THE RECEPTION
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Ritz Carlton-Washington DC
The guests were assembled in the grand ballroom of the Ritz Carlton. They were snacking on hors d'oeurves and sipping champagne. The bridal party, including Mac and Harriet, were in an anteroom waiting to be announced. Gunny and Simone were off in a corner by themselves and could see no one else.
"Well good evening Mrs. Galindez" Gunny said tilting Simone's chin up for a kiss.
Simone giggled, "I love the way that sounds".
There was a knock on the door by Karen, the wedding coordinator. "Is everyone ready? It's time."
Tiner walked over to Gunny and Simone saying, "I hate to interrupt but it's time to go and celebrate."
Gunny and Simone smiled brilliantly and followed their bridal party to the door.
The D.J. stopped the music and called for the attention of the guests. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to introduce the bridal party." The door opened and he continued. "First we have Miss Sarah MacKenzie and Mrs. Harriet Sims-Roberts, the personal attendants to the bride.
"Mr. Clayton Webb escorting Miss Carina Galindez.
Midshipman Michael Roberts escorting Miss Valerie Galindez.
Lieutenant Bud Roberts escorting Miss Claudia Galindez.
Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. escorting Miss Maria Galindez.
The flower girl Miss Grace Gonzalez and the ring bearer Master AJ Roberts
The best man Petty Officer First Class Jason Tiner and the Maid of Honor Alyxandra Anderson
And I am proud to introduce the bride and groom: Gunnery Sergeant and Mrs. Victor Michael Galindez."
The room was filled with applause as they made their way to the head table. They got to their seats and heard the sound of forks tapping on glasses. They were happy to oblige their guests by kissing.
The D.J. spoke again. "It's time for the toast from the best man."
Everyone rose and Tiner took the microphone from the D.J. Tiner took a deep breath and began.
"It is my great privilege to be standing here today with Simone and Victor as they begin their lives together. Gunny, you have quickly become the brother I didn't have. And Simone, you are an amazing woman. The room lights up when the two of you are in it because of the love shining in your eyes when you look at each other. You complete each other and we should all be so lucky to have found our soul mate. Congratulations on this day and may you have many happy years together." Tiner raised his glass and said, "To you."
The guests echoed the sentiment as Gunny kissed Simone once again. Tiner gave the microphone back to the D.J.
"It's now time for the bride and groom to share their first dance." Gunny led Simone to the dance floor and the first strains of "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You" began. Simone was expecting to hear the voice of Marc Anthony but the voice of her favorite cousin Paul filled the room. Simone's eyes filled with tears as he sang, accompanied by his wife Karen.
Moon so bright, night so fine
Keep your heart here with mine
Life's a dream we're dreaming
Race the moon, catch the wind
Ride the night to the end
Seize the day, stand up for the light
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
Heroes rise heroes fall
Rise again, win it all
In your heart, can't you feel the glory?
Through our joy, through our pain
We an move world's again
Take my hand, dance with me (dance with me)
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
I will want nothing else to see me through
If I can spend my lifetime loving you
Though we know we will never come again
Where there is love, live begins
Over and over again
Save the night, save the day
Save the love, come what may
Love is worth everything we pay
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
I will want nothing else to see me through
If I can spend my lifetime loving you
Simone was still in shock at Paul and Karen being there. She always dreamed of having them sing at her wedding.
"How did you know? I never told you." Simone said.
Gunny kissed the tip of her nose and said, "Your mom told me how much it would mean to you and I had to make it happen for you."
Simone looked up at him adoringly and asked, "Have I told you how much I love you?"
Gunny smiled and replied, "You may have mentioned it but I'll never get tired of hearing it."
Gunny and Simone discussed not having the traditional father-daughter dance but that changed when he spoke to her cousin. Paul walked over to the couple and asked, "May I have this dance?" Gunny released Simone and brought his mother to the dance floor. They danced to "You Are Not Alone" from the play "Into the Woods." It was a favorite of Simone's. When the song finished, Paul returned Simone to Gunny and the wedding party and their significant others joined them on the dance floor.
Mac settled into Harm's embrace and he asked her, "How long until our flight leaves?"
"Four hours and twenty three minutes."
"I can't wait" Harm whispered pulling her closer.
The dancing came to an end and it was time for dinner and then the cutting of the cake. Gunny promised not to smash the cake into Simone's face but she made no such promise.
He teased, "You're going to pay for that later."
She grinned and said, "I'm counting on it."
It was time for the tossing of the bouquet and garter. All the single women met in the middle of the dance floor. Simone wanted to throw it to Alyx. Then she thought Mac might be a better choice. She smiled to herself and thought I know who I am going to aim for. It would make her so happy to marry her man. Simone turned from her friends and tossed the bouquet over her shoulder. It landed right where she hoped it would; in Anna's hands. Anna looked flabbergasted but then broke out into a huge grin. She looked for Simone and smiled. Simone shrugged her shoulders innocently but had an impish grin on her face.
She sat in a chair as Gunny knelt before her. He slid his hands up her leg until he found the garter. He pulled it down and off her ankle. The single guys lined up where the girls had been. Simone didn't have time to tell Gunny to aim for Webb. All she could do was cross her fingers. Gunny shot the garter over his shoulder and it Webb caught it. I'm not taking any chances letting someone else catch it Webb thought. He found Anna and gathered her into his arms for a dance.
The couple spent the next several hours mingling with their friends and family. Before they knew it the night was winding down. Mac pulled Simone aside and told her that she and Harm were eloping that night.
Simone was thrilled for her friend and told her, "Have a safe trip and I would love to be the one to throw you a party when we're both back from our honeymoons."
Mac hugged her and said, "That would be
wonderful."
Harm and Mac headed out the door.
Simone's mom told her, "You two go ahead. We'll take care of everything here."
She hugged her daughter who was crying. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm just so happy and everything was perfect." Simone sniffled.
Gunny took Simone's hands and said, "It was meant to be. That's why it was perfect." They hugged their families and left for the bridal suite.
In the elevator on the way up Gunny got a wicked look in his eye. "I haven't forgotten that I owe you for the cake in the face down there."
Simone retorted just as wickedly, "I wouldn't let you forget."
They arrived at their door. Gunny unlocked it and carried his bride over the threshold. She smiled at him and his heart melted. He put out the "do not disturb" sign as Simone was lighting some candles.
He pulled her into his arms saying, "Mrs. Galindez, let me show you how much I love you." And he turned out the lights.
Tomorrow they would leave for their honeymoon but they had all night.
