Laura Ray (Ray Series) (24 page)

M
ary was overseeing the caterers. By noon trays and trays of food were prepared awaiting the call to serve.

Harold and Mary also had lounge chairs and folding chairs placed comfortably around in the yard for ample seating. They wanted to give the ambiance of a family reunion designed for visiting and enjoying each other. All the guests had been asked to wear informal clothing.

Art had closed down his karate classes and his garage in honor of his wedding and all his employees and their families were invited to enjoy being part of the family.

Soon all the guests had arrived and it was time to start the ceremony. Danny had a portable record player which he set up on a bench near the back door. He turned it on to Elvis Presley’s
Can’t Help Falling in Love
.

They had chosen the same minister that Nora had used for her wedding. He also dressed in informal clothing stepped up behind the altar and waited for the wedding couple to come out of the house.

The wedding couple stepped out the back door holding hands. Art wore a short sleeved colorful floral print summer shirt with casual tan slacks and sandals, while Laura wore straight loose comfortable shift also with colorful floral designs and sandals on her feet. Laura also wore a circle of real flowers around the top of her head.

They stepped forward holding hands all the way to stand before the minister. The photographer
stepped forward to record the event. The ceremony only lasted five minutes, but that’s what Art and Laura wanted. Art and Laura kissed for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Bailey. They signed the marriage license and sealed the deal.

Now they were free to mingle with the guests. Laura introduced Art to Dan and Betty Johnson, John’s sister who greeted him warmly. There beside Betty, little
Jordan who had contracted polio a few years ago but he looked to be a happy, healthy boy now.

Laura held out her arms to him kneeling down before him. He stood up on his crutches and hugged her. “Jordan you are such a brave boy, and look how you have grown.”

Jordan nodded his head. “I’m in the fourth grade now. I’m smart, too.”

Laura chuckled, “You are?”

“That’s right. None of the other kids in my class make as good a’ grades as I do,” he said proudly.

“I’m so glad. I always knew you were a smart boy,” Laura bragged, hugging him again.

To Betty, Laura said, “We haven’t kept in touch much lately but you are still my sister-in-law. Let’s get together soon.”

Betty smiled, “I’d like that.”

“I’ve learned lately how much family means to me. Your family is part of my family.”

Dan and Betty both said, “Thank you.”

Next Art wanted to introduce Laura to his employees. “This is Fred Campbell and his wife Desiree. Fred is my head mechanic who takes care of things when I’m not there.

Next they came to Brian Jackson. Laura had seen him but never met him. She held out her hand to shake hands, “Hello, I am happy to meet you. Bobby has become one of Danny’s closest friends. He’s growing up to be quite a good football player.”

“I’m very proud of my son.” He glanced over at Bobby who was standing at the stereo talking and laughing with Danny and Aaron. “I appreciate how good you and the Roberts have been to him.” He motioned toward Art, “And Art here, has helped me for than I’ll ever be able to pay him for.” He wiped his eyes.

Laura reached over to hold Art’s hand. She looked lovingly up into his face and said, “I understand exactly how you feel. He has helped me more than you would ever believe.”

Laura reached over to hug Becky, her new found sister. “Becky I’m so happy and proud to have you for my sister. If Art and I can make it, we want to come up for Thanksgiving. Nora and Jeremy want to come with us. Is that okay with you?”

Becky broke out in a big smile, “I’m looking forward to it. I love you, Laura. I’m praying you will have a lovely marriage.”

“Thank you. I can’t imagine it being anything else.”

T
he wedding was about the celebration of their beginning as husband and wife but mostly about loving and being loved by their family and friends.

THE END