Part 6
Torie’s eyes were moist with emotion as she hugged her friends and took in what they had done to the cabin. The flowers Kevin had decorated with yesterday had been replaced with white roses, ivy, cedar, and poinsettias. In the corner by the fireplace was a Christmas tree completely decorated with presents under it.
She turned to Kevin but couldn’t say anything.
Kevin took her hands in his. "Torie, I told you, this weekend is for you. I have a dress for you in the bedroom, if you want to wear it."
"What about you?"
Kevin was wearing jeans, boots, and a flannel shirt as he said, "I’m gonna wear what I have on."
Torie looked around at their friends to see that they were all dressed the same way so she said, "No…this is fine."
Reverend Thomas spoke up, "I don’t want to rush you but the storm is getting worse."
Kevin looked at Torie. "Are you ready?"
Torie nodded her head, "Yeah, let’s do it."
"Hey, you gotta be married BEFORE you consummate the marriage," cracked AJ.
Torie turned bright red and buried her face in Kevin’s chest as everyone laughed. Quietly, Torie said, "Kevin…Reverend Thomas!"
Kevin laughed softly as he brushed her hair back. "Baby, he knows about that kind of thing. Come on, let’s get married."
Kevin and Torie took their place in front of the fireplace facing each other. AJ stood just behind Kevin as his best man and Fiona served as Torie’s maid of honor. She handed Torie the bouquet of roses, baby’s breathe, and ivy that Kevin had bought for her and the service began.
The ceremony was short and simple. They said their vows and exchanged rings but the whole time, Kevin and Torie gazed into each other’s eyes. All their friends knew this was the perfect union and it didn’t matter where the ceremony took place or what they were wearing, Kevin and Torie were deeply in love with each other.
When Reverend Thomas pronounced them husband and wife and told Kevin he could kiss his bride, a huge grin spread over his face. Kevin took her face in his hands and leaned in to kiss her. Their lips met and Torie’s arms slipped around Kevin’s waist. Their lips parted allowing their tongues to meet in a heated dance as Kevin’s hands tangled in her hair to hold her closer.
The eight friends stood waiting for the couple to break the kiss. As the minutes passed, they began to shift uncomfortably. It was the reverend who finally broke the couple apart when he cleared his throat.
Both were blushing as Kevin said, "Thank you for coming out here. Brian’s gonna run you back into town before it gets too bad."
"It was my pleasure and honor, Kevin. I have enjoyed watching the two of you over the years and I hope there are many more happy ones in the future. I have one request. I want to be the one to baptize your children," said Reverend Thomas shaking Kevin’s hand. Then he gave Torie a hug. "You were more beautiful than any bride I’ve ever seen."
"Thank you, Reverend Thomas."
Kevin looked at Brian, "Be careful, cuz."
"I will be. Look, we’re not coming back if the roads are bad."
"That’s fine. Have you got your cell with you, in case you need it?"
"No…I don’t."
"Then take mine. We’ll be home Monday morning…maybe," said Kevin as he hugged Torie close.
Kevin and Torie saw Brian, Kathy, and Reverend Thomas to the door and that’s when they realized how bad it was outside. The wind was blowing hard and the snow made it almost impossible to see.
Kevin pulled Brian aside, "Brian, I know you know these roads, but please, be careful."
"I will. Have you guys got enough food?"
"Yeah. We’ll be okay. Get going and call when you get home."
"Sure. Howie’s got his cell with him so I’ll call him. Torie, see you at Christmas."
"Bye, Brian."
Torie and Kevin stood on the porch watching the three make their way to the car.
Torie asked nervously, "Kevin, do you think they should be going out in this?"
"Brian will be okay. Let’s go back to the party."
As Kevin and Torie came back in, AJ called out, "Let’s get this party started!"
"Whoa! First dance should be the bride and groom," said Lynne.
"That’s true," agreed Fiona.
"Okay, fine," said AJ as he flipped through his CDs looking for a slow, romantic song for Kevin and Torie’s first dance. When he found what he was looking for, he put it in the CD player and turned on the music. "Just for the happy couple."
As the music began, Kevin took Torie in his arms and they began to sway to the music. AJ had picked Bryan Adams’ song, Everything I Do(I Do For You). Holding her close, Kevin nuzzled her neck as he sang the words to her, his heart in every word.
With the song over, Torie looked up to see that Kevin had tears in his eyes. Smiling softly, she asked, "’Boo’, what’s wrong?"
"Absolutely NOTHING."
"Then why the tears?" she asked wiping the one stray tear.
"I’m just happy to have you in my arms….as my wife."
"Forever, Kevin," she whispered as she stood on her toes to kiss him.