Chapter 65
Joey had walked in and taken a seat at the back of the chapel.
Tyler whispered, "Kevin, please."
Tim continued, "Is there anyone here who has just cause that these two should not be joined in holy matrimony? Speak now or forever hold your peace."
Tyler held her breath and looked into Kevin’s eyes. They both said a silent prayer but Joey remained silent.
The next part was the vows and Kevin sang. As the music started, Kevin’s voice broke and a tear began to roll down his cheeks too. Tyler smiled and wiped the tears as he sang to her.
After the song, Kevin said his vows, "I, Kevin Scott, take you, Tyler Ann, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; as a lover and a friend, I will love you like I’ll never love again, with everything I am, from the bottom of my heart, I will love you ‘til death us do part."
Then AJ played the song for Tyler and she managed to sing it without any trouble. Then it was her turn to say her vows. "I, Tyler Ann, take you, Kevin Scott, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; as a lover and a friend, I will love you like I’ll never love again, with everything I am, from the bottom of my heart, I will love you ‘til death us do part."
Tim proceeded to explain the meaning of the wedding bands and took them from Sonja and Brian. He handed the first ring to Kevin.
Kevin said, "In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring, I thee wed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Tim handed Tyler the other ring and she said, "In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring, I thee wed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
After the exchange of the rings, Tyler and Kevin sang the duet and then Tim finished the ceremony.
"Kevin, you may kiss your bride."
"This is the part I’ve been waiting for," said Kevin as he grinned and took Tyler in his arms kissing her.
The kiss was long and tender and the two felt like they were alone in the chapel. It was Brian who brought them back to Earth, "Hey, Kevin, you’re only suppose to kiss her, not check her tonsils."
Laughter spread through the chapel as the two pulled apart. Tyler’s face was red from embarrassment and Kevin could only grin sheepishly.
The couple turned to their family and Tim said, "I’m pleased to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Scott Richardson."
The music began and as they started out, Kevin and Tyler stopped at Paula and Ann. Kevin pulled two roses out of Tyler’s bouquet and they gave them to their mothers, giving them a kiss.
Outside the chapel, Kevin took Tyler in his arms lifting her off the ground as he kissed her. Spinning her around, Kevin said, "Tyler Dorough Richardson, I love you!"
Tyler laughed as she put her hands in his hair, "I love you too, Kevin Scott Richardson."
The photographer had been snapping pictures of the entire service and captured this moment as well. Behind the couple was the setting sun making for a very romantic picture.
Sonja and Brian came out behind the couple and Kevin put Tyler down. Sonja hugged Tyler as Brian gave Kevin a hug.
"Tyler, it was ALL so perfect."
"Thanks, Sonja! You and Brian helped make it perfect."
"Kev, what’s up with Joey being here?" asked Brian.
"I don’t know but it’s a good thing he kept his mouth shut."
Sonja looked at Tyler and mouthed, "Tell him!"
Tyler nodded her head and said, "Joey was at the house earlier."
Kevin asked, "Is that why you were late?"
Tyler noticed his mood darken but she went on. "He came to beg for another chance and when I told him I never loved him, he called me a slut. I had Billy escort him off the property."
"Why didn’t Billy haul his butt off in the first place?" asked Kevin angrily.
Tyler looked around as people started coming out of the chapel. Quietly, Tyler said, "Not here, Kevin."
"Fine!" said Kevin as he took Tyler’s hand. "Let’s go to the jeep, away from the rest of the people," he said as he pulled her with him.
The others joined Brian and Sonja and AJ asked, "What’s up with them? Kevin looks pissed!"
"That’s because he is," said Brian. "Joey showed up at the house and he’s the reason Tyler was late."
At the back of the chapel, Kevin said, "Okay...explain."
"I didn’t let Billy run him off because I wanted to hear what he had to say. You know, you’re giving him exactly what he wants."
"Tyler, sometimes I wonder if you’re being honest about your feelings for Joey."
Tyler felt like Kevin had slapped her. "What’s that suppose to mean?"
"I think you care about him."
"Oh, yeah! That’s why I married you because I’m in love with another man," said Tyler angrily.
"I never said you didn’t love me, just that you still CARE about Joey. Why else would you keep agreeing to talk to him?"
"Maybe I was hoping he’d apologize," answered Tyler as tears streamed down her face. "Look, Joey obviously found out from Lance...."
"Lance?"
Sheepishly, Tyler said, "I invited Lance, JC, and Chris to the reception."
"This keeps getting better and better," said Kevin sarcastically. "Why not just invite Joey?"
"STOP IT, Kevin! You’re giving Joey EXACTLY what he wants. We’re arguing on our wedding day."
Kevin spotted Joey watching them and grinning and knew Tyler was right. He took Tyler in his arms and kissed her. When he pulled back, he whispered, "You’re right, baby. We’ll talk about it later. Wipe the tears and smile."
"Joey’s watching, isn’t it?"
"Yeah, along with everyone else. Come on."
Tyler wiped the tears and then holding Kevin’s hand, they rejoined the others.
Joey had been standing alone but when he saw the two coming, he came over. "Trouble in paradise?"
Kevin put his arms around Tyler pulling her close as he said, "Only the fact that you showed up here."
Howie said, "What are you doing here? Billy escorted you off the property."
"I had to see for myself that Tyler and Kevin were actually going to get married."
"Why wouldn’t they?" asked Kryss. "Tyler’s told you that she doesn’t love you. Why do you insist on trying to ruin her happiness?"
"According to Kevin, their happiness is just fine."
Tyler asked, "Joey, why did you come here?"
"To talk to you....alone."
"Not this time, Joey," said Tyler. "Say whatever it is you have to say in front of everyone."
Kevin said, "No. Guys, go on to the house. Tyler and I will be there shortly."
Brian asked, "Are you sure, Kevin?"
"Positive. Just tell Tommy and ‘Bull’ to wait here."
Nick went to tell Tommy and ‘Bull’ to wait for Kevin and Tyler and the others headed to their cars. When everyone was gone, Kevin looked at Joey. "Okay, what is it you have to say?"
Joey looked at Tyler, "I know I can never make up for what I’ve done
to you or what Lou did to you, but I’m sorry."
"Joey, I’ve heard all this before and your apology is just words. As soon
as I say something you don’t like, you go off calling me names and threatening
me."
"I was wrong, Tyler. I know this is no excuse, but I have a drinking problem."
"I know."
"I’m going to take care of it. I’ve lost the only woman I’ve ever truly loved because of it. I don’t want to lose my career or my baby."
"I hope you can take care of it, Joey."
Joey looked at Kevin. "I can’t say the better man got her but let’s see if you can hold on to her."
"I’ve held her heart this long, even after what you did to her. I don’t think it will be a problem."
Joey smiled at Tyler. "I don’t suppose I could kiss the bride?"
"Sure," said Tyler as she stepped closer to Joey.
