Just Like Heaven (24 page)

“You’ll never stop being my baby girl,” her Dad whispered to her as they made their way up the aisle.

Around them cameras flashed wildly and people oohed and ahhed at her dress.

“And you’ll never stop being my Dad,” Demi whispered back.

Arthur turned and watched her approaching with tears in his eyes.

In the congregation various people were already crying before the vows had even begun. Beth Cooper wept tears of joy onto her husband’s designer suit while at the top of the church Hayley wailed, comforted by Logan who kindly offered her a handkerchief.

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The day ran perfectly without a hitch. Demi and Arthur professed their love to one another and made the promise to be as one until death did part them.

Photographs were taken; a cake was cut and a bouquet thrown. People gushed and commented on what a perfect day it was.

“Are you glad you chose to stay in Collinswood?” Demi asked as she and her new husband posed for yet more pictures.

“What do you think?” Arthur smiled.

“I think I wish we’d done this all those years ago and not missed out on time together.”

“Agreed,” Arthur said, wrapping an arm around his new wife. “But I’m here now, that’s what matters.

Arthur doubted he’d ever felt so happy in all his life. He finally felt like he was being the person he wanted to be rather than running from it.

All that was missing was Jared. He should have been there sharing in their joy. He would have loved every minute of it.

“Wherever he is, I’m sure he’s watching us today,” Demi said, squeezing Arthur’s hand.

“Yeah, I hope so.” Arthur said sadly.

“He’s with my Mom,” Demi smiled though her eyes were tainted with sadness.

“You’ll always have me, you know that right?” Arthur asked.

“Yes, I know, because I’m never letting you go again!” Demi teased.

####

Demi’s Dad watched the pictures being taken with Logan wriggling upon his knee. He was sat next to Conrad Cooper. A man who he never thought he’d be able to be civil with.

“This must be a proud day for you,” Conrad said in an attempt to make small talk.

“Yes, very,” Demi’s Dad said. “Though Demi could do better. Your son certainly couldn’t.”

With that he stood up with Logan and led him by the hand to pose for more pictures. Conrad Cooper sat with his mouth agape. It was a rare thing for people to be so blunt with him, and what left him even more speechless was the fact that Demi’s father had been right.

As the day wore in to the night, fed guests were joined by evening guests and the wedding reception began. But first there was the tradition of the first dance for the bride and groom.

“Can I have the new Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cooper on the floor, please?” the DJ called out as people began to get their cameras out expectantly.

Arthur stood and held out his hand for his new wife who gingerly took it and rose to her feet. He felt his heart pinch at just how beautiful she looked.

“Time for our first dance,” he smiled at her.

“What song you did you pick?” Demi asked. “And why did you insist on keeping it a secret?”

“Patience,” Arthur whispered to her as she led her up to the dance floor.

People began clapping as the DJ announced;

“Ladies and gentleman, the bride and groom will now have their first dance.”

The room fell silent and then the opening bars of The Cure’s
Just Like Heaven
began to belt out.

“Arthur!” Demi beamed in delight, “Arthur it’s our song!”

Suddenly she was transported back to Arthur’s car, to their first shared hearing of the song. If only they’d known then what a key part it would play in their lives.

They glided together around the dance floor as one, Demi giggling girlishly and Arthur beaming proudly. Neither had ever felt so happy in all their lives.

As the song played out, Arthur held Demi close, his hot breath upon her ear and he sang in time with the music;

“And I promise you, I promise that I’ll run away with you.” And this time he meant it.

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