All of Me

Chapter 10

Rena hurried Diana to the shed, which had been redone and looked almost like a closet. The inside had been painted a pale pink while the outside was a pristine white so it matched the gazebo. Inside was bigger than one would expect, about eight feet by six feet. In one corner, a refurbished vanity with a lighted mirror sat with a cute little stool, perfect for last minute checks. Two extra chairs were against the other wall, waiting for bridesmaids to find comfort.

When Rena had seen the renovations, she had pulled Marty aside and asked him for a favor. She wanted to buy the vineyard from them and create a wedding venue. He had promised to tell her before they put it on the market, and Diana had been thrilled with the idea because she’d still be able to visit.

“You know, if a little girl saw this place, she’d flip out and beg to move in here,” Diana giggled as they walked in and closed the door.

“I know. A little bed could fit where the chairs are, or maybe a little table with smaller chairs so she can throw tea parties,” Rena replied, smiling. She glanced at Diana, who had a funny look on her face. “Yes, yes, I was that little girl.”

“I would never have thought that,” Diana mused as she sat down in front of the vanity to check her hair. “Did you bring my makeup out?”

Rena rolled her eyes as she handed her a small makeup bag. “Of course.”

Maura bustled in with a plate of food. “What a cute room!” She place the food in front of Diana and pointed at it. “Eat.”

“Yes, boss,” Diana replied as she picked up a cube of cheese and popped it in her mouth.

“Save the apples for last,” Maura told her as she plopped down in one of the chairs. “They cleanse the palate and will get rid of the cheese breath.”

Diana laughed. “I didn’t even think about that.”

Rena clapped her hands. “Okay, I’m going to get the boys ready. When it’s time, you’ll hear the music for you to begin your walk down the aisle.”

“Oh, what music did you choose?”

“Don’t laugh, but I chose the theme song of The Princess Bride,” Diana told her as Rena left. “It was my favorite movie when I was younger. Still watch it all the time.”

“Me too!” Maura laughed. “’As you wish!’”

They laughed together, and Diana felt silly for freaking out earlier. This is where she belonged, getting married to the love of her life and laughing about her choice of music with her friend. So her mother didn’t agree that she and Marty belonged together? Who cared? She had decided she didn’t. Her mother was missing the most important day of her life so far, and she would regret it one day.

A knock sounded at the door, and Maura rose to answer it. Diana heard Cameron’s booming voice and called to Maura to let him in. He stepped in, his massive body filling the small space in the shed. His eyes widened when he saw her, and he shook his head.

“Wow, Diana, you clean up nice,” he boomed, wrapping his arms gently around her so he didn’t crush her dress.

“Thanks! You too,” Diana complimented. He wore a gray suit with a shockingly red tie, and it fit him perfectly.

“I’m so happy for you, sweetheart,” Cameron said.

“I’m glad you came. Have you seen Marty?”

“Oh yeah,” he answered with a grin and a clearing of his throat as he looked around. “I stopped in and shared a nip of whiskey with him about ten minutes ago.”

“I thought I smelled it,” she laughed, slapping him playfully on the arm. “Staying for the dinner?”

“Of course. We wouldn’t miss it,” Cameron told her, speaking of himself and his wife. “I’ll let you alone so you can prepare. Though I don’t think you could be more beautiful.”

Diana winked at him. “Always the charmer.” He returned the wink and left, smiling at Maura as he left.

“Are you ready? I can wave to Rena and let her know,” Maura asked, and Diana nodded. She inhaled and exhaled, squared her shoulders, and waited.

Diana smiled beautifully when she heard the music begin. Maura opened the door for her, and while she was standing behind the shed where no one could see her, Maura fluffed her dress so it was perfect. She shooed Diana out and promised she sneak out after Diana reached the gazebo. Diana took a deep breath and stepped out onto the aisle, her eyes immediately searching for Marty. She wanted to see the look on his face when he saw her. She wasn’t disappointed.

*****

Marty heard the tune begin from Diana’s favorite movie and stiffened. She was about to walk down that aisle, the woman of his dreams, the love of his life. When she stepped out from behind the renovated shed, his heart stopped briefly. His breath was literally stolen from him, and he had to remind himself how to breathe.

Diana meandered down the aisle, her eyes locked on his. The dress she had chosen was perfect for her body type, clingy in the right areas and loose where it should be. Sparklingly white, Marty was dazzled by her. She had chosen to go without the traditional veil, and her hair was off her shoulders, beautifully, intricately braided, and the smile on her face was radiant as she locked eyes with him. His heart began beating again when she reached him and looked up at him.

“My God, Diana, you’re stunning. More than stunning,” Marty breathed as he reached for her hand.

“Thank you, Marty,” Diana replied. “Are you ready?”

“I’ve been ready since the day I met you,” he whispered. He leaned closer as if to kiss her, but Marcus cleared his throat to gain their attention.

“You should wait until we get to that part, don’t you think?” he teased, and they as well as the guests laughed at his joke. “Ready?”

Marty and Diana nodded simultaneously, clasped hands, and faced Marcus. He skipped the part about who gives this woman away since Diana had chosen no one to walk her down the aisle. He asked the audience the standard does anyone have any reason why these two shouldn’t be married, and when no one spoke up, he continued to the vows.