Chapter 22

"I can't believe it! I mean, Gordo, we, WE are getting married like now!" Lizzie almost screamed.

Lizzie and Gordo were sitting in the wedding car, a white Mercedes, holding hands and occasionally giving each other peck-on-the-cheeks.

Gordo rolled his eyes in mock surprise. "Oh Lizzie, that's like the 34th time you've said that! I have to say this, WHATEVER!" Gordo flashed the 'whatever sign', making Lizzie giggle.

"You know, you're so cute when you smile." Gordo smiled, cupping her face. They were about to lean in when the car jerked to a stop.

"Sorry, but kissing in my car is prohibited!" Matt yelled from the back seat.

"Look Matt, it's not your car! It's Larry's!" Melina glared at her so-called boyfriend who was sitting next to her.

"Guys, guys. We're stuck in a traffic jam! Make use of the time to, well, do whatever you want!" Larry sighed. "Oh! We're moving!"

Gordo laughed and sucked in air. "Lizzie, you know you look beautiful right?"

"Gordo, you know you look handsome right?" Lizzie joked, half sarcastic and half serious.

They heard the church bell toll 10 times to indicate the 10 a.m. sign. Larry pulled into a reserved lot and unbuckled his seatbelt.

Lizzie got out first and slowly stepped out. The sunlight was shining on the church and reflected every speck of light seeping through the stained glass window.

'Perfect! Just perfect!' Lizzie thought as she walked across the carpeted lane leading into the church. She smiled as flashes of semi blinding light blinked at her.

Just outside the church, Mr. McGuire was waiting excitedly with his wife and relatives beside him. Lizzie grinned widely at her father as she took his hand.

"Are you ready?" Mr. McGuire asked his all dressed-up daughter.

"Yep. I can't wait." Lizzie answered nervously. "Is my lip gloss smudged? Does my hair look okay? Is my dress crumpled? Are there any stains on my outfit?"

"Ha! Go ask your mother on those questions. But, I must say, you do look perfect!" He smiled, just as they reached the opposite end of the aisle.

"Dearly beloved, we have gathered on this joyous day, to join Elizabeth Brooke McGuire and David Zephyr Gordon in marriage. If anyone believes that these two should not be wed, please let him speak, or forever hold his peace." Nobody spoke, and the pastor continued. "That being said, may I ask, who gives this woman to be married?"

"Her mother and I." Sam said, and placed Lizzie's hand into Gordo's hand.

"Would you please join both hands as we begin?" The pastor said.

They both joined hands and gazed into each other's eyes.

"Elizabeth McGuire, do you take David Gordon to be your lawful wedded husband, in sickness and health, in poverty and in wealth, in bad and in good, until death parts you?"

"I do." Lizzie said, smiling at Gordo.

"And David Gordon, do you take Elizabeth McGuire to be your lawful wedded wife, in sickness and health, in poverty and in wealth, in bad and in good, until death parts you?"

"I do." Gordo said, returning the smile.

After that, the minister brought out two rings and held them high.

"In my hand are two rings. The ring means many things in marriage. The solid foundation represents the unbreakable love of two. The gold represents the value of both marriage and love of two. David, please place the ring on Elizabeth's hand and recite this phrase."

Gordo held the ring in position.

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed." Gordo repeated as he gently slid the ring on Lizzie's finger.

"Elizabeth, place the ring on David's finger and recite this phrase."

Lizzie held the ring up to Gordo's hand.

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed." Lizzie said and smiled as she put the ring on his finger.

"And with that being said, by the power that has been placed in me, I hereby pronounce you man and wife. David, you may kiss the bride." The pastor announced.

"NO!!!!!!!!!" Parker screamed as she sped into the hall. "David! You can't marry her; I'm your one true love! You can't leave me for Lizzie, I'm carrying my, our baby!"

"Gordo, is all this true?" Lizzie asked, her eyes filling with tears of disbelief, her hands pulling out of Gordo's strong grasp.

"What the hell are you talking about, woman?" Gordo roared. Turning to Lizzie, he said quickly, pulling her into an embrace. "Lizzie, I don't know what she's talking about! Please believe me!"

Lizzie turned, shaking her head as she pulled away.

"HOW DARE YOU BULLY MY LIZZIE?" Ronnie thundered as he rushed in, right on cue. He hugged Lizzie, who was too shocked to do anything, limply hung on to him.

"Since when did she become YOUR Lizzie? Lizzie, can you explain this?" Gordo said, his voice descending into a whisper as tears started to fall down silently.

"I don't know what he's talking about! I didn't have a fling with him. Gordo, did you sleep with Parker?" Lizzie asked softly. Slowly, she figured out their evil plan. "Parker, you are lying. So are you, Ronnie. Gordo, do you get their plan now?" Lizzie said stiffly, narrowing her eyes at the caught 'couple'.

"Yes, I do. My love. Now can we continue our legal wedding?" Gordo answered.

"Yes. Right before I give Ronnie something he'll learn and never forget. Gordo, you handle Parker." She nodded at him. Both made their moves swiftly.

"PIACK!" Echoes were heard thundering down the silent hall. Cursing of Ronnie and Parker then followed the uncouth noise. Policemen arrived and they dragged the criminals out.

"Now, where were we?" Gordo asked the pastor.

"Ah, oh yes. David, you may kiss the bride." The pastor announced again, clapping his hands.

Gordo lifted Lizzie's veil and they leaned in. That kiss was probably the most powerful kiss, which connected opposite sides of love, uniting them.