Summer Island

The family found their seats and crowded in. Jere whipped out a video recorder and started filming. Dean walked down the aisle alone and took his place at the altar.

“Are you ready?”

Ruby heard her fathers voice and turned slightly.

He came up beside her; offered his arm. She knew her smile was a little shaky, and that it was okay. She slipped her arm through his and let him guide her down the aisle.

At the altar; he stopped, then leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Hollywood,” he whispered.

Her emotions teetered on the edge of control. It was all she could do to nod as he stepped back, leaving her standing beside Dean.

Directly in front of them, on the altar; was a big photograph, framed in ornate, gilded wood. The only decoration that mattered.

Eric.

In it, he was about fifteen years old and standing on the bow of the Wind Lass, half-turned back to face the camera. His smile was pure Eric.

Dean stared at the picture. He sighed, and she knew he was remembering. She slipped her hand in his and squeezed tightly, whispering, “Hes here. ” “I know,” he answered, holding her hand tightly. “I know. ”

Father Magowan smiled at them. Sister Helen gave Ruby a quick wink, then waddled over to the organ and sat down.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to celebrate the union of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. ” His rich, melodious voice filled the small chapel.

Finally, he came to “Who gives this woman to be wed?”

It was the only thing Ruby had requested of this service, that question, and when she turned around and saw her mom and dad standing together; she knew shed done the right thing. It was a vision that would stay in her heart forever.

Rand looked down at Nora, who was weeping openly. He slipped his arm around her and drew her close. “We do,” he said proudly, “her mother and I. ”

Caroline was crying now, too, and Ruby saw the way Jere moved closer to her; sliding his arm around her waist.

Ruby turned back to Dean, gazed up into his shining blue eyes . . . and forgot everyone else. The service kept going, words thrown into a silence broken only by the soft organ music.

You may kiss the bride. "

Dean stared down at her; his eyes moist.

“Ive waited a lifetime for this,” he said softly.

“Ill always love you, Ruby. ”

She saw it all in his eyes: her past, her present, her future. She saw tow-headed children playing in the cold, cold waters of Puget Sound . . . and

Christmas dinners with lots of chairs at the table . . . she even saw them when they were old, their hair gone white and their eyesight dimmed, and she knew shed never forget this moment.

“Thats good,” she said, grinning up at him, tasting the salty moisture of her own tears. She knew she was ruining the makeover her mother had paid for; but she didnt care.

He leaned down and kissed her.

Behind them, the family clapped and cheered and Laughed out loud.

Suddenly Elvis-in full beaded white jumpsuit pushed through the doors. The King ran a hand through his pompadour; gave a sneering little half smile, and burst into song.

He was all shook up.

The End