
I'm out on true love, true love yeah
Everybody wants it, everybody needs true love
Don't give me none of that bad lovin', I gotta have good love
True love, yeah, true love
As the dance ended, Rafe looked into Alison's eyes and said, "My angel, I know we're not going on a honeymoon or anything since we don't have that much money, but I promise you that one day we will take one. Anywhere you want. But for now, I did request off a week from the newspaper, and I know you did the same. So we'll just relax, and enjoy being with each other. No one else will bother us for a whole week. It'll just be the two of us."
"Oh Rafe, that sounds so wonderful."
It was nearing midnight, so Rafe said goodbye to Ed, with promises of seeing each other again someday. Alison threw her bouquet, which landed in Kate's arms. Alison's grandmother came over to the newlyweds with a small envelope.
"Well, here's that present I promised you. Go ahead, open it."
Rafe and Alison opened it, expecting money most likely. What they didn't expect were two tickets to a cruise to Aruba! Alison had always wanted to go there.
"Oh grandma! Thank you so much!" She hugged her.
"Thank you so much, Mrs, oh um, I mean Amanda."
"No problem at all. Your plane to the harbor leaves tomorrow morning, so you both better go home and pack. And have fun!"
Alison smiled, and then jumped up and down. "Rafe, we're going on a cruise! Our honeymoon!"
"I know! It will be so great!" After cleaning up, Rafe and Alison went straight home to pack. When they were finished packing, they had about four hours until they had to leave for the airport.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I think we might as well just not sleep." Rafe said, putting his arms around Alison's waist.
"Yeah I know. I mean, what's the point?"
Rafe picked her up and carried her over to their bed. He gently removed her clothes, and kissed her passionately. Alison did the same. After they made love to each other, Rafe massaged her neck and whispered, "I love you angel. Forever."
Alison whispered back, "I love you Rafe. Always."
The barn was beautifully decorated with pink and white roses all around it. Inside there were tables set up for the food, including the wedding cake. Rafe and Alison had decided that, since the barn was too small to fit everyone in for the reception, they would use it to put the food in. There were tents set up outside the barn for the guests and also a space cleared for a dance floor. Ricky's band had agreed to play for them, since Alison's grandmother was paying them a very good amount.
"Alison darling, I just wanted to say how happy I am for you. You just seem to be glowing with love. I wish you and Rafe nothing but the best." Amanda kissed Alison and gave Rafe a hug. "Welcome to the family, Rafe."
"Thank you Mrs. Barrington," Rafe said.
"Oh, please call me Amanda."
"Well, thank you Amanda."
"No problem. Now, if you ever need anything, you know where to find me."
Alison smiled and gave her grandmother another kiss. "I love you, grandma."
"I love you too. Well, I'm going to mingle with the guests. Be sure to come see me later on. I haven't given you two your wedding present yet."
Rafe took Alison's hands and planted a big kiss on her neck. "My beautiful wife."
"My handsome husband."
"Can you believe it angel? I thought for sure I would never see this day. Never in a million years! Oh, I'm so lucky that you didn't give up on us. I'm just sorry I did."
"No, no Rafe, don't say that. I know you didn't give up on us either, or else we wouldn't be standing here right now. It's not your fault that you lost your memory. We've been over and over this."
"Yes I know. I just don't ever want to lose you again." Rafe wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a tender kiss.
Alison giggled. "Rafe, we have all the time in the world for that. I don't think the guests will be very happy if we stand here and make out all night."
"I don't think they care." He nibbled on her ear and stroked her back.
"Hey love birds! I hate to break this up but the band is going to play and you guys are blocking the dance floor," Jack said, impatiently tapping his foot.
Rafe laughed. "Oops! Sorry." They immediately stepped out the way. Ricky's band started playing a cool techno remix of the Electric Slide and all of the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and about 30 other people joined in.
"Oh, angel, come here. I want you to meet someone special." Rafe yelled over the music. He grabbed her hand and led her to where Ed was sitting.
"Alison Barrington, I would like you to meet my father, Ed."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Alison. I can't count the number of times my son has talked about you." He gave her a little friendly kiss on the cheek.
Alison gasped. "Oh my gosh! You're his dad? But, I thought you told me he was......"
Before she could finish her sentence, Ed cut in. "Well you see, I died right before Rafe was born. Basically I've missed all the important events in my son's life. So, I made a few deals, and I was granted the opportunity to stay and see you're wedding. I have to leave at midnight, though. But let me tell you, seeing my son happy is the most important thing in the world."
Alison smiled. "Well let me tell you, it's so great to meet you. Listen, since you only have until midnight, I'll leave you two alone."
"But angel," Rafe protested.
"No arguing. I'll see you when we have to cut the cake." She winked and went off to join everyone on the dance floor.
"Well Rafe, I must say I have to hand it to you. You sure do know how to pick them. Alison is a lovely woman."
"She's the best. I feel so lucky everyday to be the man in her life. Oh dad!" Rafe exclaimed, looking sad and suddenly remembering something that he necessarily didn't want to bring up but he knew it had to come sometime. "This really is going to be goodbye, isn't it?"
"What do you mean, Rafe?"
"I mean the deal between James and I. I have to spend eternity in hell because of it."
"No you don't."
Rafe was confused. "Um, excuse me? Could you say that again?"
"You get to come back to heaven Rafe. Of course, not until it's your time. What you don't know is that James and I made a deal also. Since you proved your true love to Alison, you'll be able to spend eternity where you truly belong."
"Dad, I don't know what to say." Rafe looked like he was about to cry.
"You don't have to say anything, Rafe. It's no problem." They hugged.
An hour or so later, Lucy went over to the band and told them to a little break. "Ok everyone, can I have your attention please? I would just like to say a little something, since I am one of the bridesmaids. Rafe and Alison, I must say that you two are truly two of the most wonderful people on this earth. You both have such kind hearts. Rafe, you helped Doc and I get back together. I will always be grateful to you for that. And Alison, I must say, you're a very strong woman. Whatever life throws at you, you're ready and willing to fight it. I love you guys both so much, and I hope all of your dreams come true." She raised her wine glass. "To Rafe and Alison!" Everyone raised their glasses and clicked them together.
Alison and Rafe went over to hug Lucy. "Well cousins of mine, I think it's time for you to cut the cake!"
Alison and Rafe went into the barn and over to the cake table. Everyone followed close behind and had to literally stand shoulder to shoulder because of the lack of room in there.
"Ok guys, we'll make this as quick as possible." Alison cut the first piece and gently fed it to Rafe. Rafe, on the other hand, wasn't so gentle. At first it looked like he was going to be, but then he smashed the icing into her face and laughed.
Alison screamed. "Rafe Kovich! Oh, it's on now!" She took another piece of the cake and threw it at him. He playfully tackled her to the ground, and their cake fight soon turned into a tickle fight. Everyone around them laughed. Kevin, who ordered the cake, said "Alright if you guys don't stop, you'll waste all the cake!" He pretended to be mad, but he smiled.
Alison and Rafe finally got off the ground after a few minutes. Rafe brushed off his tux, and said "Well everyone, dig in!"
"Alison, sweetheart!" She looked up to find none other than her parents. She grabbed Rafe and brought him over to them. "Mom, Dad, I am so glad you could make it!" She hugged her parents.
"I'm sorry we couldn't make it to the ceremony. We had trouble finding a flight that early," Her dad said, handing them a card.
"It's ok. Rafe, I would like you to meet my parents, Aimee and Greg Barrington."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." He shook their hands.
"Yes, likewise. I'm glad our daughter has found someone."
"Well honey, we're going to go say hi to your grandmother. Congratulations!" Alison's mom gave her a hug and then went with her dad to find Amanda.
"Well geez, they sure didn't talk to you for too long," Rafe said.
"Yeah well, I told you about them. I'm still surprised they even came. I mean, don't get me wrong I'm glad they did. They just never do anything they say they will."
Rafe gave her a kiss. "Well, I'm just wondering why they don't come to see they're amazing daughter more often."
Alison smiled at him. "I love you."
Ricky's band stopped, and he picked up the microphone. "Well, I think that in the excitement of planning this lovely event, you all forgot to pick a song for the bride and groom's first dance." The bridesmaids and groomsmen all groaned as they remembered that. "But not to worry. A special request for the song "True love" was put out by a man named Ed. Hope you two enjoy it."
Rafe took Alison's hand and led her out to the dance floor. They danced in each other's arms, almost forgetting about anything else. The music filled the air with it's sweet melody.
Never been no fragile flower, I always got too much to say
Never had much luck with love and romance, I guess it's always been that way
But I've been seriously thinking 'bout slippin' on a velvet glove
I know it's strange, but my luck's about to change
'Cos what we got here is true love, yeah yeah
True love, you can't buy it, no no, you know it ain't like nothin' else
True love, you really oughta try it
You owe it to yourself to get you some true love
You know I wake up every morning, it's the first thing on my mind
This is a permanent condition of the most serious kind
Now let me tell you baby, that you were sent from up above
Give me a sign, let's not waste any more time
'Cos what we got here is true love, yeah yeah
I called the man at the video store and I said
Cancel my membership, I won't be needin' it no more
Found something else to occupy my nights, and baby, it's just right
I'm out on true love, true love yeah
I called the man at the video store and I said
Cancel my membership, I won't be needin' it no more
Found something else to occupy my nights, and baby, it's just right
I'm out on true love, true love yeah
Everybody wants it, everybody needs true love
Don't give me none of that bad lovin', I gotta have good love
True love, yeah, true love
As the dance ended, Rafe looked into Alison's eyes and said, "My angel, I know we're not going on a honeymoon or anything since we don't have that much money, but I promise you that one day we will take one. Anywhere you want. But for now, I did request off a week from the newspaper, and I know you did the same. So we'll just relax, and enjoy being with each other. No one else will bother us for a whole week. It'll just be the two of us."
"Oh Rafe, that sounds so wonderful."
It was nearing midnight, so Rafe said goodbye to Ed, with promises of seeing each other again someday. Alison threw her bouquet, which landed in Kate's arms. Alison's grandmother came over to the newlyweds with a small envelope.
"Well, here's that present I promised you. Go ahead, open it."
Rafe and Alison opened it, expecting money most likely. What they didn't expect were two tickets to a cruise to Aruba! Alison had always wanted to go there.
"Oh grandma! Thank you so much!" She hugged her.
"Thank you so much, Mrs, oh um, I mean Amanda."
"No problem at all. Your plane to the harbor leaves tomorrow morning, so you both better go home and pack. And have fun!"
Alison smiled, and then jumped up and down. "Rafe, we're going on a cruise! Our honeymoon!"
"I know! It will be so great!" After cleaning up, Rafe and Alison went straight home to pack. When they were finished packing, they had about four hours until they had to leave for the airport.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I think we might as well just not sleep." Rafe said, putting his arms around Alison's waist.
"Yeah I know. I mean, what's the point?"
Rafe picked her up and carried her over to their bed. He gently removed her clothes, and kissed her passionately. Alison did the same. After they made love to each other, Rafe massaged her neck and whispered, "I love you angel. Forever."
Alison whispered back, "I love you Rafe. Always."