The Perfect Wedding

“Delia, I can’t believe it’s your wedding day. It’s perfect outside, and everything is ready. All the food arrived on schedule. Your cake is set up. Nothing could be more perfect.”

I looked at myself in the mirror as mom talked to me. I examined every inch of my body from my blonde hair, the makeup around my blue eyes, and my lace, antique white dress that fit my thin perfectly. I rubbed my belly thankful the baby bump didn’t show. Cal and I hadn’t told our families I was about four months along. If my parents knew they would be devastated.

“Mom, when will dad arrive? Him being late is the one thing that I can predict will go wrong.”

“He just called and he’s on his way. I promise he won’t be late.”

“How is Cal doing?”

“He’s ready and waiting in your brother’s room. Don’t worry. Everything is right on track.”

I looked out my bedroom window and saw hundreds of people visiting on my parent’s perfectly landscaped yard. The white chairs were lined up and the arch decorated with flowers was waiting for Cal and me to vow the rest of our lives to each other.

Just as the thoughts of how everything is going as planned entered my mind, I ran to the bathroom. Morning sickness was a problem, but I could pass this off as nerves right before the wedding. I shut the door and ran water hoping no one would hear me. After brushing my teeth, I went back to my bedroom and sat on the edge of my bed and waited for dad.

My best friend, Danni sat on the bed beside me. She placed her hand in mine and we sat silently. Nothing needed to be said, she knew I was pregnant and knew I was nervous about getting married. I always had a hard time committing before Cal. He was the only serious relationship I ever had.

Before standing, I looked over and gave her a small smile. I walked over to the window and looked out again. I looked over at all the cars parked in the pasture and saw dad driving up the driveway. My mind eased a little bit. Cal was outside walking around and greeting people. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo.

He must have gone out in the last few minutes. His smile lit up the crowd. My heart filled with love watching him and my body felt like gelatin. His twin brother, Bryan walked up beside him. Although they were identical twins, I could tell them apart. Cal tilted his head when he talked and smiled. Bryan was more of the stiff one that could stand still and Cal couldn’t.

Danni walked over and watched with me. “Your day couldn’t be more perfect. I can’t wait for my own wedding someday. Cal looks happy. I’m curious, how did he get his black hair to shine like that? Look the sun glistens off his head,” she said laughing.

“Oh no! I told him not to listen to my dad slick back his hair. He used that grease in his hair that my dad used when he was a kid.”

“Please don’t tell me he used a grease from like the 1950s?”

“He did. Not that the one he used is that old because dad buys it wholesale somewhere online. He says it adds shine to his gray hair and makes him handsome. When I saw him at first I didn’t notice it.”

“How could you not notice it? He’s shiny!” Danni laughed and laughed. “Hey, every wedding has to have one or two hiccups. Yours is your future husband’s hair. This is funny.”

“He tried to look his best. He still makes my heart melt shiny, greasy hair or not. Why don’t you date Bryan? You know he’s had an interest in you for quite some time.”

“You’re funny. He’s too serious for me. I can’t handle that. He needs to cut away from some of that professional, corporate personality he has and let loose a little. He’s afraid if he does, he won’t get promoted. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t have some sort of an online presence at all because they fear it could ruin their career.”

“Give him a chance. Seriously.” I smiled, looking at her. “We could be sisters if you got married. Weddings make people fall in love.”

“I’ll be nice tonight just for you, but if he won’t even smile, I’m walking away and it’s done.”

“Opposites attract.”

“Stop! I’m going down to mingle a little and make sure everything is ready for us to line up. The time is getting near. I love you and I’m so happy for you.”

We hugged and I kissed her on the cheek, “I love you too.”

I remained standing at the window watching. I laughed as she walked by Bryan and smacked him on the back of the head. She was mean to him. I suspected she had feelings for him.

She walked among the guests with ease. Danni was a true natural with people. Everyone she encountered loved her. Her smile lit up everyone and everything around her.

Bryan slipped in behind her and gave her a poke in her side. She was so thin, it had to hurt. She jumped, turned around and punched him in the arm. It looked like he was getting a little playful with her. He was flirting.

Danni and Bryan started guiding people to the chairs. I turned around as I heard the door open.

“Baby girl, it's time,” sad said as he walked in. His hair slicked back with his hair grease and a big smile was on his face. “Just yesterday the doctor handed me to you.”

Looking into his round face and brown eyes, “Dad, don’t. It will make me cry and I don’t want to mess up my make-up. I love you. Please just say that.”

We linked arms, “I love you, now let’s get you married to that wonderful young man waiting for you on my lawn that will be a mess in a few hours.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s worth it,” he replied as he kissed my forehead.

We stopped at the landing of the stairs. I could feel the tears wanting to flow, but I took in a deep breath and we walked down. My nephews stood at the door with their hands folded in front of them. They looked adorable in their tuxedoes.

The flower girls were ahead of us as we reached the porch. Their violet dresses looked perfect on them. I looked at my three bridesmaids and everything was perfect, right down to the white bouquets they held.

Once the flower girls reached the bridesmaids, and I saw the ring bearer was next to groomsmen we descended the stairs on the front porch. I looked up and Cal was smiling big at me. I smiled back and scoured the crowd with a smile. When I looked back, Cal was gone and Bryan was in his place.

I stopped walking. Tears rolled down my face. Dad looked at me and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Cal’s gone.”

Dad looked up at the groomsmen. “No, he’s not. He’s right there.”

“No, it’s Bryan. Cal left. Dad, he was just there.”

“Sweetheart, everything will be fine, let’s walk up there.”

“Dad, I’m not marrying Bryan!” I screamed. Everyone turned and looked at me. The music stopped, and I heard a low voice singing. It was Cal, he walked in front of the guests singing our song. Tears fell one after another down my face. Dad walked me the rest of way down the aisle and placed my hand into Cal’s.