Nicole paced back and forth across the small dressing room, stopping often to peek through the closed wood shutters of the one window in the room. The window looked out to the street that ran in front of the large building.

"Nicole, would you please stop pacing! You're going to wear a hole in the carpet," Sybil said. "Sit down."

"I can't sit. I'll wrinkle my dress. And I'm too nervous to sit. Where is Frank? Why isn't he here?" She walked over to the small table next to the full-length mirror, picked up her cell phone, looked at it in hopes of a missed call or text, aware she would have heard it ring had there been one. She tossed the phone back on the table, walked back over to the window, peeked out again, in hopes of seeing his usual black SUV.

"He told you. He's stuck in traffic."

"He's the commissioner. Surely he can make his way around traffic. What if it's something else, and he just didn't want to tell me? What if it's something bad? I wish there was a television in here. I wish he'd call back. I'd feel better if I could hear his voice again. Why doesn't he call back?"

"He's on his way, hon. He'll be here. So, tell me, who all did Frank invite? Who should I expect to see in there?"

"God! I don't even know. Frank's family, of course—"

"Well, that right there takes up a whole pew," Sybil interrupted.

"Very true."

"So, who else?"

"Let's see. Garrett Monroe; Abigail and her boyfriend; Lt. Gormley and his family; the mayor and his wife, of course—"

Sybil laughed.

"What?"

"I just had visions of Anthony in there, passing out his cards, reminding everyone to vote for him, while the present mayor sits and watches."

"Oh, God, Sybil! Please tell me he wouldn't do that!"

Sybil laughed again.

"Of course he wouldn't, although it would be absolutely delicious if he did, don't you think?" she said, smiling. "I assure you, sweetie, my darling husband will be on good behavior the whole day. But, hey, I did get you to stop pacing, to stop fretting over Frank for a minute, didn't I?"

"By giving me another worry! Thanks. What time is it?"

"About two minutes since the last time you asked. It's ten past one."

"The wedding was supposed to start ten minutes ago!"

"So, it starts a few minutes late. It's not the end of the world. Just makes it that much later before we actually get to drink, eat, and party. I'm suddenly absolutely ravenous. Aren't you?"

"Hardly. I could use a glass of wine, though, to calm my nerves," Nicole replied as she raised a wooden slat to look out the window one more time. When she did, she saw a beige SUV drive up in front of the church, to the left of the room where she stood. She saw the front doors of the vehicle swing open. She watched as the man she recognized as Marty stepped out of the passenger side, next to the sidewalk, and open the back door. She was somewhat relieved when she saw Henry step out, but continued to hold her breath until she saw Frank walk around the front of the SUV and join his dad on the sidewalk. She watched him as he straightened Henry's tie, and then his own. He tugged at the hem of his black suit jacket, then placed his hand on Henry's back, and the two of them hurried up the steps of the church, with Marty and Jerry following behind. Nicole had watched for a black SUV, but of course, she now realized, Frank would have requested the beige one for this day, thinking the color more appropriate.

Pushing the slat to return the shutter to its closed position, she turned to Sybil. "He's here. Thank God."

A few minutes later Mabel, the wedding coordinator for the church, stuck her head in the door. "We're ready to start."

Nicole took a deep breath, held it for a second, then let it out. She ran her hands down her dress to smooth it out, then touched the back of her hair.

"Do I look okay?"

"You look perfect, sweetie. Let's go get this done so we can party!"

XXXXX

Prior to coming for Nicole and Sybil, Mabel had led Frank and Henry to the side of church where they would enter the sanctuary to take their place at the altar, and wait. Once inside, Frank addressed the guests.

"I just want to take a moment to apologize for my tardiness, and to thank you all for your patience, and for being here today. It means a great deal to both me and Nicole to share this special day with our friends and family."

He then took his place next to Henry and the music began to play softly as the doors opened, and Sybil began her walk down the aisle. Once she took her place to the left of the altar after receiving a kiss on the cheek from Frank, the music changed, and the guests stood as Nicole appeared in the open doorway.

The sight of her nearly took Frank's breath away. She was even more beautiful than he thought possible. Her blue eyes sparkled as they met and held his own. Her curved lips were a soft pink, and Frank found himself longing for the moment he could hold her in his arms and kiss them. The smile on his face grew wider as he watched her walk toward him, resisting his incredible urge to meet her halfway. He wished he'd had a moment of privacy with her before the ceremony, but he knew she would not have allowed it, even if he had arrived on schedule. Once she had made her way to the altar, she took her place next to him, turning to face him.

"You made it," she said, just above a whisper, touching her left hand to his chest while holding her pale pink rose bouquet in the other. Her nails exhibited a perfect French manicure.

"I told you I would." Frank took her hand in his, put it to his lips. "Nothing would keep me from being here with you, Nicole. You know that. You look beautiful."

"So do you."

"Frank, Nicole, are you ready to begin?" asked the priest.

"Yes," they both replied. Frank released Nicole's hand, and they both turned to face the altar. Nicole switched her bouquet to her left hand, dropping her right arm to her side. Frank took her hand in his, gently squeezing it. She returned the gesture.

The priest began the ceremony with a prayer, followed by the customary Biblical readings and song. When the time came to exchange the rings after the couple had repeated their vows to each another, Nicole turned to Sybil, taking the wedding band for Frank, and giving her the pink bouquet. Frank turned to Henry.

"I don't have it, Francis. You do," Henry whispered.

"That's right, I do." Frank smiled sheepishly as he reached into the pocket of his trousers, pulled out the platinum band that was surrounded with a full circle of round brilliant diamonds to match the band of Nicole's engagement ring. Turning back to face Nicole, his smile turned proud.

The rings were exchanged and blessed by the priest as symbols of their love and fidelity, and then came the moment Frank had looked forward to since Nicole had first appeared in the open doorway.

"Frank," the priest said, "you may know kiss the bride."

"Good." Frank cupped Nicole's face in his hands, smiled as he looked into her teary eyes. He touched his lips to hers, whispered, "I love you, Nicole Reagan." And then he kissed her.

The guests stood and clapped. Some of the Reagans cheered. "Way to go, Dad!" Danny and Jamie both exclaimed. "Way to go, Grandpa!" Nicky shouted, ignoring her mother's lame attempt to show disapproval, while unable to hide her own pleasure of witnessing her dad's joy.

With Nicole's face still cupped in his hands, Frank touched his forehead to hers, chuckling at his family's vocal celebrations, and then he kissed her once more before releasing her to allow the priest to proceed with the conclusion of the ceremony.