Chapter 3
Again, I don't own any of these characters
At 5:00, everyone had dressed and arrived on the skydeck for the wedding rehearsal. Two rows of chairs were set up just so the ushers, two of Bailey's brothers-in-law, Ty and Bob, could practice seating people. Quickly, Maria took charge.
"First things first, everyone needs to learn where they will be standing. Where is the officiant?"
Moseby raised his hand, and Maria quickly stood him in the middle. Then, she instructed Cody and Bailey to stand in front of him with Bailey on the left and Cody on the right. Following that, she had Zack stand behind Cody and Cassie behind Bailey. Once that was done, the rest of the groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girl and ring bearer were placed. Woody stood behind Zack and was followed by Marcus and Tapeworm. Addison stood behind Cassie and was followed by London and Max. Once everyone was comfortable with their positions, Maria moved on.
"Alright, we're going to do things a little backwards. First, we are going to start with the recessional, so, wedding party, stay right where you are. Parents and grandparents, come here." In the row on the left, Bailey's grandparents were on the inside followed by Maggie with Joe on the end. In the row on the right, it was Ellie on the inside followed by Kurt and Sarah followed by Arwin and Carey.
"Cody, you may kiss your bride..."
Cody grinned. "If you insist..." He leaned in and kissed Bailey.
"Now, link your arms together and walk down the aisle. There will be music accompanying you..."
Cody and Bailey complied and walked down the aisle arm in arm.
"Good...Next is the flower girl and ring bearer. If I can you two darlings will do the same Cody and Bailey did, that would be wonderful..."
Bailey's niece and nephew shrugged, and imitated Cody and Bailey and joined them at the back of the skydeck.
"Alright, next is the best man and maid of honor. Once they get to the end, the next bridesmaid and groomsmen and so on..."
Zack and Cassie linked arms and walked down the aisle to be followed by Woody and Addison, Marcus and London, and Tapeworm and Max..."
Maria smiled and nodded. "Very good. Now, Ushers, you will need to return to escort the parents and grandparents back down the aisle. First, we start with the bride's parents, then the groom's parents, then the bride's grandparents, and finally the groom's grandparents..."
Bailey's brother-in-law escorted Maggie down the aisle with Joe following it. Ty was next as he escorted Carey down the aisle followed by Arwin. Bob followed him and escorted Sarah down the aisle followed by Kurt. Once that was done, the ushers returned for the grandparents.
"Good, good. I think you all have that down pat. Now, its time for the processional. So, when I give you the cue, ushers, do the exact opposite of what you just did. The only difference is each mother will be taken up to the candles and light the individual candles for Bailey and Cody."
So, the ushers proceeded to sit the parents and grand parents one at a time making sure to practice the candle lightings.
"Excellent. Mr. Moseby, once this is accomplished, you will be told to begin and lead the guys in. You will come down the right staircase followed by the groom and groomsmen in order. Let's try that now."
The guys and Moseby headed to the top of the staircase. Once Moseby began walking, the guys followed Moseby down the steps and lined up to his left.
"Good, once you all are in place, the music will begin. Ladies, this is your cue to begin. There will be an marker twenty feet down the aisle. Once one get to that mark, it is time for the next one to begin. Once Cassie gets to the front, the flower girl and the ring bearer will come down the aisle. Once they get there, they will both stand in front of Cassie and Zack. So, you two have the added duty of keeping them there. Finally, once everyone is in place, then we will begin the wedding march, and Bailey and her father will come down the aisle. Alright, let's give it a try."
The music began, and Max began walking down the aisle. Once she hit the mark, London followed her, then Addison, and finally Cassie. Once they were down the aisle, Bailey's niece and nephew walked down side by side and stood in front of Cassie and Zack.
"Good, good...Bailey, its your turn..."
The wedding march began, and Joe and Bailey began walking down the aisle. Even though it was just practice, Cody couldn't help but smile at Bailey, and she couldn't help but return it.
"Good...Now, Cody, you will take a few steps down the aisle and meet Bailey to escort her the rest of the way. Joe, you will stand by your seat. Moseby will ask you the question, you will answer it, and then take your seat next to your wife."
They practice that, and it goes off without a hitch.
"Good. Bailey, its after Moseby gives the charge to the bride and groom that you will then give your flowers to Cassie. Once you do, you and Cody will stand facing each other holding hands. From there, Cody and Bailey will give their pledges to each other. Following that, you will both recite the vows you both have written. Next is the exchanging of rings to be followed by the lighting of the unity candle. Finally, their the pronouncement, the kiss and the presentation of the couple. After that is the recessional, and you already know that. So, lets practice the actual ceremony itself."
They do proceed to practice everything except for the actual vows and exchanging of rings. However, Cody and Bailey weren't about to miss another chance to kiss each other.
"Good, good. Now, lets put everything to together."
From there, everyone proceeds to practice the entire ceremony a few times. After the final run through, Maria seems to think everyone is ready.
"Good job, everyone. I think we're ready for tomorrow. I'll continue to get everything ready, everyone else go on and enjoy the rehearsal dinner..."
Both families made their way to the nicest restaurant on board, and it had been closed that evening specifically for the rehearsal dinner. Everyone in their families plus their dates took their seats, and waiters came around to immediately take their orders. While they waited on their food, everyone milled around and talked with everyone. Once the food arrived, everyone returned to their seats to dig in.
After dinner, a large covered tray was wheeled out in front of everyone. Cody stood up and walked over next to it.
"As per tradition, the dessert at the rehearsal dinner is the groom's cake. Well, I wanted mine to be a surprise for my bride. I figured it would be appropriate for it to be in the shape of what gave Bailey and I our start together..."
Cody lifted the cover, and underneath was a large cake in the shape of Hawaii with several edible palm trees surrounding it. And laying across the sand was a representation of their two tickets to the Hannah Montana concert.
"Bails, I hope you know I would still move heaven and earth for you..."
Bailey got up and kissed him before taking a good look at the cake. She absolutely loved it and Cody for thinking of it. She made sure many pictures were taken of it. Once that was done, it was carved up and pieces were handed out to everyone to eat. After they finished, Cody and Bailey both began to clink their glasses.
"We want to thank all of you for being here to celebrate our wedding with us..."
Bailey continued. "All of you have played vital roles in our lives, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all..."
"As we begin the next chapter of our lives...as man and wife...its only fitting that you are all here. Each and every one of you has supported us in our journey to this place in our lives..."
"Specifically, we want to thank our parents, our grandparents, and the individuals who graciously agreed to stand up for us tomorrow. To, my bridesmaids, Cody and I want to give you a token of our appreciation..."
A waiter comes out and places a gift bag in front of the four girls.
"We would be honored if you would wear these tomorrow. And if you wear them again in the future, we hope you will wear this and remember that both of us love you all and will always be there for you..."
The bridesmaids open their bags, and all of them find a beautiful amethyst necklace and matching earrings. All of them gasp at how beautiful they are and sincerely thank Cody and Bailey.
Cody continued. "And guys, we didn't forget about you. As a token of our thanks and appreciation, we got you a little something too..."
A waiter brings them each out a little wrapped box that all of them open. And all of them are excited to find the silver flasks with their initials engraved on them.
"That's not all, guys...We have these too..."
The waiter brings out the four personalized Louisville Sluggers and gives them to each groomsman. And Cody had been right, all of them absolutely loved them.
Once Cody and Bailey finally sat back down, Kurt stood up and clinked his glass.
"As the father of the groom, I would like to take this opportunity to propose a toast. To my son, Cody and my new daughter, Bailey...I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. Its evident from anyone who is around you two for even the shortest amount of time that you two are crazy about each other. And I know you two will have a long and happy life as you will be more than husband and wife...you are best friends. When I got married a few years ago, Cody was one of my best men. And in his best man's toast he gave me some great advice that I have tried to live by. So, Cody and Bailey, I would like to give that advice right back to you. Love each other like there is no tomorrow. Never go to bed angry with each other. And make sure to always be honest and true to each other. And always be willing to both talk and listen. Adhere to those, and your marriage should be a long and happy one. So, everyone please lift your glasses and toast Cody and Bailey!"
Everyone raised their glasses and drank. Joe was the next to stand up.
"As the father of the bride, I would like to say a few things as well. I will be the first to admit then when Bailey told me she was dating a boy from Boston, I was a bit leery. And when I first saw a picture of Cody, I couldn't help but think he was a scrawny little feller. Well, I'm not too proud to say that my opinion of Cody has changed dramatically. I knew from what he did in Tokyo that he loved Bailey something fierce. Cody, I know now that you are a fine young man that I am proud to now call Son. I know you love my daughter heart and soul and that you make her happy. That is all any father can ask for his daughter. I know you will take good care of her and be the best husband to her. I want to pass along a piece of advice that my father-in-law passed on to me at my wedding. Its as true now as it was then...If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. But I have every confidence you will make my pumpkin happy. So, I would like to raise my glass and officially welcome you to the family."
Everyone raised their glasses and drank again. This time, it was both of the mothers who stood up.
"For the past few months, Carey and I have been working on a little presentation for you too. We know you are off to vet and med schools soon, but we want you to always remember who you are and where you came from..."
Carey continued. "With that being said, we've prepared a little slide show to show everyone Cody and Bailey from the beginning...Will someone please cut the lights?"
The lights were dimmed, and a slide show began. A title screen began and said that the story began in March 1993 and was followed by a picture of Cody in the hospital nursery. Another title screen appeared and said that the story continued in April of 1993 and was followed by a picture of Bailey as a newborn as well. Cody wrapped his arm around Bailey's waist as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Everyone in attendance saw picture after picture of them growing up through the years. There were numerous ones of Bailey working on the farm along side her dad and sisters. Then there was a picture of Zack and Cody on the day they moved into the Boston Tipton. Everyone laughed at a picture of Moseby chasing Zack and Cody through the hotel's lobby.
Finally, another title screen popped up stating in August of 2008, the story began in earnest. There were several pictures of Cody and Bailey on the S.S. Tipton. There was a picture of them at the Hannah Montana concert, and other pictures from their numerous adventures. There was the picture taken of them the day after Cody proposed with Bailey holding out her ring in pride and happiness. Finally, there was a picture taken of them in the Boston Tipton in their caps and gowns.
Another title screen popped up stating from there the story continued to the Ivy League. There was a picture of Cody, Bailey and Porkers taken on the day they moved in to their apartment. There was a screen shot of them from Jeopardy showing them hugging each other after winning. After more pictures of them from their college years concluding with another picture of them in their caps and gowns at graduation.
Finally, the final title screen popped up. "On June 26, 2014...Two will finally become One."
Everyone applauded and the lights came back on. Unfortunately, by then, it was getting late and everyone decided it was time to call it a night. Before they did though, Zack stood up.
"For anyone wanting to have a drink with my brother, we are taking him to the Aqualounge to celebrate his last night as a single man..." He turned to Bailey. "Don't worry, Sis...We promise we will get him into bed before too long and promise you won't have a hungover groom..."
Bailey just laughed. She was about to head off with Cassie and London, but she wanted a few minutes alone with Cody first. They walked over to the side so they could be alone.
"Codykins...This is our last night apart. I promise..."
Cody smiled. "I know. I think I can handle one night because I know seeing you walk down the aisle towards me will make it all worth it. It will be one of the best moments of my life..."
Bailey smiled back at him. "Mine too...I'll see you there...You just make sure you're there..."
"Nothing can keep me away..."
"Me either...I love you, Cody..."
"I love you too, Bailey..." Cody grinned. "Have a good night your last night as Bailey Pickett..."
Bailey leaned in and kissed Cody. "I will...See you tomorrow at the altar..."
To be Continued...
