Strangers

by A. L. Parks

  Jim pulled her into an embrace, "Shh, he's fine, Abby. It was nothing like that...they needed me to make a decision on some type of wine or other. I am the only one still up here besides you, and they all know that this was a surprise for you, so they asked me. Stupid idiots, like I know shit about wine."

  Abby pulled back from him, trying to ascertain if he was telling her the truth. "Bryce is okay?"

  "Yes, he's waiting for you on the beach, and is probably freaking out that you have decided to leave him at the altar. Now, I promised I would deliver you to the beach, so let's go." He kissed Abby on the forehead, his lips hard against her, and lingered there, reassuring her, calming her down before they made their way out the door. Jim grabbed a linen napkin from one of the table settings next to him, and offered it to Abby.

  She wiped her face of the tears. "Well, so much for my make-up job, huh?" Jim snickered, and they finally stepped onto the deck, and walked down the stairs.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Abby could see the square gazebo with the white gauzy material flowing in the breeze. The hot pink from the dresses dotted the front. A few steps across the sand, fighting to keep her feet in her shoes, she stopped and pulled them off and handed them to Jim. He chuckled, and held them in his free hand. A white runner covered the sand, producing a makeshift aisle. Abby and Jim step onto the runner, and Jim offered Abby her shoes. She smiled and shook her head, as he dropped them on one of the white chairs that made up the three rows of the tropical wedding chapel.

  As they proceeded down the aisle, Abby's heart rate increased. Her chest tightened, and the fear returned. Her breathing became labored and difficult. Clara and Davis stood to the left of her, with Courtney, while Rob and Becca were on the right. But Abby had yet to see Bryce, and her stomach was doing acrobatics. As they neared the end of the aisle, Rob stepped aside. A wash of relief came over Abby. Standing patiently, a smile on his face, Bryce took a step towards her. Tears came to Abby's eyes, as her earlier prayer repeated over and over in her head. I am going to be his wife. He had kept his promise. He was here, waiting for her, and they were going to be married.

  Jim leaned in and kissed Abby on the cheek. He released her hand and offered it to Bryce. Bryce placed his free hand on her cheek. The warmth from him physically touching her caused Abby to release all the fears and anxiety that had built up. Unable to control the rush of emotions that ravaged her body, she cried. Bryce pulled her face to his, and kissed her. Her shoulders shook, as the visions that had tormented were now replaced with the beautiful man standing in front of her. He had planned the perfect beginning for the rest of their lives. Bryce comforted her. Her head attempted to pass a message to her heart that nothing bad had happened - Bryce was safe. She lifted her head, as his thumbs wiped the tears away, and his eyes met hers.

  "Okay?" he asked.

  Abby nodded, and they turned toward the short man, holding a Bible. He smiled at them as they stepped onto the platform to join him. Facing each other, Abby barely heard a word the man said. She gazed into Bryce's smiling face. Her heart overflowed with love for this man who had been so patient with her; had saved her when she had been beaten, who was her best friend. This stranger who had entered her life, changed it, and changed her.

  "Abby?" the pastor asked, pulling her back from her thoughts, "repeat after me, please. I, Abigail, take you, Bryce, to be my lawfully wedded husband."

  Abby repeated the vows, as a peaceful calm settled into her heart, and shined upon her soul.

  "To have and to hold," he stated.

  Abby turned to the man and smiled, "I can take it from here." She looked into Bryce's eyes, and recited her vows; never looking away, lost in the love she found there.

  The pastor turned towards Bryce and opened his mouth to speak. But Bryce had already begun to recite his vows. Gazing at Abby, his voice was confident and sure, and steady. "...in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, until we are parted by death."

  The couple smiled at each other, internalized the words they had just spoken, and the promises they had made. Finally, the pastor cleared his throat, and Abby glanced over at the man to find he had tears in his eyes.

  "I know you're anxiously awaiting the next part, but if you will indulge this old man for just a moment longer. I must tell you, in all the years I have performed wedding ceremonies, all the couples that have stood before me and recited those words; you

  two are the first couple that I truly believe understands the deep meaning in the vows that you just made to each other. It is a truly beautiful moment, and I thank you for allowing me to share it with you." Abby reached across to the man, and squeezed his hand. He patted it, and raised his voice for everyone to hear. "Are you ready for the next part, Abby?"

  "More than ready," she answered, her voice giddy and excited.

  "Then, without further ado, by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Bryce, you may kiss…"

  Bryce took a quick step towards Abby and placed his hand behind her head. Drawing her to him, he kissed her deeply, passionately.

  "Oh," the pastor laughed, "I see you know that part really well, too."

  ***

  A long, dark wood table sat next to the beach chapel where Bryce and Abby had made their vows. A hot pink runner ran the length of the table topped with a center piece of beautiful hot pink and white orchids in tubular glass vases, separated by large white candles in deep round bowls that allowed them to burn even though there was an ocean breeze swirling around them. The white chairs had thick pink cushions, with pink tulle tied in bows around the backs.

  Dinner had been served, the wedding cake cut - minus the shoving into each other’s faces, and the party had moved from champagne to pineapple rum punch. The later it went into the evening, and the more stars that tried to light the night sky, the louder the party laughed. Abby looked around the table, and wondered if she could ever be happier. She was surrounded by the people closest to her in the world, celebrating her wedding. She

  thought of her parents, and wondered if they knew of the wedding plans; and if they did, were thinking about her on this day? Wishing her well? Happy that she was marrying the man of her dreams? Her soul mate?

  She looked across the table at her brother and sister sitting next to each other. Jim had his arm around the back of Clara's chair, and the two peered over at Abby. The three had grown up together, climbed the same trees, went to the same schools, had the same neighborhood friends. Abby felt a pang of regret that she had let her relationships with them wilt over the past few years, when grief was all she seemed to be able to face on a daily basis. But, just as they had been growing up, Abby's siblings were there for her when she was ready to rebuild the relationships. They had never made her feel bad for shutting them out, forgetting nieces and nephews birthday parties, or not returning phone calls. They just waited, patiently, for her to come out of her grief. She smiled and raised her glass to them, and they returned the cheers, Jim winking at her.

  Although, none of it would have happened if a tall, dark, handsome man had not wandered into a coffee shop, and opened her eyes to the possibility of moving on. She owed so much to Bryce. She was happy. She was able to recall memories of Trevor without falling apart. In fact, she now remembered Trevor fondly, and with love and happiness, not sadness and pain. Bryce was her rock, her talisman, her hero, and her best friend. And now, he was her husband.

  Music began playing behind them, and Bryce, stood up offering Abby his hand. "Dance?" He led her away from the table, wrapped an arm around her waist, and took her hand. Kissing it, he whispered, "this song is all about you." Abby listened as the song started, the singer vocalizing the words Bryce had said to her so many times, "You make me smile." They swayed to the melody, as Bryce sang in Abby's ear. When it was done, he clutched her, brushing his lips against hers, "I love you, Mrs. Holden." "I love you, Mr. Holden."

  Chapter Fifteen

  They stood on the doorstep of Abby's parents. Abby wa
s unsure of the welcome they would receive. It had been two weeks since they had returned from Aruba, a newly married couple. Abby had not heard from her parents, and so Bryce suggested they make a visit, and smooth the ruffled feathers.

  Her father opened the door, and surprise soon turned to happiness, as he moved out of the way and let them into the foyer.

  "Well, hello, you two!" He hugged Abby and shook Bryce's hand, as he led them into the living room. Abby was nervous about seeing her mother again. The last time she had heard from Charlotte had been a scathing phone call about how ungrateful Abby was, and how she had no idea the stress she was causing, or the hurt she was inflicting.

  Her father was awkward, telling them to take a seat on the couch. Abby had never felt more like a visitor in her childhood home. Bill nervously moved about the room, finally excusing himself to "go find your Mother." Abby took a deep breath, and glanced at Bryce, a nervous smile crossing her face. Bryce smiled back, squeezing her hand for support. From another room, Abby could hear muffled voices, until her father's voice grew louder. Then there was silence.

  Bill was the first to enter the room, and take a seat in his favorite chair. Abby's mother followed him in, sitting across from the couple, but not looking at them. Charlotte's hands were in her lap, eyes down, and disenchantment covered her features. An awkward silence stifled the air in the room, as Abby shifted uncomfortably.

  "So, we heard about the wedding. Have you two been settling into your new lives?" Bill asked, as Abby and her mother whipped their heads around to look at him, disbelieving he would bring the subject up so abruptly.

  "It’s been great," Bryce answered, giving Abby a sideways glance. "Trying to get back into the swing of things with work, and still tying up loose ends on my apartment." That was all the opening Bill needed, happy to be talking about anything other than the uncomfortable wedding topic. The two men talked for a few minutes about Bryce subletting his apartment, the pitfalls, and whether he should keep it furnished.

  "Abby has big news. She has decided to step in and take over as the Foundation's CFO." That sent Bill into another diatribe about the risks and rewards of changing careers, and working for a non-profit organization.

  "Do you want something to drink?" Bill asked, trying to get up from his chair, as the tension began building in the room again as the conversation lulled. Abby's mother had refused to look up or join in.

  "No, Dad; thanks. We need to get going soon. We just wanted to stop by and drop off some pictures of the wedding," Abby replied, pulling on the handle of the white gift bag. Abby turned to her mother. "I hope someday you can get past your hurt feelings, and maybe put our pictures out with the other wedding pictures. I know you're upset about the way Bryce and I married, but it was the right choice for us. Maybe someday you will understand that, or at least accept it."

  Charlotte looked up at her daughter, her eyes on fire. "I don't think you have a chance in hell of lasting, Abby. You will ruin this. You couldn't even get married here because you still cannot get past Trevor."

  Abby smiled, while Bryce squeezed her hand in support. She took a steadying breath before speaking again.

  "That's not true, Mom. I got over Trevor a long time ago, and I've made peace with his death. The problem was not Trevor; it was Trevor dying. The fear of those events repeating paralyzed me. I know this is hard to understand, but the thought of losing Bryce the same way I lost Trevor...I just couldn't survive that." Abby's voice lowered, as she choked down a sob. She could not get past that fear - the fear that Bryce would be taken from her. And it sent Abby into an emotional tailspin every time.

  "The chances of anything like that happening twice - well, it just wouldn't happen, Abby," Charlotte replied, exasperated.

  "I didn't say it was a rational fear, Mom. But it was real to me. Bryce and I had a beautiful day; the day we wanted. But most importantly, we're married now. We can start our lives, which was what I wanted. My life has been in neutral for so long; I really just wanted to move forward. And now I am. I know you wanted us to get married in the family church, but I hope you can still be happy for us, and support us."

  Charlotte's shoulder loosened and her features softened. "Well, it just seems like a waste of money to me. You cannot get the deposits back now - not at this late date."

  "Well, we talked about that, and Abby had an idea. We want the two of you to use it. Abby said you have been wanting to renew your vows for a few years now. Here is your chance." Bryce said. Charlotte looked at Bryce then Abby, as the offer started to sink in.

  "I know it is not your actual anniversary date, but you are celebrating your fortieth this year. We would like for you to have our party. The only thing that has to change are the invitations, and we still have time to get them," Abby looked at her mom, hoping she had convinced her to take the offer.

  Charlotte looked at Bill, who just shrugged and nodded his assent. "Well, will you be able to be in the wedding, since it will be

  at the church?"

  "Yeah, Mom, I'll be fine." Tears came to her mother's eyes, and she looked away in embarrassment. Abby got up and gave her Mom a hug.

  "Well, let's see your pictures, then," Charlotte stated, as Abby sat down next to Bryce again. Abby pulled the pictures out of the bag and handed them over to her mother, along with a DVD of the ceremony. Charlotte asked questions, and Abby explained how Bryce had surprised her with the trip, and then the wedding. Bill asked Bryce about the honeymoon, and Bryce explained that the two would be using the tickets to Ireland later in the fall. Bryce put the DVD in the player, and the two couples watched the wedding together. Abby noticed her parents wiping tears from their eyes at the conclusion of the ceremony. Snuggled into Bryce, Abby felt the warmth of the surroundings of her childhood home envelope her, mixing with the love and support of her husband.

  ***

  Abby sat in the last pew, staring at the altar. The visions of Trevor's funeral were as fresh in her mind today as the day they happened. She could see the casket, the floral blanket draped over the top, and the picture of him propped on an easel next to the casket.

  She sat in the second row that day, behind his family. Her own family gathered around her. She remembered people telling her that it was a lovely service, but Abby could not recall anything about it that had been lovely. She could not even remember Andrew, Trevor's best friend, giving the eulogy. She only remembered staring at Trevor's smiling face in the picture, and trying to comprehend that his body was in the cold steel gray casket next to it. It was surreal. It was unreal. It was tragic. And Abby was sure her life was over, as her love was buried with him.

  "Oh, hello Abby," a voice pulled her from her reminisces. Mrs. Bailey stood in the aisle next to the pew, gazing at her quizzically. "I was sorry to hear you would not be getting married here. It's such a pretty church." Abby smiled, as the elderly lady turned and walked down the aisle towards the altar.

  "Mrs. Bailey?" Abby called after her. The woman stopped and turned around to face Abby. "Would it be alright if I went into the Bride's room?"

  "Of course, dear, just turn off the light when you're done," she stated as she re-embarked on her journey. Abby rose and made her way to the back of the church. She stood outside the door for a moment, trying to slow her breathing. Placing her hand on the knob, she closed her eyes, and murmured to herself, "you can do this."

  She stood in the middle of the room, as the memories came flooding back. Her father's hand on her shoulder, as he told her about the accident. Her shrugging away from him as he tried to prevent her from leaving. Jim following her into the limo barking directions to the hospital at the driver. She closed her eyes tightly, as the rush of emotions washed through her body. When she opened her eyes, she caught a glimpse of herself in the full length mirror. She looked different now. She felt different. She was more confident now.

  The sun came in through the window, and hit her wedding ring with the two bands, one on either side. Sparkles of light danced around the room. Th
e bands were the same platinum as the engagement ring, only thinner. They had taken all of the smaller diamonds out of the rings belonging to Emily and Abby, and had them placed in the two bands. When all three bands were together, as they were on Abby's finger now, it was stunning. It was a perfect tribute to the journey Abby and Bryce had taken, eventually finding each other after heart-breaking losses.

  Abby left the Bride's room, flipped the light switch off, and made her way back to the church. She had one last thing to do - walk down the aisle. She noticed someone standing next to the altar. Abby stared at him for a moment, unsure of whom it was. Until he turned around and faced her.

  Bryce.

  Abby smiled and started the long, slow walk towards him. When she finally reached him, she wrapped her arms around him, burying her head into his chest. A minute or two passed, but Bryce stood there, holding her, until she finally pulled back and looked into his face. He smiled at her; a deep line wrinkled his forehead. But he was still so handsome. There would never be a time that she did not long to look into his beautifully sculpted features, and sparkling eyes.

  "Hey," he whispered, brushing the hair out of her eyes.

  "Hey," she replied, grinning at him.

  "Your mom sent me down to check on you. She thought you had been here too long, and that something was wrong."

  "Nope," Abby relayed. "Actually, everything is fine. I don't have the same fears or hurt and anger that I had. I hated this place because of what it represented - two of the worst days of my life. But I think I have finally put it all in the proper perspective. I guess it helps that I will not ever marry here, so that fear is taken care of. But the feelings of despair that wanted to linger, are gone. I still feel sad, I mean, Trevor died. But it's not the all-encompassing grief anymore."

  "That's a good feeling right?" Bryce asked, running his fingers through her hair.

  "It's a great feeling," Abby responded. "And I have you to thank for it. I cannot imagine what my life would be like right now