Headliner
Chapter 28
Lexi stood next to her mother in a soft pink gown. Her hair was pulled back and dotted with bobby pins decorated to look like flowers. Sara was all smiles. Her white dress danced on the floor. The veil tickled her nose. She turned to face Lexi and handed her the bouquet.
Lexi felt tears form in her eyes as the sermon began. It was utterly beautiful. The church was packed. One side held Nick's entire family from Texas. It was rather large. She grinned. It was now going to officially become her family too. The other side was crammed with various members of Las Vegas law enforcement. Anyone who knew Sara or Nick professionally was there. Even Ecklie had managed to grab a seat at the back.
The pastor spoke eloquently and Lexi cried even more. She couldn't believe her parents were actually getting married. She glanced in the crowd and saw Courtney seated in the front row. She gave her friend a subtle thumbs up and received one in return. This, she thought, is truly what life is about. The giving of the rings was her favorite part of the ceremony. She had helped pick out the bands and the inscription. It made her smile just thinking about it. To my one love, forever. Lexi had decided that when she got married she wanted that inscription as well. It just seemed to fit.
The man said, "You may kiss the bride," and everyone started cheering. Sara grasped Nick's hand and they strolled off together, Lexi trailing behind. They stopped midway and turned around. Nick grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards them. Both Sara and Nick planted large kisses on her cheek. Lexi burst out laughing.
The reception was just as grand. Sara turned to throw the bouquet. Women crowded all around behind her. She released it and the flowers flew from her hands. Catherine caught it where she stood. The cameraman snapped a perfect shot of Catherine grinning madly in Warrick's direction. Lexi sat with Lindsey at a table.
"Hey, did you ever tell your parents about us being the sole reason they got together?" Lindsey asked.
"You mean the night I ran away? Oh yeah, I told them."
"When?"
"About a month ago," Lexi said wrinkling her nose.
Lindsey laughed. "What took you so long?"
"Well, I had to make sure I was over eighteen and out of the house so they couldn't really punish me. I also figured them getting married was a better occasion to tell them than just moving in together."
"We're miracle workers."
"That we are," Lexi said and clinked her glass against Lindsey's. "Cheers."
Nick pulled Sara by the arm and took her to the cake. They linked arms and fed each other. Then it was time for everyone to eat. The party ended around midnight. Lexi kissed both of her parents before walking to her car barefoot. High heels had never been her favorite shoe. Tonight was no exception.
She drove home and collapsed into bed. It had certainly been an exciting day. Tomorrow will be better, she thought. Sara and Nick weren't leaving on their honeymoon for another couple of days, and Lexi had a perfect going away present for them.
The sun rose at six the next morning. The weatherman on the radio called for a sunny day. Everything was going to be perfect. Alexis showered and dressed in jean capris and a t-shirt. She climbed in her car and drove to the county clerk's office. She stepped up to the counter. The receptionist was a stout looking woman with frizzy red hair. From the sound of her voice, she had been a heavy smoker for at least thirty years.
"Hi, I'd like to request a name change," said Lexi smiling brightly.
She drove the car while her parents sat blindfolded in the back seat. She made it just on time. Nick and Sara would have to sit in the back of the auditorium and wait for awhile, but she knew it would be worth it. She helped each one out of the car and stood them on the sidewalk. She tugged on the knots at the back of their heads. The blindfolds floated to the ground. They looked up at the flashing lights.
Las Vegas Theatre Presents: FABULOUS!
Starring: ALEXIS STOKES
"You did it," said Sara, "You're a headliner."
Lexi's smile was wider than Grand Canyon. She closed her eyes and thanked every one of the stars she had ever wished on. Her dream had finally come true.
The End
A/N: Alas, we have reached the end. First, I must admit that I've had this chapter written for a long time. I could barely contain my excitement as I finally posted it. I hope the title makes sense now, too. It's definitely been a fun ride. Thanks to all of my reviewers. You guys are the best and certainly kept me wanting to write. I sign off now, saying that I'm definitely not done writing, so be on the look-out for other stories, and asking you one last time to let me know what you thought. Thanks so much, Kelli.
