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The gargantuan space is decorated from the ground up in streamers, bunting, and flower displays, all in our character colors – purple, black, and white. The center ring is draped in silk and satin.
The right-side ropes are dismantled to fit a ramp from a center aisle. My bride-to-be and her father will use it to stroll in. The mats are gone, too, replaced with parquet flooring. In the middle is a floral arch where Chey and I will meet the Reverend for this sacred ceremony that humans rightfully cherish.
Chey and I are dressing in separate locker rooms. She insists it’s bad luck to see each other before the ceremony. I placate my darling girl and her human ways. Instead of wearing a tux and gown, we both choose to wear our newly revamped character costumes, as Lawless, the hero, and Disastra, my dark side heroine.
The wedding planner taps me on the shoulder. “It’s time, Mr. Bronson.”
I smile and walk up the aisle. The crowd goes wild. The applause sounds like an endless crashing wave. I wave, smile, run up the ramp, and head into the ring. The applause dies down. I and everyone gaze expectantly at the right hand tunnel. This is where Chey will appear.
The past days and weeks, and all of the momentous moments, flicker through my mind like film strips on a reel. The good, the bad, and the rage-filled ugly. And yet, all the rage is gone. Everything and everyone makes sense. There’s no gain without pain, both in the ring and in life.
I take time to look closely at the audience. The nearest bleachers are filled with all the wrestlers that Chey and I have battled with over the years, the wrestling community support staff, and all the Raucous employees. Even the usual groupie cheering section is in rare form, with Dee Dee Dauterive leading the adoring charge.
I offer a little wave to Dee Dee. I owe her quite a lot. Never judge a groupie by her drooling mouth. Maybe past the mouth, there is a big heart.
Liam is here, too. It’s the first time I have ever seen the hard-nailed lawyer with tear-stained eyes. It makes me smile. Although Liam will never admit it, he’s our truest fan. I’m proud to have him as a brother-in-law.
Camie and Marie are in attendance, too, looking so bright in their matching faun outfits of red and gold. They hold in their hands small gifts I’m assuming are fresh snails and chocolate-covered beetles. My favorite.
And shock of shock, Marty is here, too. He’s carrying a pot of gold in his tiny hands. Another wedding gift, I presume. It’s a wonder he doesn’t have an aneurysm letting go of his coins. His hat sits at its usual jaunty angle as he surveys the crowd for his next big talent. I chuckle. That little guy is always on his game. Some things in this industry will never change.
The organ music begins. Everyone in the arena stands.
I’m breathless but beyond thrilled. I stand tall, my broad chest out.
I am the luckiest orc alive.
The music crescendos. All eyes look to the bride’s tunnel. White filtered klieg lights focus on the entrance.
Joseph walks out with my beauty on his arm. Disastra in all her dark satiny glory. Even through her menacing mask, I see loving, tearful eyes.
With slow and steady steps, Chey makes her way to me. It’s all I can do to stop myself from racing down the ramp, down the aisle, scooping her up, and running away into the night with the woman I love.
Chey reaches me. I inhale her loving jasmine scent.
“Who gives this human to this orc?” the reverend asks.
“I do. Joseph O’Malley, father of the bride.” Joseph takes Chey’s gloved hand and puts it in mine. “I give Chey to you, Ronan. You cherish her from morning ‘till night.”
“I will, sir. I surely will.”
“If you do not, there’ll be another ring bout, you and me,” Joseph chides.
I smile and willingly nod.
Side by side, face to face, Chey and I say our vows. We promise to love and to cherish each other from dawn to dusk, until we go to the Big Wrestling Ring in the sky.
“And now, you may kiss the –”
No moss grows under me! I grab Chey and kiss her so fully and forcefully the crowd cheers and goes wild with the bleacher stomping. It’s thunderous, as usual, but tonight it is in such a warm and loving way.
Chey kisses me with such ardor, with such overflowing love.
I take my bride’s hand. “You ready?”
“You bet. Let’s go!”
We run down the ramp and down the aisle. Before we enter the tunnel, Chey stops and throws her bouquet. It flies high and wide. And for a moment, life freezes in place as we watch with bated breath who will receive the symbol of future love.
