Carey pulled on her collar. "Why haven't they started the music yet?"
"They are playing music."
"You know what I mean," Carey said. "Here Comes the Bride.'
"When Grace comes out. Calm down."
"I can't," Carey said. "I keep having visions of her riding away on Jan's motorcycle."
"She's not going to run away," Sue said. "Now stop it before you give yourself a stroke."
"Why did we pick such a hot day?"
"The day's not hot, you are," Sue said. "It's not like anything's going to change between you. You've been living with her for how long now?"
"Living with her isn't the same as a marrying her," Carey said just as the organist changed the music. "Oh God, she's coming." The temperature seemed to jump even higher as beads of sweat broke out along her forehead and a buzzing sound filled her ears. "Sue..."
"Don't you dare wimp out on me now," Sue said, gripping her nervous friend's shoulders. "Carey, breathe."
"Look at her," Carey whispered as Grace walked down the aisle, her arm entwined with Richard's. "She's so beautiful."
"And I'm sure she's thinking the same thing about you."
Their eyes met and the nervousness that had so consumed Carey suddenly dissipated, replaced with a calm peace. This was right. This was what was meant to be. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly and reached for her bride's hand.
"You're not going to pass out on me, are you?" Grace asked softly, squeezing their joined hands.
"I hope not."
"Good, because I feel like I might," Grace said. "All these years, I always wondered if a day like this would come and now it's here."
"I love you," Carey said, bringing their joined hands to her lips.
"Thanks for not giving up on me."
"You were worth waiting for."
"Ready?" the minister asked, giving the couple a gentle smile.
"For the rest of my life," Carey said.
"For the rest of our lives," Grace corrected. They faced the minister as they would the rest of their lives...together.
THE END