Chapter 16: So Close
Tomorrow was the Big Day. Well for all of the press and political people in DC, tomorrow was a huge day. Ainsley and Sam had made it- or very close to making it. After 15 months of dating and one year and six months of being engaged, their wedding day is tomorrow- May 3rd. Both Sam and Ainsley couldn't stop from showing their excitement. The President allowed everyone to have a half-day of work so that they could attend the rehearsal and dinner. Ainsley's immediate family was present for the rehearsal, which she hasn't seen since her dad's death. Sam's mom and dad were also watching the rehearsal, but sat on opposite sides of the lawn, trying their best to avoid talking to each other. The day before, the couple gave out shirts to the wedding party that said, "Bride's Maid," "Groomsmen," or "Mother/ Father of the Groom/ Bride" to their family and friends. Of course the President had to sport the special shirt that said, "Boss."
"Now this is the point where you would read your vows and say 'I do,'" said the minister officiating the wedding. Sam and Ainsley looked into each other's eyes and smiled. "Then you get to kiss each other."
"Kiss!" yelled Donna. Sam and Ainsley kissed just for Donna's sake.
"Oh, come on Spanky," said CJ. "You can do better than that!"
Sam blushed, but smiled at CJ and Donna. "I'm saving it for the wedding."
"Then you will turn to face the crowd and then walk down the aisle," said the minister. Everyone cheered as the couple did what they were told.
After getting some final notes from the minister and going over tomorrow's events with one of the party organizers of the White House, it was time for dinner.
"Let's go eat!" yelled out Ainsley as the wedding party made their way to the White House where the First Family decided to hold an informal rehearsal dinner. Since everyone was in their t-shirts and jeans, the dinner was very relaxed and Ainsley made sure everyone went easy with the drinking, since they had a big day tomorrow. Before the dessert came out, Ainsley in her "Bride" shirt and Sam in his "Groom" shirt decided to give their speech together.
"We would like to thank everyone for traveling so far to be here to celebrate with us," said a tearful Ainsley. "Sam and I would like to thank the President and First Lady for hosting this dinner and allowing us to use their home for our wedding."
Sam decided to take over the speech before Ainsley began crying too much. "We would also like to thank our bridesmaids, Nicole, CJ, and Donna, and the groomsmen, Josh, Toby, and Charlie for helping us plan this event and for organizing our very fun bachelor and bachelorette parties. Thank you to the Hayes family for being so supported and inviting me into your family. Ainsley and I miss Mr. Hayes deeply and know he would be looking over our ceremony and our marriage." A moment of silence came over the group as they thought about Mr. Hayes passing some months ago. Sam continued, "Thank you to my family for attending this event and for accepting Ainsley. And to Ainsley: I feel so lucky to have you as my wife and my best friend. I can't think of anyone else I would want to spend the rest of my life with." Sam leaned in to give Ainsley a little kiss then smiled at his beautiful fiancée.
Ainsley took over the speech again. "We would like to give everyone a little gift for being there for us through this time of our lives." Sam passed out bags to each person at the table that was involved with the wedding. Ainsley gave the bridesmaids a silver cuff bracelet with their names inscribed on it while Sam gave the groomsmen a silver-plated mouse for their computer with their names inscribed also. The President and Leo got a pen set since they aren't as high tech as the other staff. The First Lady and mothers got engraved bookmarkers and Sam's dad got a set of golf ball that had "Father of the Groom" and the date of the nuptials printed on the golf balls. Along with these gifts, everyone got a travel mug with their names engraved on them. The President said that now no one has an excuse for not being awake during his meetings.
Then Sam's dad stood up to make an unexpected toast. "Being the father of the groom, I would like to make a toast," he announced. The table room became awkwardly silent. "My son, Sam and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Ainsley, I hope you two have much happiness and you enjoy your special day tomorrow. I would say 'good-luck' to you two, but I'm sure you won't need it. Sam and Ainsley," said George as he raised his glass in the air.
"Sam and Ainsley!" repeated the room full of people.