She stood next to her dad at the end of the aisle in the church, wearing a beautiful white dress of lace and satin. It had taken a while to select the A-line, princess-style sleeveless dress, which displayed her curvy features. It was simple and elegant, embodying all of the qualities Piper considered important. She also wore high white wedding-style heels, which, along with the dress, she would never wear again. That was a shame.
At the end of the aisle her prince awaited. He appeared stunning, just as she expected. His aquamarine tie and crisp white shirt well contrasted his black tuxedo and dark, well-coiffed hair. The tie also matched his boutineer and her bouquet, which her sister had arranged for the wedding. Nick was beaming and staring at Piper as if she were the only one in the room.
Butterflies danced around in her belly and Piper choked back her tears. Don’t get too emotional. Hold it in. Just smile and try not to get too excited. It was almost too perfect of a day. The big day. The biggest day that she would ever have. Her heart was pounding.
She needed to focus on something else so she looked about the church. Friends and relatives were standing on either side of the aisle and all eyes were on her. Piper noticed her sister’s family and Linda, along with several aunts, uncles and cousins in the front rows to her right. Nick’s relatives and friends were standing to her left. Chase, Cherie, Flypaper and his date, and Bob and Betty were among those present. Everyone wore big smiles, but none as big as the one Piper was wearing. She had waited four years for this day.
The “Wedding March” played, which ignited Piper’s emotions even more. Fighting back the tears that were welling up in her eyes was impossible. Time to walk down the aisle with her dad. She looked at him and he nodded his head.
“Let’s go, my dear” he said.
He must have been feeling emotional too as his palms were a little sweaty. His heart was probably pounding too with the knowledge that he was about to give his daughter away in marriage. He liked Nick a lot, fortunately.
They walked past all of the smiling guests and to the altar where Nick stood with the pastor, Piper’s sister the matron of honor, and Nick’s friend Tanner, the best man. Piper hadn’t seen Nick’s life-long friend Tanner since he moved with his wife to New York City. She looked forward to catching up.
Nick was wearing a perma-grin, but she was the lucky one. She was marrying the most eligible bachelor on the planet and would soon be Mrs. Nick O’Brien. No one was as fortunate and blessed as she.
When they reached the end of the aisle, her dad whispered, “Congratulations. We are so happy for you.”
“Thanks Dad.”
He turned around and headed to his seat next to Linda in the front row.
Nick lifted Piper’s veil. “You look so beautiful. I’m a lucky man,” he whispered. His eyes glistened and penetrated her soul.
“So do you. And I’m even luckier.”
Thank you God. Thank you for answering my prayers. This is going to be the best day in my life.
Within an hour, the pastor pronounced Nick and Piper man and wife. Life as Piper O’Brien was about to begin.