Across the Multiverse

Chapter 4 | Edinburgh, MA

Emma is the epitome of elegance and grace as she makes her way down the velvet-lined staircase, and into her family's grand ballroom.

She is practically dripping with the jewels of her ancestors. Emma's diamonds are playing so perfectly off of the light of the crystal chandelier overhead, that it is almost like this moment was rehearsed.

She has chosen an ivory wedding gown, which is dripping in as many frills as are necessary to hide the growing Little Secret. Her blonde ringlets are piled high atop a rose quartz-encrusted tiara.

The guests have gathered around the ballroom entrance to feed hungrily upon their Lady's ethereal beauty as she makes her sweeping descent.

No one is, however, more emotional than Sebastian. He is awaiting his lady-love beneath an orchid-entwined arbor. Our groom is adorned in a charcoal gray suit whose seams are putting in the work tonight. There are fat tears of joy twining down his ruddy cheeks. They drip down into his mouth, which is stretched open in a smile.

You know what, I've painted this whole moment in such a pathetic light, but I would find it incredibly sweet if I weren't privy to so much background information.

Breaths are being held in anticipation as Emma sashays her way across the petal-strewn path that leads to her 'dearly beloved.'

The guests take their tulle-wrapped seats in unison as Emma finally crosses the altar.

I'm always impressed by this effortless display of synchronicity, until I am reminded of the countless hours of rehearsal that go into making it a reality.

I turn my attention to the graying officiate, mostly because I'm amused by the look of distinct discomfort that is coloring his features. He knows a happy couple when he sees one.

As any sane person would expect, Jack has made himself scarce.

Emma, of course, is not one of those sane people.

Instead, she begged her lover to work her wedding, so that he could see her in her magnificent gown.

She is still having trouble wrapping her head around why he refused. She has requested that I take plenty of pictures so she can show off to him later.

I spend the day refilling wine glasses and offering tipsy guests their umpteenth slices of cake.

There are six different wedding cake flavor options to choose from. It's as though Emma went cake tasting and said hey you know what, let me just have them all.

Chocolate with chocolate frosting. Chocolate with raspberry frosting. Vanilla with chocolate frosting. The list is endless. A true test of Chef's patience.

No, I didn't give Chef any of the background information, even though we are good friends. He would want to poison someone, and I really don't want to watch him get arrested.

All in all, it's been a busy couple of weeks, but the end goal has been achieved. The wedding is a pure display of opulence and wealth.

It sure beats my own backyard venue.

I really wish I had taken the rain as a bad omen.