Thank You



It was warm, not so much hot. And there was a soft breeze blowing in the air. Just enough to make the palm trees sway, to and fro. Music played. Fine violins. The entire park was closed off for Mark and Rianna’s wedding.

It was around 8 at night. A candle lit ceremony. The guests were all being seated. One could hear them whispering. Marveling at the beauteous atmosphere of the place, more than likely.

Things were running behind schedule. One of the Rianna’s friends went to the wedding coordinator and asked what was wrong. Nick was sitting in the back with Shannon near them. He heard the wedding coordinator say that the bride wasn’t quite ready. He sensed something was wrong.

“Shannon, I’ll be right back. Ok?” He got up from his seat and found his way through all the trees to where Rianna was. It was a gazebo, the openings covered with white curtains. Nick went in and found her sitting in front of a mirror, tears in her eyes.

“Why aren’t you out there, girl?” She spun around quickly.

“Nick, you shouldn’t be in here!” She started to get up to push him out, but he held her arms.

“Whoa, whoa. Wait just a second. You shouldn’t be in here either, missy. You got a park full of guests... family and friends.... all waiting for you. Mark, your fiancé... he’s waiting for you. Now I want to know why you aren’t out there.” She pulled her arms away from his grasp and went back to her chair.

“I’m not ready yet.” She explained. Then she pretended to fix her hair and make-up, even though it was perfect already.

“I know you. I was married to you, remember? And I know that you’ve never been late for anything in your entire life. My guess is you’ve been dressed, made up, and ready to go for an hour or so.” He walked over to her and kneeled down by her side.

“You’re scared aren’t you?” He suggested. Rianna rolled her eyes and scoffed.

“Scared? Come on!”

“No, you are. I can see it in your eyes. You’re scared to death to walk down that aisle.” He took her hand and held it between both of his. “You afraid of being hurt again. You’re afraid that Mark might do what I did to you. And you heart can’t take it again. But he won’t. He loves you, and only you. And unlike me, he has no doubts about this. He’s sure and stable in his decision. Rianna, he won’t make the mistakes that I made. He won’t break your heart. I promise you this.” They both stood and he held her in his arms. The wedding coordinator poked her head through the curtain.

“Rianna... apurarte, ahora mismo! [hurry up, right now!]” She commanded. Nick let Rianna go and smiled.

“Whatever she said, I back her up. You need to go!” They both stepped out of the gazebo and Nick went back to his seat.

As she walked down the aisle, Nick held his breath. She deserved happiness. And since he failed in giving it to her, he had faith that Mark would. Shannon put her head on his shoulder and rubbed his arm. He was lucky to have a second chance to do right by a woman. And he swore to himself, right then and there, that he would make things up to Rianna, through Shannon. He would devote himself to Shannon. And love her for all that she was and all that she stood for. He would not make the same mistakes again.

The reception was just as beautiful as the wedding. Nick saw AJ standing with Marcy by a giant ice sculpture. He went to say hello to them.

“How’s my favorite Hispanic Irishman?” Nick joked. AJ turned and gave him a hug.

“Hey man. Marcy said you’d be here. Shannon here too?” Nick nodded and looked in her direction.

“Yeah, she’s sitting at the table over there. We don’t plan on staying long though.” Nick explained.

“Oh well, of course not. But hey man, it’s good to see you. We’ve got your new CD. It’s hot, man. We love it.” Nick smiled and lowered his head.

“Thanks. I’m just trying to stay in the game, you know?” AJ nodded. Both knowing how difficult it was to move along with the progression of the music industry after the Backstreet Boys had broken up and ended.

“Well, I better be going.” Nick said, he patted AJ on the back and then went back to Shannon.

“You ready baby?” He asked her. She looked up at him, still sipping her champagne.

“Oh, absolutely.” She put her glass down and stood up, purse in hand. Just as they were going to leave, someone announced that the bride and groom were about to have their first dance as a married couple. Nick and Shannon stopped to look.

“You go on, I’m right behind you.” He said to her. So Shannon turned and left, leaving Nick watching the newlyweds dancing. Rianna’s eyes met his and locked.

“Thank you...” She mouthed to him. Then she smiled sweetly, a few tears rolling down her cheeks. Nick nodded and smiled back. She and Mark continued to dance, and she lost sight of Nick. But when she was able to look back in his direction, he was gone.

Shannon was standing on the beach when Nick approached her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck.

“That was a really lovely wedding. God, to get married in the park, and have the ocean just a few feet away... it’s just amazing.” She said. They both looked at the reflection of the moon on the face of the water. The waves rippling the water.

“Yep, this is a breathtaking place.” Nick spun her around so that she was facing him, and he kissed her, deeply, on the lips.

“Take my hand.” She said to him. And he did so. “Let’s enjoy this while we still can.” They were only in Puerto Rico for a short time. So she wanted to make the most of it with him. She pulled him along the beach toward the car.

“Do you think we’ll ever have this someday?” She asked him, just before they reached the car. Nick unlocked the doors and they both sat down. She was looking at the reception, under a huge tent. And he understood her question.

“When the time is right, definitely.”


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