Redemption - Chapter 17/?
Heather and Ed couldn’t have asked for a better winter evening for their nuptials. It was a clear and crisp night. The moon cast a silvery reflection on the snow covered ground.
Inside the church, it was warm and inviting. Flowers and candles graced the altar, and the pews were decorated with red velvet ribbons. Gail and her team had done a beautiful job in a short period of time.
The church was packed to the rafters and beyond, with both townspeople and military personnel.
Beck and Jake stood up front, looking very handsome in their dress uniforms. Emily came down the aisle first, wearing a borrowed bridesmaid’s gown. (Ironically, it was the very dress Heather was going to wear in Emily’s ill fated marriage to Roger.)
Heather followed wearing a vintage wedding gown. It suited her perfectly and fit her like a glove. (Ed later discovered that it was Gail’s own dress, hastily altered to fit Heather.) Her hair was pulled up with soft ringlets gently framing her face. She was beaming as she walked down the aisle.
Ed thought she was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.
Heather and Ed exchanged traditional vows. Neither of them were comfortable with more flowery declarations in public. The way they looked at each other as they recited the words spoke volumes to the depth and intensity of their feelings.
After the ceremony, they piled into Bailey’s for the party. Gail had outdone herself in the decorations there as well.
Bailey’s was jam packed. It seemed like the whole town had turned out. Jake and Clark had worked out a schedule for the officers and enlisted men to attend the party in shifts. Not only did that help with crowd control, but it also ensured adequate coverage. They couldn’t afford to let their guard down, since it would be just like the ASA to launch a counter attack in the middle of the festivities.
The juke box was blaring loudly and the dance floor was full of activity. To Heather’s delight, Ed turned out to be a good dancer.
Of course, everyone cleared the floor to allow Heather and Ed to have their first formal dance together. As they glided to the words of “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole, Ed softly sang into her ear.
Unforgettable in every way
And forever more, that’s how you’ll stay
That’s why, darling, its incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
As expected, General Brooks and some of the other Texas brass attended the wedding. Beck managed to say a quick hello to his CO and introduce Heather.
“Congratulations on your marriage, Mrs. Beck.” said General Brooks.
“Thank you. And please call me Heather.”
“Actually Heather, we should be the ones thanking you. Your country owes you a huge debt of gratitude.”
“For what?” Heather asked with a confused expression on her face.
“For having the courage to do what was right and necessary. Without your actions, we would’ve never received proof of Cheyenne’s deceit. And, as much respect as I have for Colonel Beck here, I’m not sure he would’ve defected if you hadn’t persuaded him to open his eyes.”
Heather was momentarily speechless. All of those events seemed like a lifetime ago. “Thank you, sir” she managed to say.
“Anyway, I’m glad that I was able to attend your wedding. Unfortunately, I can’t stay too long. It seems like it’s going to be a great party.”
At that moment, Jake grabbed the microphone. “Excuse me, can I have your attention please. I hope everyone’s having fun. I hate to interrupt the festivities, but it’s time for the best man to give his toast to the bride and groom.”
Ed inwardly groaned. He’d been hoping the General would leave before Jake’s speech. As usual, Jake had impeccable timing!
Everybody quieted down in anticipation of Jake’s remarks.
“Ed and Heather, I barely know where to begin.”
Jake paused to collect his thoughts. “I first met Heather on the day of the Attacks. I quickly discovered that she’s smart, resourceful, and courageous. She’s also a great mechanic who can fix almost anything. Of course, her knowledge of science isn’t quite perfect.”
Jake looked directly at her. “Heather, I’ve been on the lookout. But in all my travels, I’ve yet to come across any ‘giant irradiated ants’!” Heather gave him the evil eye as everyone laughed.
Jake continued. “And as I’m sure some of you have noticed, Heather can be a bit bossy at times. I’ll let Ed comment on that….or not!”
Ed shook his head and said. “I’m not stupid!” Heather playfully punched him in the shoulder.
“And then there’s Ed.” Jake turned serious. “Most of you know our history. It would be an understatement to say that Ed and I had issues - serious issues - in the past.”
Jake looked at Ed and smiled. “But times change and people change. I’m happy to be here today as his best man.” Ed nodded in thanks.
“Of course, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to let him off the hook.” Jake’s grin turned mischievous. “What you may not know is that our gruff and intimidating Colonel Beck has his girly side. That’s especially so when it comes to his feelings for Heather. Trust me, he can wax poetically about his love for her, especially when fueled by a beer…or two…or three!”
Ed just shook his head as everyone (including General Brooks) laughed.
Jake looked at the happy couple. “Ed, Heather - you have this amazing bond that’s been there since the day you met. In this crazy world, the love you’ve found for each other reinforces one’s faith in humanity and what we’re all fighting for.”
Jake raised his glass. “Please join me in wishing Ed and Heather a life together filled with love, happiness, and laughter. May all of us stay safe and healthy so that we can celebrate with them on their 50th wedding anniversary!”
Everyone raised their glass in the toast to the bride and groom.
After the toast was over, Ed and Heather walked up to Jake. They each gave him a big hug and thanked him for the toast.
Jake smirked. “I saw you standing next to the General. How nervous were you?”
Ed just smiled. “No comment.”