Meant To Be
Chapter 7
Casper Gooden was just settling down for dinner in his office when he saw the young man approach the customer service desk. He decided to watch, knowing that other guests were complaining about the hostess in customer service. Even though there was no sound on the camera, he could read lips and read them well. Now he would finally get down to the bottom of this once and for all.
He continued to watch the screen and saw as the hostess exchange words with the young man.
"Why are you so dressed up? Did someone die? You never dressed up for me."
" Pam, I really don't have time for this today. Can you tell me where the ballroom is or not?
Casper then saw as the security guard approached and then as the scene escalated. He got up and threw his napkin down on the plate and walked out of his office. He had seen enough.
S/C
Alexx stared helplessly as the security guards started to walk Tim to the rear of the lobby, knowing that Calleigh would be devastated to hear about this. She followed them slightly before hearing a familiar voice call out from the security guard's radio.
" Captain Johnston, release that man," the voice called out. Alexx turned to see Casper as he walked with huge strides to meet them. Once he got there he glared at the officers and then glanced to Alexx.
" Casper! I'm glad to see you ! There's been a gross misunderstanding," Alexx said as she stepped up.
" I was only asking for directions," Tim said in a defeated tone. He had lost all of his fire when he thought about the wedding that he wasn't going to make.
" I know, I saw everything," Casper returned. He then turned to the customer service desk and pointed to Pam. " You! I've gotten too many complaints from other guests and I had the chance to see you in action. You caused all this on purpose."
Pam looked shocked and started to protest before she remembered the cameras that were positioned all over the lobby and the faint rumor that Casper Gooden could read lips. She knew that she was done for. She sneered at Tim as she stepped from behind the desk and took off her hotel uniform jacket and slung it at Casper. " I quit."
They all watched as Pam walked out of the lobby and on to the street. Then Casper turned to Tim and motioned to the security guard to take the cuffs off.
" I'm sorry about that, sir. I hope this doesn't impede on your opinion of this facility," Casper offered.
" No, it's okay," Tim. said as he rubbed his wrist. His only thought was to get to the ballroom. And Calleigh.
" No, I feel like I should make amends for her behavior. How about I give you the Presidential Suite for the night. It's the least I could do."
Tim's face lit up in a huge smile and nodded, " Well, that will do," and then to the guard who was still holding his nose, " No hard feelings, man?"
The security guard shook his head somberly. He had jumped to a conclusion about the whole situation and felt like a jerk. Alexx smiled and hugged Casper then turned to Tim.
" Timmy, you have to be somewhere, so get going."
Tim looked over to Eric and Horatio and gestured to them, " Gentlemen, I have a beautiful woman waiting for me."
Alexx pointed to the door he was to go through and then made her way back to the ballroom, praying that Calleigh wasn't about to lose her mind.
S/C
" Daddy, what's taking so long?" Calleigh asked as she watched the second hand tick on the crystal clock.
" I don't know, Lambchop, maybe he got into a fist fight or something," Kenwall joked.
" That's not funny, daddy. Knowing Tim., it could be true," Calleigh replied as she glanced back to the clock. It seemed like the time stopped. She had no idea where Tim was and it was frightening her. When the door opened she saw Alexx as she slipped into the room. " What was going on out there?"
" Some guest was having trouble with the hostess at the customer service desk. It's resolved. Are you ready?" Alexx said as she heard the music start again. She grabbed her bridesmaid bouquet and handed Maxine hers.
"Alexx, Tim's not here yet," Maxine said under her breath. Alexx smirked at her then motioned to the outside. Maxine pulled the shear back to see three very handsome gentlemen walking down the aisle behind the priest. "When did he get here?"
"Does it matter?" Alexx asked as she looked back at Calleigh pull her veil down.
" I suppose not. Why does Tim have sunglasses on?" Maxine asked as the door to the beach opened.
" It's a long story," Alexx replied as she took a step out. Finally, the time was here.
S/C
Everyone watched as Alexx strode down the aisle effortlessly and come up to the altar. She stopped to give Tim a peck on the cheek and made her way to her spot. Then all eyes were on Maxine as she too floated down the white aisle. The music stopped as Maxine stood on her spot and everyone got to their feet and focused on the doors of the ballroom. As the chords to a soft classical piece played , the doors flew open and a collective gasp was taken as they took in the beauty of the bride. Tim gazed at her as she walked slowly with her father, unable to keep the tears from falling from under his sunglasses. The beach was quiet with the exception of the pounding surf and the beautiful music filled the air, making it the most beautiful scene that he had ever seen.
As Calleigh finally made it to the altar, Kenwall stepped away and pulled his daughter's veil up and gave her a light kiss on the cheek.
" Who gives this woman in marriage?" Father Donahue asked.
" I do," Kenwall said as he stepped away from Calleigh again and allowed Tim to take his place.
Calleigh glanced at Tim with tears in her eyes, noticing for the first time that he had sunglasses on. Tim grasped her hand, delighted that he could feel her at last and smiled broadly.
" Hey you,"he said raspily.
" Hi," Calleigh mouthed. They then turned to the priest as he began the ceremony. There was not a dry eye around.
S/C
" By the power vested in me , by the great state of Florida, I now pronounce you man and wife. Timothy, you may kiss your bride," the priest bellowed.
Tim smiled as he took the veil in hand and flung it back behind her and took her into his arms, kissing her deeply. Cheers and claps could be heard as the kiss continued for a moment longer and when they stopped, Father Donahue announced, " Friends, Family, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Speedle."
They turned to face the crowd and started to walk down the aisle. Finally, they had made it to their destination. Calleigh turned to Tim and laughed as he got petals in his hair and continued to walk. When they got inside, she gestured to the sunglasses.
" So, Mr. Cool, what caused the bruise?" Calleigh asked as she took the glasses off to reveal a very black bruise.
" I had an accident on the way here," Tim replied as he kissed his wife's hand.
" Are you okay?" She asked as she touched it lightly.
" I am now," Tim said as he took her in a kiss again.
" Are you ever going to tell me what you've been through today?" Calleigh asked as she saw the people filtering in.
" How long will we be on our honeymoon?"
" Was it that bad?"
" Baby, you have no idea," Tim replied as he gave her a bright smile. It made no difference now, the trouble he went through to make it to this point. All he knew was that it was meant to be.
The End.
A/N: Liked it ? Loathed it? Let me know. I throughly enjoyed writing this one. It was so funny to see Speed go through all of this...