April 1, 2002

Randi sat in the chair shaking. Her knees knocked together. Her hands shook beyond belief. Her stomach was all in knots. She pulled up her strapless bra and fixed her garter belt. The hired hairdresser took the curlers out of Randi's hair. Dark brown curlers fell around her face. The hairdresser tightly pulled back the curls and pulled it into a ponytail. She started pinning the curls down into a bun.

She was getting married. Finally the day had come. Her grandmother sat in front of her and started to apply her make up. Ireland was sitting in her stroller dressed in a frilly pink dress. Randi took in a deep breath.

"I feel like I'm going to be sick." Randi whispered.

"Feel free to barf." She smiled at her granddaughter.

"I'm serious." Randi moaned.

"It'll be all right, Randi." She said, "this is the day you've been waiting for. You made a beautiful dress and you're marrying a wonderful man. You're young and have the rest of your lives to spend together. Ireland is going to live in a beautiful family."

"I know." Randi said standing up. She looked at her wedding dress. She had to admit it....it was beautiful. It was old fashion, but with a touch of modern thrown into it. She wanted Ireland to be able to wear it when she was older. Randi took it off the hanger. Her hands shook as she stepped into the gown and pulled it on. She had tried it on so many times, but this was her wedding day. It was totally different.

Randi zipped up the back. She fluffed the skirt out and smoothed the bodice down. Randi shook as she took her new cameo necklace around her neck. Her feet shook as she slid them into the silk heals. Her grandmother stood in front of her and pinned a small diamond tiara into Randi's hair.

"Oh Randi, you look gorgeous." She said

"Thank you." Randi smiled softly. "Have you heard from Mom and dad?"

"I received a postcard a few days ago." She said, "They said p.s. tell Miranda congratulations." Randi rolled her eyes.

"I got a P.S. I guess that better than nothing." Randi said walking over to her daughter, "All right, Landsie, this is it. Mommy and Daddy are getting married."

* * *

Dave paced back and forth. He was getting married. He was taking the plunge. He was inheriting and old ball and chain. His palms were sweaty. His heart raced. Steve, his favourite drinking buddy, laughed at him.

"Dave, Calm down." Steve said, "You're just getting married."

"Just?? JUST??" Dave cried.

"You need to calm down, Man." he said, "It's not going to help any of this if you pass out on the altar."

"I won't pass out." He said.

"Even when I tell you it's time to go out there?" Dave felt lightheaded. Steve chuckled grabbing his elbow; "I have the rings in my pocket so you don't have an excuse to run back here." Dave nodded slowly taking a deep breath in.

"All right. Let's go out there." Steven grabbed his friend's arm and pulled him out there. Everyone looked at him as he stepped up onto the altar. Dave fidgeted slightly. The priest looked at him. Dave nodded slowly. The priest gave the pianist the nodded and the music started. Dave and Randi chose Greensleeves to be played while the bride's maid walked down the aisle.

Some of Randi's friends from school, dress in purple, walked down the aisle. Ireland was in one of their arms. Dave smiled softly. Then the wedding march started and everyone stood up. Dave's heart pounded as the doors opened. An angel stood there.

"Wow." Dave whispered as Randi walked down the aisle towards him. She looked gorgeous. She looked like something God had made especially for him. She looked as nervous as he did. She smiled softly as she approached him. "You look gorgeous."

"Thanks." Randi blushed as she handed her bride's maid her bouquet.

"We are gathered here today to rejoice in the union of two souls, David and Miranda." The priest smiled.

* * *

"Could we have the rings please?" The priest asked Dave handed Dave and Randi the rings, "David?" Dave liked his lips.

"Randi, ever since Ireland was conceived I knew you were the right one for me. We've been through so many ups and downs and we've made it through anything. I know we'll be able to get through anything that is thrown at us in the future. I will cherish and honour forever and beyond. I promise to love you through sickness and health, through richer or for poorer." Dave slid the gold band onto Randi's shaking finger. Randi held Dave's hand tightly.

"I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you, Dave, and expanding our family. I never knew what love was or felt this was before I met you. As soon as we became a couple, I wanted to change my ways and do right by you. I promise, Dave, I will continue to keep you happy. I promise to love you through sickness and health, through richer or for poorer." Randi slid the ring on Dave's finger, "I love you."

"Do you David take thee Miranda to be your lawfully wedded wife?" The priest asked. Dave looked into Randi's eyes. Both people were on the verge of tears. Dave nodded slowly.

"I do." He croaked out.

"And do you Miranda take thee David to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Randi smiled softly.

"I-I do." She said.

"Then by the power invested in me and by the state of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The priest said, "You may now...kiss the bride." Dave smile brightly at Randi as the church started to clap. He took her face in his hands and brought her into the first kiss as husband and wife.

* * *

Randi smile brightly as the photographer took a picture of her standing in front of the wedding cake.

"Ready?" Dave asked handing her the knife.

"Yup." She said as they both cut into it. Randi took a small piece in her hand and as did Dave. They both looked at each other with evil grin son their faces, "don't you dare, Dave, or there will be no honeymoon."

"I won't." He chuckled putting the cake gently into her mouth.

"Mmmm....good." Randi mumbled, "open up." Dave opened his mouth and Randi smashed the piece of cake against his mouth. The crowd erupted in laughter.

"Randi!" He chuckled. She stuck out her tongue. He grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss, smashing the cake onto her face. She giggled but kissed her husband anyway. Dave held her close, "I love you."

"I love you too, Darling." She smiled softly.

"Mrs. Miranda Malucci." He said. "I like the sound of that."

"I love the sound of that." Randi said as Dave wiped the frosting off of her face.

"Why don't we get the honeymoon started?" He asked. Randi smiled mischievously.

"Now I love the sound of that." She smiled, "Let's go."