Wedding Dress
http/ maid
http/i10. to the Chapel
Love's Pov
Opening my eyes I gasped as I remembered the importance of the day.
It wasn't just December 24th, the day before Christmas; it was the
day I was getting married. Remaining silent I rolled on to my side
wrapping my arm around Soda and basking in his warmth. Most girls had
a bachelorette party, but I spent my last day of freedom with
Darry, Soda, and Pony. Pouring over photos and a few old tapes we had
from family outings. We'd even gone to visit mom dad, and Johnny in
the morning, so I could get everything squared away, and just enjoy
the actual wedding. This would be my last day in this house as a
resident, and it was going to be a bittersweet moment. Oh I knew I
would always be welcome, and have a place to crash if I needed, but
things would never be the same.
After 6:30 this evening I would no longer be Gloria Love Curtis, I'd be Gloria Love Shepard… I had to admit it had a nice ring to it.
Leaning my head back to rest on Pony's shoulder I closed my eyes as I
thought of all the memories this place held for me. Staying up with
Soda and Steve all night playing cards, dinner with mom and dad,
fighting with Darry, helping Pony Boy say his prayers, mom reading to
me and Soda at night. Gripping Soda tighter I smiled when his hand
squeezed mine letting me know he was awake, and everything would be
ok.
"Hey big brother," I whispered careful not to wake Pony, who was a
light sleeper.
" You ready for this Sissy?" he asked turning to lie on his side so
he could look me in the eyes.
" Yes, and no," I said completely honest with him as usual.
" No one said change was easy," he said smiling as I blinked back tears.
"I guess I'm just going to miss the house, Soda, I mean we grew up
here, all our time with Mom and Dad was here, and I'm gonna miss
seeing y'all in the morning, and at dinner time," I said sighing as
he kissed my forehead.
"Can't nothing change the fact that you're our sister, and you know
you're welcome here any time, all you have to so is call, and I'll be
there," He said smiling as his eyes filled with tears too.
We'd never really been separated except for the year I spent in the
home, and we'd always come to each other for advice, and comfort. It
was going to be a huge adjustment.
"You guys she's only moving a few blocks down, not to another state,"
Pony murmured making us smile.
"Well morning Pony boy," I said giggling as he buried his head in my
neck.
"Morning Lovey, Soda."
"You ready to have our last meal?" Darry asked sticking his head in
like he did every morning.
"I guess," I said whining like I used to when Mom came to get us all
up for school in the mornings.
"Have to get some food in to you Love, you have a big day today," he
said smiling as Brig came behind him and nodded her head, arms
wrapped around his waist.
She had healed up nicely from the fight a month ago, and was actually one of my bridesmaids today, Angela was my maid of honor, Gwen was another bridesmaid, and Brig's lil sister Kady was also a bridesmaidto make things even. Tim had Curly as his best man, Dal,and Soda cause he meant so much to me, and his best guy from the crew Jack. Brig pretty much lived here now, and they were planning on starting
wedding preparations a few weeks after we got back from the
honeymoon. I had been officially requested as wedding assistant
extraordinaire, but I didn't mind, I was glad to see Darry back to
the way he used to be before the accident.
Breakfast went by in a blur as I ate mechanically thinking of all the
last minute details I hoped were being taken care of, and wondering
what Tim was doing.
Tim's POV
Groaning I threw an arm up to block out the sun rays slipping through my window. I had drunk too much last night, but not enough to
completely fuck me up today. I knew Love would never forgive me if
this day was anything but perfect. She'd worked her ass of planning,
and I'd been content to let her do her thing while I footed the
bill. Things were just easier that way with girls. If they wanted to
go shopping, let them go with their girlfriends, and give them a few
bucks. Then you're participating without being tortured. Stretching
I smiled as I headed to the shower and reality really hit me for the
first time. I was marrying my baby today, at 6:30 Gloria Love, was
going to be a Shepard.
"Dead man Walking!" Curly yelled making me flip him off as Angie
laughed as she swept by me on her way downstairs.
"See you later," She said all ready sucked in to the wedding
insanity.
As maid of honor she'd had a lot of responsibility, but I
knew she didn't mind. Her and Love had always been like sisters, and
now in a way they would be. Sitting down at the breakfast table I nursed a beer along with two aspirins, feeling too unsettled to eat.
"You nervous?" Jack asked making me smile.
"About the wedding itself yeah, but not about Love," I said grinning
as he rolled his eyes.
"Hey one day love will sneak up on you, and you'll see what I'm
talking about," I said chuckling.
" I just hope everything goes smoothly is all, this is a big day for
her, and I know she's really missing her parents right now," I said
thinking about the fact that my own Mother had actually booked a
hotel room and was attending as well.
Apparently moving away from this town had agreed with her, cause just over the phone she sounded like a different person. Calling me honey, and being positive for once.
"Did she make a final decision on who was giving her away?" Curly
asked.
"Yeah, she's going to have Darry and Pony walk her down, since Soda
will all ready be standing up there, we're putting two white roses in
the front pew for her folks, and one red rose for Johnny," I said
smiling wistfully at the loss she had all ready experienced.
"Nice Gesture," Curly said nodding.
What I didn't tell him was that I knew for a fact Johnny would be
there in spirit. I'd had a weird dream about him last night. He told
me to take care of Love, and that he'd be watching from heaven.
Something told me it was more than just a dream.
"So when are the kids going to start coming?" Jack asked making me
choke.
"Rushing things aren't we?" I asked shaking my head.
I'd love to have children with Love, but the thought of being a
Father terrified me; I mean look at how great my own Father had been.
I had a lot to live up to; cause love's Father had been a great man.
I can remember listening to him talk to the boys, and watching his
interactions with his wife, and love. That was a burden I wasn't
ready to take on my shoulders quite yet. Better to get past the
getting married first.
"Geez, you trying to scare him off or what?" Curly asked winking as I
smiled my thanks at the subject change.
The day seemed set on passing slowly so we tried to take out minds
off what was to come with card games, and nostalgic trips down memory
lane.
Love
"Ready?" Darry asked smiling as I nodded shakily as we made out way
in to the church where I would dress.
Most girls had their female relatives help them prepare, but I
wanted my brothers. Angela, Gwen, Brig, and Kady would get dressed in
another room, and we'd met up in the large dressing room reserved for
the bridal party. I was going to help Soda dress as well, cause Lord
knows he could barely remember where his shoes were let alone dress
himself in formal wear. He was such a spaz sometimes, but you had to
love him.
"Here we are," Darry said leading me in to the large dressing room
with Soda and Pony boy trailing behind us with my dress, veil, and
shoes.
"Relax," Soda said grinning, as I turned to them trembling.
" I just can't believe its finally happening," I whispered fighting
back the tears.
"Finally, I can't believe I'm giving away my baby this soon," Darry
said making me smile as he hugged me.
He'd been ecstatic about having a little sister, and had called me
his baby from the minute I was born. We butted head sometimes, but
Mom said it was cause he worshipped the ground I walked on. If he
ever had a daughter she'd wrap him around her fingers cause he had a
soft spot for little girls. He had been great growing up, reading
stories to me, taking me to the park, and never being annoyed when I
wanted to tag along. It had been Darry who helped me when I was older
too, taking me to the store to get feminine products and babying me
when I had cramps. I was really going to miss the special treatment,
but I knew I was a woman now, and he had Brigit to shower with TLC.
Stripping down to my shift I held Soda's eyes as he helped me put on
Mom's Dress.
:IS it okay: My eyes asked wanting to make sure he was happy to see
me moving on.
: Yes baby, be happy: His eyes answered as he stepped away to admire
the picture I made with Pony and Darry.
"God you look like mom," Darry whispered as they took in my freshly
curled hair falling in waves down my back, the way she'd always worn
hers.
"Let's do the check," Pony whispered making me smile as he pulled a
list out from his suit pocket.
"Something Blue?"
"Got it," I said lifting up the hem of my dress to show the powder
blue ballet slippers, that my mother had worn so many years earlier.
"Something old?" Pony said laughing as I gave him a duh look.
"The dress huh?"
"Yeah," I said as we shared a laugh, glad the ice had been broken.
It was my day, I needed to enjoy it, not spend it nervous, and up
tight.
" Something new?"
"Here, Lovey, we bought you a little present," Soda said smiling as
Darry pulled a small jewelry box out of his coat pocket.
" We thought every girl needed a set of pearls," He said smiling as
my mouth dropped open.
They had bought me a set of pearl earnings, and matching necklace.
"This is too much," I said glad I didn't have on any make up yet as I
the tears spilled and rolled down my cheeks.
" I take it she likes them?" Pony said shaking his head.
" I love them," I said turning so Darry could place the necklace on
as I fastened the earrings.
"Something borrowed?"
" Ang is letting me borrow her hair clips," I said suddenly unable to
stand still.
"I'm getting married!" I Yelled dancing around the room with Soda as
the others laughed.
"Oh yeah, she's ready," Pony said smiling at Darry who nodded his
agreement.
Tim's POv
Pacing back and forth I tried to calm my nerves. Ten more minutes,
and I'd be making my way down to take my place.
" You ready for this man?" Curly asked smiling as I Nodded.
He was getting a real kick out of seeing me so shaken; it wasn't a side of me he got to see often.
" So mom looked good," He said making me nod.
She'd looked… healthy; skin glowing, and a smile on her face as she
stopped by to say hi and congratulations a few moments earlier. It
made me glad that she had left as soon as Dad died, even though I'd
been pissed at first because she'd left Curly and Angie as my
responsibility.
"Yeah, been a long time since I saw her that way," I said thinking of
how good our lives had been before Pop had gone down hill.
" Man I wonder what Love is like right now."
"Crazy," Jack guessed shaking his head as I laughed.
" Probably bouncing all over the place with the girls chasing her to
keep her wedding dress unwrinkled," Curly added shaking his head.
"You're going to have your hands full with that broad," Dally said
shaking his head as he put out the cigarette he'd been smoking next
to the window.
"I'm gonna go grab Soda, be right back," he said tossing the but to
the ground as he left with a small salute.
I'd given him a small box earlier that held something for Love, I
just hoped she liked it. I wasn't always so good at gift picking or
sentimental shit.
Dally's POV
"Damn, I never thought I'd be seeing Love married off to Shep," I
thought shaking my head as I made my way to the Bride's side of the
church.
She's said she wanted to see me before she got married so we decided I'd come to get Soda. I'd always pictured this moment, but it had been with Johnny standing at the end of the aisle. I was happy for
her, but it was going to be a bittersweet moment for me. Knocking , I
smiled as Angela answered the door looking as pretty as a picture.
"You look good, doll," I said grinning as she led me to the back room
where everyone was waiting.
Whistling I shook my head, feeling like I'd been punched in the gut
when I finally saw Love.
"You look just like Mrs C," I whispered shaking my head as she smiled
shyly.
"You're gorgeous Love," I said coming to stand beside her as I kissed
her on the forehead.
"Thanks Dal, I'm glad you're going to be up there with me too," She
said hugging me close as she whispered in my ear.
" I know you miss Johnny now, I do too, but I know without a doubt,
he's here with us watching," She said kissing my cheek as she stood
back and met my eyes with tear filled green gems.
"If you cry I will kill you," Ang said remaindering her of the makeup
she'd artfully applied.
"He'd be happy that you're happy Love," I said squeezing her hand
before stepping back.
"Come on Soda we gotta be getting back," I said clearing my throat as
my mask slipped back in place.
Not many people got to see my softer side, and that's how I wanted to
keep things.
"Oh, Tim wanted me to give you this," I said as an after thought
handing her a small box before turning to leave.
Soda's POV
Smiling at the tender moment taken place between Love and Dallas who
had some how become like her unofficial 4th brother I knew they were
both thinking about Johnny. The three of them had been so close back
then, and I think we all thought he'd be the groom when this day
came. I knew without a doubt if it wasn't for Love Dallas would be
dead right now. He had nothing us to fight for on that operating
table for, except for my sister.
"See you at the end of the aisle," I said kissing her forehead as we
all took our leave.
Love's Pov
My hands shook as I unwrapped the tiny box, messily wrapped in pink
paper. Slipping the note out I gasped at the tiny crown that held a
diamonds.
Love,
Saw this and thought of my princess, hope you like it and I can't
wait to say I do, love Timmy
Smiling at his thoughtfulness I pinned the pendant in to my hair with one of the million bobby pins the girls had brought with them. I
know he thought he was terrible with being romantic, but it was the
effort that moved me not the actual action. I'd given him my Father's
old watch last night before we went our separate ways. The one my
Mother had given him when they were married. It had actually moved
him too tears, which had made me, love him more, if that was
possible.
"How you doing girl?" Gwen asked making me smile.
"I'm ready guys," I whispered shakily as I locked eyes with Ang. My
oldest friend, she knew me better than anyone, cept Soda.
" I always knew we were sister, but it'll be nice to make it
official," She said hugging me as we both fought back tears.
" I love you, thank you for always being there," She whispered
flooring me.
She was always so busy being tough; when she actually let her walls down it always took a minute to register.
" I love you to … sissy," I Said as we both laughed.
"Well let's get this show on the road!" Brig said making us all laugh
as we lined up , and made our way out of the rooms.
Tim's pOv
"How was Love?" I asked ignoring the looks the others were give me
that said they thought I was whipped.
"Ready," Soda said grinning as my face split in to a smile.
"She's gorgeous man," Dally said shaking his head in awe.
"You're going to flip when you see her."
"Well shit, what are we waiting for?" I asked suddenly anxious to get
things finalized.
Love
Standing at the end of the aisle I took in the scene before me
through my veil as Pony, and Darry took their places on each side of
me. The small church was packed! I could see hoods from the Shep
set, all of the Brumely boys, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and Tim's
mom! I was touched that all of my boys had worn their best, snatching
a tie from wherever they could. Hell even Steve and Two-bit had
dressed to impress, and that was no small feat. Locking arms with my
brothers I let them lead me up the aisle grinning as I took in the
boys lined up behind Tim. They'd all cleaned up great, and my girls
were stunning in the pink number I had chosen.
As I neared the end of my walk, I caught Tim's eyes, and everything
around me faded to the background. He looked at me like I was the
only person in the world ,like he wanted to devour me on the spot,
and he'd never seen any one as beautiful. Vaguely I heard Darry tell
him to take care of me as he placed my hand in his. He was drop dead
gorgeous in his gray tux, and I couldn't wait to get him alone.
"You're beautiful," He whispered lacing his hand in mine as we
stepped up to the priest.
" I love you," I mouthed smiling as he mouthed the same as the priest
began the vows.
Tim
The minute I saw Love standing at the end of the isle I felt like I'd
been punched in the stomach. I knew she was beautiful, but right now
she was nothing short of stunning. Her red hair fell down her back in
waves, and the dress hugged her lush curves. She looked every inch
the princess I often called her. Like something out of a fairytale
with her pink lips, blushing cheeks, and flawless porcelain skin.
I barley registered Darry's words as he placed Love's hands in my
own.
"I will man," I replied leading her towards the priest as she
mouthed that she loved me. Damn I must have done something right in
my life to be here right now.
" I do," I said without hesitation, feeling something in my snap as
she said the same.
From this day forth I knew I would never be the same. I'd been
changing ever since I met her, and now that transformation was
complete. I had something to care about now, I mean really care, a
reason to keep out of big trouble, and some one who loved me for who
I really was inside. Soon it might just be time to pass the family
business on to Curly, cause once I was a Father, I'd be a total
fucking goner.
" oh god, I am now Mrs Shepard !" I thought as the priest pronounced
her and Tim laid the hottest kiss on me that I had ever had.
The church erupted in cheers and I swore I saw fireworks as he
stepped away from me. Smiling my heart stopped as for a split second
I saw Johnny in the back of the church grinning. As he disappeared I
swore I felt an angels kiss on my lips. Shaken I turned to Tim.
"Did you see?"
"Yeah," He whispered smiling as he took me hands and we ran down the
aisle laughing as they threw rice at us outside.
Love
Trying not to blush I starred at Tims' Dark head as he took the
garter off with his teeth! Winking as he faced me and all the
bachelors lined up behind him. I doubled up with laughter when Dallas
Winston caught the garter that seemed to fly to him.
"NO way man!" He yelled to every one else's amassment.
"Thanks a lot Tim," he said flipping him off as I shook my head
mouthing "Your Next" to him.
Throwing the bouquet I spun quickly to see the fight go down. I
laughed as unsuspecting Angela who was actually backing away from the
fray ended up with it. Eyes wide her jaw dropped as she turned to
look at Pony who blushed furiously and studied the ground.
My poor baby brother I thought laughing as I headed up stairs to
Dally's room to change my attire.
Tim's POV
The reception was held at Buck's and as wild as any other ever thrown
there. Love had changed in to a short white halter dress, and I
couldn't take my eyes off her. Knowing her last name was the same as
my own just did it for me. Taking her hand in mind, I smiled as we
made our way on to the floor for the first dance.
Swaying back and forth too "I only have eyes for you" I was floored
by the fact that I had a wife.
"I love you Mrs. Shepard," I whispered as we both broke in to huge
grins.
" And I love you Mr. Shepard."
"Why don't you just leave for your honey moon now," Curly asked as he
caught me starring at her for the millionth time.
"I can tell she's having a good time," I said laughing as Soda flipped her over his shoulder and they danced.
They were so much alike; it was a site just to see them together.
Especially when they were both riled up like now.
"When'd your flight leave?"
"5:00," I said shocked when I glanced down to see that was only two
hours away.
We had decided to just fly out to California, and do the Disney
thing. It wasn't that expensive, and neither of us had ever been.
Plus I knew there was swinging clubs, and placed to eat there too.
"Well Hello Mr Shepard," I said coming to join my husband once more
as Soda went to dance with Gwen, who he'd been flirting with all
night.
Things had been building up between them for months now, and I
knew they'd be dating by tomorrow.
" Having a good time Mrs. Shepard?" He asked laughing as I bobbed my
head up and down vigorously.
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that," I whispered
placing my head on his shoulder as he pulled me close.
"Good cause I aint never gonna be tired of saying it, I can't believe
you're mine now princess," he said making me blush.
He was so damn intense some times, and when he looked at me with those dark eyes it made me wild.
"How much longer till we leave?" I asked smiling wickedly when he burst in to laughter. Not too much later we were saying our goodbyes as we made our way out the front door.
"Brig, keep Darry busy, and don't let him mop," I said kidding her
cheek as she laughed.
"I will have fun, make a baby," She said laughing when I shook my
head no.
"None of that yet," I said moving to Gwen.
"By girl, let me know how Soda asks you out cause I know he will," I
said laughing as her eyes widened.
"He just did a few minutes ago, while we were slow dancing," She said
awed.
"Twin thing," I said tapping my head as I moved on still laughing.
" Ang," I said as we hugged tearing up.
"Have fun in California, and keep that unruly brother of mine in line."
"Make sure you keep that brother of mine laughing, he's too serious
sometimes," I said smiling as I kissed her on the cheek.
"Welcome to the family sissy," She said winking as I moved on to the
hard part , my brothers.
" I love you baby brother take care of Ang while we're gone," I
whispered kissing his cheek, and inhaling the scent that I had always
associated with him. I had a special place in my heart for him,
having taken care of him so much when he was growing up. He was my
baby just as I was Darry's.
" I will, you two enjoy yourselves, and don't' worry about us."
Nodding I moved on to Darry who had tears in his eyes.
" I love you big brother," I said loving the feel of his big arms
wrapped around me as he lifted me off the ground.
" And I love you my baby," he whispered kissing my forehead before
setting me down.
"Be happy," He whispered as I nodded.
"Soda," I whispered clutching him tight.
"Hey little sister, congratulations," He said making me squeal as he
swung us around.
" I love you." I said simply knowing he always heard what I didn't
say aloud.
"And I love you."
"I'm glad you asked Gwen out, it was about time," I said giggling as
I ran the minute he put me down and met Tim at the door.
"You ready princess?"
"Oh yea handsome, let's get to the airport."
Well guys we've come to the end of the story. Thanks so much for all
of your reviews and comments! Hope you liked it, cause I loved
writing it. Its something I'm really proud off. I plan on writing
stories for each charter in the book, so keep your eyes peeled. This
was Tim's story who I have a great fondness for.
Lad