Chapter 45:
"Kay!" came a voice nearby as I was watching the pandemonium around me upstairs
at my house. "What are you doing? You have to get dressed, come on!"
I looked up at to see my Uncle Hank staring at me. I smiled. "I can't believe this day
has come, Uncle Hank," I told him in complete amazement.
"I can." he answered, slowing down in his haste and getting a chance to talk with me
for a few minutes. "I always knew that you and Miguel had this special bond - a bond that
couldn't be erased. And after today, the two of you will consummate it forever."
"Thank you, Uncle Hank," I said, giving him a hug as tears of happiness came to my
eyes.
"For what?" he asked, surprised as he hugged me back.
"For making me tell you the truth a year ago about why I left Harmony. For having
everyone eventually find out the truth because I told you first. You are the reason I am here
today, getting ready to become the fourth Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. And for that, I thank you."
He smiled widely as he kissed me on the cheek. "Your welcome," he said sincerely.
______________________________________________________________________________
After I finished my conversation with Uncle Hank, I went to get dressed. There was
only about an hour left until the limo would arrive. I had to put my bridal gown on, have
Jessica and Gwen apply my makeup and get all of the flowers. Plus, I had to make sure the
bridesmaids were ready.
Gwen and Jessica applied my makeup carefully while I thought about the future I was
going to share with Miguel and Ricky. I swear I must have had a smile on my face the whole
time, ever since I first opened my eyes that morning. Everything I had dreamt of was going to
come true today. Ricky, Miguel and I were finally going to become a family!
I stepped into my white heeled shoes after the makeup was put on. Beth arrived a few
minutes after that. She looked so happy for me. Everybody did. Oh, I couldn't wait to get to
the church and become Miguel's wife!
______________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile at the same time, Pilar's house was just as frenzied as mine. Miguel,
surprisingly, wasn't the least bit nervous.
"You're not nervous at all?" Luis and Antonio asked him, their eyebrows raised in
wonder.
"Nope!" Miguel said, adjusting his suit jacket, "I've been waiting to do this for a while
now. Remember I was planning on asking Kay to marry me six years ago."
"Got to hand it to you, bro," Antonio said, punching him lightly on the shoulder, "you
are SO ready to marry Kay! But let me ask you something..."
"Uh-oh," Luis said, jokingly. "You better watch out, Miguel. He did the same to me
when I married Beth."
Miguel closed his eyes as if preparing for the worse. He opened them a few moments
later. "Ok, I'm prepared for your questions, Antonio. Shoot before I die of a heart attack just
thinking about them!"
Antonio and Luis laughed. "Where are you gonna live? Which one of you is going to
work? Is she gonna stay at home and be a homemaker?...." Antonio's list of questions went on
and on, almost driving Miguel crazy with worry. Almost.
Miguel forced a laugh. "I'll deal with all of that when we come back from the
honeymoon," he said vehemently.
The two older brothers laughed. "Good answer," they said in unison.
______________________________________________________________________________
Twenty minutes later, Jessica, Beth, Gwen, Liz, Noah, Uncle Hank, Ricky, Ivy, Daddy
and I stepped into the limo, which would be taking us to St. Margaret Mary's Church. {a/n: is
that the right name? i dunno. but i know its close. ahh whatev.}
"How long have you waited for this day, Kay?" Jessica asked me through her video
camera. She had captured everything that had took place at the house so far. The night
before, she had promised me that she would capture the whole wonderful day on tape. Even
though she knew the answer to the question she had asked me, she had asked it so the answer
would be captured on tape for everyone to see.
"Forever," I answered, without having to think about it. "I've always waited for this
day when I would become a 'Mrs.' But when it comes to being Mrs. Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald,
then I've waited almost eleven years; ever since I first began to fall in love with Miguel."
Everyone was smiling and oohing and ahhing. Especially Daddy. It was an important
day for him as well. He was giving his first daughter away today.
As the limousine was reaching the church, memories that were almost forgotten
replayed in my mind. Miguel being too shy to ask me out when we were 15. It didn't matter
that eight of the last eleven years had been unhappy ones; because it had eventually led to
this day. My wedding day to my best friend. The man I loved more than anything or anyone. A
tear came to my eyes, and I gently wiped it away, not wanting to ruin my makeup. Besides, I
had to save the tears for later.
We finally got to the church and everyone began to exit the limo. Beth, Gwen, Jessica,
Liz and Ivy helped me take out the train of my dress as we walked up the steps to the lovely
church.
After getting word that the bridesmaids, groomsmen and the groom were all ready, we
began to step inside.
My bridesmaids, Paloma, Whitney, Simone, Jessica and Gwen, who were all dressed in
their light teal-colored gowns, came by me and began to congratulate me before the time came
for them to walk down the alter one by one.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you!" Gwen squealed.
"Me, too!" Jessica said. They both gave me hugs. Pretty soon, the other bridesmaids
had joined in, including my maid of honor.
"Ahh!" I cried. "No wrinkles on my wedding dress!" The big group hug quickly broke
off as everyone took their places.
One by one, the bridesmaids began to walk down the aisle as the music began to play.
First walked in Whitney, followed by Simone, Paloma, Jessica and Gwen.
Then came in Ricky, balancing the rings on a pillow.
Beth followed shortly after as she walked down the aisle, holding the fresh flowers I
had chosen just a few weeks ago.
Valorie was up next. She walked down the aisle slowly, dropping flowers to the left and
right sides of the aisle as her parents watched on happily.
Then the music came to a halt signaling for everyone to stand up. {a/n: some things
might be a bit off with the wedding because i'm basing it on how weddings r performed in my
culture. so if i am a bit off, u know y.}
The wedding music began after everyone had stood up. Linking my arm in my
Daddy's, we began to slowly walk down the aisle. I couldn't believe how happy I was. I had
never felt this way before. It was like a natural high. Everyone was smiling - their eyes locked
on me. I walked past where Tony was seated as he gave me the thumbs-up sign. Theresa,
Antonio and Luis smiled at me warmly, already welcoming me into their family. Pilar winked at
me in happiness. I could hardly keep my eyes off of Miguel. My husband to be. It was destiny.
This moment was made to happen and now it was finally taking place. I had suffered through
the wait (for Miguel to be mine) but it was worth it because we were finally sharing this
moment together.
Daddy and I finally reached the alter, where he kissed me on the cheek and said an 'I
love you,' before letting me go. I kissed him back, and repeated his words as tears of joy
clouded up my eyes.
I stepped up to Miguel, facing him. Our eyes locked and we smiled at each other in
complete happiness.
"Dearly beloved," began Father Lonigan, "We are gathered here..."
The priest continued to talk but I could barely pay attention.
"The ring Ricky is holding is the same one I bought for you six years ago," Miguel
whispered to me.
"Oh, Miguel!" I answered sentimentally, in a low tone.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you, too, hubby-to-be," I answered, my lips curving into a smile.
We stopped talking between ourselves as the priest continued the wedding procession.
"If there is anyone who has just cause as to why Miguel and Kay should not be wed,
speak now or forever hold your peace..."
"Very well, then," the priest went on a few seconds later. "Kay and Miguel have their
own vows to say to each other," Father Lonigan added.
"Miguel," he said, making him go first.
I was expecting Miguel to take out a small piece of paper and recite his vows from
there. But he didn't. Instead, gazing into my eyes, he stated the vows he had memorized the
night before.
"It's amazing how one person can influence your whole life," he began, his chocolate-y
eyes lost in my baby blues. "You've been that person, Kay. The person who has been there
for me through the thick and thin. I love you. And now we are creating the greatest connection
to each other. We're promising to love and cherish the other till the day we die. And that's
what I'm going to do from this day forward."
"And now, Kay's vows to Miguel," the priest said.
"Back when we were growing up, I knew that you and I shared a bond. A bond that was
great and one that we would carry with us for the rest of our lives. Our bond has now resulted
in this special day - a day that we unite holistically. I love you, Miguel. [Kay says a small
poem]: In my heart, I always knew, our souls were one, not two. And today we unite, forever
and ever, in front of our loved ones, together forever!"
Father Lonigan continued, "Do you, Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald take Kathleen Elizabeth
Bennett to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness
and in health, till death do you part?"
Miguel stared at me. Our lives together were going to begin just as soon as he uttered
those two little words. "I do," he said sincerely.
I closed my eyes in complete rapture.
"And do you, Kathleen Elizabeth Bennett take Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald to be your
lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you
part?"
My heart was about to explode with all of the excitement inside of it. This was my
dream, and now I was going to make it reality. "I do," I answered, ecstatic.
"May I have the rings, please?" Father Lonigan asked.
Ricky went up and gave him the rings. Miguel slipped the six-year-old ring onto my
finger. Where it belonged. This ring was already over half a decade old, but as far as we were
concerned, it had another fifty years to go through on my finger.
I placed the ring on Miguel's finger and looked into his eyes, which were shining with
joy.
"By the powers vested in me," said the priest as Miguel and I squeezed each other's
hands in utter delight, "I now pronounce you man and wife! You may kiss the bride."
"About time," Miguel answered as he grabbed me by my waist and gave me our first
kiss as husband and wife.
Clapping and cheering was heard all around the church as we shared that one beautiful
kiss.
We ran out of the church, with rice being thrown after us, into the limo that was waiting
to take us to the park and to the reception party hall.
______________________________________________________________________________
Miguel and I stepped into the limo as everyone waved and cheered. We would soon be
headed to Harmony Park where David Hastings was to take wedding pictures of me and
Miguel. And then we would be off to the reception hall. Just as the limousine's door was
closed, and the car took off, Miguel grabbed my face and gave me the greatest kiss of all
time. I couldn't help smiling, even as his lips were on mine.
We kissed for a while longer until my lips began to get numb. I definitely had to
reapply my lipstick.
"I love you, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald," Miguel told me, emphasizing on my new name.
He gave me a killer smile which showed his pearly white teeth.
"Hmm, I love you, too," I answered, my head close to his.
"I can't believe we're married!" Miguel said. He took my hand in his. At that moment,
a picture of the past went through the both of us. We shared a vision together. A moment of us
back in our youth, when we were playing and had "gotten married." Young Jessica, Paloma,
Reese and Simone had congratulated us. Just like they were doing today.
"I have waited forever for you, Miguel!" I said, kissing him softly on the lips, "And
now you're mine."
"Forever and ever, Kay. Just like I vowed to be."
I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes. This was better than I had imagined it to
be. The pieces of my jigsaw puzzle (or should I say life) were finally connecting to create
something amazing. My being Miguel's wife.
______________________________________________________________________________
The limo finally reached Harmony Park. David Hastings had already arrived - ready
to photograph our wonderful day. But Miguel wasn't ready. He had lip stains all over his face
from the time we were kissing in the limo. Just for fun, David took a picture of Miguel with
red lipstick marks across his face. Miguel and I laughed in delight at that.
We took some pictures by the water, in each other's arms and some standing in front
of a nice white building. I knew they would come out great. I couldn't wait to see them. After
our photography session was over, we were ready to go to the reception hall and celebrate this
wonderful thing called a marriage.
______________________________________________________________________________
The limousine finally pulled up in front of the reception hall, where many of the guests
had already arrived. We had invited everyone we knew, including my Dad's side of the family,
Miguel's relatives and old and new friends. The tally of the guests who would be at the
reception was near two hundred.
I couldn't wait to share that first dance with Miguel as husband and wife.
Once the DJ got word of our arrival, he made sure everyone was seated and quiet as
they waited for our entrance.
"Do I look ok?" I couldn't help asking Miguel. I think my dress had gotten wrinkled in
the limo since Miguel and I had been making out pretty heavily!
"Wifey, you look gorgeous," he responded, kissing my cheek.
"I like the sound of that," I told him.
"Of what?" he asked charmingly. "Wifey or gorgeous?"
"Both," I answered giving him a sly wink.
He raised his eyebrows in amusement. The usher informed us that everything was
ready for us to go inside.
Miguel and I held hands as we stepped into the spacious and beautifully decorated
ballroom.
Music began to play as we walked to the center of the dance floor and began to share
a slow dance. The music being played was Lonestar's "Amazed." {a/n: thanx to Renee
(devilsclaw90@hotmail.com) for helping me pick out this song!}
"Looks like we picked the same song for our first dance as husband and wife," Miguel
told me, grinning.
"What?" I asked.
"Well, you talked with the DJ about the music right? And did you so humbly suggest
what song you wanted to dance to first?"
"Yes," I answered as I thought about where he was going with this.
"Well, I did the same Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. Looks like we have something else in
common."
"Hmm," I mumbled in awe, "I love you."
"I love you, too,"
We began to sway to the beat of the soft music being played:
Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams
~~--~~ I placed my head on his available shoulder as we danced to the
beauty that was our love. ~~--~~
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you
~~--~~ "I chose this song because it describes how I feel about you
exactly," Miguel whispered in my ear. I stared at him, love shining in my
eyes. "Same here," I answered slowly. "Every lyric."~~--~~
The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time, every time
I want to spend the whole night in your eyes
~~--~~ "Kiss me, Kay," Miguel coaxed, gently running his fingers
through my soft skin. "My pleasure, hubby," I answered as I brought my lips
closer to his. We shared a deep sensual kiss as everyone watched on. ~~--~~
Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you
~~--~~ "Like the song says, wifey," Miguel told me in a hushed tone, "it just keeps
getting better every time I'm with you." I blinked back tears of joy as I gave him a dazzling
smile. ~~--~~
Once the song ended, everyone began to clap. Miguel and I went to every single table
where our loved ones were seated and David Hastings took the pictures. That took about an
hour. Then Miguel and I sat down in the main table and began to eat as well. Ricky came by
the two of us at that moment.
"Mommy, Daddy?" he asked.
"What is it, Ricky?" I asked, as I made him sit on my lap.
"Congratulations. Are we a family now?"
I looked up at Miguel and saw him grinning.
He grabbed his son, and gave him a hug. "We are going to be the best family ever!" he
told him, kissing his forehead.
"Ya!" Ricky said happily, as he sauntered away.
Miguel and I smiled in delight. Everything was so wonderful. The way I had hoped it
would be.
After we finished eating, Miguel and I went back to dancing. My feet were already
hurting me, but I didn't care. I would dance this night away with Miguel by my side.
Slowly the other couples in Harmony got up to dance as well.
Miguel kissed me passionately as he kneeled me down right in front of everyone.
More clapping and shouts of congratulations was heard.
Beth and Luis were dancing nearby. They approached us.
"Way to go, bro!" Luis said, hugging his brother. "Welcome to the family, Kay," he
said, giving me a hug as well.
"Congratulations, SISTER!" Beth said, emphasizing on the sister part.
I stared at her in confusion. I then realized that we HAD become sisters. Miguel was
Beth's brother in law. And now Beth was related to me as well! Oh this was great! I was
related to two of my closest friends now - Beth and Gwen.
I hugged Beth happily after the realization that we were sisters. I understood now that
in my life, Miguel had given me more than his just his love; he had given me a son, happiness,
and now a sister who was already a best friend! I truly loved him; he was my reason for being
and I felt more than blessed that he felt the same way.
We continued to dance - or at least tried to. It seemed like everyone began to stand
up, go to where we were dancing and congratulate us personally. But we didn't mind.
"Aww you guys are so cute together!" squealed Theresa as she walked over to us,
holding Ethan's hand. Pilar, Paloma, Reese, Sheridan and Antonio followed them, in tow.
"Thank you, Theresa," I said.
"Call me sister, call me sister!" she objected. "You have a lot of sister's now," she
giggled, looking over towards Paloma, Sheridan, and Beth.
"And brothers!" Antonio added.
"And a future brother!" Reese put in, staring deeply at Paloma. He gave her a wink.
I smiled back at all of them.
Everyone began to leave then besides Pilar.
She gave me and Miguel a hug. "This is the most wonderful day!" she exclaimed. "My
youngest son has married a girl who has been like a daughter to me! I'm so happy for both of
you!"
"Thank you, Pilar...mother in law," I answered. "You've always been like a mother to
me anyway, and now I can officially call you that!"
"Well you better!" She grinned at the two of us, contented.
Miguel and I went back to our dancing before Noah and Gwen approached us together.
"How about I dance with your new wife while you dance with mine, ehh Miguel?" my
older brother suggested.
"Sure," Miguel said, as he walked towards Gwen and took her hand, "but don't keep
her away from me too long."
"I won't," Noah answered as he strode me off to dance.
"Congratulations, little sis," he said warmly. "You have finally gotten everything
you've ever wanted!"
"Yes I have!" I answered as we continued dancing.
"Have you thought about where your going to be living?" Noah asked. I could tell he
was hoping that we would stay at my house. Noah had definitely missed me this past decade
and a half. We hadn't seen each other for eight of those years.
"I don't know yet, Miguel and I haven't discussed it."
"Oh," he answered simply.
I felt a tugging at my wedding dress just then. Noah and I turned to see who it was.
"Mommy, mommy!" Ricky said impatiently. "Can I dance with you, too?"
"Sure son," I replied, overjoyed to be sharing a dance with my son on the day I was
marrying his father.
Noah left the two of us alone to dance for a while. The song being played was a fast
one so Ricky and I bopped to the beat of the music.
Once the song ended, Miguel came by the two of us and very politely asked Ricky if
he could dance with his mommy again.
"Ok, but only for a little bit," Ricky joked, walking off.
Miguel and I shared a laugh as he swept me off my feet once again.
I put my head on his shoulder and sighed in happiness.
He lifted my chin so I would look into his eyes. His chocolate brown's were shining with
merriment as were my baby blues.
His fingers traced the outline of my lips while his other free hand caressed my soft
hair.
"I love you," he said daintily.
"I love YOU," I answered fluently.
I felt a tapping on my shoulder. I turned around to see my best friend from Connecticut
staring back at me. He looked very handsome in his navy blue tux and gelled back hair.
"Tony!" I cried out, hugging him hard. "I've missed you so much!"
"I missed you too, babe," he answered as he hugged me back.
I grinned at him. I was so happy that he had come today. I realized that I should
probably introduce Miguel to Tony and vice versa.
"Miguel this is Tony," I said to my husband. "And Tony, this is Miguel."
"So this is the ever so famous Tony," Miguel said as he extended his hand so Tony
could shake it.
"Uh-oh," Tony replied, laughing. "What has Kay been telling you about me?"
"Well..." Miguel began to say but stopped. "No, I'm just kidding, she just says you
were a great friend to her."
"Well she was a great friend to me."
"Is a great friend not was," I correcred Tony.
"Right," he said. "Well, I just wanted to congratulate the two of you." He smiled
kindly at the two of us. "Kay I'm expecting a dance with you later," he added before walking
off.
"Definitely," I answered.
Just as Tony was turning around to walk back to his seat, Jessica ran over to where
Miguel and I were standing, our arms linked together.
"Kay, Miguel," she hollered but ran smack into Tony before she could continue.
"I hardly call that a nice way to meet a beautiful girl," Tony told her, once he could see
who he had bumped into. "But if that's the way I'm gonna meet YOU, then I'll settle for it."
Jessica looked at me, like 'help me out her big sis!' I could tell she was blushing. I
raised an eyebrow at her.
"What's your name, beautiful?" he asked my sister.
Jessica didn't speak. She was still blushing ...
"Her name's Jessica," I told Tony for her.
"Oh," he said, looking up at me for a second before returning his gaze to Jess.
"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl."
"I bet you say that to every girl that bumps into you," Jessica finally spoke up.
"Nope, just you," he answered, giving her a sexy wink. "How 'bout a dance?"
Jessica didn't give a verbal reply but took his extended hand as he led her off to share
a dance.
"I think Harmony has found itself a new couple," Miguel remarked to me.
"Seems like it," I said in enjoyment as I watched those two glide through the dance
floor.
______________________________________________________________________________
{a/n: ok, change of plans unfortunately. i was going to make the wedding just one chapter, which was going to be hell of a long one. instead the freakin' thing wouldnt let me upload almost a 7000 word chapter. so ya. the wedding is cut into two halves. enjoy it anyway. and sorry for the delay!}
"Kay!" came a voice nearby as I was watching the pandemonium around me upstairs
at my house. "What are you doing? You have to get dressed, come on!"
I looked up at to see my Uncle Hank staring at me. I smiled. "I can't believe this day
has come, Uncle Hank," I told him in complete amazement.
"I can." he answered, slowing down in his haste and getting a chance to talk with me
for a few minutes. "I always knew that you and Miguel had this special bond - a bond that
couldn't be erased. And after today, the two of you will consummate it forever."
"Thank you, Uncle Hank," I said, giving him a hug as tears of happiness came to my
eyes.
"For what?" he asked, surprised as he hugged me back.
"For making me tell you the truth a year ago about why I left Harmony. For having
everyone eventually find out the truth because I told you first. You are the reason I am here
today, getting ready to become the fourth Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. And for that, I thank you."
He smiled widely as he kissed me on the cheek. "Your welcome," he said sincerely.
______________________________________________________________________________
After I finished my conversation with Uncle Hank, I went to get dressed. There was
only about an hour left until the limo would arrive. I had to put my bridal gown on, have
Jessica and Gwen apply my makeup and get all of the flowers. Plus, I had to make sure the
bridesmaids were ready.
Gwen and Jessica applied my makeup carefully while I thought about the future I was
going to share with Miguel and Ricky. I swear I must have had a smile on my face the whole
time, ever since I first opened my eyes that morning. Everything I had dreamt of was going to
come true today. Ricky, Miguel and I were finally going to become a family!
I stepped into my white heeled shoes after the makeup was put on. Beth arrived a few
minutes after that. She looked so happy for me. Everybody did. Oh, I couldn't wait to get to
the church and become Miguel's wife!
______________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile at the same time, Pilar's house was just as frenzied as mine. Miguel,
surprisingly, wasn't the least bit nervous.
"You're not nervous at all?" Luis and Antonio asked him, their eyebrows raised in
wonder.
"Nope!" Miguel said, adjusting his suit jacket, "I've been waiting to do this for a while
now. Remember I was planning on asking Kay to marry me six years ago."
"Got to hand it to you, bro," Antonio said, punching him lightly on the shoulder, "you
are SO ready to marry Kay! But let me ask you something..."
"Uh-oh," Luis said, jokingly. "You better watch out, Miguel. He did the same to me
when I married Beth."
Miguel closed his eyes as if preparing for the worse. He opened them a few moments
later. "Ok, I'm prepared for your questions, Antonio. Shoot before I die of a heart attack just
thinking about them!"
Antonio and Luis laughed. "Where are you gonna live? Which one of you is going to
work? Is she gonna stay at home and be a homemaker?...." Antonio's list of questions went on
and on, almost driving Miguel crazy with worry. Almost.
Miguel forced a laugh. "I'll deal with all of that when we come back from the
honeymoon," he said vehemently.
The two older brothers laughed. "Good answer," they said in unison.
______________________________________________________________________________
Twenty minutes later, Jessica, Beth, Gwen, Liz, Noah, Uncle Hank, Ricky, Ivy, Daddy
and I stepped into the limo, which would be taking us to St. Margaret Mary's Church. {a/n: is
that the right name? i dunno. but i know its close. ahh whatev.}
"How long have you waited for this day, Kay?" Jessica asked me through her video
camera. She had captured everything that had took place at the house so far. The night
before, she had promised me that she would capture the whole wonderful day on tape. Even
though she knew the answer to the question she had asked me, she had asked it so the answer
would be captured on tape for everyone to see.
"Forever," I answered, without having to think about it. "I've always waited for this
day when I would become a 'Mrs.' But when it comes to being Mrs. Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald,
then I've waited almost eleven years; ever since I first began to fall in love with Miguel."
Everyone was smiling and oohing and ahhing. Especially Daddy. It was an important
day for him as well. He was giving his first daughter away today.
As the limousine was reaching the church, memories that were almost forgotten
replayed in my mind. Miguel being too shy to ask me out when we were 15. It didn't matter
that eight of the last eleven years had been unhappy ones; because it had eventually led to
this day. My wedding day to my best friend. The man I loved more than anything or anyone. A
tear came to my eyes, and I gently wiped it away, not wanting to ruin my makeup. Besides, I
had to save the tears for later.
We finally got to the church and everyone began to exit the limo. Beth, Gwen, Jessica,
Liz and Ivy helped me take out the train of my dress as we walked up the steps to the lovely
church.
After getting word that the bridesmaids, groomsmen and the groom were all ready, we
began to step inside.
My bridesmaids, Paloma, Whitney, Simone, Jessica and Gwen, who were all dressed in
their light teal-colored gowns, came by me and began to congratulate me before the time came
for them to walk down the alter one by one.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you!" Gwen squealed.
"Me, too!" Jessica said. They both gave me hugs. Pretty soon, the other bridesmaids
had joined in, including my maid of honor.
"Ahh!" I cried. "No wrinkles on my wedding dress!" The big group hug quickly broke
off as everyone took their places.
One by one, the bridesmaids began to walk down the aisle as the music began to play.
First walked in Whitney, followed by Simone, Paloma, Jessica and Gwen.
Then came in Ricky, balancing the rings on a pillow.
Beth followed shortly after as she walked down the aisle, holding the fresh flowers I
had chosen just a few weeks ago.
Valorie was up next. She walked down the aisle slowly, dropping flowers to the left and
right sides of the aisle as her parents watched on happily.
Then the music came to a halt signaling for everyone to stand up. {a/n: some things
might be a bit off with the wedding because i'm basing it on how weddings r performed in my
culture. so if i am a bit off, u know y.}
The wedding music began after everyone had stood up. Linking my arm in my
Daddy's, we began to slowly walk down the aisle. I couldn't believe how happy I was. I had
never felt this way before. It was like a natural high. Everyone was smiling - their eyes locked
on me. I walked past where Tony was seated as he gave me the thumbs-up sign. Theresa,
Antonio and Luis smiled at me warmly, already welcoming me into their family. Pilar winked at
me in happiness. I could hardly keep my eyes off of Miguel. My husband to be. It was destiny.
This moment was made to happen and now it was finally taking place. I had suffered through
the wait (for Miguel to be mine) but it was worth it because we were finally sharing this
moment together.
Daddy and I finally reached the alter, where he kissed me on the cheek and said an 'I
love you,' before letting me go. I kissed him back, and repeated his words as tears of joy
clouded up my eyes.
I stepped up to Miguel, facing him. Our eyes locked and we smiled at each other in
complete happiness.
"Dearly beloved," began Father Lonigan, "We are gathered here..."
The priest continued to talk but I could barely pay attention.
"The ring Ricky is holding is the same one I bought for you six years ago," Miguel
whispered to me.
"Oh, Miguel!" I answered sentimentally, in a low tone.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you, too, hubby-to-be," I answered, my lips curving into a smile.
We stopped talking between ourselves as the priest continued the wedding procession.
"If there is anyone who has just cause as to why Miguel and Kay should not be wed,
speak now or forever hold your peace..."
"Very well, then," the priest went on a few seconds later. "Kay and Miguel have their
own vows to say to each other," Father Lonigan added.
"Miguel," he said, making him go first.
I was expecting Miguel to take out a small piece of paper and recite his vows from
there. But he didn't. Instead, gazing into my eyes, he stated the vows he had memorized the
night before.
"It's amazing how one person can influence your whole life," he began, his chocolate-y
eyes lost in my baby blues. "You've been that person, Kay. The person who has been there
for me through the thick and thin. I love you. And now we are creating the greatest connection
to each other. We're promising to love and cherish the other till the day we die. And that's
what I'm going to do from this day forward."
"And now, Kay's vows to Miguel," the priest said.
"Back when we were growing up, I knew that you and I shared a bond. A bond that was
great and one that we would carry with us for the rest of our lives. Our bond has now resulted
in this special day - a day that we unite holistically. I love you, Miguel. [Kay says a small
poem]: In my heart, I always knew, our souls were one, not two. And today we unite, forever
and ever, in front of our loved ones, together forever!"
Father Lonigan continued, "Do you, Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald take Kathleen Elizabeth
Bennett to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness
and in health, till death do you part?"
Miguel stared at me. Our lives together were going to begin just as soon as he uttered
those two little words. "I do," he said sincerely.
I closed my eyes in complete rapture.
"And do you, Kathleen Elizabeth Bennett take Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald to be your
lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you
part?"
My heart was about to explode with all of the excitement inside of it. This was my
dream, and now I was going to make it reality. "I do," I answered, ecstatic.
"May I have the rings, please?" Father Lonigan asked.
Ricky went up and gave him the rings. Miguel slipped the six-year-old ring onto my
finger. Where it belonged. This ring was already over half a decade old, but as far as we were
concerned, it had another fifty years to go through on my finger.
I placed the ring on Miguel's finger and looked into his eyes, which were shining with
joy.
"By the powers vested in me," said the priest as Miguel and I squeezed each other's
hands in utter delight, "I now pronounce you man and wife! You may kiss the bride."
"About time," Miguel answered as he grabbed me by my waist and gave me our first
kiss as husband and wife.
Clapping and cheering was heard all around the church as we shared that one beautiful
kiss.
We ran out of the church, with rice being thrown after us, into the limo that was waiting
to take us to the park and to the reception party hall.
______________________________________________________________________________
Miguel and I stepped into the limo as everyone waved and cheered. We would soon be
headed to Harmony Park where David Hastings was to take wedding pictures of me and
Miguel. And then we would be off to the reception hall. Just as the limousine's door was
closed, and the car took off, Miguel grabbed my face and gave me the greatest kiss of all
time. I couldn't help smiling, even as his lips were on mine.
We kissed for a while longer until my lips began to get numb. I definitely had to
reapply my lipstick.
"I love you, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald," Miguel told me, emphasizing on my new name.
He gave me a killer smile which showed his pearly white teeth.
"Hmm, I love you, too," I answered, my head close to his.
"I can't believe we're married!" Miguel said. He took my hand in his. At that moment,
a picture of the past went through the both of us. We shared a vision together. A moment of us
back in our youth, when we were playing and had "gotten married." Young Jessica, Paloma,
Reese and Simone had congratulated us. Just like they were doing today.
"I have waited forever for you, Miguel!" I said, kissing him softly on the lips, "And
now you're mine."
"Forever and ever, Kay. Just like I vowed to be."
I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes. This was better than I had imagined it to
be. The pieces of my jigsaw puzzle (or should I say life) were finally connecting to create
something amazing. My being Miguel's wife.
______________________________________________________________________________
The limo finally reached Harmony Park. David Hastings had already arrived - ready
to photograph our wonderful day. But Miguel wasn't ready. He had lip stains all over his face
from the time we were kissing in the limo. Just for fun, David took a picture of Miguel with
red lipstick marks across his face. Miguel and I laughed in delight at that.
We took some pictures by the water, in each other's arms and some standing in front
of a nice white building. I knew they would come out great. I couldn't wait to see them. After
our photography session was over, we were ready to go to the reception hall and celebrate this
wonderful thing called a marriage.
______________________________________________________________________________
The limousine finally pulled up in front of the reception hall, where many of the guests
had already arrived. We had invited everyone we knew, including my Dad's side of the family,
Miguel's relatives and old and new friends. The tally of the guests who would be at the
reception was near two hundred.
I couldn't wait to share that first dance with Miguel as husband and wife.
Once the DJ got word of our arrival, he made sure everyone was seated and quiet as
they waited for our entrance.
"Do I look ok?" I couldn't help asking Miguel. I think my dress had gotten wrinkled in
the limo since Miguel and I had been making out pretty heavily!
"Wifey, you look gorgeous," he responded, kissing my cheek.
"I like the sound of that," I told him.
"Of what?" he asked charmingly. "Wifey or gorgeous?"
"Both," I answered giving him a sly wink.
He raised his eyebrows in amusement. The usher informed us that everything was
ready for us to go inside.
Miguel and I held hands as we stepped into the spacious and beautifully decorated
ballroom.
Music began to play as we walked to the center of the dance floor and began to share
a slow dance. The music being played was Lonestar's "Amazed." {a/n: thanx to Renee
(devilsclaw90@hotmail.com) for helping me pick out this song!}
"Looks like we picked the same song for our first dance as husband and wife," Miguel
told me, grinning.
"What?" I asked.
"Well, you talked with the DJ about the music right? And did you so humbly suggest
what song you wanted to dance to first?"
"Yes," I answered as I thought about where he was going with this.
"Well, I did the same Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. Looks like we have something else in
common."
"Hmm," I mumbled in awe, "I love you."
"I love you, too,"
We began to sway to the beat of the soft music being played:
Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams
~~--~~ I placed my head on his available shoulder as we danced to the
beauty that was our love. ~~--~~
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you
~~--~~ "I chose this song because it describes how I feel about you
exactly," Miguel whispered in my ear. I stared at him, love shining in my
eyes. "Same here," I answered slowly. "Every lyric."~~--~~
The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time, every time
I want to spend the whole night in your eyes
~~--~~ "Kiss me, Kay," Miguel coaxed, gently running his fingers
through my soft skin. "My pleasure, hubby," I answered as I brought my lips
closer to his. We shared a deep sensual kiss as everyone watched on. ~~--~~
Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you
~~--~~ "Like the song says, wifey," Miguel told me in a hushed tone, "it just keeps
getting better every time I'm with you." I blinked back tears of joy as I gave him a dazzling
smile. ~~--~~
Once the song ended, everyone began to clap. Miguel and I went to every single table
where our loved ones were seated and David Hastings took the pictures. That took about an
hour. Then Miguel and I sat down in the main table and began to eat as well. Ricky came by
the two of us at that moment.
"Mommy, Daddy?" he asked.
"What is it, Ricky?" I asked, as I made him sit on my lap.
"Congratulations. Are we a family now?"
I looked up at Miguel and saw him grinning.
He grabbed his son, and gave him a hug. "We are going to be the best family ever!" he
told him, kissing his forehead.
"Ya!" Ricky said happily, as he sauntered away.
Miguel and I smiled in delight. Everything was so wonderful. The way I had hoped it
would be.
After we finished eating, Miguel and I went back to dancing. My feet were already
hurting me, but I didn't care. I would dance this night away with Miguel by my side.
Slowly the other couples in Harmony got up to dance as well.
Miguel kissed me passionately as he kneeled me down right in front of everyone.
More clapping and shouts of congratulations was heard.
Beth and Luis were dancing nearby. They approached us.
"Way to go, bro!" Luis said, hugging his brother. "Welcome to the family, Kay," he
said, giving me a hug as well.
"Congratulations, SISTER!" Beth said, emphasizing on the sister part.
I stared at her in confusion. I then realized that we HAD become sisters. Miguel was
Beth's brother in law. And now Beth was related to me as well! Oh this was great! I was
related to two of my closest friends now - Beth and Gwen.
I hugged Beth happily after the realization that we were sisters. I understood now that
in my life, Miguel had given me more than his just his love; he had given me a son, happiness,
and now a sister who was already a best friend! I truly loved him; he was my reason for being
and I felt more than blessed that he felt the same way.
We continued to dance - or at least tried to. It seemed like everyone began to stand
up, go to where we were dancing and congratulate us personally. But we didn't mind.
"Aww you guys are so cute together!" squealed Theresa as she walked over to us,
holding Ethan's hand. Pilar, Paloma, Reese, Sheridan and Antonio followed them, in tow.
"Thank you, Theresa," I said.
"Call me sister, call me sister!" she objected. "You have a lot of sister's now," she
giggled, looking over towards Paloma, Sheridan, and Beth.
"And brothers!" Antonio added.
"And a future brother!" Reese put in, staring deeply at Paloma. He gave her a wink.
I smiled back at all of them.
Everyone began to leave then besides Pilar.
She gave me and Miguel a hug. "This is the most wonderful day!" she exclaimed. "My
youngest son has married a girl who has been like a daughter to me! I'm so happy for both of
you!"
"Thank you, Pilar...mother in law," I answered. "You've always been like a mother to
me anyway, and now I can officially call you that!"
"Well you better!" She grinned at the two of us, contented.
Miguel and I went back to our dancing before Noah and Gwen approached us together.
"How about I dance with your new wife while you dance with mine, ehh Miguel?" my
older brother suggested.
"Sure," Miguel said, as he walked towards Gwen and took her hand, "but don't keep
her away from me too long."
"I won't," Noah answered as he strode me off to dance.
"Congratulations, little sis," he said warmly. "You have finally gotten everything
you've ever wanted!"
"Yes I have!" I answered as we continued dancing.
"Have you thought about where your going to be living?" Noah asked. I could tell he
was hoping that we would stay at my house. Noah had definitely missed me this past decade
and a half. We hadn't seen each other for eight of those years.
"I don't know yet, Miguel and I haven't discussed it."
"Oh," he answered simply.
I felt a tugging at my wedding dress just then. Noah and I turned to see who it was.
"Mommy, mommy!" Ricky said impatiently. "Can I dance with you, too?"
"Sure son," I replied, overjoyed to be sharing a dance with my son on the day I was
marrying his father.
Noah left the two of us alone to dance for a while. The song being played was a fast
one so Ricky and I bopped to the beat of the music.
Once the song ended, Miguel came by the two of us and very politely asked Ricky if
he could dance with his mommy again.
"Ok, but only for a little bit," Ricky joked, walking off.
Miguel and I shared a laugh as he swept me off my feet once again.
I put my head on his shoulder and sighed in happiness.
He lifted my chin so I would look into his eyes. His chocolate brown's were shining with
merriment as were my baby blues.
His fingers traced the outline of my lips while his other free hand caressed my soft
hair.
"I love you," he said daintily.
"I love YOU," I answered fluently.
I felt a tapping on my shoulder. I turned around to see my best friend from Connecticut
staring back at me. He looked very handsome in his navy blue tux and gelled back hair.
"Tony!" I cried out, hugging him hard. "I've missed you so much!"
"I missed you too, babe," he answered as he hugged me back.
I grinned at him. I was so happy that he had come today. I realized that I should
probably introduce Miguel to Tony and vice versa.
"Miguel this is Tony," I said to my husband. "And Tony, this is Miguel."
"So this is the ever so famous Tony," Miguel said as he extended his hand so Tony
could shake it.
"Uh-oh," Tony replied, laughing. "What has Kay been telling you about me?"
"Well..." Miguel began to say but stopped. "No, I'm just kidding, she just says you
were a great friend to her."
"Well she was a great friend to me."
"Is a great friend not was," I correcred Tony.
"Right," he said. "Well, I just wanted to congratulate the two of you." He smiled
kindly at the two of us. "Kay I'm expecting a dance with you later," he added before walking
off.
"Definitely," I answered.
Just as Tony was turning around to walk back to his seat, Jessica ran over to where
Miguel and I were standing, our arms linked together.
"Kay, Miguel," she hollered but ran smack into Tony before she could continue.
"I hardly call that a nice way to meet a beautiful girl," Tony told her, once he could see
who he had bumped into. "But if that's the way I'm gonna meet YOU, then I'll settle for it."
Jessica looked at me, like 'help me out her big sis!' I could tell she was blushing. I
raised an eyebrow at her.
"What's your name, beautiful?" he asked my sister.
Jessica didn't speak. She was still blushing ...
"Her name's Jessica," I told Tony for her.
"Oh," he said, looking up at me for a second before returning his gaze to Jess.
"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl."
"I bet you say that to every girl that bumps into you," Jessica finally spoke up.
"Nope, just you," he answered, giving her a sexy wink. "How 'bout a dance?"
Jessica didn't give a verbal reply but took his extended hand as he led her off to share
a dance.
"I think Harmony has found itself a new couple," Miguel remarked to me.
"Seems like it," I said in enjoyment as I watched those two glide through the dance
floor.
______________________________________________________________________________
{a/n: ok, change of plans unfortunately. i was going to make the wedding just one chapter, which was going to be hell of a long one. instead the freakin' thing wouldnt let me upload almost a 7000 word chapter. so ya. the wedding is cut into two halves. enjoy it anyway. and sorry for the delay!}