Chapter 14
"Beth, hun, what do you want for breakfast? We have to be at the salon by noon, so you'll need to hurry now." Mrs. Reinhart stood at the foot of the bed and tried to rouse her daughter.
Beth moaned. She wanted to sleep a little longer, then she realized what this day was. She sat up straight in her bed. "I'm getting married today!" she yelled. Her mother laughed and threw her bathrobe at her. She left the room, telling Beth once again to get out of bed.
Beth jumped out of her bed and ran into the kitchen. All of her bridesmaids, Helen Girardi, her mother and Grace Polk were gathered around the table placing various items into a tackle box. Beth scrunched her nose and asked if they were preparing for a fishing trip. Annie tossed a package of pantyhose at her and explained that they were assembling the emergency wedding kit. Everything they could possibly need in case of a minor crisis could be found inside.
She looked around and noticed that everyone was already ready to leave the house. Her mother told her to hurry up and get a shower before they were all late for her wedding. Beth dashed into the bathroom. She took her time in the shower, though. She wanted to be relaxed and prepared for the day. Finally, Beth felt that she was clean and refreshed. She shut off the water and grabbed a towel.
Meanwhile, Kevin, Jack, Jerrod and Kerry were just about to finish their nine holes of golf for the morning. Kevin, normally quite a controlled golfer, was hitting the ball all over the place. Jack had been chasing his shots gone awry for nearly three hours. At last, Jack decided that he wasn't going into the trees anymore. Kevin could just buy more golf balls later. By they time they arrived back at the clubhouse, Kerry had tallied the scores. Kevin finished third behind Kerry and Jerrod. Jack fumed a little, stating that his score didn't really count since Kevin had played so poorly. Kevin agreed. The two of them challenged their friends to a rematch on a day when they had less on their minds. The guys returned their carts and got back into the car. They met Luke, Adam and the fathers back at Jack's house for lunch a few minutes later.
The girls had arrived at the salon a little while earlier and were now being served hors d'oeuvres as they had their hair and nails perfectly coiffed and manicured. Beth exclaimed that she was too excited to eat, but her mother insisted that she at least try a little something. She took a bite of a tiny sandwich, leaving the rest on the plate. The thoughts running through her head were so varied. Thinking of her life with Kevin always made her smile. As she stared at her reflection in the mirror she realized that she was beaming. Annie walked up behind her. Placing her hands on Beth's shoulders, Annie smiled, too. The two sisters giggled and whispered together while the other girls were finishing up. A few minutes later, everyone was done and it was time to leave for the church.
"Dad, how does this thing work?" Kevin asked holding up an indeterminable piece of his tuxedo. Will turned, glanced at the piece of fabric a fully-dressed Kevin was brandishing in front of him.
"Are your clothes falling off without it?" Will wondered.
"I don't think so. Do you see anything falling off?"
Laughing at his son who was furiously attempting to examine his outfit for missing pieces, Will joined the search. "No, buddy, I don't see anywhere that looks naked."
Kevin wasn't convinced. "I'm going to take it with me and ask mom. I don't want to have something missing because Beth will know and then I'll look stupid." He wanted this day to go as smoothly as possible. Nervousness coursed through his body, mingling with excitement. He had never imagined that this day would happen like this, with Beth. Old cynical, sarcastic Kevin had faded away and a thankful, ambitious Kevin was quickly replacing him. Beth had helped that happen. Living up to who he wanted to be for her wouldn't be easy, but it would definitely be a goal that he was anxious to try to attain.
The groomsmen assembled in the living room while Kevin was still contemplating too many things to keep straight. Jerrod worked out transportation assignments. Luke and Kevin would be going together in Kevin's car with the other dispersing among Jack, Jerrod and Will's cars. The two brothers climbed into the vehicle, Kevin in the driver's seat and Luke the passenger. Luke noticed that Kevin was unusually quiet, but he was glad. There were a few things he wanted to say to his older brother.
"Kev?"
"Huh," Kevin answered a few seconds later.
"You ready to do this? You look a little nervous."
"Yeah, definitely, on both parts." Kevin smiled over at his little brother.
Luke wasn't sure how to broach the subject. "I was just jealous," he blurted.
"Excuse me?"
Luke struggled to continue his thought, trying to make Kevin understand. "That day in the car when I told you I was happy about you not being able to walk, I don't think I really meant it. I just felt that it put us a little more on even footing. I always wanted to be like you, but I couldn't. You got all the attention, girls, dad. I wanted that, too, and I thought it would go away because it was attached to the things you did. But as I've watched you over the past few years I've come to realize that it's because of who you are. I'm still a little jealous, but I'm really sorry that I . . ."
Kevin cut him off. "I know, Luke. While I was shocked at first, I told you that I agreed with you. I had been an ass. You've always kept me grounded on that. I've been trying to be a better person, less self-centered. It's been so much harder that I thought it would be. Let's both face it now, I'm fairly awesome." Kevin grinned widely at Luke who shook his head but was smiling as well.
"We don't need to hug or anything do we?" Luke asked uncomfortably.
"Nah, I'll just punch you in the shoulder or something." At this, both brothers laughed out loud. The conversation switched to living in New England, something about which Luke was quite knowledgeable, and before they both realized it, they were in front of the church.
Groomsmen photos were first, followed by bridesmaids and family. Basically everything except the bride and groom together was being done before the ceremony. Finally, after what seemed like a million years and flash bulbs later, the wedding coordinator hustled everyone into place. The music began in the sanctuary as Luke and Jerrod seated the arriving guests. The minister walked into the classroom where the men were waiting. He told them that it was time to go. Kevin and the groomsmen filed into the room as the vocalist began his selection, "To Make You Feel My Love." When he had finished the doors opened and the bridesmaids started down the aisle. The musicians escorted the ladies with a medley of Beatles songs including "Here, There, and Everywhere," "And I Love Her," and "In My Life." Jocelyn, Annika, and Joan wore light purple strapless gowns with a dark violet ribbon around the waist. In contrast, Annie's gown was dark violet and her ribbon was light purple. Kevin smiled as the girls approached. They all did look lovely, but they weren't who he had been waiting to see.
The doors opened slowly, and Kevin stretched to see Beth standing beside her father. The medley of Beatles tunes continued with the song "Something." At this point, the vocalist began to sing the words as Beth's mother stood. The bride and Dr. Reinhart began slowly down the aisle.
Beth reached the front of the chapel, and Kevin had finally had the chance to take her in fully. She had decided against the veil, and instead was wearing her hair swept back off of her face and gathered at the nape of her neck with a delicate purple flower tucked into the base of the gathered hair on the left side. Dangling diamonds dripped from her ears, but her neck was bare. Her skin glowed, and the outline of her collarbone provided an air of sexy elegance. Kevin barely made it to the gown, he was so enthralled by her beauty, but when he finally did see the rest of her he was not disappointed. The monotony of the strapless A-line dress was broken by two embellished panels on either side of Beth, just above the waist. The two triangles accentuated her shapely frame, yet the most surprising aspect of the dress was that these sections and the entire train of the dress were dark violet. Silver thread had been embroidered into an ornate pattern in the front and on the outline of the back while a trail of white buttons descended Beth's back the entire length of the sizeable train. It was the most unique and exquisite dress Kevin had ever seen, not that he had seen too many wedding gowns, but he was quite sure that Beth was the most beautiful bride ever. She was standing a few steps back from the altar now, one step down beside her father. All he could do was gaze lovingly at her.
The minister's voice broke his concentration as he began the ceremony. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have come here today to join Kevin Ray Girardi and Sarah Beth Reinhart in the holy covenant of marriage." Beth's father gave her away, kissed her cheek and she joined Kevin on the podium in front of the minister. The reverend invited Grace Polk to speak. Beth had asked Grace to share and Old Testament reading from the Song of Solomon. Grace stood and began to read from the second and sixth chapters of this book.
"Song of Solomon, the second chapter verses eight through seventeen: The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me: 'Arise my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the covert of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Catch us the foxes, the little foxes, that ruin the vineyards-for our vineyard are in blossom.' My beloved is mine and I am his; he pastures his flock among the lilies. Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, be like a gazelle or a young stag on the cleft mountains."
She finished and returned to her seat beside the Girardi family, and the minister turned to Kevin and Beth. "These two have written their own vows, so now they will present them to each other."
Beth began first, her voice strong, though tears were forming in her eyes. "My dearest Kevin, I love you more than any single thing in my life. I wake up every morning and I'm so fortunate, so thankful that you're there, and that you'll always be there. I promise to love and support you in all your endeavors. I promise to listen when you talk, to be a shoulder for you to cry on, to be faithful to you. I promise to greet each new day with you and to be beside you each night. There are not words to express how much I care for you and how excited I am about beginning a new life together with you, and I will love you until death parts us."
Kevin wiped his own eyes as he began the words he had prepared. "I had this terrible dream one night that my life had fallen apart. Then I realized that I was awake, and it wasn't a dream and I didn't know if my life could ever be good again. Everything I knew was gone. But over time things were better, yet I still felt so alone until one day I went to a baseball game. I saw you and then I knew things were going to be ok. Bethie, you are the sun in my sky. I don't ever want to live in a world without you. I promise to do what I can to make you happy, to keep you smiling. I promise to provide for you. I promise to listen to what you say. I promise to love you with everything that is in me and to be faithful to only you until the day I die."
Rings were exchanged and the minister pronounced them husband and wife. Once again Jack and Jerrod were at Kevin's side helping him stand to kiss his beautiful bride. Beth gazed lovingly up into Kevin's eyes for the first time since the night of the accident. Seeing him standing there in front of her was more emotion than she could bare. She broke into sobs and reached for him. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear, something private between the two of them only. Then, he turned his face to hers, leaned down and kissed her passionately. He released her and eased himself back into the chair. They turned together to face the crowd and the minister presented Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Girardi. Applause erupted as Kevin placed Beth squarely on his lap and the two of them descended the aisle. The musicians broke into a Bob Dylan medley including I Want You, I'll Be Your Baby Tonight, and Just Like A Woman.
The Town Car waiting outside the church transported the couple to the reception site. Beth had thought a limo would be tacky. In the back seat, Kevin pulled Beth close to him and kissed her. "You look amazing."
She smiled a little smile and kissed him back. "I can't believe we're married. I love you so much."
The rest of the ride passed in silence until they arrived at the reception. Everyone was already there, milling around the banquet hall, listening to the band's cocktail hour music. The photographer met Kevin and Beth at the door and whisked them away for more pictures before they had the chance to enter the room. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the DJ was ready to announce the wedding party. Kevin and Beth waited for each group to be called until they heard their names being called, "And now, everybody get on your feet and welcome the couple of the hour Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Girardi!"
They burst into the room to thunderous applause. They headed to the front of the room to the head table. The waiters rushed around the room pouring champagne as Jack stood in front of the crowd to propose the Best Man's toast.
"Hi everyone. I'm Jack, also known as the Best Man. I met Kevin two years ago in our TV class with Dr. Dylan. It was Kevin's first class on campus, and most of us in the class already knew each other. Kevin looked a little lost, so I went over to introduce myself and some of the other class members. We started hanging out and during that time I met Beth as well. I knew right away that the two of them would be here today. They are perfect complements to each other. I'm so proud to be here today with them. Beth, Kevin, you are wonderful people and I wish you both the best in everything that you do. Let's all raise our glasses to the happy couple and wish them a long, happy, and healthy life together. Salut!"
Glasses raised all across the hall and clinked together. Dinner was served immediately afterward, but Beth was too excited to eat. She kept glancing over at Kevin, who was laughing and talking with the groomsmen to his left. All too soon, it was time for the first dance.
The DJ called them to the floor as the music began to play in the background. Kevin took his place in the middle of the dance floor and Beth sat in his lap. They danced as though no one were watching as the words and music echoed throughout the auditorium.
When the song finished, Kevin and Beth were startled from their personal moment by the cheers and catcalls from the crowd. Kevin's mom was crying, so was Beth's. Kevin and Beth themselves were laughing. They invited their guests to join them on the dance floor. Together with their friends, they danced the night away. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to Beth and Kevin, it was time to leave.
Beth was ready to fall asleep on her feet. Kevin hadn't told her where they were staying, although he had promised to take care of reservations for the night. He asked her if she was ready to go. She said that she was, so the crowd lined up outside with sparklers lit as they exited the hall. They got into the waiting Town Car and traveled across town until they stopped in front of the Ritz. Beth could barely believe her eyes.
"Kevin, how did you manage this?" she asked in excited disbelief.
Kevin smiled as he revealed his secret. "We have three nights here, compliments of Joan, Luke, Adam and Grace."
"That's unbelievable! What an incredible gift!" Beth nearly screamed.
The driver unloaded the car as Kevin went to the front desk to check in. The bellman then led them to their suite. He closed the door behind him as he left, and the couple began to settle in for the night. Only a few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Beth answered, still in her gown, to find a room service waiter with a tray of champagne and two pieces of their wedding cake. Beth thanked him, took the tray, and turned back to Kevin. He had lain her bag on the bed and motioned for her to go change in the bathroom. She lowered her eyes, grabbed her bag and ran into the bath suite, leaving her shoes behind her.
She had enough self-control to hang her dress on the bathroom door before she slipped into her white silk nightgown. She had purchased it long before the wedding gown, and it had never been worn either. She had been saving it for this exact occasion. She knew he was waiting for her, so she sauntered into the bedroom. Her husband was waiting for her.
Kevin had stripped down to his boxers and was now sitting on the bed with pillows propped behind him and the bottle of champagne in his hand. He was patiently anticipating her arrival. He heard her footsteps coming lightly toward him. He waited for her to come through the doorway so he could see her. She had let her hair down. It cascaded in a dark waterfall onto her shoulders. She had wiped off some of her makeup from the day, but her face was glowing. He eyed her body greedily, knowing that now it was truly his domain. She knew it too. Her pace quickened toward him, and she grabbed the bottle from his hand, placed it back in the bucket and jumped on top of him.
She startled him a bit. He had expected a slightly more sophisticated and ladylike move coming from her, but he was not disappointed. He reached to her shoulders to slip the straps of her nightgown down over her body. She stood on the bed over top of him and slithered out of the silken sheath. He pulled her body down on top of him. She grabbed for his shorts and pulled them off. His mouth covered hers. Finally, they could be completely together. One flesh.
They spent the next two days moving mainly from the bed to the bathroom and back. Kevin loved the sunken tub, even though it took all of both of their strength to get him in and out of it. He told her he wanted to install one in their new house, and she just rolled her eyes. All too soon, it was time for them to check out. Luke had dropped off Kevin's car the night of the wedding, so they loaded up and headed back to the house.
By the time the got there, most of the house had been packed up for the big move. Beth's parents were working in the kitchen, Kevin's were in the garage, and friends and other family members were in every other room, labeling boxes and wrapping breakable objects. The moving company was due to arrive in the morning, and they were determined to have everything packed and ready to go. Kevin and Beth took care of their own rooms, respectively. They each also took their cars to be tuned up before the big trip. By the time they made it back to the house, the mothers had made dinner from leftovers in the fridge. When everyone left only a few boxes, a bed and an overnight bag remained in the house with them.
That night, they were in their own bed in their own house for the first and last time. The next morning, they were leaving their home and families for a brand new life together. As they lay in the bed, memories of time spent here came back to them. It was bittersweet, leaving the place that had been their home. But they knew it was time to go. They fell asleep holding each other. Beth snuggled closer to Kevin until the alarm woke them the next morning.