Because it was late spring, Lyla suggested having the wedding in a nearby apple orchard because the apple trees would be blooming and their blossoms would look beautiful with the light, creamy white dress that Lyla had purchased. Louis agreed and continued searching for a nice suit or a tux and a tie in his closet. He didn't find anything, so he went to a nearby store and bought the proper clothes. August went with him to find something that would be proper for a best man. Louis and Lyla decided to make the wedding later because there was much more planning then they had expected - there was food, clothes, guests, decorations, location, plane tickets...what had they been thinking!
Both the bride and groom had contacted the guests and participants that they had been thinking of, telling them that the wedding would be in 2 weeks, and had received word that Louis' neice and nephew, Steven and Sophie, would be able to be flower girl and ring-bearer and would come with their family. Liz, the ecstatic best friend of Lyla's who had recently been married herself, had told Lyla that she would be very happy to be her bridesmaid and would come as soon as possible. Lyla contacted the apple orchard to verify permission to have a wedding there in 2 weeks, and they approved. Everything was going well; in fact, both Marshall and Nick had said that they would be able to make it. (Marshall had finally answered his phone, to Louis' surprise!)
As for August, school was going well and his friends were very happy for him (though confused at first as to why his parent's weren't married already). Kelsey, Natasha, and Jake all became close friends of August and August had a nice group of friends to sit with at lunch, of course including Kels, Nat, and Jake. He had become quite popular within his grade - but he had his enemies. There were some kids who just couldn't take in the fact that there was a musical genius in the school who claimed that he could hear music all the time.
Unfortunately, Lyla found out that her neice Angela would not be able to make it because of a huge concert that was mandatory for Angela to attend because her parents had spent quite a lot of money for tickets - more than a last-minute plane ticket would cost! But fortunately, only one flower girl was needed and Sophie had already committed to that job. Guest after guest called to say whether they could come or not, and so far Louis and Lyla had 27 guests, including Nat and Jake's family and Kelsey and her parents whom August had invited.
Time passed quickly, and soon the day came in which Lyla Novacek would become Mrs. Louis Connely. Lyla had gotten her hair done in beautiful curls and twists and was getting ready with Liz. It was a Saturday at 4pm, and guests were arriving by the minute at the apple orchard. The wedding would start at 4:30 and almost all the guests were there by 4:00. People were helping to set up tables and chairs and the food was being placed on the tables. August greeted the guests until Kelsey arrived and then they talked, waiting for Nat and Jake. When Nat and Jake arrived, all the kids met Steven and Sophie and became quick friends. Finally, the half-hour passed and everyone was there. The service began and the living parents and immediate family of the bride and groom walked down the "aisle" as the music started. They sat down as Sophie slowly dripped flower petals down the aisle. Then, Lyla walked down the aisle with Louis, arm in arm. Because of Lyla's father's passing not long ago, the traditional 'bride walks down the aisle with her father' could not be possible. Lyla had on her beautiful creamy white gown that flowed in the wind and matched the blossoming apple trees, and both were smiling the most beautiful smiles, and joyful tears formed in their eyes. Steven followed with the rings, which were both made of silver decorated with diamonds: one big diamond on Lyla's and three small diamonds on Louis'. The bride and groom reached the end of the aisle, where August, Liz, and the bishop were waiting, and were married, both caught up in each other as they said, "I do." Louis tenderly slipped Lyla's ring onto her delicate finger, and next Lyla slipped Louis' ring onto his strong, firm finger. "You may now kiss the bride." And they did.
Later, August, Kelsey, Nat, Jake, Steven, and Sophie sat together at a table under a light-pink-blossomed apple tree, each with a plate of goodies and a cup of soda.
"So, August, is this the best day of your life?" Nat asked, smiling.
"Yes." August simply answered, sipping his soda and trying to hide his tears of joy.
"It was a wonderful wedding, actually the first I have ever been to." Kelsey added as she bit into a cupcake.
The friends sat together, talking and eating, and August Rush now officially belonged to a family. And it felt good, like he finally belonged somewhere, to someone. A new feeling of freeness and pure happiness blossomed inside August as he sat there in an apple orchard with his friends and parents. He belonged.