Chapter 20: It's About Time
In Bobby and Peggy Davenport's elegant bedroom suite, it was strictly a girls' club gathering as the women made their preparations for the wedding. They all talked and laughed as they made themselves beautiful for what had turned out to be a warm, sunny day. Perfect weather for an outdoor wedding.
Sharona Disher knocked and was allowed entry, and flopped into an armchair, exhausted. "Oh my God...I thought he was relapsing, Natalie. Randy said he straightened his tie, and Leland's tie, and his own tie a dozen times. When I found him, he was outside meticulously measuring the space between the chairs and ensuring they were all straight and even. I finally got him to come back inside with Randy and Leland, but I have no idea how long it will last."
"That's the Mr. Monk we all know and love," chimed in Julie.
Natalie peered in the mirror, applying her makeup. "I have no idea what comes next. I mean...I know we're getting married. When we come back from our honeymoon, we're going house hunting. But I can't pry our honeymoon destination out of Adrian with a crowbar."
"I'm sure it will be great, Mom." Julie's eyes sparkled mischievously. "The last time he took her somewhere, it was the most beautiful bed-and-breakfast in Berkeley."
Sharona and TK looked at each other and said, "Ooooh..."
Peggy Davenport was shocked, "Julie, you knew about that?"
"Um, yeah Grandma. I tried to call Mom and her phone just kept ringing, so I tracked it and found out where she was. Mr. Monk tried to play it off, but I told him that I believed him as much as I believed him about adult Tic-Tacs."
Natalie and Julie started laughing hysterically. "I should be mad at you for that, but that was a priceless comeback, Julie!"
"Adult Tic-Tacs?" Sharona looked at them in confusion. "What am I missing?"
"Well, the first time I met Adrian, he was investigating a burglary in my home. Then he actually brought up the birth control pills in my purse in front of Julie- who was just a little girl at the time."
"Not that little," muttered Julie.
"Little enough that you didn't need to know about them! Anyway, Adrian tried to cover for me, and called them adult Tic-Tacs."
TK and Sharona fell over laughing. "That's Adrian for you, Natalie. He used to be one for opening his mouth and thinking later," replied Sharona. "I'll never forget how mad at him I was for telling me to 'suck it up' when I told him I was deathly afraid of elephants."
Natalie shook her head, "He had the nerve to say that?"
Sharona raised her hand solemnly, "Swear to God!"
A knock came at the door. You could hear Randy's voice in the hallway. "Sharona!"
Sharona opened the door a crack, "What is it, Randy?"
"Monk is starting to count the petals on the flowers. It's just a matter of time until he starts tossing the ones that aren't even."
Natalie smiled because she knew Adrian was just nervous and excited.
With everyone finally ready, Natalie announced, "Everyone clear out and take their places. Julie, go find Grandpa."
Outside, Leland and Adrian were waiting for the festivities to begin.
"Monk, I swear to God, if you don't stop pacing, I'm going to handcuff you to a chair until the music starts."
"I know, Leland, I know...I can't help it!"
"You're only nervous. Here comes Randy and Sharona. And yes, your tie is straight!"
Adrian swallowed as he watched Randy and Sharona take their seats. Standing in their places next to the minister, Leland watched Adrian hold his hands behind his back, in an attempt to hide his nervousness."
Then the soft music began and Adrian stood transfixed as Julie came walking towards him. His heart swelled as he remembered the little girl he had met along with her beautiful mother. She was followed by TK, and both were wearing elegant, sleeveless gowns in a lovely shade of teal. Adrian briefly glanced over at Leland who wore a broad smile as he gazed at his own wife walking towards him. He was likely remembering his own wedding day. But Adrian didn't ponder this for long, because he wanted to savor what came next.
Natalie.
On the arm of her father, and her blue eyes looked up and met Adrian's brown ones. The sight of her made it all go away. No more thoughts of flower petals, or space between chairs, but just the woman who seemed to float towards him on her father's arm. She was radiant in a flowing gown of ivory- delicately embroidered and sheer three-quarter sleeves. His eyes never left hers as she walked towards him and finally, she was standing before him. Bobby Davenport shook Adrian's hand and then he kissed Natalie on the cheek as he took his daughter's hand and placed it in Adrian's own.
Time stopped for a few seconds as they gazed at each other, eyes brimming with emotion. Then the minister began...
The words were a blur as the minister spoke until it was time for Natalie and Adrian to exchange vows.
"Natalie, you have been at my side all of these years. We have already been through better and worse, you have seen me through sickness and health, and you even stayed at my side at a time when I was certainly poorer. You have been my light and my lifeline and have always believed in me. My heart is full of joy because you have chosen me, and I promise to be your devoted husband- to always love, protect, and honor you with everything I have to give, and be faithful only unto you, as long as we both shall live."
"Adrian, from the moment I met you, somehow I knew that you would change my life forever. You have always come to my rescue, and I am overwhelmed with happiness to become your wife. I have cherished every adventure I have experienced at your side, and as far as I'm concerned, the past eight years were only the beginning. I will always be with you, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Loving you is my greatest joy, Adrian. I promise to be your devoted wife, and I will love, honor, and cherish you with everything I have to give, and be faithful only unto you, as long as we both shall live."
Natalie and Adrian turned around at the sound of a stifled sob, thinking it might be Natalie's mother. But all they saw was Sharona Disher trying not to laugh as she silently handed Randy a tissue.
Leland handed Adrian the ring, and his eyes started to tear up as he presented it to Natalie. "Look inside," he whispered. Natalie saw the word "Forever" engraved inside of the band. Adrian's eyes never left hers as he repeated after the minister, and slipped the ring on her finger. Then he smiled at her and said, "A perfect ten."
Natalie giggled through misty eyes and then presented the ring she had chosen for her husband. Remembering the necklace he had bought for her, she had chosen a white gold band, engraved all around with the infinity symbol. Holding it in front of Adrian, she smiled and whispered, "Look inside." Adrian held back tears of happiness as he read, "You are my everything." Locking eyes with him, she also repeated after the minister and placed it on his finger.
Natalie and Adrian stood at the altar with both hands joined, as the minister said the words everyone had been waiting to hear. "By the power vested in me by God and the State of California, I now pronounce you man and wife." He looked at Adrian and said, "You may kiss the bride."
To Natalie's delighted surprise, Adrian simply said, "It's about time!" Then he pulled her swiftly to him, slightly lifted her off her feet, and kissed her passionately as everyone stood up and applauded.
Not the end yet- there's two more chapters, I think! Sorry, I had to have just a tiny bit of fun at Randy's expense. It wouldn't be Monk if you didn't get to snicker a little at Randy.