You Are Cordially Invited Part Three
The bridal march started and Cole Farrell escorted Phoebe Lewis in first. They were followed by Rico and Jo. Then Claire and Cole Farrells little brother, Collin, who was being the ring bearer. Claire dropped rose petals as she walked, every now and then Collin would reach over and take some petals and set them on the satin pillow with the rings. When they were half way down the aisle when every one stood and looked at Lacey and Kyle. Even thought they had made a guest list, Karen insisted on allowing anyone to attend and by the looks of things, the entire town of Green Grove showed up. Lacey scanned the crowd and saw a few reassuring faces. She saw Chief Eddie Garrett, Officer Myers, and other officers from the police force. She saw Tess who was smiling from ear to ear. At the end of the aisle she could see her mom and Karen. They were beaming smiles of their own. Her eyes finally looked up at the dais.
The last time she stood up there was when they were saying good bye to Regina and she was asked to give the eulogy. She remembers that day all too clearly. She could feel her eyes beginning to tear up. She had a hankerchief and dapped them. Her gaze finally fell on the reason why she was here…..Danny.
He stood there like a statue. He met her gaze with one of his own. He mouthed the words "I Love You." Her eyes began welling again. "You just had to do that , didn't you?" She thought to herself but she replied to him just the same. Before taking Danny's hand, Lacey turned to Kyle and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." She said. "My pleasure." He looked up at Danny and saluted as he went to take his seat. Danny helped her as she walked up the small steps until she was standng beside him. He never let go of her hand. He could feel her nerves as her hand was trembling. He gave her hand and squeeze and interlocked her fingers with his own. The gave each other an embarrassed smile and giggle as if they were laughing to a joke that only they share. The priest cleared his throat. All eyes turn as he begins to speak.
"Dearly Beloved. We are gathered her today to witness the marriage of Daniel Jafar Desai and Lacey Elizabeth Porter in the bonds of holy matrimony. If anyone has any objection to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."
There is a long pause. Danny sneaks a look at Lacey who is biting her lower lip. He looks over at his mother, Karen who is trying hard not to cry. Danny gives her a reasuring smile. He looks back as the priest continues. "The couple have something they wished to say to each other." He motions to Danny who has turned to face Lacey.
He takes a deep breath and exhales. Lacey hands off her bouquet to Jo. Danny takes her hands into his. He looks down for a minute then looks straight into her eyes. "Lace, I know my coming back into your life hasn't made things easy for you. And I want you to know that I never wanted the things that happened to you. When I was in Juvie, all I could think about was getting out and coming back to you. You have always been my heart. A man can't live without his heart. I pledge to you, here and now in from of our family and friends that I will do everything I can to make up for all the tears that you shed because of me. This is my promise to you, my heart."
Lacey could see in his eyes how much he loved her. She could see Danny when they were kids behind his look. That little boy was still there but now he was this loving man that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She could feel her throat becoming dry. She looked up to the ceiling for a moment. A tear escaped the corner of her reached up and gently wiped the tear away. He held her face as she tried to get over her case of nerves. Danny let her know that it was okay and to take her time. She smiled at him.
"Danny? When you left five years ago it hurt so much. I remember crying myself to sleep that night they took you away. Five year felt like an eternity. Then you came back and everything became like I was living in a nightmare and all I wanted to do was wake up. I thought that I had come through that pain and those feelings I had for you when we were kids. For all the pain you caused me helped me grow into a better person that realizes what true friendship means and what it is like to fall in love with someone that was never lying about his heart. You once told me that you felt that you could never be happy. My pledge to you, here in front of our family and friends, is that I will make you the happiest man on earth and I will do everything I can to make sure that you stay happy." She could see Danny's eyes starting to glass over with tears. The priest began to speak again. "Thank you for those words, Daniel and Lacey." He turned toward Lacey.
"Lacey? Do you take Daniel to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor and keep him for as long as you both shall live?" She looks over at Danny. His eyes were turning red and he smiled. She could feel his heart. She smiled back at him. She looked back at the priest. "I do." Danny turned away from her and wiped his eye with his free hand. She couldn't help but let out a small giggle. The priest posed the question to Desai.
"Daniel? Do you take Lacey to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love, honor and keep her for as long as you both shall live?" He had trouble speaking, his lips quivered as he said "I do." Lacey let go of his hand and brushed the hair from his eyes. He was crying tears of happiness. Danny smiled at Lacey. He didn't care that his face was wet with tears because Lacey was also crying with joy