We arrived at Silver Creek Baptist Church in the nick of time. As a bridesmaid I definitely didn't want to be late for the rehearsal. Of course the flight had been delayed, the rental car reservations lost and then there was the matter of checking into a hotel. Charlie had insisted because of my parents and I couldn't much blame him. At a hotel at least we wouldn't have to listen to their crap and we could sleep in the same bed.

"So this is the church your mom wants us to be married in?" Charlie asked as we got out of the car.

"This is it."

"It's really nice and big too", he said as we went inside. "Wow if we do it here I can only imagine how beautiful you're gonna look coming down this aisle."

He said it with a sweet sincerity that made me smile and grab his hand.

"Come on, sweetie. We're gonna be late."

As soon as we were inside it was like a Titan reunion. I waved and gave everyone quick hugs as the Wedding Planner began to get everyone situated in their places.

"Okay we have the bride and groom, Emma Hoyt and Gerry Bertier", the woman began. "As the ceremony starts, Gerry will be at the front along with his Best Man, Julius Campbell. The first person down the aisle will be Anna Beth Wright, the Maid of Honor. Each groomsmen will march the entire length of the aisle and take his place behind the groom and Best Man. Then a bridesmaid will walk and stop at this pew, which is exactly half way down the aisle. The groomsmen will then walk back down the aisle and escort the bridesmaid the remainder of the way to her position behind the Maid of Honor. After all groomsmen and bridesmaids are in place, the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl will follow and then the bride and her father will make their entrance. The order and pairings of the wedding party will go as follows. First groomsmen and bridesmaid will be Jerry Harris and Sandra Emerson. Second are Alan Bosley and Donna Tucker. Next are Daryl Stanton and Wilma Fitzgerald. Louis Lastik and Katherine Jackson, Tom "Petey" Jones and Lisa Wilson and finally Ronald Bass and Mary-Courtney Davis."

I made a small but audible gasp as the Director read the final list of pairings. Ronnie and I were going to walk down the aisle together. I looked across the way and he gave me a shy smile. All eyes in the church were upon us but no one dare spoke a word, except Petey that is. He took one look at Ronnie, one look at me, one look at Charlie and another look at Ronnie and burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

"What's with that guy?" Charlie asked.

"Nothing", I sighed. "He's just being Petey. Look, I have to do this practice run through, alright? It shouldn't take long. You'll be okay sitting here?"

"I'll be fine", he said giving me a quick kiss.

I hurried off and found my position with the rest of the party. Rehearsal ran on rather quickly and I managed to make it through both practices simply by not looking Ronnie in the eye. It was better that way. We were friends and on good terms but the whole church, wedding, holding hands down an aisle thing was just too intense and way too awkward. I was relieved when it was over and then it was on to the rehearsal dinner, which was being held at a nearby restaurant. It was good food and a relaxing couple of hours. The more time that passed, the more the older adults began to disperse. Pretty soon it was the groom, bride, groomsmen, Charlie and myself left.

"One more round of shots", Petey announced as he lifted his glass. "And this is to my man, Gerry. To your last night of freedom and uh, just so you know, my car is out back so it ain't too late to back out."

"Petey!" Emma screamed, playfully smacking him.

"What? You know I'm just kidding, baby girl", he grinned.

"It's alright, Petey", Gerry said. "You don't have to worry about me backing out. I ain't heading nowhere except for that church tomorrow. Emma, I can't wait to marry you, sugar. Been waiting on this moment my whole life."

They kissed and we all gave a sappy "Aaawwwwwww" as the two lovers kissed. I was so happy for Gerry and Emma. It was as if God had made them for one another. Ever since we were little kids they had been the real deal. They kissed and looked in each other's eyes like they were the only two people on earth.

"This is a great moment", Alan said with a smile. "Gerry and Emma, I'm really happy for you guys. I always knew you would end up together."

"Really?" Emma asked with a smile.

"Shoot yeah", Blue agreed. "Y'all are like the perfect couple. Been together forever."

"Hey, you know who was the perfect couple?" Petey asked, the liquor obviously starting to talk for him.

"Who?" Louie asked.

I prayed the conversation wasn't going to drift where I thought it was.

"Old Sunshine and Mary-Courtney!"

Damn me for always being right.

"That's true", Julius smiled. "Y'all were pretty cute together."

"Cute?" Petey continued. "Hell if they were any cuter, they would have been cocker spaniels. Mary-Courtney and Sunshine were the all American couple, the Barbie and Ken of T.C. Williams."

I love Petey to death but sometimes he didn't know when to put a cork in it.

"That was a long time ago, Petey", Ronnie tried to laugh.

"It wasn't that long ago. Besides man, you really loved that girl. Y'all were always good together. It's a shame y'all didn't work it out."

"Petey", I said, clearing my throat and gesturing towards Charlie.

"My fault, man", Petey added quickly. "I wasn't trying to be rude. I was just saying that you never forget your first love, that's all. No hard feelings, huh?"

"No hard feelings, bro", Charlie said as he returned his low five.

There was a mild level of discomfort but it was getting late and we all needed to head back. I said my good byes to everyone and Charlie and I drove back to the hotel in pleasant silence. I was exhausted and looking forward to a hot bath and a long rest.

"Tonight was a good time", Charlie observed as he walked into the bathroom. "I think the wedding is going to turn out nice."

"Yeah", I agreed.

I really didn't want to talk, I just wanted to continue soaking in the bubble filled tub.

"Mind if I join you?"

I did but I didn't want to be rude so I nodded. Charlie joined me in the small tub and sighed as the warm water engulfed us.

"So..."

"So..."

"You and Sunshine used to be quite the hot couple, huh?"

"I don't know. I guess."

"How come you never told me about him?"

I gave Charlie an "A" for effort at least trying to sound casual.

"I don't know. Is it that big of a deal?"

"No, not really. I guess not. Um...why, why did you guys break up?"

"Because we grew apart. Shit happens Charlie, you know? We were just a couple of high school kids when we got together, then we went to college in different states and our lives were different and we were different. We grew up, I guess."

"Was it real? I mean, at the time."

"I suppose it was", I murmured honestly.

"Did you guys ever...you know? Was he your first?"

"Charlie Foreman, I am not answering that!"

"Sorry. Geez, babe, I didn't mean to offend you or upset you."

"Then why are you asking me all these ridiculous questions?" I asked as I hopped out of the tub and reached for a towel.

"Because...I saw the way he looked at you tonight."

"What are you talking about?"

"I don't know but it was a look. I can't describe it but you can tell there's a whole lot of history there."

"Well I think you're seeing things. Just don't let it bother you."

"It didn't bother me half as much it did when I saw the way you looked back at him."

I stopped dead in my tracks. Charlie had definitely struck a nerve.

"Charlie, let's not do this now."

"Are you still in love with him? That's all I need to know. Just answer that one question."

"Charlie, I love you and I'm not gonna answer that because you're acting real silly right about now."

"It's okay", he said with a sad look. "I think you just gave me my answer."