Operation: Beach Angel

by Margaret Kay

  He brought Kaylee’s father and Sherman’s brother, Bobby, to the front of the room near the altar and showed them where they would each escort the women to, and where they would take their seats after. Bobby seemed nervous.

  “You look nice all dressed up, Bobby,” Lambchop said.

  “Thanks,” Bobby said. “Brian borrowed this suit from someone. I didn’t want to buy one, knowing I would only wear it once.”

  “Well, it fits you nicely,” Lambchop said. “Just before the ceremony, I’ll come get you both and bring you to the girls.” His eyes flashed to Kaylee’s dad. “I know Kaylee wants a few minutes alone with you before you walk her down the aisle.”

  “Yes, I’d like that too.” He patted his pocket. “I have a special gift to give her before we enter this room. It’s a bracelet. It was my mother’s.”

  “Oh, that is so nice. I know she will treasure it,” Lambchop said.

  “I wish I had something special for Brielle,” Bobby said. “I didn’t even think about it.”

  “You don’t need to worry about that,” Lambchop said. “Sherman already arranged something. He talked to her sister Dahlia and she is going to call Brielle ten minutes before the ceremony.”

  “Oh, man, I hope she makes nice. Dahlia isn’t always what Brielle needs.”

  “She will be this time. Both Sherman and I have had conversations with Dahlia. She knows how important this call from her is.”

  Bobby shrugged. “I hope so.”

  “Have faith,” Lambchop said.

  Then he excused himself and went directly to the room the girls were in. He knocked. The door was opened by Kaylee’s mom. She let him in. Angel and Madison were both in the room as well. He greeted everyone in the room. He walked up to both brides, who were seated on the couches. He held a hand out to each of them. “You both look so beautiful.”

  “I love how they each have a specific style and they complement each other so well,” Kaylee’s mother said.

  Lambchop nodded. “And their vows are as unique as their appearances.” His gaze swept between them. “Are you ready?”

  “You better believe it,” Kaylee said with a wide smile.

  “I wish we didn’t have to wait another half hour,” Brielle said. “I’m ready now!”

  Lambchop chuckled. Shortly after both Angel and Madison left to go back to the main room. At a quarter till, he left the room and returned to the suite across the hall. The caterers had delivered the food. It was on a table lined up at the rear of the room. Behind it, the tables for the reception were stored folded up and behind the lace and lights. The room was crowded and noisy. He found Dale Bristow and Bobby and brought them back into the hallway.

  “Kaylee, are you ready?” He peeked his head into the room.

  She stood up, suddenly appearing more nervous. “It’s time?”

  “Almost. Mom and I have something to give you first.”

  “Why don’t you step out into the hall and go around the corner, away from the elevators,” Lambchop prompted. They left the room just as Brielle’s phone rang.

  She picked it up and saw the incoming video call from her sister. “Ugh! I can’t believe she’s calling. I don’t have time for her.”

  “Take it,” Lambchop prompted.

  “Yeah, Brielle, talk to Dahlia,” Bobby seconded.

  Brielle shot them both a glare and then answered the call, plastering a pleasant expression across her face. “Hi Dahlia.”

  “Oh, Brielle, look at you. You’re beautiful!” Dahlia gushed.

  “Thanks,” she said, obviously surprised.

  “I’m so sorry I was being stupid and petty. I should have come up for your wedding,” Dahlia said. “Please forgive me.”

  Brielle was taken aback. “This is the last thing I expected.”

  “Does that mean I’m forgiven?” Dahlia asked.

  Brielle’s eyes pulled away from her phone and she gazed questioningly at Lambchop and Bobby. “Yes, I guess so.”

  “I’m sure someone will record it. Can you have it sent to me, please?” Dahlia pled.

  “We’ll have someone stream it to you,” Lambchop said.

  “Is that the Pastor?” Dahlia asked.

  Lambchop came beside Brielle. “Yes, hi Dahlia,” he said. “We will have someone stream the ceremony to you.”

  “It is nice to meet you, Pastor Johnson. Thank you for making all this happen. Sis, I really am sorry. I said some horrible things that I didn’t mean. I want you to be happy. I hope you have a long and happy marriage.”

  Brielle felt tears sting her eyes. “Wow, Dahlia, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Mom would be happy for you. I know you must be thinking about her today. I know I will the day I get married if that ever happens.”

  Brielle stopped listening at that point. Leave it to her sister to make it about herself.

  “Okay, I’m going to take Brielle’s phone to someone who will stream the wedding to you now.” He pressed mute. “That’s okay, isn’t it, Brielle?”

  “Yes, just make sure she’s muted so she can’t say anything during it.”

  Lambchop laughed. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan to ask if anyone has any reason to object to the marriage.”

  She giggled as well and then unmuted her sister. “Thank you for calling, Dahlia.”

  “I love you Sis. Call me in the next few days, okay? I’d like to plan time for us to talk.”

  “I will,” Brielle promised.

  “Okay, I’ll see you out there,” Lambchop said to Brielle. He took the phone from her hand and then he gave her a hug. His eyes met Bobby’s. “You two line up in the hallway behind Kaylee and her dad.”

  He carried the phone with him back across the hall to the main room. Both Mike ‘Powder’ Rogers and Rich ‘Handsome’ Burke from Charlie Team were on guard duty as planned in the hallway. They’d be allowed to come inside after the brides both entered. Once inside, he handed the phone off to Charlie Team’s Lead, Jimmy Wilson. He had a couple bruised ribs from getting shot in the vest, but he was on the mend. He would stream the ceremony to Dahlia and disconnect after it was done.

  He made his way up the aisle and approached Mother and Annaka who sat in seats in the second row on the left side. Mother had his phone out. He would control the music. He was hooked up to Bluetooth speakers in the room. Very softly, a musical selection played. It could barely be heard over all the chatter.

  “We’re almost ready. I’ll signal you when Angel signals me that they are lined up in the hall.” Lambchop looked around. “And when Shepherd gets here.”

  “He’ll be down in a few minutes,” Madison said. She sat beside Garcia. Hahna sat on her lap. “Cooper is up with him. They’re on an important call.” Her phone chimed. “Good. They’re headed down now.”

  “Okay, good, we’re still on schedule,” Lambchop replied. He walked back towards Angel. “Shepherd and Cooper will be down in a few minutes. We have to wait until they are seated.”

  “Yes, Shepherd text messaged me, apologizing for being late,” Angel said. She peeked into the hallway. Kaylee held her dad’s arm. She had tears in her eyes, and they talked in hushed whispers. Brielle and Bobby were behind them. She watched Bobby give Brielle a hug. Angel could not keep the tears from filling her own eyes. She always cried at weddings.

  Lambchop made his way to the front of the room. He stood beneath the arch the women had decorated with greenery and white flowers. The room calmed down; conversations quieted. He looked over the faces of those assembled. In the front row of seats to the right was Kaylee’s mom, and two empty chairs. A spot was left open for Shepherd’s wheelchair.

  In the first row on the left were Sloan’s brother, sister-in-law, and his nieces. His nephews sat behind the girls. Behind Kaylee’s mom was Mother, Annaka, and Madison. Jackson and Sammy, and Garcia and Sienna sat behind them. Across the aisle were Doc and Elizabeth. She cradled Elizabeth in her arms. His eyes finally landed on Michaela, who sat beside Elizabeth. He smiled w
armly at her; glad she was there. He was even more happy that she had accepted his invitation and would be traveling with them to Maui the following morning for their vacation.

  The door at the back of the room swung open. Shepherd rolled in first, followed by Cooper and Yvette. They took their seats. Lambchop nodded at Mother and then at Angel. The music changed to the wedding march. Everyone stood as Angel opened the door wide.

  Kaylee and her dad came in first as planned. Lambchop watched her, grateful her parents had made it in. He watched them make their way down the aisle. Kaylee was glowing with happiness, her eyes glued to Sloan. Lambchop glanced at Sloan. He always looked at the groom, one of his brothers, to see the pure joy and excitement on their faces as their brides approached. And he’d never seen his friend look happier. Sloan’s gaze was on Kaylee, on the woman he loved.

  After they took their places in front of him, Angel let Brielle and Bobby in. The contrast of Brielle in her simple, flowing dress to Kaylee’s designer gown was a beautiful reminder how different the two women were. They both carried bouquets of multicolored flowers and greenery. Kaylee had a sparkling tiara on her head with a veil flowing behind it. Brielle wore a small crown of flowers that cascaded down the back of her hair. Both brides were beautiful in their own style.

  But the one similarity between the brides were their excited and emotional gazes on their grooms. By looking at Brielle, Lambchop was sure she saw no one in the room but Sherman who waited for her with anticipation. Brian Sherman gazed at Brielle like he was seeing her for the first time, and he reveled in what he saw. This woman tamed the man who had more notches on his bedpost than anyone Lambchop had ever known. And now, he was getting married and would become a father. It never failed to amaze Lambchop the power love had.

  Once Brielle and Bobby were at the altar beside Sherman, Lambchop gazed at those in attendance. “You may be seated,” he said. Once they were, he continued. “Friends, we have gathered here today because these two couples wish for their unions to be ordained in God’s Holy Ordinance. It is not enough for them that they publicly declare their love. It is not enough they proclaim that they have committed themselves to the other, that they promise to be faithful unto each other and live with each other as husband and wife until death parts them. No, they want God’s blessing. They want to affirm their union in front of God, their families, and friends. Pray with me,” he urged. He bowed his head. “Dear Lord, your children Kaylee and Gary, and Brielle and Brian come before you today the individuals you created them to be, wishing to be joined in the bonds of your holiest of unions, marriage. They know this is not to be entered into lightly and they come before you today, presenting themselves and announcing that they have given this course ample consideration. They choose to have their unions blessed. They choose to declare to you, Lord, our Father, that you created them, and they celebrate the love you have showered on them and the love they have found in each other.” He turned to Kaylee’s father. “Mr. Bristow, through this marriage, your family grows. Gary joins your family as your daughter’s husband, your son.”

  Dale Bristow nodded. He placed a kiss on Kaylee’s cheek and then shook Sloan’s hand. “Welcome to the family, son.” Then, he sat beside his wife.

  Lambchop turned to Bobby. “Bobby Sherman, you have the unique privilege to stand here with both your brother, Brian and your best friend, Brielle. Today she officially becomes your sister. Your family grows.”

  Bobby had tears in his eyes. He placed a kiss on Brielle’s cheek and then shook his brother’s hand. “I wish you both a lifetime of nothing but happiness. You both deserve it.”

  Tears streamed down Brielle’s face. “I love you Bobby,” she said and then gave him a hug. Bobby took his seat.

  “The first scripture reading I chose for tonight is from Romans twelve, verses nine through sixteen. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer… Live in harmony with one another.” Lambchop closed his Bible and bowed his head in silent prayer for a second. “This verse seemed appropriate, given the work we do. Sometimes, it seems we are surrounded by evil, but then we find the good and we are reminded that there is light in this world. Kaylee and Gary found that light, as did Brielle and Brian. They found it in each other, they found the light renewed in themselves through loving the other.”

  Lambchop motioned to Sienna and Madison. They both came forward. Hahna stood peering over the chairs, watching her new mother intently. Madison had explained to her what would take place and she was keenly observing. Sienna took Kaylee’s bouquet. Madison took Brielle’s.

  “Each couple has written their own vows. Kaylee,” he prompted.

  Kaylee and Sloan joined hands. “Gary, you are my best friend, my biggest fan, and my world. It is only because of your love, your patience, and your forgiveness that I am the woman I am, who can say, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, forsaking all others until death do us part. I am proud to say I do, to you today.” Her voice was more emotional than anyone had ever heard it. No one doubted that she was sincere or that she loved him with all her heart.

  Sloan was visibly choked up. His voice cracked when he spoke. “Kaylee, you are my life. We are perfect together, right now, the people we are. And I promise you that I will never let my feelings for you go unsaid. I will never lose you because I’m too stupid to tell you every single day that I love you and am happy you are in my life. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, forsaking all others until death do us part. I am proud to say I do, to you today.”

  Lambchop pulled their rings from his left pocket. He placed them on the Bible. “These rings are an outward symbol of the love that Kaylee and Sloan have for each other and the vows they have exchanged. The Lord blesses these rings.” He nodded to them.

  They each retrieved the others ring. “With this ring, I Kaylee take you Gary as my husband.” She slid it onto his finger.

  “I Gary, take you, Kaylee as my wife.” He slid her ring onto her finger. Sienna handed the bouquet back to Kaylee and then she retook her seat.

  Brielle and Sherman joined hands and looked into each other’s eyes.

  “Brielle,” Lambchop prompted.

  “Brian, I love the life we have together. I know that nothing is guaranteed, so I promise to love you with all my heart every day that God gives us. You love me and accept me for who I am, which is the greatest gift anyone can give another. You are kind and honorable, the kind of man I am proud to have as the father for my child. The day you came into my life, I didn’t recognize you as my soulmate, but that realization came to me quickly. Today, I promise to be the best wife I can be.”

  Sherman swiped at a tear that broke free of his eye. “Brielle, you are my love, my life, my future. Every day with you is a gift, a gift I promise to treasure. I was a different man before you came into my life. I was lonely and searching, but I didn’t know what it was that I was searching for until you stood in front of me. I heard a story once that I’m going to try to retell without screwing it up too badly. It goes, that God creates the most perfect being and then divides it into two halves and sends them into the world. These two beings go through life, incomplete until they find the other part of themselves and reunite. Brielle, you were the other half of me that God created. We are whole now. We are reunited and united we will remain. I promise you I will be the best husband I can be.”

  Lambchop reached into his right pocket and pulled their rings out. He placed them on the Bible. “God blesses these rings, outward symbols of your love and your vows.”

  He handed Brielle Brian’s ring.

  “With this ring, I thee wed,” she said, sliding it onto his finger.

  Then Lambchop handed Sherman her ring. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He also slid hers onto her ring finger.

  Madison handed Brielle
her bouquet and then retook her seat.

  “I have had the honor to perform several weddings for members of this team. Today, as we celebrate these two couple’s love, I ask you each to silently say a prayer, reaffirming your own marriage vows. I ask you to look your husband or wife in the eye and tell them you love them and are still committed to the vows you exchanged.” He gave them a few seconds, waiting until it was clear they were done. “I place on all of you the sacred duty of supporting these couples. My second scripture reading is not only for these two couples but for all married couples in the room. It is from Proverbs, Chapter three, verses three and four. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”