Page 117 of Under His Protection
Erin leads the way down the center aisle, with Jasmine and me following her. We take our places at the front of the room.
Camille is next, walking down the aisle and tossing cream-colored rose petals on the beautiful wood floor. Kyle is next. He takes his job of delivering the wedding bands to Jason with utmost seriousness.
When those tasks are completed, a four-piece string quartet—two women playing violins and two men on cellos—begins playing the classic Wagner tune known asHere Comes the Bride.
Layla comes forward, escorted by her father, Martin. She’s absolutely breathtaking.
I glance surreptitiously at Jason, who’s trying not to break down in front of an audience, but clearly he’s moved at the sight of his bride.
Jason’s family is seated in the front row, along with Ruth. Jason’s mother’s eyes are full of tears, as are his sisters’.
I glance over at Philip, who smiles at me, and wonder if he’s thinking the same thing I am. Maybe one day it will be us standing in front of our family and friends, vowing to spend our lives together as husband and wife.
The wedding ceremony is short, simple, and sweet. As Layla and Jason repeat their vows, a hush falls over the room. We hang on their every word. And when the reverend announces them husband and wife, Jason kisses Layla, and the guests erupt in cheer.
After the ceremony, a photographer takes a ton of pictures of everyone in the wedding party, as well as all the guests.
We gather in a spacious sunroom—complete with an inground Koi pond—for the reception. I’ve heard plenty about Layla’s precious Koi, but this is the first time I’ve seen them in person.
The string quartet follows us into the sunroom and set up in a corner of the room. They continue playing classical music as the bride and groom have their first dance. Then Layla dances with her father, and Jason dances with his mother.
Finally, the floor is opened up to everyone.
Philip offers me his arm and escorts me to the middle of the room, where he takes me in his arms. He leans down to kiss my temple and says, “You are so beautiful.”
I run my hand up the lapel of his tuxedo. “And you look incredibly handsome. I think you should wear a tux every day.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, I’d be the prettiest surveillance operative around.”
We dance to a song I suspect is by Mozart. It’s lovely, and Philip guides me through a waltz like he was born to do this. “How did you learn to dance like this?”
“My sister once took ballroom dance lessons, and she made me practice at home with her.”
My dad and Erin come up to us, and Dad taps Philip on the shoulder. “My turn, pal. Fathers get dibs on their daughters.”
Philip smiles and bows graciously to my dad, conceding the point.
After we exchange partners, Dad whisks me away, and Philip dances with Erin. I bite back a smile when I realize Erin—Philip’s possible future stepmother-in-law—is several years younger than he is.
“What’s so funny?” Dad asks me. He’s smiling and looks like he’s having a good time.
“If Philip and I get married, he’ll be older than his stepmother-in-law.”
Dad’s smile fades a bit, and I can see him doing the math. He opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.
I laugh because it’s not often I see my dad speechless.
“You look beautiful, Haley,” he says, quickly changing the subject.
I smile. “So do you.”
My dad looks very handsome in his dark suit with a pale gray dress shirt and a darker gray tie.
The current song ends, and another one starts up. Before we take more than a few steps, Dave and Mom appear beside us.
Dave taps my dad on the shoulder. “My turn, buddy.”
As Dave swings me away, I look back to see my dad dancing with my mom. It’s always bittersweet to see the two of them together. When I was younger, I always imagined what life would have been like if they’d gotten married after high school and stayed together. I used to imagine the three of us as a family. Now, I wouldn’t change anything because I know they’re both very happily in love with their respective spouses. Even though it must have been a difficult choice, I think they made the right choice.
