Chapter 13

 

One year later

 

“Aw, you look beautiful, baby,” Josh said, putting a lock of my light brown hair behind my ear. 

 

I smiled.  “Thanks, sweetheart,” I said. “I’m nervous.”

 

“What are you nervous for?  You’re not the one getting married!” Josh exclaimed, chuckling.  I jabbed him in the side, playfully. 

 

“So,” I said, grinning.  “I still have to walk down that aisle.”

 

“Gosh, if you’re this nervous being a bridesmaid at someone else’s wedding, how are you going to get through your own?” Josh teased.  I just smiled again and blushed. 

 

“Well, look, it’s going to start in about half an hour.  You’d better go find a seat.  I have to go see the bride,” I said.

 

“Ok, honey.  Wish her good luck for me,” Josh replied, kissed me quickly, and headed into the sanctuary to find a place to sit. 

 

I sighed and headed into the dressing room to find Heidi.  Yeah, you guessed it, Heidi and Sonny were finally getting married.   I found Heidi turning around in front of the full length mirror, her full skirted, white satin gown swishing around.  “You look absolutely beautiful,” I commented.  Heidi whirled around and grinned.

 

“Thanks, Julie,” she replied, blushing.  I smiled as I studied her.  She did look beautiful, just like a princess.  Her traditional white wedding gown looked beautiful on her.  It was old fashioned, with a big skirt, lots of lace, and a long train.  Her dark brown hair was pulled up in a fancy French twist on her head, except for a few curly locks hanging down all around.  The rest was covered by her veil. 

 

“You look beautiful too, Jules,” Heidi said, smiling again. 

 

“Thank you,” I said, also blushing.  I looked at myself in the mirror.  I was dressed in a long, elegant, pale yellow gown.  My own shoulder length brown hair was also pulled up in a fancy twist, and it was woven with tiny yellow flowers in the front.  I wore a pearl necklace around my neck.  

 

Before we knew it, the wedding director appeared in the room.  “Ten minutes to go,” she announced.  “It’s time to get lined up.”

 

We all left the dressing room and lined up in the hallway.  Heidi stood in the back of the line, along with her father, who would be giving her away.  I stood with the other bridesmaids, who included Heidi’s best friends, Becky, Janella, and Natalie.  Janella, her best friend since she was a child, was the maid of honor. 

 

Just minutes later, the wedding started.  One by one, we filed down the aisle, until finally, it was time for Heidi to come out.  As the “Bridal March” played, Heidi walked slowly down the aisle, holding onto her father’s arm.  I saw tears shining in her big brown eyes as she neared Sonny. 

 

As they said their vows, I couldn’t help but look at Josh, who was sitting in the fifth pew back.  He caught my eye at one point and smiled, then winked.  I grinned back at him, knowing that one day, it would be he and I as the bride and groom, saying our vows, pledging our eternal love for each other to God.

 

***

 

Half an hour later, Josh and I were just arriving at the reception, which was taking place at a fancy hotel near the church in Virginia where Heidi and Sonny had just been married. 

 

We had just stepped inside when I saw two people approaching me.  I smiled widely when I recognized them. 

 

“Brian!” I cried happily.  He grinned and hugged me lightly.

 

“Hey, Julie,” he replied, smiling. “How are you?”

 

“I’m great!” I said.  “And you?”

 

“I’m great too,” he replied, grinning.  Then he turned to the woman next to him.  “Julie, meet my wife, Leighanne.  Leighanne, this is Julie Lewis and her boyfriend, Josh Benton.”

 

I grinned and shook Leighanne’s hand, as did Josh.  Although we had never met, it felt like we had, for Brian and I talked often on the phone or online, and he told me all about Leighanne. 

 

“Nice to meet you guys,” Leighanne said.  “Brian’s told me all kinds of stuff about you, Julie.”

 

I grinned, realizing he told Leighanne all about me, just as he told me about her.  I glanced down at Leighanne’s bulging stomach, smiling again.  “So how are you doing?” I asked her.  Leighanne had finally gotten pregnant about eight and a half months earlier, meaning she was due in only a couple weeks. 

 

“I’m wonderful,” she said, smiling happily as her hand drifted down to rub her stomach. 

 

“Do you know what gender the baby is yet?” Josh asked.

 

“Not yet,” Leighanne replied.  “We want it to be a surprise.”

 

“That’s sweet,” I said, smiling again. 

 

“You want a drink, baby?” Brian asked Leighanne. 

 

“Sure, sweetie,” she replied.

 

“Leigh, why don’t we go sit down somewhere?” I asked.

 

“Sure,” she replied.  The three of us walked over to a table and sat down.  Josh left to go get me a drink. 

 

“Hey, have you seen Nick around?” I asked Leighanne suddenly.  “He said he was coming to the wedding, but I haven’t seen him yet.”

 

“No, I haven’t seen him yet either, but I know he’s coming,” Leighanne replied.  I studied her face and noticed that her blue eyes were sparkling.  She was hiding something, I could tell.  But what?

 

***

 

A few minutes later, Heidi and Sonny made their grand entrance, hand in hand.  Of course, they were immediately surrounded by people.  Once the crowd around them had gone away, I hurried over to them. 

 

“Heidi, that was beautiful,” I said, hugging her tightly. 

 

“Thanks,” she said, hugging me back. 

 

“Hey, come over here, you have to meet Leighanne,” I said, leading her and Sonny over to where Leighanne was sitting.  I introduced them to each other, and they all shook hands.

 

“Heidi, you looked gorgeous,” Leighanne said, smiling at Heidi.

 

“Thanks,” Heidi said, blushing and smiling.  Sonny smiled too.  He looked good as well, dressed in his Marine uniform, which he had been required to wear for the wedding instead of a tuxedo. 

 

Then, Josh and Brian came back with drinks.  “Hey, guys!” Josh said, grinning at Sonny and Heidi.  “Congratulations!”  He shook Sonny’s hand and hugged Heidi.

 

“Thanks,” they both replied in unison, grinning at each other after they did so.

 

“Yeah, the wedding was beautiful,” Brian added.  “Congrats.”  He did the same as Josh, and then we all sat down around the table together.

 

“Hey, where’s the other guys?” Brian asked. 

 

“I don’t know, baby, I haven’t seen them yet,” Leighanne replied, glancing around the large room. 

 

Just then, as if answering our thought, Kevin and AJ approached us.  “There you guys are,” AJ said.  He and Kevin both congratulated Heidi and Sonny and sat down with us. 

 

“Where’s Nick and Howie at?” I asked AJ. “They’re here too, aren’t they?”

 

“Oh yeah,” AJ said, smiling.  “They’re here somewhere.”  He craned his head around and pointed.  I followed his gaze and saw Howie standing on the other side of the room, Nick sitting in a wheelchair next to him.  My breath caught in my throat as I watched Nick.  I felt so sorry for him.  Suddenly, Howie saw me looking at them and waved.  I grinned and motioned for him to come over.  He nodded, bent down, and said something to Nick.  Nick nodded and looked over at me, smiling slightly.  Then Howie pushed his wheelchair over to us and parked it next to me. 

 

“Hi, Nick,” I said, suddenly feeling shy around him. 

 

“Hi, Julie,” Nick said, smiling.  “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

 

“Yeah, you too,” I said.  “At least when you’re conscious.”

 

He laughed.  I smiled.  It was nice to see him laugh.  He seemed to be dealing okay with what had happened to him, but I could see that sadness that filled his blue eyes as he watched people dancing and walking around.   I just wished there was something I could do for him, but I could think of nothing that would make him walk again.

 

***

 

Towards the end of the reception, the DJ announced that it was time for the bride and groom’s dance.  We all cleared the dance floor, and Sonny led Heidi out onto it.   The music to one of the most popular love songs at that time started, and Josh held my hand as we stood to the side of the dance floor, watching them slow dance.  It was so sweet.

 

The song ended, and surprisingly, Heidi walked over to the DJ and picked up his microphone.  “Before ya’ll come back out here to dance, there’s gonna be one more special dance, for my great friend, Julie, and her boyfriend, Josh. Come on out here, guys.”  My eyes widened as Heidi motioned for Josh and I to come out on the dance floor.  I looked up at Josh, mystified, and he just grinned down at me and took my hand.  I realized he knew something I didn’t.  As he led me out onto the dance floor, Heidi winked at me.  I realized whatever was going on, she was definitely in on it as well.  Then, Kevin appeared out of the crowd and sat down at the grand piano, which had been placed next to the DJ’s table.  I was even more confused now.  Kevin flashed a smile at Josh and I and began to play.  Josh wrapped his arms around me, and we started to rock to the music. I realized it was “I Need You Tonight”.   But I was never expecting what would happen next.  Suddenly, a voice filled the room, singing the words to the song.  I turned my head and gasped.  There, in the doorway of the room, which was located on the other side of the piano, was Nick, singing, his voice sounding perfect, like the voice of an angel.  I gasped, as suddenly, Nick climbed out of his wheelchair and walked slowly towards Kevin on the piano.  Tears spilled down my cheeks as I saw the steely determination on his face as he took slow, but steady steps.  I glanced up at Josh, who was also watching Nick, a smile spread across his face.  Nick made it to the piano and stood next to it, singing his heart out, a huge smile on his face.  I grinned proudly at him, tears shining in my eyes.  He just grinned, and sang on, his voice filled with emotion.  Feeling the emotion of the song, I lay my head on Josh’s shoulder and snuggled up against his broad chest as we danced. 

 

I could have danced with him like that the whole night.  But eventually, the song came to a close.  As the final chord of the song still rang through the air, Josh let go of me and knelt down on one knee.  He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small box, which he held out to me.  “Julie, I need you not only tonight, but for the rest of my life.  Will you marry me?” he asked, loud enough for the whole room to hear. 

 

A chorus of soft “aw’s” ran through the room, and I grinned, looking up into his beautiful blue eyes, and softly, yet surely, replied, “Yes.”

 

The room erupted in applause, as Josh plucked a beautiful, white gold, diamond engagement ring out of the box and slid it on my ring finger on my left hand.  Then he scooped me off the floor and into his arms, spinning me around.  I giggled and hugged him tightly. 

 

“Joshie, I love you so much,” I cried.

 

“I love you too, baby,” Josh replied, bending be backwards and kissing me passionately on the lips.  Once again, the crowd clapped. 

 

Then the DJ started up a fast song, and the dance floor slowly filled with people.  I grabbed Josh’s hand and immediately hurried over to Nick. 

 

“Nick!” I cried.  “Why didn’t you tell me you could do that?!”

 

He grinned, pleased with himself.  “It was supposed to be a surprise,” he said, grinning.  I smiled and threw my arms around his neck, hugging him. 

 

“It was a wonderful surprise,” I said.  I turned to Josh.  “How long have you all have this planned?” I asked.

 

He grinned.  “Awhile,” he said.  “Nick’s been working really hard.  At first, he was just going to sing the song, but he was determined that he was going to walk for you too.”

 

I grinned at Nick again.  Then I turned to Kevin.  “Thank you, too,” I said, hugging him as well.  “That was beautiful.”

 

“Thanks,” he replied, smiling. 

 

Then, Heidi came over to us.  “Ahh, Jules, you’re engaged now!” she cried, grinning widely and hugging me.

 

“I can’t believe you knew about this the whole time and didn’t tell me!” I cried, grinning. 

 

She just laughed.   I smiled and grabbed onto the hand of Josh, my now fiancée. 

 

***

 

Towards the end of the night, as we were all eating wedding cake, Leighanne stood up.  “Baby, I’ll be right back,” she said to Brian.  “I’m going to the bathroom.”

 

“Ok, hun,” he replied, watching as she waddled away towards the bathroom. 

 

About ten minutes later, Leighanne wasn’t back yet.  I had nearly forgotten she was gone, until Brian asked, “Hey, has Leigh come back yet?”

 

I looked around.  Her piece of cake still sat on the table, nearly untouched, yet her chair was empty.  “No, I don’t think so.  Do you want me to go check on her and make sure she’s okay?” I asked.

 

“Would you?” he asked.

 

“Sure,” I said, smiling at him.

 

“Thanks,” he said, gratefully. 

 

“No problem,” I replied and headed for the bathroom.   When I went inside, I immediately knew something was wrong.  The bathroom was empty, except for Leighanne, who was sitting on the floor, her back pressed against the wall, breathing heavily.  She was covered in sweat.

 

“Leigh!” I cried, kneeling down next to her.  “What’s wrong?” I asked, trying to keep calm.

 

“I… I think I’m in labor,” she gasped.

 

“Oh no,” I said.  “Can you get up? We’ve got to get you to the hospital.”

 

She shook her head furiously.  “It’s coming, and it hurts.  I don’t think I can get up,” she said.  “It feels like it’s almost time.  Do you think it could be that quick?”

 

“That doesn’t usually happen, but it’s possible,” I replied.  “You stay here, I’m going go get Brian and Josh, ok?”

 

“Ok,” she said.  “But please hurry.”

 

“Ok, I’ll be right back.  Whatever you do, don’t push!” I said, as I ran out of the bathroom.  I ran through the room to our table. 

 

“Brian!” I cried breathlessly.  “Come quick!  Leighanne’s in labor!”  His eyes widened, and he leapt up, nearly knocking over his chair.  “Josh, come with us,” I said.  He also got up, and we all ran back to the bathroom.  Josh immediately knelt beside Leighanne. 

 

“I’ll go call an ambulance, ok?” I asked. Josh nodded, and I ran back out and grabbed my cell phone from my purse.  I dialed 911 and briefly explained what was happening to the operator.  Then I hung up and ran back to the bathroom to find Leighanne lying on the ground.

 

“It’s definitely on it’s way,” Josh said. “She almost fully dilated all the way.”

 

“Whoa,” Brian said, looking nervous and a little pale.  He was sitting on the floor next to his wife, squeezing her hand in his.  “Do you think the ambulance will get here in time?”

 

“It might not,” Josh said.  “This baby wants out.”  Leighanne gasped and wailed in pain as she was hit with a contraction.  “Her contractions are less than a minute apart now,” Josh said.  “I hate to say it, but I think it’s time.”

 

Brian’s eyes widened. “Can you deliver it?” he asked Josh. 

 

Josh nodded.  “I can do it,” he replied.  Brian nodded, relieved that Josh was a fourth year med student.   “Hey, Julie, go get some towels and stuff, whatever you can find.  And see if you can find some gloves or anything.”

 

I nodded and ran out to find the supplies.  I came across a maid who luckily had clean towels and rubber gloves.  I thanked her and raced back into the bathroom.  Josh grabbed the towels out of my hands and spread them down on the floor.  Then he pulled on the gloves.  “Ok, Leigh, are you ready?” he asked

 

“Yeah,” she said shakily. 

 

“Okay, when I count to three, push.  Got it?” he asked.  She nodded.  “Ok, 1… 2… 3.  Push!” Josh said.  Leighanne grunted in pain and pushed, her eyes scrunching closed.  “Keep pushing!” Josh cried.  She let out a wail of pain and pushed again, harder this time.  I gasped as I saw the baby’s head.  “There’s the head,” Josh said.  “Come on, it’s almost out.” Leighanne gave one final push, and Josh guided the baby out.  He wrapped it in a clean towel and handed it to me.  I smiled and looked at the baby. 

 

“Bri, Leigh, you guys have a new baby daughter,” I announced. 

 

“A girl,” Leighanne said, smiling, tears shining in her blue eyes.  Brian grinned and squeezed her hand again.  Josh helped Leighanne sit up, and I gently handed her the baby.  She cradled her delicately in her arms and smiled up at Brian.  He grinned back.

 

“So, what are you two going to name her?” Josh asked, taking off the gloves and washing his hands. 

 

Leighanne and Brian exchanged glances.  “Well, we like the name Hope,” Brian said. “But we don’t know about the middle name.”

 

“What’s your middle name, Julie?” Leighanne asked.

 

“Elizabeth,” I replied.

 

“Hope Elizabeth Littrell,” Leighanne said.  “That sounds nice, don’t you think, Bri?”

 

“I like it,” he said.  “Hi, Hope,” he said, smiling down at his baby daughter. 

 

“Wow, thanks, Leigh,” I said, honored that she had used my middle name.

 

Leighanne just smiled.  “Thanks to you and Josh for being here to help Hope come into this world,” she replied.

 

Just then, two paramedics came into the bathroom, wheeling a stretcher with them.

 

“We already delivered it,” Josh told them.

 

“Good job,” one replied.  “We still have to take Mommy and Baby to the hospital to be checked over anyway though.”

 

“Ok,” Leighanne said.  She handed Hope to Brian, as the paramedics helped her onto the stretcher.   Then they rolled her out, Brian following behind, carrying Hope. 

 

“Guys, I’m a Daddy!” Brian announced loudly as they passed by the crowd of people still there.  Everyone clapped.  AJ, Kevin, Howie, and Nick all slapped Brian on the back.  Then Brian followed the paramedics out to the ambulance. 

 

“We’ll be at the hospital later!” called Kevin, as they disappeared out the door.   I grinned and turned to Josh. 

 

“You were great, baby,” I said, hugging him.  “Have you ever considered being an obstetrician instead of an ER physician?”  

 

He just grinned and kissed me lightly on the lips.  I kissed back, feeling like the happiest person in the world.  The terror of the past year was over, and everything was perfect.  Heidi and Sonny had finally gotten married, Josh and I were going to get married, Nick could walk again, and Brian and Leighanne had just had a baby.  Yes, for those of us that had been through that horrible tragedy, things were finally good again.  In fact, they were even better.  It took something terrible happening to bring us all together, but even though the terror had ended, I knew we now shared a special bond that would never be broken, no matter what the future would bring.

 

***

 

 

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