The Circle of Friends

XII - Princess For A Day-3

Cindy grabbed her by the shoulders and pointed the girl toward the door. “Go!” she said forcefully.

Heather accompanied them from the room. Maria and Sarah picked up Lori’s train and they slowly followed the rest of the party down the hall. The coordinator led the girls into the foyer where the groomsmen waited. At Lori’s request, the boys would walk in with the girls, leaving only Jason at the altar. The girls took their positions, their hushed giggles clearly audible over the music. Jennifer was first in line and she leaned forward to peer into the sanctuary.

“There’s hundreds of people!” she whispered, her eyes wide.

The coordinator hushed her and gestured for the boys to join their partners. Lori adjusted a clip in her hair, her gaze on the floor. When a pair of black shoes came into view, she quickly looked up and smiled. Her father returned her smile, his eyes bright as he viewed his daughter for the first time in her wedding dress. He positively beamed with parental pride. Lori straightened her shoulders and stood to her full height, pleased with her father’s reaction.

“Honey, you look absolutely gorgeous. Like a princess out of a fairy tale,” he said, curling his arm around hers.

“Daddy!” she said softly.

Matt turned to look at them. His eyebrows rose in surprise as his gaze fell on Lori, and he nodded approvingly. Sarah grabbed his arm and his attention returned to his partner. She glanced at her friend and whispered something in Matt’s ear. His soft response elicited a surprised but genuine smile from Sarah.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids waited for the music to begin. Finally, Jennifer and Jeff stepped into the sanctuary. After a moment, the coordinator signaled for Cindy and John to go inside. Thus followed Heather and Steve and Maria and Chris. Last to proceed were Sarah and Matt, leaving Lori and her father alone in the foyer. The coordinator had them step closer to the entrance and she adjusted Lori’s train. Lori could feel her heart beat increase with excitement.

“Are you ready?” her father asked.

She smiled smugly, her grasp on his arm tightening. “Are you?”

The music suddenly changed and the guests rose to their feet. Taking one last deep breath, Lori and her father started down the aisle. The only light in the sanctuary came from the windows and the candles across the altar. Even without overhead lights, Lori could see that the church was indeed very full and she tightened her grip on her father’s arm. Everyone smiled as they passed, giving her encouragement, and they glided toward the altar.

At that moment, Lori caught sight of Jason. Suddenly nothing else mattered. He looked incredible in his tuxedo and surrounded by the groomsmen. It was the expression on his face that caused Lori to catch her breath and Jason’s smile spoke more of love than any words could express.

Her gaze remained focused on him for the remainder of the ceremony. Lori felt unusually calm and relaxed. Jason’s response was similar, and his voice sounded sure and steady. They drew strength from one another’s confidence and concentrated on their partner rather than the crowded church. When informed he could kiss the bride, Jason responded as passionately as if they were alone, eliciting several whistles from the guests.

Lori grinned foolishly as they walked down the aisle. Once they were in the foyer, Jason kissed her again. His hands fell upon bare skin and he pulled Lori even closer. The bridesmaids and groomsmen began to join them in the foyer and interrupted their rapturous embrace.

“You’ve got time for that later!” Sarah hissed.

Jason and Lori laughed and reluctantly separated. Matt gave his best friend a handshake and Sarah threw her arms around Lori’s neck. She received a hug from all the girls and several of the boys. The coordinator reappeared and positioned Jason and Lori so that they might greet the guests as they departed for the reception.

When the long line dwindled to nothing, the wedding party was ushered back into the sanctuary for pictures. The photographer was very thorough, insisting on multiple combinations. He even took shots of the boys kissing Lori’s cheeks and the girls kissing Jason. Her beauty worked against her when it came time for solo pictures and the photographer placed the bride in dozens of poses.

When the photographer finally released the wedding party, Sarah removed Lori’s train before leaving the church. A limo awaited the bride and groom, while the bridesmaids and groomsmen would follow in their own cars. Lori watched curiously as Sarah walked toward Matt’s car. It suddenly occurred to her that Sarah had commented on Matt several times during the past week. Obviously there was something going on between them other than mere friendship.

Alone in the limo at last, Lori turned to face Jason. He grinned foolishly at his wife and they began to laugh.

“Whew!” he cried, pulling Lori into his arms and kissing her firmly. Suddenly he turned her around and ran his hand down the length of her back.

“Oh my God, this is hot!” he proclaimed, wrapping his arms around Lori.

She giggled and leaned against his chest. “I knew you’d like it.”

“Mmm. Can we just skip the reception?” he asked, kissing her neck.

“No!” Lori insisted.

Jason murmured a protest, his arms tightening around her middle. Lori sighed and closed her eyes.

“Everything went well,” she observed.

“Did it?” asked Jason. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

Lori laughed at his candid admission. Turning to face her husband, she found herself being pulled into his lap. Jason completely enveloped her as he kissed Lori and she willingly surrendered. Delighting in their first moment alone, she hoped the driver would take his time in delivering them to the reception.

They arrived and discovered a small crowd waiting outside. The photographer took several pictures of the couple emerging from the limo and strolling into the reception. The guests cheered loudly as they entered and Lori estimated over two hundred and fifty people in attendance. Blue and white balloons decorated the hall and the DJ was already playing music. The scene threatened to overwhelm Lori, and Jason had to squeeze her fingers, gently pulling his bride toward their table.

The spread of food was incredible. The guests all appeared to be having a good time and enjoying the feast. Her parents had requested an open bar and people were taking advantage of it. Most of their friends were too young to drink, but they would get a glass of champagne later.

Someone brought her a plate of food, which she hardly touched. She wandered the hall talking to the guests, still feeling quite giddy. There were many people, although she knew most of them. Her roommate from college was present, as was James, and there were friends from high school. She tried to visit every table but there was simply not enough time.

Sarah grabbed her arm as she was speaking with her aunt and uncle. “Hey, you! It’s time for the toast!” she exclaimed.

The waiters were already pouring glasses and passing them out to the guests. Sarah led Lori to the cake, where Jason and Matt were already waiting. Not surprisingly, he and Matt had ditched their jackets earlier. Jason carefully handed Lori a glass of champagne. She stood beside him and Jason draped his arm around her shoulders. The DJ turned down the music and made the announcement for the toast. When the hall became quiet, Matt held up his glass.

“To the new couple and my best friend. I knew this day would come and just have to say, better you than me!” he proclaimed, pausing for the laughter. “But I know you’ve married the perfect girl and you’ll both be extremely happy. Here’s to the best couple I know!”

Next, it was Sarah’s turn and she had trouble maintaining her composure. “Congratulations to my best friend. I used to tease Lori that she’d never find a guy if she didn’t date like I did. Well, here I am, still single, and she found Mr. Right on the first try! Here’s to the perfect couple!”

After the toast, they cut the cake. In addition to the official wedding photographer, dozens of guests lined up to take their picture, hoping for a shot of the couple covered in cake. Lori and Jason decided to disappoint the crowd and refrained from smashing cake in one another’s faces. Jason did not even get any on her nose and she returned the favor.

After everyone had been served a piece of cake, the DJ invited the bride and groom onto the dance floor. Jason escorted Lori into the spotlight and all eyes were upon them as they danced. Despite the crowd, Jason held her close, letting no one question his passion for his new bride. Feeling relaxed from the champagne, Lori wrapped her arms around his neck. Their foreheads pressed together and Jason stole an occasional kiss from her as they danced.

Eventually her father snatched her from Jason’s arms. She thoroughly enjoyed dancing with her father and Matt eventually replaced him. James stepped in then, quite proficient at dancing and earnestly attempting to make a good impression. He might not have relinquished Lori, but John was determined to dance with the bride. Her friend Scott managed to finagle her away from John for a moment, eager to congratulate Lori. Eventually Jason returned to her side, thus saving her from further ungraceful partners. Lori also noticed that Sarah spent the remainder of the evening dancing exclusively with Matt.

An hour or so later, they were asked to throw the bouquet and garter. Twenty eligible bachelors stood waiting, but it was James who maneuvered to catch the garter belt. The fight for the bouquet was even more intense. Sarah leapt high into the air to catch the bouquet, stealing it from Heather’s grasp. This caused everyone to laugh, especially after Sarah’s earlier speech.

Before the couple departed, Jason’s parents handed him an envelope. Inside were tickets to the Bahamas, with reservations at the hotel boasting the largest swimming pool. The flight was scheduled for tomorrow morning and a room at the Hilton Airport awaited them tonight.

“Oh my God!” exclaimed Lori. “I hope I’ve packed the right stuff!”

He kissed her reassuringly. “I’ll buy you whatever you’re missing.”

Sarah helped Lori change out of her wedding dress into something more suited for travel. Everyone gathered outside the hall and the limo returned to take the couple to their hotel. Amidst a flurry of bubbles, they ran for the waiting limo. Lori slid in first, laughing as Jason nearly fell on top of her. They spent their final moments in the limo laughing and kissing.

They finally reached the hotel and the sanctuary of their room, delighted to be alone at last. Jason began to kiss Lori as he slowly pulled the clothing off her body. Easing her onto the bed, he expressed his desire to enjoy her physically. Lori responded fervently to his kisses, equally excited to complete their joining. Breaking away from her lips, Jason regarded Lori with intense eyes.

“Ready to make love?” he asked. “I’ve waited a long time to be your first.”

“Yes,” she said, a nervous quaver in her voice.

Jason helped Lori off the bed and pulled back the comforter. She slid underneath the blanket and he quickly joined her. Jason continued to kiss her and run his hands down her body. Lori’s heart pounded with nervous excitement. Removing his underwear, he began to fondle Lori more intimately. As Jason began to make his move, he whispered softly in her ear.

“I promise not to hurt you,” he breathed. “If I do, you let me know, okay?”

Afterwards, she did not remember pain. Jason was gentle, although the moment of release had been incredibly intense. Lori felt transparent, as if he could see right through her. The experience was different than she had imagined, though no less enjoyable. Lori’s true joy came from the knowledge that she would only share this moment with Jason.

When his strength returned, Jason kissed her softly but with none of his previous urgency. Laying his head on the pillow beside Lori, he gently pushed the hair away from her face.

“Are you all right?” he asked, his brows coming together in concern.

“Yes,” she whispered, her hand stroking his face.

Jason smiled and kissed her again, pleased to have finally experienced every part of the woman he loved. After nearly two years of mystery and doubt, her realized Lori had been worth the wait.