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SABRINA
With all that’s happened in the past few months, it’s good to have a day where it’s all about love. Chloe looks beautiful in her wedding dress, standing before a full-length mirror as I adjust the veil and her sister puts the bouquet in her hands. The lush pink roses with greenery and baby’s breath look lovely against the ivory lace.
Chloe’s sister, Sara, and I are in champagne-colored cocktail dresses with slightly similar styles. My dress has a sweetheart neckline and is sleeveless, whereas Sara’s has a deep V neckline. I have to admit that we both look pretty good, but it’s Chloe who shines bright. She’s so happy, she’s glowing.
Alex and his buddies have also relaxed since the night they were on that awful mission to save those women from becoming sex slaves. The next morning, Alex told me about the thirteen girls they found in the basement, barely clad, most drugged to keep them docile. Others were beaten to subdue them into obedience.
Zeke got to them first and ensured they were transported to the hospital. He stayed there all night, getting their names, having their families called, and, worst of all, taking their statements. Some stories would make your heart break.
Zeke was told that a couple of girls didn’t make it. The others don’t even know what happened to them and were too terrified to ask. When Zeke informed Caleb, he went after the men and women they rounded up in the building. Most cracked quickly, but the three who Caleb figured out were the leaders opted to maintain silence.
The case is in the district attorney’s hands at this point, and hopefully, multiple convictions are imminent.
“You’re radiant,” I say, looking at Chloe in the mirror.
“Thank you. You two look gorgeous. Don’t let Alex steal you away until after pictures,” she teases. I laugh and Sara giggles.
“I need to find me a super hottie like you two,” Sara says. “Too bad I have a job to go back to, or I’d scoop up Zeke or Caleb.”
“You’re not choosy,” I tease.
“It’s hard to choose between super sweet and funny, and take charge, especially when they’re both so handsome,” she tells us. “Although,” she adds, “I met this guy back home…”
Chloe lets out a squeal of excitement. “Why haven’t you said anything?”
“There’s nothing much to tell, yet.” Sara shrugs, but with a glint in her eye, she says, “But you’ll be the first call I make when there is.”
The music starts in the church. It’s our cue to get a move on. I open the door to find Chloe’s father waiting for us. Both Sara and I slip past and turn to see her father whisper something sweet in her ear. She hitches a breath and locks arms with him.
The scene is so beautiful, I want to cry. Chloe’s eyes are glistening as well, but she manages to compose herself. Sara starts down the aisle, and when she gets halfway, I start moving. I look about and see Joyce and David. Joyce gives me a little wave while holding on to her husband. David sits between Joyce and Sandra. Sandra dabs a handkerchief to her eyes. Tears of joy for her son and Chloe.
Damian stands proudly at the altar with his best buds. All of them look supremely handsome in their tuxedos. But it’s Alex who I have eyes for, and he for me. Our gazes meet, and I make it the rest of the way. He makes a silent gesture, placing a hand to his heart, that tells me all I need to know as I mouth the words,I love you.
Attention is turned to the back of the church, forcing Alex and me to do the same. Chloe is like a fairy princess walking on a cloud toward her handsome prince. It’s a fairy-tale ending for two people who mean so much to all of us.
* * *
Alex
As Sabrina nearsthe front of the church, I want to commandeer the priest to have him marry us instead. Damian would lose his mind! However, Sabrina looking as elegant as she does, coming toward me with flowers in her hands and wearing a dress that I can’t wait to rip off so I can have my way with her, has me thinking of a short engagement.
I’ve waited what seems like forever for the right woman to come into my life, and here she is. What am I waiting for? Nothing!
The only part that sucks is that Mom and Dad won’t be here at our wedding. Neither will Kevin, and I know that Damian and Sandra are feeling the loss of an important man today. It also reminds me that life is too short to take for granted. A day with Sabrina as my wife is better than none. The only day that matters is the one we’re in today. With every passing day, we create memories that will hopefully see us through the tough times.
My parents did that for me. Kevin did that for all of us, and I want that for Sabrina and the family we have. I’ve had this ring in my pocket for weeks, waiting for the perfect moment. I realize now that Sabrina and I will make it special, not the where or the when.
I listen as the priest takes Chloe and Damian through the vows. When the priest asks, “Do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?” Sabrina turns right to me with that sweet smile on her lips.
Later that night, the music is playing, the dance floor is full, and I lead Sabrina out onto the balcony. The music inside becomes a slow love song. I sweep Sabrina into my arms and sway with her. I take one of her hands and lay it on my chest, touching my forehead to hers.
“The second I saw you, I knew you were the one for me. When you went missing, I was beside myself. I decided that day that I’d never let you go again.” I put my hand in my pocket and take out the ring I’ve been holding on to and slide it onto her finger. A small gasp escapes her lips, her eyes going wide. “I’m asking you to marry me, and for as long as this hand wears my ring, I’ll know you’re mine.”
Sabrina’s lower lip trembles. “I’m never taking it off,” she whispers, kissing me softly.
“Well, maybe in the shower,” I tease.
“Never.”
