Page 45 of False Start
“They’re invited along with my parents and Ben. The thing is we don’t have large families or friend networks. I’d rather have an intimate ceremony in Vegas while we’re surrounded by a few close friends and family than an extravagant event that will stress us out and financially break us.” When Bryant is being playful, his dimples are always present, but his dimples aren’t shining right now.
“You’re serious about Vegas?” I ask.
“Baby, I’m serious about marrying you as quickly as possible. Until you’re using Hudson as your last name, I won’t be satisfied.”
I search his eyes and think about his proposal. He’s right about a big wedding not making any sense for either of us. Plus, I’ve never been the type wanting a huge wedding and large, frilly dress. We don’t have a large family, and Zina is my best friend, so Vegas makes sense. “This is really happening. We’re getting married.”
“Yes, baby. God, yes. We’re getting married. So what do you say to Vegas?” he asks full of hope.
“I can buy a dress?”
“I can’t wait to see you in a wedding dress.” He pushes my hair behind my ear and tugs on the lobe. “I never want to forget how you look in it.”
“Should we call our parents?”
“I suppose we should probably give them as much notice as possible. “
Bryant calls his mom first, and I’m beyond elated she’s excited about our engagement. She nearly breaks the speaker on his phone when he tells her we’re getting married in another state in three days. “Bryant Aiken Hudson, I don’t have a dress!”
“What is it with dresses and weddings?” He asks.
“It’s a wedding,” his mother and I both shout.
“And you’re wearing a tuxedo for the pictures,” Mrs. Hudson adds.
Next, I call my mom in New Orleans to share the good news. She’s equally happy and offers to fly everyone out on her dime. My sister immediately answers her phone when I dial her. “I can’t believe you’re engaged.”
“Me either, and I have more news.”
“I knew it! You’re pregnant!”
“No, doofus. I’m not pregnant. We’re getting married Sunday in Vegas, and I’d like you to be my maid of honor.”
“Oh my God,” she says. “Are you moving out? Do I finally get my own apartment?”
“Is it a ‘yes’ to the maid of honor?’
“Hell yeah!”
— 16 —
Then
WHEN A PARENT DIES, it can leave one feeling like an orphan. I miss my father more than ever as I stand on the side of the double doors to the Two Hearts Chapel in the heart of Las Vegas. When they open, I’ll walk down the aisle to my soon-to-be-husband. And Dad isn’t here to do the thing dads do when their daughter gets married- walk me down the aisle and give me away to the man I’ll spend the rest of my life with. Mom offered to do it, but I didn’t want anyone taking his place. In my heart, I know he’s beside me every step of the way.
I look down at the ivory lace dress that was my only requirement for marrying. I found it at a thrift store and I didn’t care that it had been worn before. It was THE dress with a sweetheart neckline and a mermaid skirt.
“Are you ready, dear?” the owner asks. Beatrice is an elderly lady with short, gray, curly hair who believes in love.
Am I ready? I’m twenty-one and taking one of the biggest steps in my life. Marriage happened so fast from the moment he proposed until now. And we’ve only been together a year. What if we don’t know each other well enough to commit the rest of our lives to each other?
“Don’t do that,” Beatrice says. “Second guessing won’t do you any good. I’ve been in this business a long time, and I developed a sixth sense about couples. I know when two people are in love for the right reasons. The first sign is the wedding party and guests are happy about the union. Girlie, the people in the next room are happy for you both.”
She’s right. This is right. Our love will get us through the hard times and cold nights as long as we have each other, and I truly believe it. “I’m ready,” I tell her as I straighten my back and focus on the rest of my life.
Beatrice opens the doors, and I immediately focus on Bryant’s pale green eyes. He takes in my dress that I’ve managed to keep him from seeing until now, and then they become glassy with tears. I barely hold it together as I walk down the aisle with a bouquet of beautiful orchids and lilies. I stop in front of Elvis and gaze over at Bryant. I take one hand off the bouquet and pull his hand into mine to squeeze.
“You may be, uh-huh, seated. Thank you very much,” Elvis says.
