The Battle Within (23 page)

“Finished. I hope you got all of your crying out earlier because you cannot mess up this masterpiece I’ve just created. If I do say so myself, I did a fantastic job!” The makeup artist patted himself on the back as he held the mirror up for inspection.

Sandy lightly touched her face as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, “Is this me?”

“It’s you.” He held his breath as he waited for her approval or…
disapproval
.

A slow smile crept across her face, “I love it! Thank you, Miguel.”

Vicky and Andrea nodded in agreement.

Sandy handed the mirror back to Miguel. She had been sitting still for so long getting poked, primped, curled, styled, and brushed to death that she needed to move around a little bit.

She couldn’t understand why the room was so gloomy even with the bright lights on? Who closed the drapes? The windows were open when they arrived. Sandy walked over to them.

The wedding planner anticipated what she was about to do and called out to her, “Don’t open the windows? Someone might see you, and we can’t have anyone seeing the bride before you make your grand entrance.”

Sandy had had enough of this planner. She needed sunlight. Something to chase away the strange mood that was threatening to overtake her. Ignoring her, she opened the drapes wide letting in the natural light. It was difficult to put into words at how beautiful the day truly was. Many brides couldn’t have dreamt of a more perfect day. The sun was high, bright, and the sky was an incredible shade of blue. It was adorned with the most billowy looking clouds. The kind that someone might think they could dive in and bounce onto. She closed her eyes and basked in the warmth and light.

Andrea and Vicky exchanged curious looks. They could tell Sandy was in a strange mood.

After another moment or two, the planner’s annoying voice could be heard, “Okay ladies. Let’s take one last look in the mirror. The ceremony is scheduled to start in seven minutes.”

Sandy took a deep calming breath and walked back over to stand in front of the full-length mirror. The woman staring back at her seemed like a stranger. But, how could she? Today was the day…the day she dreamt about her whole life was finally here. The butterflies in her stomach had turned into full on knots. Was this normal? It had to be.

Vicky stood behind her…watching, hoping and praying that her best friend wasn’t about to make the biggest mistake of her life. However, she’d repeatedly asked Sandy over and over if she was sure about her decision to marry Roman. Again and again, she’d said yes.

Regardless of her apprehension, no question about it, Sandy was a stunning bride. Her dress was simple but elegant. The sleek satin all white, strapless corset gown was perfect for Sandy’s Giselle-like figure. Then, it billowed out in this incredible bubble hem train. The contrast between the dress and her strawberry blonde hair, which was styled in a slightly undone chignon, was even more striking.

She cleared her throat, “Your dad thought he was finished after speaking with both you and Roman earlier, but he said he forgot to give you something…something extremely important. He couldn’t locate Andrea to give this to her to give to you, so he told you I was the next best thing. He caught me bringing Angel back from the bathroom. He was a little too choked up to do this himself.”

Sandy turned around as Vicky handed her a small satin satchel. She didn’t take it. But, tentatively skimmed her fingertips over the top of it. She whispered, “I remember this…it was my mothers.

Dad has always had a hard time trying to fill in for her, but I think he’s done a fantastic job all of these years. Even if he doesn’t think so.” Her eyes started to well up. “But still…what I wouldn’t give to have her here for my wedding.”

Vicky plucked a tissue from off a nearby table. She knew exactly how Sandy felt because it wasn’t that long ago she stood in the same position and felt the same way. That dull ache in the center of her chest wishing her mother could have been at her wedding. But…she was in a way. She’d felt her presence. And, if Sandy was still enough…quiet enough…for just a moment…she’d feel her mother’s presence too.

Vicky dabbed at her makeup, “I bet you anything that your mother
is here
with you, Sandy. And, your father made sure she would be represented in some way. He gave you a precious gift, a piece of your mother to carry with you during the ceremony.” Vicky placed her hand on the top of Sandy’s. “Whatever is in that beautiful little bag was so special to her that your dad waited until your wedding day to give it to you.”

Sandy pulled Vicky into a strong embrace, “Thank you. I needed that.” Vicky hugged her back. They held each other until Andrea sniffed loudly, “Okay you two. Stop it before we all have to redo our makeup.” She looked over at Miguel, “And, I know he won’t be happy with us looking like raccoons as we walk down the aisle. Now, can you open that little bag? I’m dying to see what Aunt Vivian gave you.”

Sandy carefully took the pouch from Vicky’s hand. Holding it as if it were the most fragile item in the world. And, with slightly shaky hands, she emptied the contents. Out came an incredible pair of one-Carat ruby earrings along with a piece of yellowing paper. It was a note…
in her mother’s handwriting
!

“It’s a note from my MOTHER!” Sandy read it aloud through tears.

It’s your WEDDING DAY! My mother gave these to me and now I’m gifting them to you. They’ve brought the owners so much happiness. I know that was true with my mother and father, your father and me, and now you and your husband. I love you.

Mom”

There was no holding back the waterworks the spewed forth after reading those words. Not a dry eye was in the room. Vicky was right. Her mother found a way to be there.

Several knocks in a loud and quick secession sounded at the door. The Wedding Planner’s assistant popped her head inside, “Everyone ready? Because it is time for the bride to make her grand entrance.”

Sandy nodded as she expelled a long deep breath. Over the last sixty day, somehow, she managed to pull off the impossible. And, finally, she was ready to meet her future.

Andrea interrupted her thoughts, “Time to put on your veil. Are you ready?”

She smiled boldly, “Yes. I’m finally ready.”

*****

Sandy, her bridesmaids, and Angel took their places along with her father and the ring bearer. He looked lovingly into her eyes as she looped her arms through his. Sandy whispered in his ear, “I love you, daddy. Thank you for mom’s gift.”

He patted her hand as it lay on top of his, “They look just as beautiful on you as they did when she wore them on our wedding day. And, I love you too.”

Not giving a damn about her makeup she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

The first few notes of Luther Vandross’ So Amazing started to play, and the large double doors opened.

Andrea turned slightly and gave Sandy the thumbs up sign before slowly walking through the entrance, into the chapel, and down the aisle. Once she was half-way, it was Vicky’s turn to walk out.

However, Vicky quickly turned around one last time and mouthed, “Are you sure?”

Sandy smiled reassuringly and nodded yes. Vicky took a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other and walked through the double doors too.

Once Vicky had gone through, the doors closed again. The next time it opened, Sandy would be marching toward her future with Roman. The knots weren’t completely gone…but she was at peace.

Angel had been pretty quiet throughout the day seeming to understand the gravity of the occasion and her very important role of flower girl. She was next after the ring bearer. Angel turned big brown doe-like eyes toward Sandy then smiled brightly, “Auntie Sandy you’re so beautiful.” She took a calming breath, “I’ll make you proud. I won’t mess up…I promise. Good luck.”

Sandy’s throat was thick, “Don’t I know it and that’s why I picked you.”

The wedding march music started to play and the doors re-opened. Just like they’d practiced the night before the ring bearer walked out. He was nervously chewing on his bottom lip as he walked down the aisle. But, he walked in a straight line and smiled for the photographer. That was more than Sandy could have hoped for from a six-year-old.

Next, it was Angel’s turn. She smiled brightly as she walked through the double doors dropping rose petals from her basket.

It was now…her moment. Her father squeezed her hand as they took their first step towards the entrance of the chapel. Another step…another and another. Roman stood at the other of the seemingly endless aisle gazing intently into her eyes.

He made plenty of mistakes especially with Kate but he still wanted to make Sandy, Mrs. Roman Benton. There had been so many things he’d been afraid would derail this day, but it was finally here. He’d been disappointed that his mother and sister decided not to attend.

Sandy smiled lovingly as she walked toward him, and he almost stopped breathing. Just a few more steps.

Finally, she was standing right next to him as she looked into his eyes. It was at this moment she realized she loved both Roman and Franklin. But, her future was with Roman. She’d made a silent promise to herself the night she’d left Franklin’s house.

The minister spoke, “
Dearly beloveds we are gathered here today to witness the union between Roman Michael Benton and Sandra Elizabeth Catchings
in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, that is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly
.”

Sandy was suddenly feeling very warm almost hot.

The minister began speaking again, but suddenly she couldn’t hear him. Roman, on the other hand, was so entranced by Sandy that he hadn’t heard what the minister had to say either. Only the part when her father said, “I do.” Then, he handed his only daughter and the love of his life, into Roman’s hands.

“Into this estate, Roman and Sandra have come to be joined as husband and wife.
If anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Jason and Vicky held their breath. They were hoping for a miracle, and that this would be the moment Franklin would come bursting through the doors, and claim Sandy as his own. However, this was real life. It wasn’t a movie. The room remained quiet, but there were probably many people wondering what would happen at this point in the ceremony.

The minister looked around for another moment before continuing, “
I see there is none
.” He returned his gaze back to the couple standing in front of him, “
The most important thing in life is to love someone. The second most
important thing is to have someone love you. The third most
important thing is to have the first two happen at the same time.
That is what has happened between Roman and Sandra. They have fallen
in love and have come to make a public commitment of their love for
and loyalty to one another.

Roman and Sandra, you have requested that I marry you. Do you both do this of your own desire and free will?”

They answered in unison, “Yes.”

“Then let us continue. Roman, if it is your desire to become the husband of Sandra, then repeat after me. I, Roman Michael Benton, take you, Sandra Elizabeth Catchings, to be my lawfully wedded wife. In this moment, I promise before these witnesses to love you and care for you all of the days of our lives. I accept you with your faults and your strengths, even as I offer myself with my faults and strengths. I promise to support you when you need support and to turn to you when I need support. I choose you as the one with whom I will spend my life.”

Sandy held her breath, her stomach was starting to feel queasy, hoping and praying she could make it through the ceremony without getting sick.

Roman swallowed, “I Roman Michael Benton…”

Sandy was so hot and nauseous; she just might faint. She could barely make out what Roman was saying. However, a well-scripted movie along with fantastic editing couldn’t have prepared her for the moment Franklin stood outside the doors of the chapel and urgently called out her name.

Chapter 28

Her head lurched in Franklin’s direction as she dropped Roman’s hands, “Franklin?” Was she hearing and seeing things?

Roman yelled out to the ushers and security, “Get him the hell out of here!”

Franklin had taken two steps into the chapel before he was grabbed and held. Before they could take him out, he shouted out, “I love you! Do you hear me…I LOVE YOU.”

Sandy couldn’t breathe. Her chest rose up and down. In a split second, she screamed out, “Wait! Wait…don’t.” She turned pleading eyes to Roman, “I have to talk to him.”

He was panicked, “No, you don’t! You made a promised to me.”

She turned to give her bouquet to Vicky then back to Roman, “Please Roman…I…I…have to talk to him.” Sandra picked up her dress and ran down the aisle toward Franklin.

Security released him. Roman was about to go after them but somehow, Jason and Troy, who appeared from nowhere, blocked his path.

Sandy led him toward the small room she and her bridal party had only moments before occupied. Once they were inside, she closed the door behind them.

Franklin wasted no time pulling her into his arms and kissing her the way he’d dreamed of over the past couple of years.

She pulled away as she whispered, “Franklin…don’t.”

“Sandy, I’m so sorry. You have to understand that I couldn’t sentence you to a lifetime of crazy hell. I love you too much for that. But, I don’t have too. I’m not schizophrenic. It was a misdiagnosis that has been kept from me by Dr. Caprice and April. While I am suffering from PTSD, it can be managed with medication and therapy.”

“My god Franklin! That’s
WONDERFUL
. I prayed for a miracle for you. But…how? You were misdiagnosed, and April knew it?”