Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Five

Perfect Plans Carried Out Imperfectly, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Five, Update

Erik was never so glad to have an event start in the late afternoon. The wedding was scheduled to begin at 3PM.  Rolling out of bed wasn’t so easy this morning. Though he only had a glass of Meloire all evening, he conjectured that the two concerts, followed by a photoshoot after the party, had taxed him to his limit.  He slowly got up and took a Soothing Shower hoping for the best. 

While Erik was busy stressing, Kayleigh was busy enjoying a bath with rose-petal soaks, taking the morning easy. Lounging in the jet-tub in the corner bathroom. Her biggest worry, at this moment, was having the cake arrive in one piece to the venue

The key bridal party members; officiant, maid of honor, best man, ring bearer and flower pal had all spent the night together. A pleasant aroma wafted up the stairs, as Erik descended. Somebody made a fresh pizza in their little pizza oven this morning. Erik suspected Joey. This was his favorite food, after all.

Erik had a slice or two. He checked on the chickens, collecting the eggs, of which there were several and then quickly cleaned the coop. Coming back inside, he stowed the eggs in the fridge, washed his hands and went back upstairs to change into a suit. They would all head on over to St. Antony’s Wedding Venue in Brindleton Bay, just after two in the afternoon. 

Finally, the hour had come. Everybody loaded up into the Hovercraft and they made their journey toward Brindleton Bay. Along the way, Erik picked up the wedding cake. He examined the topper, well-pleased with the design. Gold colored double hearts inscribed as follows: Kayleigh & Erik. May God grant you many, MANY years! 

Reaching St. Antony’s wedding venue, Erik carefully carried the cake to the second floor and safely set it on the selected table on display. In the room just to the right of the entrance, a photographer's portable studio was all set-up. Brianna was busy posing against the backdrop. Laughing and having fun, her mirth was a joy to his ears. He was troubled her first mission, while invaluable to the Federation, had taken such a toll on his sweet sister. He did notice she was overcoming the injury. Spock was instrumental in aiding her recovery, helping her to ‘forget’ the vicious parts of the battle they waged. She still refused to touch their garden, however.

Brianna posed with Hayleigh, next, creating a fun memory for the couple.

"Oh, look at the time! Hurry and get dressed," Brianna said after the picture. Hayleigh disappeared into the large dressing room. In moments she emerged and Erik, finding her, presented her with her flowers.

Brianna then scurried off with the only Paparazzo invited. Mallory Layne. Brianna helped the nervous bride slip into her mostly lace, optic white wedding gown. Then she did Kayleigh’s hair. Last but not least, she set the crown on her head. Crowns that were part of their denomination’s wedding service, the two insisted on wearing. “There, you are so gorgeous,” Brianna said, smiling. “My brother is likely to faint when he sees you, you know.”

At this Mallory furiously scribbled notes, then she staged her photo. “Beautiful,” she murmured as she snapped picture after picture.

While it seemed as if time was crawling by, mostly as the couple waited for their families to arrive, before they knew it, it was time to gather at the end of the aisle. The Groomsmen walked up the aisle, single file, followed by the best man and then the Groom. Erik took his post near the arch, waiting expectantly. He saw Spock standing next to Kayleigh and then Erik realized his hesitation. The bridesmaids came in order of rank. Hayleigh and then Brianna. They were one Maid short.

After this, it was time for the Ring bearer to stroll up the aisle.
“I’m not sure I can do this,” Adrian complained.
“Don’t be a baby,” Mercedes chided. “Or I’ll drag you along with me.” 
“I’m not a baby just because you’re ancient.”
Seeing the look of sheer panic, Mercedes rolled her eyes and said, “Seriously? Just imagine all of them in their underwear. Easy-peasy.”

"You're late," Kayleigh whispered hoarsely as Regina was suddenly standing next to her. Smiling, Kayleigh turned to the business at hand. She put a gentle hand to Adrian's back, gave him a little nudge forward. 
“It’s okay, I got it from here,” he tossed over his shoulder. Next, she turned to her habitually late sister. 
"After he gets up the aisle, make your way up to the arch."

Looking a tad smug, Mercedes took to the runner as if she was born to it. Strewing petals as she walked along.

Suddenly, the traditional wedding march began. Kayleigh drew in a breath, fighting tears. She had waited so very long to marry her best friend and now it was here. She began to think he would never ask. Later, she learned what stayed his hand. Suppressing the sudden ire, she wasn’t about to let her father’s misplaced machinations destroy her Day. 

Next thing she knew, she was brought out of her thoughts, when her father linked arms with her. “Okay, Kiddo, are you ready for this?” he said, giving her hand a warm pat.

“I’m very ready,” Kayleigh smiled warmly. “Daddy, I’m so glad you’re here. It just wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Let’s get you down to your groom, then.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

“Ladies and gentlemen, fans, friends, family, press, paparazzi, reporters and the like,” Aaron said. “I am Gavel-Smasher Aaron Cantrell, and I will be officiating today. And what a beautiful, glorious day today is. Erik and Kayleigh, both thank you for coming out to witness what is about to take place; the world’s most eligible bachelor taking himself off the market. A move I think is completely insane, don’t you? But I digress. Please join me in reverence as these two share their vows.” Looking directly at his brother, Aaron continued. “Erik, do you take Kayleigh to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do,” Erik said.

“Kayleigh, do you take Erik to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do,” Kayleigh said with a smile.

“The couple will now exchange remarks that reflect their commitment to each other. Erik,” Aaron said. Erik nodded at his brother, then turned to face his bride.

“We cannot change the past, sadly enough,” Erik began. “What is, is. What we can control, however, is how we choose to meet new challenges that rise up. Kayleigh, from the moment I met you, I fell in love with you. Neither the forces of time nor any other force that rose up against this, has ever altered how I feel about you. I will be there for you always, as you have been there for me. Darling, I have your Six. I know without pause or hesitancy that I want you by my side as we go through this thing called life. I want to grow old with you. I want your children as I hope you want mine. Today, I commit my whole self to you.”

“And now, we will hear from Kayleigh,”

“Erik, that first meeting was consequential between us. I cried when I learned we were to move away, one more time. Story of my life. I thought I would never see you again. Then, fate stepped in. I went to a karaoke contest and there you were, a contestant. The emotions I had for you escaped from the bonds I’d carefully strapped around them. I knew then, we were meant to be One. Fire and Ice, though things may be from time to time. I simply can’t get over how forgiving a nature you’ve always had. You are, by far, the sweetest man in the universe. I have been blessed in so many ways since I met you. You encourage me in my endeavors, you are always there to shore me up when I need it. I, too, hope to do the same for you. I have your Six. Lean on me, when you need it. The past is the past. Today, we move toward our own goals, set by us. I want nothing more than to grow old with you. Let’s begin it today.”

“And, now the rings,” Aaron said.  “Erik.”

Fumbling in his pocket for just a moment, he made purchase with the circlet at last. “With this ring, I thee wed,” Erik said, as he slipped the ring onto Kayleigh’s finger.

Aaron nodded at Kayleigh. “The bride will now give her groom a ring.”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” Kayleigh said, slipping the ring onto Erik’s finger.

Aaron then inexplicably burst into tears. “Aaron?” Erik said, turning to his brother. “What’s going on? What is it?" The unexpected outburst caused murmuring among the onlookers.

“Nothing, it’s okay, this is my first wedding officiating, is all,” Aaron said, pulling himself together. “It is my pleasure to pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

More to come . . .