Chapter 29
The day was perfect. The sky was a beautiful without a cloud and the sun shone brightly. It was neither too hot nor too cold. Paul could barely keep from snickering as the couple exchanged vows and Nadine gave him a quizzical look and Brian's mother and Tina beamed proudly.
They had written their own vows and read them off without a hitch before rings were exchanged. Wolf whistles then followed as Brian kissed his new bride.
"What, you all jealous a short guy captured such a prize?" he asked teasingly.
After the ceremony, everyone made a beeline for the picnic tables that had been set up as Paul buzzed upstairs to change as the grills fired up, returning a short time later donned in casual clothes under an apron that read Bese a cocinero ("Kiss the Cook") and also sporting a wide sombrero.
"Jesus Christ," Brian groaned, removing his jacket and tie after pictures had been taken, rolling up his sleeves. "I should have known El Senor over there couldn't make the effort to try and be normal for a whole day."
"When is Paul ever normal?" Briana smiled, carefully taking off her headpiece. "I don't think he knows the meaning of the word."
"Everyone's having a blast," she added, posing with her husband and friends as the smell of barbecue filled the area and Paul sang loudly and happily in Spanish, making sure his masterpieces were grilling nicely before clinking his water glass, bringing everyone's attention to himself.
"Anything to stop that singing," Tina sighed.
"The Head Mexican would like to make a toast," he said clearing his throat. "You know, sometimes I like bagging on the groom over here."
"Shit," Brian laughed. "I'm your favorite victim 99 percent of the time, Pedro. But go on; how many guys get toasted by an idiot in a sombrero at their own wedding?"
Everyone laughed at that comment and Paul grinned.
"In all seriousness, however, Briana couldn't have gotten herself a better catch. Congratulations, guys. I wish you many years of happiness together, spending Brian's money, and lots of kids that hopefully look like their mother. Food will be ready in ten."
Everyone laughed again and applauded before going back to what they were doing.
"This is going to be one interesting reception indeed," Tina chuckled to Nadine.
When dinner was finally served, they all dove in, including Briana. Everything was delicious and she praised Paul immensely for his hard work, thinking nothing of Brian being served separately from the rest of them.
Paul tipped the sombrero in response, grinning.
"Sit down," Briana added. "You've done enough work for one day. The caterers can take it from here."
"Uh, thanks, but for some reason I better stand a little while longer."
Within minutes, Brian began to cough and spit something into a napkin, glaring toward Paul. "You stupid fucking beaner! I told you to keep your hot tamale hot sauce shit out of my food!" he bellowed, getting up.
Paul began to laugh, taking off as Brian chased after him, cursing.
Briana shook her head, looking on. "Even at our own wedding, it never ends with those two."
Later:
When everyone was finished eating they all made their way to the makeshift dance area to burn off some calories. The first song was of course the bride and groom's dance.
Briana threw her bouquet, which Nadine caught, followed by Brian removing Brian's garter, which didn't go without teasing comments, whistles and catcalls.
In the process, Brian, now fueled by Pepto Bismol from Paul's earlier practical joke, flipped off a few of his friends laughingly before Matt was the lucky recipient of the garter toss.
Afterward, the DJ broke out a mix of modern dance music and everyone settled down to boogie the night away.
Soon it came time to cut the cake. The cake was wheeled into the area before they took the knife and together cut the first piece of cake. They fed each other the cake and posed for more pictures, Paul yelling for Briana to smash some into Brian's face, which they did to each other before throwing some on Paul, much to everyone's amusement.
Before they knew it, the night was over way too soon, and the couple made their way to the limousine to head off to Italy for their honeymoon for a week. Bird seed had been tossed their way as they beat a path to the car, everyone shouting goodbye and best wishes. Their new life had just begun.