THE WEDDING REHEARSAL

STANDARD DISCLAIMERS

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Wedding rehearsal The wedding had been moved up a week from the original date due to the Ritz Carlton being booked the following weekend.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Bethesda, Maryland

Everyone gathered in the entry hallway of the church. Simone was pacing. She couldn't stand still because she was so nervous. She was worried that any number of things would go wrong the next day. Simone's mom and Alyx looked at each other and started to go talk to her but Gunny stopped them and saying, "No, let me go." Gunny took Simone's hand and led her outside.

"Victor, what are we doing out here? It's freezing." Simone complained.

"I'm worried about you. You can't seem to settle down. What's wrong?" Gunny asked with his voice full of concern.

"What if the flowers are wrong? What if my dress gets a tear in it? What if you spill something on your unform? What if…" Gunny cut her off with a kiss.

"Everything is going to be fine. You have planned every last detail and Alyx has it under control."

Simone looked up at him with that look of trust that made his heart stop. He continued, "Besides, tomorrow is for them in there. Our wedding was on Christmas Eve." He held her in his arms and kissed her tenderly for several minutes. She smiled at him and led him into the church. "Let's go get married."

The wedding coordinator Karen rattled off directions.

"Mr. Galindez, you will walk down the aisle and seat yourself and you wife."

"Harm, you will walk Simone's mother down the aisle. Seat her and then come back to the foyer.

The music will start. Simone has chosen Ode to Joy.

"Carina and Clayton, you will go first."

"Valerie and Mike will follow them."

"Next will be Claudia and Bud."

"Then will be Maria and Harm."

"The children will follow them." Grace and A.J. stepped forward.

Harm whispered to Maria, "How is Grace related to your family? Gunny calls her his niece. And isn't she in Simone's class?"

Maria told him, "Grace's father is Victor's best friend since they were in first grade. That's him and his wife over there." She pointed at Grace's parents; Mark and Lizzie Gonzalez. They turned their attention back to the Karen.

"Finally we will have Alyx walk down the aisle. Jason, you will meet her at the center of the aisle and walk her the rest of the way to the altar where you sill split." Jason looked at Alyx and winked. Her stomach did flip-flops. She wondered if there was any possibility that they might be next.

Karen looked at Simone and said, "Then you and the admiral will step to the opening of the doorway." Simone asked the admiral to walk her down the aisle since her father could not be there. "The organ will begin to play Trumpet Voluntary and you will come down the aisle."

The rest of the rehearsal went off without a hitch and everyone headed to the rehearsal dinner. The dinner was being held at the 1789 Restaurant in DC. The banquet room was ready and waiting. Everyone enjoyed cocktails while Gunny and Simone circulated. After dinner Gunny was going home with Tiner. Alyx was going to spend the night with Simone. It quickly grew late and people began saying their goodnights. Tiner, Alyx, Gunny and Simone were the last ones there.

"Tiner, you're sure you have the rings?" Gunny asked him while trying not to sound worried.

Tiner looked at Gunny and told him reassuringly, "They're locked up in my apartment. Go tell you bride goodnight so we can get some sleep. You look like you need it."

Gunny grimaced, "Thanks Tiner" but he walked over to where Simone was talking to Alyx.

Simone laced her fingers with his and Alyx quietly excused herself.

Gunny looked down at Simone tenderly, "Do you realize that by this time tomorrow night you will officially be Mrs. Galindez?"

"I can't wait" she sighed. "I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight. I'm still nervous and I'll miss having you next to me."

Gunny gathered her in his arms and said, "I know what you mean. Sleeping with Tiner just isn't the same."

They burst out laughing and Gunny kissed Simone one last time before they parted company for the night. Simone and Alyx left first. Tiner looked at Gunny and said, "You are a lucky man." Gunny smiled and said, "Yes, I am." They walked out to the car and headed for Tiner's apartment.