"AJ, wake up!" Kevin said loudly, kicking AJ's shoe. AJ slowly opened his eyes, which were covered with his purple tinted sunglasses, as usual.
"You better take those things off, or she's gonna kick your ass," Nick said, laughing. AJ laughed a sarcastic little laugh. But he did take the sunglasses off, and replaced them with his regular glasses.
"She likes you in those things, doesn't she? Your normal glasses, I mean," Brian said, smiling. AJ nodded, returning his smile.
"You're not nervous, man?" Nick asked, trying unsuccessfully to fix his tie. Kevin watched him, then sighed heavily. He walked over and fixed the tie for him. "Thanks, Kev."
"Hell no," AJ said, still smiling. "Why should I be nervous?"
"Oh, I don't know, maybe because you're AJ... and you're about to get MARRIED. Somehow, I never expected to say 'AJ' and 'married' in the same sentence," Howie said, laughing. "This is a big step, AJ. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, D," AJ said. "That means a lot coming from you."
There was a knock on the door, and the wedding coordinator stuck her head in.
"OK, guys, I need you now," she said, smiling sweetly.
AJ stood up and accepted hugs from each of the guys. Kevin's hug lingered a little longer than the rest.
"Take care of her, man," Kevin whispered. "She's a special girl."
"I know she is," AJ said, patting Kevin's back. "I promise I will."
AJ peeked into the sanctuary, which was decorated beautifully. Mikayla had always wanted a Christmas wedding. There were trees with white lights down the outside aisles, and candles in each of the stained glass windows, surrounded by bunches of holly. The altar rails were covered with white iced magnolias and white poinsettias, and white and gold ribbons adorned each of the church pews. There was one a large tree at the front of the church that had to be at least 15 feet tall, and it was decorated with white lights and white decorations. Everything was just incredible. Christmas music was being played on the organ. As the last strains of O Holy Night were played, the men walked in and took their places at the altar with the Minister.
Lori made her way down the aisle first to the music of Pachabel's Canon in D, dressed in her fitted deep green velvet bridesmaid dress. She was followed by Beth and Wendy. Finally, Kendra, the maid of honor, made her way into the sanctuary. Little Lyric, who was almost two, held Kendra's hand, as they walked down the aisle with a little basket of flowers in her tiny hand. The baby looked so beautiful, with her dark hair and her jade green eyes shining. She smiled at everyone, but as soon as she saw her daddy standing at the front of the church, she dropped Kendra's hand and took off running to him, yelling "daddy!". Everyone laughed as AJ picked her up and kissed her little cheek. As soon as the music stopped, AJ put her down and everyone directed their attention to the back of the church. The Trumpet Voluntary began to play, and the doors opened. Mikayla walked down the aisle by herself. She didn't need anyone to escort her. She looked fabulous, and AJ's heart soared when he saw her. When she reached him, he took her hand.
"You nervous?" he whispered.
"Nope," she answered, smiling. "Why should I be nervous?"
"You shouldn't," he said, smiling back.
**************************************************
Late that night, after the reception was over and all the guests had left the house, AJ and Mikayla laid in front of the fire, propped up on a mound of pillows. Lyric lay between them sleeping, as AJ wound her soft curls around his finger.
"Do you know how much I love you," he said, staring down at the platinum ring on his finger.
"Hmmmm... Yeah, I think I do," Mikayla said, placing her hand on top of his, admiring her own ring.
Lyric stirred a little, but didn't wake up.
"I wish I had been there for you," he said softly.
"For what?" she asked, smiling. She knew what he was talking about, but she just wanted to hear him say it.
"You know, when you were pregnant with Lyric. I wish I had been there for the whole thing. From the very beginning. The first doctor visit. The first ultrasound. When you first felt her kicking. All of it. I'm sorry I wasn't there."
"Well, this time, you can be," she said, softly.
"You mean next time," he said, still looking down at her ring.
"No, baby..." Mikayla said, slowly reaching for his hand and placing it on her stomach. "I mean this time."
*****************************
~FIN~