Part 21
The chapel that Howie had picked out was a small one on the opposite end of the island in the historical area. It was a simple one of Spanish design that looked out over the Gulf of Mexico. Outside the church, Brian and Sarah’s father waited for her. She could hear guitar music playing softly and AJ’s voice drifted out to her. She smiled to herself as she closed her eyes and listened to his voice.
Kevin looked at her. "It is beautiful, isn’t it?"
"Yeah…it is. Kevin, I don’t think I can say it enough but, thank you for helping us get to this point."
"It was my pleasure, baby. You and Howie look so good together. I just want you to be happy."
"With Howie by my side and the best friends in the world, there’s nothing but happiness ahead for us."
The carriage pulled up in front of the chapel and Sarah’s father helped her out. "You look absolutely stunning, Baby Girl."
"Thanks, Daddy."
Kevin kissed her on the cheek. "I’ll see you inside, baby."
Sarah took Kevin’s hand and looked into his eyes. "Kevin, you’re the best friend I could ever hope for…other than Howie…"
"And Becca."
"Thank you!"
"Sarah, you’ve thanked me already. Just a few minutes ago," grinned Kevin. "Don’t be nervous and I’ll see you inside."
With that, Kevin went in with Brian and took his seat with the others.
Howie was standing at the front of the chapel, his eyes glued to the door that Sarah would be coming through. He performed for thousands upon thousands of people night after night and it still didn’t prepare him for now. His stomach was in knots and his heart was beating a million miles a minute. He squeezed his hands together and he felt like if they were sponges, he’d have gotten a bucket of water from them.
As the music began, Alison came through the door wearing a royal blue satin dress with a Bateau neckline, v-back with crossed straps, and three-quarter length semi-pouf sleeves. The dress had a fitted bodice that featured a natural waist with a tie-belt and front wrapped, tea-length skirt that fell to a semi-train length back. To say she was stunning was an understatement and AJ couldn’t take his eyes off her the whole time.
Once Ali was in place, everyone stood and all eyes turned to the back door. The sun was beginning to drop…sunset…and it cast a romantic glow throughout the church with the candles. Howie’s heart was in his throat and all the guys watched to make sure he was going to make it. When Sarah appeared in the door, Howie’s eyes lit up and his four bandmates turned to see her as well.
Sarah was wearing a white satin and Rosepointe lace gown that had a jewel neckline trimmed with seed pearls and lace pointe sleeves. The full skirt fell from a basque waist to a chapel train. With the sun setting behind her, she truly looked like an angel.
Howie’s eyes were locked on Sarah as she made her way down the aisle with her father. When she reached him, he could see the tears forming in her eyes and he gave her a wink. After all the initial prayers and so forth, the priest asked who presented Sarah in marriage and that’s when her father placed Sarah’s hand in Howie’s.
"Take good care of her," whispered Sarah’s father.