Chapter 15
Dwight took some deep breaths as people started walking into the church building with their best clothes they had. He was surprised at the turn out but knew that any break from their regular chores and procedures to stay alive was a welcome distraction. And Alexandria liked their celebrations.
"You are allowed to breathe, Dwight."
Dwight turned around to see Father Gabriel standing next to him. "And you have proven yourself to deserve a great life among us."
Dwight nodded slightly and straightened his tie unsure of what else to do. He took another deep breath and cleared his throat as he waited for the ceremony to begin.
…
Sherry started pacing while still feeling nervous like she did before except the weight on her shoulders was noticeably absent. She could allow herself to smile unlike hours before. When she did smile, she was able to happily anticipate the day ahead of her. Within an hour, another tradition from the life before would take place. She would get married in a church like her parents would have wanted her to.
Closing her eyes, she waited inside her new house with her bridesmaids as they conversed with each other in excited voices. They each got dolled up with lilac short sleeved dresses. The length reached several inches above their knees and had white ribbon embellishments on the waistline and hem.
With each bridesmaid holding a small bouquet of flowers, they made small talk while waiting in Sherry's home.
"Where's baby Noelle?" Amber asked almost sad that Noelle was absent from their little bridal party.
"She's with Yolanda," Ashlyn clarified, "We actually found a lilac dress for her to wear. She matches!"
Sherry stared at them all with admiration then took a deep breath as her heart nearly beat out of her chest.
"It's almost time," Megan said beside her as she reached for Sherry's hand, "You okay?"
"More than okay," Sherry said with a satisfied grin. Taking initiative on her big day, she took one step on the stairs to be seen by all of her friends. They quieted down and each gave her the attention she silently requested. "You all look so great! If I could say a few words…"
"I suppose you're allowed," Christy remarked with a wink and smiled with utmost support, "But if this is a toast, we should really get the glasses and wine."
Amber didn't skip a beat and ran into the kitchen as Ashlyn followed closely behind. When they returned, they gave each woman a glass of her own then poured everyone wine except Ashlyn who said she didn't want to intoxicate her breastfed daughter.
Sherry held her glass in hand and beheld them all again. Sobering up the mood, she noticed all the empty spaces in the room where Amanda, Brittany, Jada, and Lauren could have been standing.
"Even though not all of us are here," Sherry started as they all seemed transported to a different time when they were all together, "I am thankful that some of us are able to enjoy this new life. Our old friends are with us in their own way. Cheers to our friends and let's live our lives the way they would want us to. To happiness."
They all repeated her toast as they all took a drink for the people they lost but also for a life renewed. They hugged each other while fanning their faces to keep from crying tears of joy. The scene was surreal to Sherry. They had all come so far from their existence in Sanctuary. That alone was something to celebrate.
The front door opened as Jenna emerged. "They are ready for you guys," she greeted with a smile.
Sherry took another shaky breath as her friends practically squealed with delight. They ushered her out of the house and quickly followed while Christy handed Sherry her own wedding bouquet. As they walked towards the other side of Alexandria, Sherry saw the cement landing by their reservoir that used to be a foundation for a house. It looked to have changed overnight as beams stood up tall and held up a wooden pavilion. Decorated tables and chairs were underneath the covering with white flowers as the centerpiece. There was an empty spot in the middle of the floor to make way for some dancing. Every detail had been thought of and could have passed for a wedding reception that had been before the world ended.
As they made it to the church, Sherry saw Dwight's group of guys standing outside talking amongst each other. Since Dwight sought the help of Sherry's friends - who volunteered to be her bridesmaids - he had to equal the people he asked to be his groomsmen to fit the number of who was walking down the aisle with who. The men were less reluctant to make the day as big as Sherry's friends wanted it to be. But of course, they obliged. Daryl, Mark, Carson, and Rick were present as well as Carl who would escort Jenna down the aisle. Sherry thought it obvious that Jenna seemed smitten with Rick's son. As the women approached the men, Jenna walked right up to Carl and did a small twirl with her lilac dress. Carl looked as if in somewhat awe as Jenna was dressed up and looked like a woman; not a girl.
"Hey, boys!" Christy laughed as she looked to Teegan and Troy who were dressed up in their suits and chasing Judith, "Let's try and keep Judith nice and clean for the first part of the day, okay?"
Kevin stepped towards Sherry in greeting. Sherry was surprised to see him and assumed that he would be in the chapel sitting beside Yolanda. Nevertheless, he approached her with a warm smile. "Sherry, I would like to ask you a serious question."
"Sure," Sherry complied as her bridesmaids tried to get everyone to stand in position for how they would walk down the aisle. The amusing encounter was Amber trying to tell Daryl what to do as he grudgingly did what she said and let her guide him to where he needed to be. She placed him next to Megan then stood in front of them with Mark at her side.
"I know both of your real parents aren't present for this event so I would like to volunteer to step in their shoes," Kevin offered humbly, "It would be my honor to escort you down the aisle."
Surprised by how much emotion ignited because of his sentiment, Sherry could only hug him tightly while forcing herself not to cry. "I would like that," she said quietly into his shoulder.
"You are about the same age as my daughters would have been," Kevin recollected, "I would have loved to have this moment with them but I'm equally pleased to share this time with you."
"Thank you so much," Sherry uttered as he stuck his elbow out for her to take. She smiled and wrapped her arm with his as they waited.
"It's my pleasure," Kevin replied.
…
The first to appear out of the door was Judith who chucked flower petals to the ground instead of eloquently like it was supposed to be done. Teegan and Troy followed while trying to walk like they had been told but once they were five feet to the end mark, they bolted to their place beside their mom on the front aisle who stared them down to let them know their rough housing wasn't acceptable in a church or at a wedding.
Dwight just kept looking beyond the door to try and spot Sherry. Her being the shortest of the bunch made it hard to pinpoint exactly where she was so he decided to focus on his friends that made their way into the chapel to stand at the front beside him.
First to walk inside was Carl and Jenna. Her dress was slightly different than the other women. Jenna's appeared more youthful and was appropriate for her age. Carl's face was beat red and glanced up at Dwight to make a face. Dwight simply shrugged in return but understood the awkwardness. It wasn't often that they had to have celebrations that bordered upon ridiculousness in comparison to their regular livelihood of trying to survive.
Second had been Mark and Amber who appeared congenial to each other while trying to reshape their relationship. As they walked down the aisle, it almost looked as if they liked one another which had been a stark difference from several months ago.
Third was Daryl and Megan as Daryl seemed like he was being tortured to death. A smile escaped Dwight's lips as he stifled to laugh at his friend's humiliation of being forced to dress up and be a part of something that was definitely not his style. Distracted at Daryl's embarrassment, he was surprised to see everyone stand up and stare behind them as he glanced in that direction to see his fiancée and Kevin start heading his direction.
Even though he had already seen her earlier in the day, it still took him aback that she was making her final ascent as a single woman. Whatever possessed her to say yes to his proposal was beyond him. Regardless of the reason she accepted, he was privileged to be the one waiting at the altar for her.
Kevin and Sherry made it to the front as everyone took a seat again once Father Gabriel gave them the go-ahead. Kevin and Sherry embraced for several seconds before he sat next to Yolanda who held a sleeping Noelle.
Dwight could see Sherry glance over to him as she gave him a demure grin then actually blushed and looked away. It made him grin as he turned his attention towards Father Gabriel who looked at them admirably.
"My dear friends," Father Gabriel started, "You have come together in this church so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the Church's minister and this community. Christ abundantly blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in baptism and now he enriches and strengthens you by a special sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions."
Father Gabriel looked to the young couple that stood in front of him. Dwight subtly reached for Sherry's pinky finger with his and squeezed gently. "Dwight Abraham Orlich and Sherilyn Anne Ciccone, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?" Father Gabriel continued, "Will you love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives? Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?"
"Yes," Sherry said.
"Yes," Dwight echoed.
Father Gabriel smiled at them then proceeded. "Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church."
Facing each other, Dwight reached for Sherry's right hand but held it up to kiss it then winked as Father Gabriel read on. Not before Sherry gave him a closed mouth grin as her dark eyes seemed more alive than he had ever seen them before. To Dwight, she was truly radiant.
"Dwight Abraham Orlich, do you take Sherilyn Anne Ciccone to be your wife?" Father Gabriel asked. "Do you promise to be true to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and honor her all the days of your life?"
"I do," Dwight said with no hesitation. Sherry's hand shook at the emotion that was taking over in the moment.
Gabriel looked to Sherry. "Sherilyn Anne Ciccone, do you take Dwight Abraham Orlich to be your husband? Do you promise to be true to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and honor him all the days of your life?"
Sherry nodded as tears erupted. "I do," she replied. They both squeezed each other's hands as Dwight's eyes immediately got attacked by tears upon her genuine answer. Her promises that she made to God in regards to him were more than just a sweet sentiment. It hit him like a brick wall as he knew Sherry was a woman of her word. Indeed, when it came to Sherry, he could easily admit that he was a softie.
"You have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings," Father Gabriel said to them, "What God has joined, men must not divide."
"Amen," Sherry and the rest of the congregation said. Dwight said it two seconds after everyone else as he was still unfamiliar with how Catholic ceremonies went. Sherry stifled a laugh as Dwight smiled at her with his face getting red. Several others in the congregation laughed as they recognized his small blunder.
"May I have the rings?" Father Gabriel said and looked to both Teegan and Troy. They both walked to them awkwardly and held out the rings. Gabriel took them both as they then sat next to Terri on the front pew.
"Lord, bless these rings which we bless in your name. Grant that those who wear them may always have a deep faith in each other. May they do your will and always live together in peace, good will, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord."
Sherry nodded to Dwight as they both said an "amen" together along with their wedding guests.
Father Gabriel gave Sherry's wedding band for Dwight to take as Dwight picked it up.
"You remember what you're supposed to say?" Gabriel muttered quietly.
Dwight nodded in assurance and put the gold ring on Sherry's finger that complimented the ring he gave her the night before. "Sherilyn Anne Ciccone, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Sherry took Dwight's gold wedding band and placed it on his ring finger. "Dwight Abraham Orlich, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," she repeated and smiled at Dwight.
"You may now exchange a kiss," Gabriel said.
With their hands still intertwined, Sherry craned her neck to kiss Dwight as he met her more than halfway. They kissed tenderly while Dwight broke their hands away and kissed her once more when putting his arms around her. She did the same and hugged him tightly as she could hear him sniffling on her shoulder.
"I love you," Dwight muffled quietly as she felt the warmth of his mouth on her neck when he said it. The crowd gave some light applause with the exception of Miguel who whistled loudly.
"I love you too," Sherry said touched that he was getting so emotional on their special day. He quickly wiped at his eyes again as the crowd quieted down to proceed with the marriage rite.
"Let us pray to the Lord for this bride and groom, who come to the altar as they begin their married life, that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, they may always be bound together by love for one another," Father Gabriel spoke as everyone bowed their heads in silent prayer. Sherry closed her eyes but then glanced at Dwight who was unsure of what to do. He looked to her in question as she bowed her head again and closed her eyes hoping he would catch on that he should do the same. When she opened her eyes to check if he did, she saw he successfully caught on as to what they were supposed to do.
Father Gabriel opened his eyes and put both of his hands on their heads. "Holy Father, who formed man in your own image, male and female you created them, so that as husband and wife, united in body and heart, they might fulfill their calling in the world. O God, who, to reveal the great design you formed in your love, willed that the love of spouses for each other should foreshadow the covenant you graciously made with your people, so that, by fulfillment of the sacramental sign, the mystical marriage of Christ with his Church might become manifest in the union of husband and wife among your faithful.
"Graciously stretch out your right hand over these your servants Dwight and Sherilyn, we pray, and pour into their hearts the power of the Holy Spirit. Grant, O Lord, that, as they enter upon this sacramental union, they may share with one another the gifts of your love and, by being for each other a sign of your presence, become one heart and one mind.
"May they also sustain, O Lord, by their deeds the home they are forming and prepare their children to become members of your heavenly household by raising them in the way of the Gospel. Graciously crown with your blessings your daughter, Sherilyn Anne Ciccone, so that, by being a good wife and mother, she may bring warmth to her home with a love that is pure and adorn it with welcoming graciousness.
"Bestow a heavenly blessing also, O Lord, on Dwight Abraham Orlich, your servant, that he may be a worthy, good and faithful husband and a provident father. Grant, holy father, that, desiring to approach your table as a couple joined in marriage in your presence, they may one day have the joy of taking part in your great banquet in heaven. Through Christ our Lord."
"Amen," everyone said in response as Sherry wiped at her own tears.
They finished the rites and sang the Lord's Prayer upon which Dwight pretended to know and Sherry could see Daryl next to him not even try. Everyone else seemed to remember it well and sang it loud and proud.
Once it finished, Father Gabriel concluded the ceremony. "May God the eternal Father keep you of one heart in love for one another that the peace of Christ may dwell in you and abide always in your home."
"Amen."
"May you be blessed in your children, have solace in your friends and enjoy true peace with everyone," Gabriel stated.
"Amen."
"May you be witnesses in the world to God's charity, so that the afflicted and needy who have known your kindness may one day receive you thankfully into the eternal dwelling of God." Gabriel said.
"Amen," everyone seemed to echo as Dwight stumbled on that blessing but put his own amen for his future.
"And may Almighty God bless all of you, who are gathered here, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
"Amen," everyone said whole heartedly as the piano played in the background indicating that the ceremony was finally over. Dwight and Sherry turned around to look at the crowd as they all stood and celebrated with shouts of joy.
…
"Maybe I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time. Maybe I'm afraid of the way I need you. Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pull me out of time. And hung me on a line. Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you."
Music played on a stereo system as the sun began to set. Everyone was underneath or around the pavilion as they ate, danced, or spoke to each other with much enthusiasm. Maggie was dancing with Hershel in her arms as she tried to keep him awake for as long as she could so he would crash hard later. Ashlyn did the same but gave up as she herself began to feel tired as the young Carson family bowed out early from the party.
Amber had been approached by Heath several times in the night who asked her to dance but each time she shook her head as she committed herself to stay next to Mark the whole night. She didn't seem to mind but did give a sincere apology to Heath each time he felt bold enough to ask.
Sherry was congratulated at every corner. A lot of community members told her that it had been far too long since they had a wedding and that their celebration would soon revive the tradition for many others to come. Sherry didn't complain as it was a welcome distraction from the terror on the other side of the wall.
Dwight lingered close by with a hand around her waist throughout the entire night. It made Sherry feel protected and the extra affection was warm and welcoming. His close proximity to her was making it more difficult to focus on their guests as time pressed on.
As night enveloped their atmosphere, lights came on that were strewn across the pavilion. People made delighted cheers when they turned on as the party continued. Dances were slow or fast but Sherry requested that no line dances were to be played. She wanted it to be a perfect night, after all.
More faces emerged onto the party scene as Sherry spotted Eugene next to the food table. Sherry pointed him out to Dwight as he instantly made a face and pretended that Rick needed to speak with him on the other side of the landing. Sherry rolled her eyes and started walking toward Eugene as she supposed she would be thanking his arrival on her own.
"Eugene!" Sherry said delightedly and gave him a hug. Eugene smiled at her obvious joy of seeing him and almost blushed at the positive attention. "I was told by Sasha that you weren't going to be around today!"
"Finished at the factory earlier than predicted," Eugene stated, "I brought something for you."
Sherry's eyebrows raised as he reached behind his back to hold up a medium-sized black box with golden embellishments. Sherry's jaw dropped as Eugene opened it to show it was a jewelry box with a single ballerina who began to spin slowly upon opening the lid.
"I used to be a science teacher before everything happened," Eugene said as she held it while examining every detail, "It's in my skillset to fix these kind of things. A couple of bolts here and there needed to be replaced. Nothing I couldn't fix. Someone told me that you used to be a dancer. Well, I saw this and couldn't think of anyone else that would have better use for it."
"Eugene… this is one of the best presents I have ever had," Sherry said as she glanced up to him, "Really, I don't know what to say."
"It has a lock too," Eugene said and showed her the key inside the box, "You can put whatever you want in there. I hope it serves you well."
…
"Say, love, you remind me of someone I remember from years past; someone I met in a dream. One day you appeared at my window, helplessly looking for refuge. Funny, you never did leave."
Dwight stood behind his wife as she opened up the card that Aaron had given them. Aaron waited expectedly as Dwight wrapped his arms around Sherry's middle and put his chin on the top of her head. She started reading the card then looked up to Aaron who gestured to his camera bag that was strapped around his shoulder.
"This is what Alexandria is all about," Aaron started. "It's about making and keeping the memories we have. We have a legacy that so few people have. It needs to be protected with the simple things."
Dwight looked down at the letter and read Aaron's small font. "Dear Dwight & Sherry. Please accept my official belated wedding present as I will print photos of your special day with a photo printer that we snagged at a local pharmacy. It's moments like these that we felt the need to risk life and limb to bring such a big and bulky machine within the walls of Alexandria. Being a professional photographer on the side (in my previous life) made me feel inclined to take the job on your special day. I hope you don't mind and I hope you enjoy the results which you will get within the week after I try and do some edits. Stay happy and never take the small moments lightly. Treasure everything. Love, Your Good Friend, Aaron."
Sherry brought Aaron into a hug as he squeezed her tightly. "Thank you so much. That is better than anything that we could have asked for," Sherry said while being somewhat choked with emotion. Dwight wasn't the kind of person to be sentimental about photos but knew Sherry saw the need to look back on the best day of their lives. Dwight knew deep down that he would be appreciative of it as well.
"It's no trouble. You two deserve it," Aaron said and lightly touched Sherry's hand before he took off back to his seat.
Sherry looked to Dwight with amazement in her eyes as Dwight could only smile at the enthusiasm that she had. Her joy of the day reverberated throughout her entire being as her eyes gleamed from the lights above. Sherry's face was glowing while her grin left her face as she met Dwight's astounded stare. Her mood hadn't changed but she gave him a knowing glance as he returned it. He knew he would remember that moment for as long as he lived. Sherry was beautiful inside and out. Dwight wished that Sherry knew how much he loved her. He hoped to prove it until his last breath. Sherry knew to an extent but there were so many things that Dwight felt about her that he was unable to form into words. He wondered if he would ever be able to convey the way she made him feel. Time will show, Dwight thought to himself as she took his hand. He accepted the gesture with gratitude and brought her hand up to kiss the top of it gently. Sherry made a small smile but Dwight could see her mind was thinking the same thing that he was. They were both just completely amazed about where they were in time. Things had finally found a good groove. In spite of all the heartache, they were able to pull through it all and find happiness.
…
"So who is going to be next now?" Amber asked as Megan and Christy had joined her and Mark. Christy and Megan had spent all night making sure food had been well stocked as well as wine that had been filled to fit everyone's requests. With things dying down, they finally had a chance to put their feet up. It had taken the whole month since Dwight asked Christy to help plan a wedding for her to actually execute his request. As much as she enjoyed forming every detail, she was glad it was almost over.
"I would have said you two," Christy said and pointed to Mark and Amber as everyone at the table besides her seemed to roll their eyes at the thought including Megan.
As Amber began to remark, her face reddened while she nodded to someone behind Christy. "I don't know, I think some other people amongst us will beat Mark and me."
"What are you…" Christy asked as she looked in the direction that Amber's gaze seemed to be distracted from. She turned to see Rick walk towards them while looking directly at her. She heard Amber laugh behind her but paid it no attention. She could only focus on how handsome he was when he looked as if he wanted to smile but was too reserved to do so.
"Can I have this dance?" Rick asked as he leaned over to whisper the offer in her ear. Christy could see Megan raise her eyebrow at Christy but nodded in his direction as a seal of approval.
With a nod, Rick guided Christy to the makeshift dance floor as he held her delicate waist firmly. Christy was looking around to see where Judith was and saw she was sitting on Carol's lap while her eyes began to get heavy from the night's celebration.
"Tuckered out again, isn't she?" Christy remarked as Rick held one of her hands to the side and put another hand on her back. He started swaying as people looked on while seeing their leader in a different light.
"It's been a long day," Rick replied but shrugged, "This time for a good reason."
"It's nice," Christy beamed, "I nearly killed myself getting decorations and outfits. Literally. But even after all the planning, I would want to see weddings here more often."
"I can agree with that," Rick echoed her sentiments as he looked her in eyes. Christy adjusted her arm to wrap around Rick's shoulder blade and stepped closer to leave no distance between them.
They stayed quiet as Rick brought his face closer to hers. Bringing his lips to her ear, Christy smiled at his soft spoken way of stealing her attention.
"About that kiss a while back," Rick started. Christy knew what he was getting at. It was something that they both had an unspoken agreement about. Telling their closest friends that something was developing, they didn't really explore it any further other than only having eyes for each other.
"What about it?" Christy played coyly.
"You haven't said much to me after that," Rick recalled but still had a warm smile as if to let her know it didn't hurt him.
"I'm sorry about that," Christy replied with some melancholy, "I just need to move slow with some things. The last… relationship… I had was a little rocky."
"I understand," Rick said, "I won't push anything you aren't ready for. But I would like to get to know you more in the meantime if you don't mind."
"Just throwing that out there?" Christy joked.
Rick actually grinned at her flirtatious remark and nearly kissed her cheek but thought better of it.
"I'll allow it," Christy invited quietly with a smirk.
With her permission, he brought his face to hers before lightly touching his lips against her cheek. Christy closed her eyes at the sweetness within it. However long it took to recover from what happened in Sanctuary, she knew it would be worth it.
…
After thanking what seemed like the hundredth person, the song changed as Sherry listened to its familiar melody with a grin. Dwight approached her slowly from the other side of the pavilion with hands in his pockets and a shy smile.
"This our first dance?" Sherry teased.
"I should have asked which song you would have had in mind for the special occasion," Dwight responded, "We can change it."
"Not necessary," Sherry informed, "I love this song."
Dwight outstretched his hand then escorted her to the dance floor. Sherry saw Christy and Rick dancing in what seemed their own world as Dwight placed both hands on the small of her back. She responded by wrapping her hands behind his neck.
"Take my hand…take my whole life too… But I can't help falling in love with you," Dwight sang softly as his lips stayed close to her forehead. Sherry closed her eyes as she felt perfectly content with everything in her life. She and Dwight were able to be with each other. She didn't know what the future held for them but she knew she was happy for the time they had.
…
Megan watched everyone dance in the distance as she sat on the lookout by the gate. The lights that were strung over there makeshift dance floor glistened in the dark and looked like a fairytale. She saw that Eugene made an appearance but bailed on the party before they could sit and chat. He had been a good friend to her in the past month. Feelings of more than friendship began to grow as Megan nearly welcomed it.
But despite the happiness she felt among friends, she had to leave and be by herself for a moment. Scaling the lookout, dress and all, she stood atop the perch and thought about her life in the last year. Had Takuya still been alive, she wouldn't have felt the need to step away from the party.
In many ways she moved on from the dream that engulfed her at times when she needed that escape. Takuya started and ended as nothing more than an idea. That reality killed her as she knew he felt the same way about her. Torn apart by someone who threatened their lives if they stepped past the line of fantasy, they waited in vain.
Megan still treated him as if they had been together for years. In an odd way, they were. She visited his grave nearly everyday. It had become her spot to relax as she would take a book or bring music along with her for the visit.
Nights like tonight were far more difficult. Dwight and Takuya were best friends and she knew he would have enjoyed every minute.
Pulled away from her thoughts, she saw Daryl walking towards the gates. Despite his dressed up apparel, he had his crossbow strapped to his back and strode to the wall with purpose. Once he made it to the gate to open it up, he glanced up to see her watching him. He helped bury Takuya last year and perhaps knew her need to escape. Daryl's reasons to leave the party early were a mystery. She was aware that Daryl wasn't much of a people person but also heard a rumor that Maggie had a sister whom he was fond of and was no longer with them.
Megan nodded at Daryl without saying a word as he replied with a faint echo of her acknowledgment. Bonded by loss, they didn't say anything more as she watched him leave Alexandria's walls to be alone.
AUTHOR'S NOTES, TRIVIA, & FACTS -
#1 - The three songs in italics will be on the Book 5 "soundtrack." In order, they are, Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney (if you can recall that is Vincent & Annie Ciccone's wedding song), Sweet Dreams by Midas Whale (I order you to look them up now!), and Can't Help Falling in Love by Fleet Foxes (this one specifically is their official wedding song...cliche but...).
#2 - The Rite of Marriage used for Dwight & Sherry's wedding is an actual Catholic ceremony. No words were embellished. As much as I wanted Kevin to make an announcement that he was giving away Sherry, it wasn't true to the Rite of Marriage or Kevin's relationship to Sherry as she is a grown woman who can give herself away. Even if it were her father walking her down the aisle, it wouldn't be asked.