"Emma, can I help you with that?"
Emma turned towards the doorway and smiled as she saw her future mother in law, Jean Bertier. Emma was just minutes away from marrying the love her life.
"Thanks Jean", Emma said as the older woman fastened the last few buttons on the bride's white dress.
"I just wanted to tell you how very pretty you look today."
"Thank you. I'm just so nervous."
"Oh there's no need to be although it's perfectly normal. Listen Emma, I just wanted to say..."
"What Jean? Is something the matter?"
"Oh no", she replied as tears started to brim her eyes. "I just wanted to tell you how happy I am right now for both you and Gerry. When you become a mother one day, you'll see that there is nothing more important than your children's safety and happiness. From the moment Gerry was first born, all I ever wanted was for him to be safe and happy and healthy. He's the apple of my eye. He's been through so much yet he's so strong...but you've been strong too, for the both of you. And Gerry loves you so much. I know I'm babbling but I am so thrilled and so blessed that God has chosen such a beautiful and wonderful young lady to marry my boy. You're a good girl Emma and I love you just like a daughter. I just wanted you to know that."
Emma couldn't help it when her own tears spilled and the two women stood hugging and crying for what seemed like forever. Then it was time to gather all composure. A wedding was just minutes away...
Gerry's heart melted as he saw his future wife on the arm of her father. She'd always been a pretty girl but there were no words to describe how beautiful she looked in her gown. She was literally glowing. He knew he'd have a hard time keeping it together but the emotion broke way with her first steps down the aisle towards him. She looked like the angel that she truly was.
Julius, Gerry's Best Man, couldn't help but smile broadly. He had never seen Emma look so pretty...or so happy. And Gerry looked like he was about to jump out of his skin with love and excitement. Those two would make it. If ever a couple were meant to be, it was Gerry Bertier and Emma Hoyt. Of course it hadn't always been smooth sailing with Emma and Julius. It had taken a long time for her to get past her fears and prejudices but she'd finally come around and they'd actually grown to be close friends. It was funny how two people so different who had started off on the wrong foot, were now practically like family.
"Who brings this woman to marry this man?", the minister asked.
"Her mother and me", Mr. Hoyt declared proudly.
"Very well. This is the time you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you both every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship. We who are witnessing your marriage, hope that despite the stresses inevitable in any life your Love, Respect for each other, your trust and understanding of each other will increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living. Before you Gerry and Emma are joined in marriage in my presence of these your family, friends and witnesses, I am to remind you of the serious and binding nature of the relationship you are now about to enter. I shall now ask you to make your marriage vows. Gerry, will you take Emma to be your lawful wife, will you love her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others keep only unto her so long as you both shall live?"
"I will", Gerry grinned.
"Emma, will you take Gerry to be your lawful husband, will you love him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others keep only unto him so long as you both shall live?"
"I will."
Wiping away a tear, Gerry looked into Emma's eyes as he slipped the ring on her finger.
"Emma, with this ring, I thee wed."
"Gerry, with this ring, I thee wed."
The minister continued.
"As you have consented together to be bound to one another in lawful marriage. You have made special promises to each other which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, taking of vows and by the giving and receiving of rings. By the authority vested in me, according to the laws of the state of Virginia, I now pronounce you to be husband and wife. Now that the ceremony is over and the experience of living day by day is about to begin, go and meet it gladly. Ladies and gentleman, embrace of Gerry and Emma, Mr. and Mrs. Bertier."
The guests stood and applauded. Julius shook his best friend's hand and gave Emma a kiss on the cheek. Then it was off to the reception hall.
"We did it, sugar" Gerry squeezed her hand. "We're married now."
Emma could barely speak. It had been the most emotional yet happiest day of her life. The fairytale was complete. Her Prince Charming had finally come along. For most of her life Gerry had been a strong, important and special force. Now legally and spiritually they were bound forever. She could hardly contain her glee as she began to imagine their life together, living in cute little home with lots of animals and children. It warmed her heart to know that she would no longer have to imagine...all her fantasies and dreams were now a reality. They'd had the perfect wedding complete with friends and family and all the people that mattered most to them. The guests graciously greeted them in the receiving line, then Emma and Gerry moved on the cutting of the cake. Then it was time for Julius to make his toast.
"Actually I don't want to take up too much time today running my trap. I'm just glad to be here and be apart of all this. It's truly a beautiful thing to see two people so happy and in love. Gerry has been my best friend for six years now. We've been through a lot together, man. You are more than a friend. I consider you like a brother. I've watched your joys and sadness and tragedies and triumphs and through it all, you've come out on top, Superman. Knowing you all those years and watching you live your life has truly been a blessing. Man, you've inspired me and so many other people here more than you'll ever know. So I thank you and Emma for letting me be here. Gerry, it was an honor to be your Best Man today. I know you waited a long time for this day and it's finally here and nobody's happier for you, bro. Emma, you're a beautiful and special girl. You and I started off wrong but we've come a long way since then and I'm glad because it's been great getting to know the real you and becoming your friend. The love and devotion that you have for Gerry amazes me everyday. Man, you've got a good woman here so you better take care of her. I know I don't have to say that because I know how much you love her. You two are quite the pair and anyone who has ever seen you two together knows that you are soul mates. So here is to lots of love, peace, happiness, and joy. Good luck, you guys. We all love you."
The speech, beautiful and emotional was a testament to the bond they all shared.
"Okay everyone", the music director announced. "It is now time for the bride and groom to take the floor for the first dance."
The room suddenly fell silent as guests exchanged uneasy glances. No sooner than the man made the announcement, he realized that he had put his foot in his mouth. What an insensitive thing to say when the groom was in a wheelchair. Over a hundred people, including the bride, held their collective breath but Gerry just gave Emma a sweet smile.
"You heard the man, sugar."
He wheeled out to the middle of the floor and guided Emma onto his lap. Once again the room erupted with applause as Gerry held his new wife close and slowly spun around the floor as The Eagles' "Hotel California" played.
On a dark desert highway
Cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas
Rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance
I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy, and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night
There she stood in the doorway
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself
This could be Heaven or this could be Hell
Then she lit up a candle
And she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor
I thought I heard them say
Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year
Any time of year
You can find it here
You can find it here
"Baby, this is my favorite song."
"I know and there was no way I was gonna miss the chance to dance with my beautiful wife", Gerry smiled.
Her mind is Tiffany twisted
She's got the Mercedes bends
She's got a lot of pretty, pretty boys
That she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard
Sweet summer sweat
Some dance to remember
Some dance to forget
So I called up the Captain
Please bring me my wine
He said
We haven't had that spirit here since 1969
And still those voices are calling from far away
Wake you up in the middle of the night
Just to hear them say
Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely Place
Such a lovely Place (background)
Such a lovely face
They're livin' it up at the Hotel California
What a nice surprise
What a nice surprise (background)
Bring your alibis