Carolyn: Hope you're all rested up from your vacation because the big day is here !!!
Destiny: So glad you have your sleeves all rolled up and you're ready for some ass kicking !
Sorry I didn't beat the tar out of him but he has been dealt with....civilly???
Jan: Thank you, you forgot to mention that you were sick also. Hope you're feeling better.
jEsSaH: This one's all for you Jessah...enjoy.
*~*~*
Chapter: 17
Saturday
Early Saturday morning Liz woke up to a bunch of commotion going on in the backyard and as she poked her head out of her bedroom window she saw all of these men putting boards over the swimming pool and another guy setting up a bunch of speakers on the patio. Liz grabbed her robe and ran downstairs and as she rounded the landing she bumped right into her grandmother.
“What’s going on out there Grandma?” Claudia just looked at Liz and said,
“They are making a dance floor outside.” Just as though it was an every day occurrence. Liz couldn’t believe it. For something that was supposed to be a private, intimate affair it was turning into a full-blown fiasco. But she loved it, she just stood there and smiled at her grandmother, scrunched up her shoulders in disbelief and gave her grandmother a big hug and went out into the kitchen only to find her mother cooking breakfast for everyone.
Without a word she went over to the cupboard and pulled out plates and napkins and set them out on the island. She got the flatware from the drawer and placed them next to the plates...she grabbed a pan from under the sink and a cloth out of the pantry and headed out to the patio to wash off the tables and chairs for everyone. Her mother just shook her head and smiled, she may be the bride but she’s still plain old Liz at heart.
At about 9:00 a.m. everyone was outside enjoying breakfast and each other’s company and watching the carpenters complete their task. You would never have known a swimming pool existed in their back yard. It had been totally transformed into this huge gazebo and it looked positively grand. Liz could hardly speak she was so overwhelmed.
Her mother and father were so happy that they finally found something they could do for her that they were beside themselves. She had managed to make everything so beautiful in such a short time and it took so little effort; they were all happy that everything had come together so nicely.
Just as the carpenters were finishing up the gardener showed up to give the lawn a quick manicure and to place some potted plants around the gazebo just to add some extra beauty. By 11:00 a.m. everything was in place and people started to excuse themselves to get ready. There were a lot of bodies to get ready today and they may only be headed to the hospital chapel but it just might as well have been St. Peters in Rome as far as they were all concerned. Thank God all of the bedrooms had their own baths…it would really be a mess trying to get everyone ready with only a couple of bathrooms.
At 11:30 the bakery showed up with the cake and Liz showed them where to set it up. The caterer had already gotten the table ready with a floor length skirt atop it and the plates, napkins, and a cake cutter was on it as well and it was ready to be taken outside, Liz had a sudden change of plans though and told the caterers that she wanted the wedding cake to be taken to the pool house and set up in front of the French doors. They would cut the cake out there, but before they could move everything she had to make sure her grandparents were decent…She was sure they wouldn’t have appreciated all of these strangers traipsing around while they were in their skivvies. She had to giggle at the thought…enough to scare everyone away she thought to herself. Then she mentally reprimanded herself for such an awful thought and giggled some more.
The fountain, punch bowl and cups were still to be set up on the other table in the reception area. It all looked like a beautiful banquet hall but yet so cozy and intimate.
Liz was very pleased with the way everything looked and made a quick call to the florist to make sure the flowers were being delivered to the hospital chapel…and to give them specific instructions to take everything through the side entrance. She was assured that everything was on its way as they spoke and then Liz headed upstairs; IT’S TIME!!!
Liz found the new bottle of shower gel and matching shampoo fragrance she had just purchased this week at the boutique in the mall, strawberry vanilla, and she headed to the shower off her bedroom. Maria had already taken her shower and was in her room getting herself ready, Liz could hear her hair dryer running.
After taking her shower and getting her hair dry Maria popped her head into Liz’s room wearing nothing but her robe and underwear. She had her makeup on already and her hair looked positively radiant.
Liz looked at her and gave her this huge cheesy grin, she just couldn’t keep the smile off her face and Maria matched her expression as they looked at each other with tears welling up in their eyes. Liz said “ DON’T,” and Maria just shook her head and picked up Liz’s hair dryer and started drying her hair.
After the hair was dry and Maria worked her magic with the curling iron Liz applied what little makeup she intended to wear as she had never worn much but Maria took over and applied a slight foundation and then a light chocolate eye shadow. Just enough that you could barely see but enough to accent those gorgeous big brown eyes…then she applied a little blush on the cheeks and some strawberry lip gloss and then she handed Liz the mascara wand and looked her right in the eyes and said, “yes!” Liz obliged her and used the mascara…she had to admit it did look nice. Maria looked at her friend and said, “Liz, you look like an angel!” Liz looked at her friend and smiled and tried very hard not to cry.
Right at 12:00 noon the photographer had arrived next door to take the Evans pictures and would be at the Parker’s very shortly.
This was when Liz opened her closet door and revealed Grandma Claudia’s wedding dress to Maria. It was hanging from the ceiling light fixture because of its length, Maria almost passed out. She grabbed her chest and gasped for air, always the drama queen, and Liz took hold of her and lead her over to her bed and made her sit down and put her head between her knees and told her to breathe.
“Maria, what’s wrong with you?” Liz asked sternly…the last thing she needed was for Maria to get sick.
“Liz, I knew you had something up your sleeve but I never dreamed it was this. Where did you get it?”
“It was Grandma Claudia’s…now it’s mine. I will save it for my granddaughter just as it was saved for me.”
“Oh Liz, it is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. No wonder you didn’t look at dresses in the bridal shop, I wouldn’t have either.”
With that conversation over Liz put on her white strapless long line bra, her white lacy garter belt over her matching lace panties and white lace stockings and pulled on the blue garter that Maria had made for her on Tuesday evening. She put on Grandma Claudia’s diamond earrings that she borrowed and they taped a penny in her shoe. The dress was old so now all bases were covered. Now for that monster of a petticoat that grandma brought with her.
Those petticoats in the “King and I” had nothing on this thing. Maria helped Liz step into it and pulled it up from the back and zipped it closed, then the buskets came next…Maria gave Liz a look and Liz just giggled at her…”Grandma said I need to accentuate my hips”…Maria said “holy shit Liz, you’re kidding, right?” As she hooked the buskets in the back and then she proceeded to the dress.
Liz put a scarf over her head and Maria stood on the vanity stool and put the dress over Liz’s head trying not to mess her hair. It wasn’t working so the girls decided to lay the dress over the petticoat and pull it up from the floor…Liz pulled the buskets up and held it over the slip that worked much better.
Both girls rolled their eyes at the buskets but used them anyway. Then Maria started working on the buttons…what a job, but the finished effect was stunning. Liz grabbed her veil to take downstairs for her mother to help her put on and waited for Maria to come out of her room.
Maria slipped into her dress and Liz zipped her up and put the matching silk flower they had purchased in Maria’s hair and then Liz stepped back and looked at her and smiled.
“Maria, you look positively gorgeous.” Liz smiled at her friend and they headed downstairs.
Everyone was waiting for the girls including the photographer. They all went into the family room for a formal family portrait and then the photographer took some pictures of Liz with her mother helping her put on her veil. They all started to tear up again…what a crying bunch of people.
Alex didn’t think he had ever seen a more beautiful bride. This girl was positively stunning and she had the most contagious laugh he had ever heard. Her personality was every bit as beautiful as she was and everyone in that room adored her. It was just so obvious.
The grandparents had left immediately after their portraits were taken and headed for the bus parked next door at the Evans. Alex asked Liz what made them think of it and she told him that it was Max’s idea. Since everyone was here at the two houses it just seemed like a good idea. Alex thought it was a great idea. He asked her how she was getting to the chapel and she told him, “A limo will be picking me up around 1:30, which is just about now.” And, just as she predicted, there it was. Her mother, dad and Maria rode with her in the limo since the bus had already left with the Evans’ and all the grandparents.
*~*~*
Meanwhile, back at the hospital Sister Margaret had maintenance clear a passage to allow Liz and her father to pass by comfortably and to allow enough room for any of the staff who could get away from their duties to watch the young bride make her entrance. They would keep this as private as they could but there would be audience participation, that was for certain.
The interns had tracked down the florist, as Michael had instructed, and retrieved their boutonnières and were all decked out in their tuxes. The young men looked positively dashing. Michael made sure that he and Max entered the hospital from the employee’s entrance so that Max would not suspect anything and when they got to the back door of Father’s office the florist was there waiting for them with their boutonnières and strict instructions for them to stay put until Father summoned them.
In the meantime another of the florists personnel greeted the parents and grandparents in the side lobby and pinned their corsages to their dresses before they were ushered into the chapel by the interns.
When they entered the chapel they all were amazed at the transformation that had taken place. The altar was banked on both sides with huge baskets of fern all tied off in large white ribbons. There were large candelabra behind the tall baskets holding long white tapered candles. There was a white runner from the doorway of the chapel right up to the altar where a kneeler had been placed all covered in white satin and smocked with white and peach colored silk roses. There was a white satin brocade covered bench for the bride and groom to sit on and father had placed a statue of our lady off to the left on a large pedestal for the brides private prayer.
The pews were marked off for the bride and grooms families with a green garland of fern and huge white bows; the front pew on either side was for Michael and Maria. The two back pews were left vacant for the honor guard. The other pews would hold the parents and grandparents and Michael and Maria’s parents.
Alex couldn’t believe that they had done all of this planning in six days. Everything was just beyond anyone’s imagination. Most people don’t come up with this in a years worth of planning. He just had to take pictures of the chapel before anything even got started.
*~*~*
Meanwhile, out in the main lobby a lone figure sat with his head down and a baseball cap on…he had on a blue denim jacket and sloppy slacks and looked like he hadn’t slept or bathed in days. He just sat there waiting.
One of the auxiliary ladies mentioned to the receptionist that the gentlemen over there was also there yesterday when she came in and asked if she knew who he was. The young girl looked over and said “No” but he looked familiar for some reason. Then she picked up the photograph that security had left with the front desk yesterday and immediately called the security guard and told him that the guy in the photo was sitting in the lobby. Security immediately called the dispatcher at the police station who in turn radioed the detectives on duty that were following Liz and Max. They all met out in front of the hospital and decided to just walk in and calmly go over to Jeremy and escort him out the front door without any fuss to anyone in the lobby. It worked like magic.
Much to their surprise they discovered a gun stuck in Jeremy’s jacket pocket. They had no idea what he intended to do with it but it was immediately confiscated of course and Jeremy was handcuffed and hauled off in a black and white.
Now that the crisis was over the detectives wanted to get a glimpse of Max and Liz since they had been watching them since Tuesday and had formed a genuine like for them. They would just like to share in a little happiness after the past few days.
They walked into the chapel and took a seat in the empty pew behind the bride’s family. Diane turned around and looked at them with a questioning expression and they smiled and gave her a thumbs up…she knew immediately that everything was all right and she turned around and relaxed. She had no idea just how tense she was over all of this until this very minute.
As the black and white was headed out of the front parking lot the limo was driving into the side parking lot with the happy bride and her family.
Liz’s mother and Maria exited the car first and went in to get their flowers. Both women were awe struck at the chapel when they entered. It was absolutely beautiful. Max and Liz were going to be so surprised.
Sister had used the rheostat to dim the lights just enough to allow the correct atmosphere for such a happy occasion. The choir had been practicing a song for the school play that the organist thought would be appropriate for this occasion and couldn’t wait for the right time to spring the surprise on everyone. “Oh this was going to be so good!” she thought to herself. The young choir was now standing behind the organ and all of the kids were dressed in their white cassocks and they looked like little angels. They were all spit shined and polished and they all seemed very happy to be there. All of the candles were lit and the chapel looked like something out of a post card. Sister Margaret was as pleased as punch.
Since Max and Liz had not expected to have a full blown choir and this was going to be a total surprise the organist chose to sing “Ave Maria” during the communion procession. It wasn’t a very long song and since there was only thirty some people in the chapel it only seemed fitting. The organist had a beautiful soprano voice and that is why Sister Margaret had chosen her to play for the ceremony.
Father gave the nod to Maria who exited the chapel with Liz’s bouquet in her hands and went to the side door to tell Liz and her Dad it was time to come in.
The young interns positioned themselves on either side of the white runner in the chapel.
Maria was beaming by this time and couldn’t wait to see Liz’s face.
Father in the meantime went to his office to get Max and Michael. Max had given Michael Liz’s wedding band earlier and Michael was wearing it on the tip of his little finger.
Max begged Michael not to lose the ring and Michael told him to just relax. Max just gave him a grin and they headed out into the chapel following Father who had on his white vestments. Father looked like a big old-fashioned Santa Claus.
Max was the last to go through the sacristy door and his legs almost buckled under him when he saw the chapel. He did not recognize the place and there, on either side of the aisle, were his friends and fellow interns all dressed in tuxes with matching boutonnières forming an honor guard for his beautiful wife to be.
He was really very close to tears…and then he noticed the choir, the organ and the organist and he all but lost it. This was becoming too much for him to handle. Michael just reached over and grabbed his shoulder and gave him a little squeeze. It’s a good thing to realize just how much people think of you and the lengths they are willing to go in order to make you happy.
It was just a short minute later that Maria entered the chapel and walked down the aisle and took her place on the other side of the altar and turned to wait for her best friend.
Michael looked over at Maria and thought she looked like a vision…he was so proud of her and he almost started to cry.
When Father saw a bit of white lace peek around the corner he nodded to the organist who started playing her special surprise, there was nothing traditional about this wedding so she took matters into her own hands, everyone stood and watched for her entrance. Liz looked up at her dad with huge eyes and her dad just patted her hand that was resting on his arm and smiled down at her.
“People love you Lizzie, just enjoy the moment and remember it forever.”
Alex was so busy snapping pictures that he almost forgot to get out of the way.
When Liz and her dad had entered the chapel neither could believe the sight before them.
There on either side of a white runner were Max’s fellow doctors all dressed in matching tuxedos and wearing boutonnières and ahead of them was the children’s choir from their parish as well as the organist, she wanted to cry but then her mascara would run and she would look like a circus clown instead of a bride. Damn that Maria…
Father looked amazing in his white vestments and then she saw him…he was crying…’oh Max, I love you so much she thought. Look at what all of these people have done for us’…she didn’t need to say the words; Max could see it on her face, even through the veil that was covering her. He thought she was the most beautiful vision he had ever laid his eyes on.
And then the children started their beautiful little chant. Jeff heard the first sentence and that was all it took, he started to cry and Liz’s eyes were as big as saucers as she tried not to cry. She had never heard anything more beautiful in her life and when she looked at their family and friends they were all in tears. What was happening? This was beyond her comprehension.
And it started to sink in…it was like a voice from heaven.
Is this the little girl I carried,
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older,
when did they?
When did she get to be a beauty,
When did he grow to be so tall?
wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
swiftly flow the days.
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,
blossoming even as we gaze.
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
swiftly fly the years,
one season following another,
laiden with happiness and tears.
What words of wisdom can I give them,
how can I help to ease their way?
Now they must learn from one another,
day by day.
They look so natural together.
Just like two newlyweds should be.
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Sunrise, sunset
sunrise, sunset
swiftly fly the years,
one season following another,
laiden with happiness,
and tears
From: Fiddler on the Roof
As she came up to the front of the chapel she and her father waited for the choir to finish and then the priest asked
“who gives this woman in marriage?” and her father answered through tear stained eyes and without hesitation,
“Her mother and I do.” He patted Liz’s hand and bent over and kissed it before placing it in Max’s hand and then in a very unconventional maneuver he reached over and hugged Max then he took his seat next to Nancy who was also teary eyed.
Max raised her small hand to his lips and kissed the top of her knuckles ever so lightly before turning and facing the priest. Liz removed her engagement ring and placed it on her right hand for the moment…
They then began the traditional ceremony and Michael managed to not lose the ring and gave it to Max at the appropriate time. Max took the ring from Michael and kissed it before placing it on Liz’s finger…she just looked at him through teary eyes and smiled.
Then it was Liz’s turn.
Maria had Max’s ring on her thumb and it was still too big so she and Liz had run a small peach colored ribbon between her thumb and the ring and then tied the ribbon to her wrist with a tiny bow, it almost looked like a piece of jewelry on her wrist. Liz just reached over and pulled the tail of the bow, which released it, and Maria removed the ring and handed it to Liz.
They had rehearsed this move for fifteen minutes last night until they had it down perfect. Both girls grinned and then high-fived each other; it lightened everyone’s mood and after that song they really needed it.
Grandma Claudia didn’t miss the exchange and thought it quite cute.
Liz then kissed Max’s ring before placing it on his finger and they turned toward Father again to wait their instructions.
The interns were completely enthralled with Liz and Maria and couldn’t help but think how lucky Max and Michael were to have found these two gems. Max and Michael couldn’t help but think that they were in for one helluva ride with these two gems.
After the marriage ceremony Liz went over to the statue of Our Lady and said a silent prayer asking her to keep her husband safe from all harm and to make his every waking moment as happy as he is right now. She placed her bouquet at the foot of the statue and took her place next to Max.
Then Maria and Michael took their places in the front pews and Max and Liz stood in front of the kneeler while Father O’Brien began the Kyrie and the Children’s choir chanted the Kyrie in three voices. It was heavenly. They sat on the bench and held hands during the readings, which Dr. Fowler gave. Liz started to tear up again and Max just took her hand and kissed it. She was so overwhelmed that she couldn’t even give him a smile. Her lower lip started to quiver and he just patted her hand and said “shhh.” She just laid her head on his shoulder for a second and went back to paying attention to Father who couldn’t take his eyes off the young couple. There was just something that drew you to them like a magnet.
The mass continued with the choir and Father singing the Gregorian chant, back and forth in perfect harmony, and Liz and Max were overwhelmed at the beauty of it all and then, when it came time for the communion hymn, the organist started singing the Ave Maria. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place again. It brought chills to all in attendance. Amy DeLuca was all but sobbing and Sister Margaret didn’t think the organist had ever performed that song with that much heart in her life and she had heard her sing it many times before.
After mass was over Father introduced the young bride and groom to the congregation as Mr. And Mrs. Maxwell Evans and told Max to kiss his bride, which he did.
He kissed her and kissed her and kissed her. The crowd started laughing and Max started to grin into Liz’s mouth and then they both started blushing profusely.
The interns took their places on either side of the white runner again and Max and Liz exited the chapel followed by Michael and Maria and then their family and friends.
When they got outside half of the hospital was there waiting for them. So much for secrets…they were speechless again.
They smiled at the large group and Max started shaking hands with everyone and began introducing Liz to all of his colleagues. When they had greeted everyone, and they made sure they greeted everyone, they thanked all of them and proceeded to the side of the hospital to head back to the house. Michael saw to it that the interns took the bus back to the house with everyone else, and Maria and Michael rode with Max and Liz in the limo to insure there was enough room on the bus.
The detectives took Michael to the side and told him that Jeremy had been taken into custody in the lobby of the hospital just before Liz arrived and the couple was now safe. Michael told Max and Liz and then Liz grabbed one of the detectives and told him to come by the house for dinner. He asked her if she was sure and she told him absolutely, she had made arrangements for them to attend and if they wanted to bring their spouses they were welcome as well. They declined that part of the invitation because they were still officially on duty but told her they would be more than glad to come for dinner.
When Liz got into the limo she asked Max if he had his cell on him and he said sure…she asked him to let her have it for a minute and she made a quick call to the house. She asked to speak to Tom the caterer…Tom got on the phone and she told him to set two more place settings at the brides table for Father O’Brien and Sister Margaret…there would be two more for dinner. Tom just laughed at her and told her it would be taken care of and what were the names of the two additional guests. She told him the names and then told him to check with the local precinct to verify the spelling. She then thanked him and handed Max his phone back. Max looked down at his lovely wife and told her,
“You’re amazing, you know that?” She just looked at him and said
“What?” He said,
“Never mind!”
When they got back to the house the waiters and waitresses had trays of appetizers ready to start serving to the entire group and the champagne fountain was up and running. The house smelled delicious, the aroma coming from the kitchen was permeating the entire house.
Max told Liz that he didn’t think there was ever a more beautiful wedding on earth. She couldn’t agree more, only because she got to marry him. He was just beaming. He asked her how she had time to plan all of this and she told him she did it Monday afternoon. He just looked at her in disbelief.
She explained that the first thing they did was to get Maria’s dress, the dress determined what the colors of everything else should be. And she just went from there, a trip to the bakery, the florist and then to the caterer. She told the caterer how many people to prepare for and what she wanted. She left the menu entirely up to him; she just wanted it to be good.
As for the chapel, the only thing she had anything to do with was the baskets of fern and the bows along with the candelabra. The rest came as a total shock. The choir, the organist the kneeler and the white satin brocaded bench were all a surprise. And as far as the honor guard, she had no idea how that happened nor did she have anything to do with the choices of songs.
Michael popped up about this time and told her that her and Max’s parents told him there were seven vacancies for invitations and could he think of anyone that might want to come.
Michael then told Max about the lab tech telling Fowler about the blood tests and Fowler asking him what was going on. Michael told him that he told Fowler that he couldn’t divulge any information because he was sworn to secrecy…but then when Diane approached him and told him what she and Nancy decided then he felt that Fowler should be included since he was aware of something going on anyway.
Fowler then held a short straw drawing among the guys. Then the six winners and Fowler came up with the honor guard idea and all went to the tux shop on their own. I then contacted the florist and added the extra seven boutonnières to the order. Finally word got out to the rest of the staff and that is how everyone met outside of the chapel to meet and greet.
Liz and Max just stood there in amazement. How everything escalated into this huge extravaganza in just six days was overwhelming. The young interns all gathered around Max and Liz to wish them well and to tell them how impressed they were with everything.
They told Liz that she had missed her calling. If she could pull something like this off in just six days can you imagine what she would be able to do in six months or a year?
Max just continued to smile…he was so proud of her and she couldn’t understand why everyone was so damned impressed. It’s just a party for God’s sake. There were no invitations to send out, no big hotels or halls to rent; just a simple party for family and a few friends.
Of course a lot of people chipped in to make it a little more elaborate than she had planned and she managed to give credit where credit was due. She still was not sure who to thank for the choir and the kneeler and white runner for the aisle at the chapel. She would find out though and make sure that they were properly thanked as well as the organist and the children who sang. She mentioned that she had never heard the choir sing like that and everyone agreed…it was beautiful. Maybe it was because of the smaller space instead of the huge church but their little voices were spectacular.
Soon Tom informed Max and Liz that it was time to sit down for dinner… “There are place cards at all of the tables and many of the grandparents have already found their seats.” He informed them. The two detectives were amazed that their names were also placed at one of the tables; they had been included with the young interns from the hospital. For someone who didn’t know who would be attending in the spare seats Liz managed to promptly tell Tom the names of the interns and he immediately took care of it. Father led the group in prayer and they all sat down in preparation of their meal.
The food surpassed Liz’s expectations by miles. She only hoped that everyone’s steak and lobster were as good as hers, she could only imagine that they were. Michael and Maria gave their toasts and everyone raised a glass to salute the bride and groom.
Michael and Maria had prepared a joint toast for the occasion since they both had known Max and Liz for so many years and it was short, funny and beautiful all at the same time. Both Michael and Maria expressing their love for their two friends and wishing them years of happiness. It was very fitting for the occasion and Max and Liz got all teary eyed once again.
Everyone in the room seemed very impressed with the menu choices and Max just kept on smiling. It was the only thing he could do…no amount of words could ever express the pride he felt for this beautiful young woman. “She just keeps on amazing me.” He thought to himself.
After the meal was over everyone headed out to the back yard for some dancing and entertainment, Max asked Liz when they had the pool covered and she told him she had no idea that this was going to happen…”Mom and Dad had it done this morning.” He just scratched his ear and kept on smiling.
Michael asked Liz if it would be all right for the guys to call their wives and/or girlfriends to come over and join them and she told him absolutely…why didn’t he tell them to bring them in the first place and Michael said he knew she only made arrangements for thirty people…she then looked at him and winked and told him she ordered an extra ten dinners just in case. Michael wished he would have known that sooner and Liz told him to tell the ‘guys’ to tell their partners not to eat and she would tell Tom to expect seven more people to be fed. “There is no problem here Michael, just go for it.”
The patio kitchen was set up for an open bar and more appetizers were being served while the couple prepared to have their wedding dance. Since they had not been together as a couple long enough to have a song of their own they chose one that they both enjoyed when Liz was a senior in high school. “I Shall Believe” started playing and they took their place in the temporary gazebo and danced like there was no one else on earth. It was beautiful.
Max finally asked Liz where she was able to find a dress that fit her so perfectly and she told him that it was Grandma Claudia’s wedding gown. He looked at her in absolute shock…and wanted to know if Isabelle altered it and she looked up at him and smiled and said
“Take a look at Grandma Max, that’s me in fifty years.”
Max looked over at grandma and said,
“Really, no alterations at all?” and Liz said
“Nope, none at all.” Max just shook his head again and looked down at Liz and smiled, the dress had been made for her. God must certainly like them a lot he thought…the way good things just keep happening to them.
It wasn’t but an hour later when the young interns’ better halves showed up all dressed in their finest and Liz and Max made their way over to greet the young ladies.
Liz apologized profusely to them for her lack of knowledge about the young doctors coming to the wedding. They certainly would have been invited had she known sooner. The women all just smiled and told her that they understood perfectly, they were totally aware of the situation and under the circumstances they did not feel slighted in the least.
On that note Max and Liz led the interns and their partners into the dining room, which Tom had set up by pushing the smaller tables together to make one long banquet table with eight seats placed at each side. The ladies sat down one side of the table and their partners directly across from them. Max and Liz sat right in the center of each group of guests and Tom had the waiters start serving the girls their meals. There was serving platters of appetizers placed down the center of the table for those that had already eaten and coffee pots and teapots as well. The young ladies had exactly the same food as everyone else and the young interns could not believe this. How did she know to order the extra food?
Max, Liz and the young doctors all sat and talked while the young women enjoyed their meal and they didn’t feel the least bit awkward about it. As a matter of fact this was a whole lot more intimate than the formal dinner they had a few hours ago and they could only admire Max and Liz. The young bride and groom sat and talked with them as though they were the only people at the party. Max was a very lucky young man, that’s for sure.
After all the girls finished their meal they headed out to the patio for some more introductions and dancing.
Father O’Brien and Sister Margaret were enjoying the party as much as the next person and could only praise the parents for the fine young people they had raised. The parents couldn’t be prouder. They explained that Max lived right next door and they have all been friends since before Max and Liz were ever born.
Father then asked why the kids were in such a god-awful hurry to get married and the parents looked at each other and smiled. They explained to Father that up until their first date last Saturday they had no idea they were in love, and once they discovered how they felt about each other they didn’t see any reason to wait to start their lives together. Then Nancy said, “Of course we all knew it was just a matter of time but the speed in which it all took place was as big of a shock to us as it was to anybody. It was a bit overwhelming to say the least Father.”
It all made sense to the old priest now and he could see that this was a match made in heaven. Anyone that looked at the two of them could see it.
After a reasonable amount of time Tom opened the French doors to the pool house and motioned to Max and Liz. They promptly went over to where he was waiting and then they got Alex’s attention…they were beginning to wonder if they would have any wedding pictures at all with Alex’s preoccupation with Isabelle. Max forgot about Isabelle’s high school boyfriend being named Alex…who would have thought it would wind up being the same person they hired for their wedding pictures.
Alex had Max and Liz put their marriage license on the table with the cake and had them lay their left hands on the license and he took a very pretty picture before allowing them to cut the cake. They finally got the cake cut and nobody pushed anybody’s face into it. Both Max and Liz felt this was a very tacky tradition and it was just as well forgotten.
Alex then had Max and Liz go to the family room to take a few posed pictures of just the two of them. Then he had the two of them embrace and look at each other…he could have snapped these two in this pose all night. They looked absolutely enthralled with each other…he only hoped the camera picked up on it. He didn’t feel the traditional ‘looking into the camera and smiling’ was necessary after what he just witnessed but he asked the kids to pose for it anyway, which they did of course. It was nothing compared to the ones looking at each other but he would let them decide.
After all the pictures and cake cutting was over Max told Liz that it was time for them to get changed and head out. Liz asked him if they were going to her apartment and he told her,
“No, I have another surprise for you.” She just smiled up at him and said “ok.”
She went over to her mom and dad who were still talking to Father and Sister Margaret and told them that Max and she would be leaving in a little bit and to have everyone stay and enjoy the party as long as they wanted to. “Tom knows that he is not to leave until the last guest has gone and everything is cleaned and put back.”
Father just continued to be amazed at this young woman and her attention to detail and her concern for everyone around her. The young interns had all expressed the same sentiments.
Liz finally caught Max before he headed next door and asked him what she needed to take. He told her they would be gone until Monday afternoon and to be very casual but bring one dress for dinner tomorrow. She said “ok”, gave him a quick peck on the cheek and headed upstairs.
She grabbed her overnight bag out of the closet and threw in some toiletries, her tooth brush a couple of changes of underwear a couple pairs of jeans, some tank tops a sweater and her new cocktail dress she bought just on a whim when she and Maria were out running around yesterday. A few accessories and shoes that she would need and decided she didn’t need any nighties this weekend and she was ready to go.
When she got downstairs everyone was waiting for her including Max. She handed Max her suitcase and the whole group followed them out to their car. They were being bombarded with rice as they made their way down the sidewalk. They turned and smiled at all of these lovely people who had shared in their very special day and told all of them thank you from the bottom of their hearts. With that they waved and drive off.
Everyone headed back into the house and they all just smiled. What a lovely day this has been. It’s hard to believe that it is all over…it’s kind of like Christmas; all that money time and effort and in a short span of one day it’s over. But Max and Liz didn’t feel like it was over, for them it was just beginning.
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