Chapter 8: The rehearsal for the wedding took place in the Globe, an outdoor theater hidden among the towering pine trees, offering a sense of seclusion and tranquility. However, the atmosphere was anything but serene as it was filled with an unexpected group of guests, each sipping wine and casually nibbling on snacks. What was intended to be an intimate, sacred moment was quickly overtaken by the disjointed nature of the gathering, as people talked loudly and moved around, turning the event into a public display rather than the solemn rehearsal it was meant to be. The couple’s much-anticipated moment was overshadowed, and I couldn’t help but feel disheartened by how their wedding was being turned into a spectacle rather than a meaningful personal experience.

RJ, a young man with curly hair, eagerly introduced himself as the ceremony’s host. Although he worked in human resources, he had obtained his officiant credentials online specifically for the event. He had little experience in leading a wedding but was eager to get involved, and soon he sought out the groom, Aidan. Aidan, looking pale and unwell, was sitting with the groomsmen, his face marked with a rash. Despite trying to keep things together, it was clear that the stress of the event and his nerves were taking a toll on him.

Errol Gardner, Aidan’s father, soon arrived, apologizing for his wife’s absence due to illness but staying optimistic about her joining the ceremony later. Meanwhile, Tammy and Abigail practiced their flower girl duties, though Abigail’s boundless energy caused her to lag behind, proudly declaring herself as “the cousin of the bride.” Her enthusiasm, however, irritated me, and I struggled to mask my frustration. Tammy, noticing my irritation, reminded me that Abigail had come from a broken home, and this wedding was an incredibly significant event in her life, one that she was clearly excited about.

I shared my concerns with Tammy, particularly regarding Aidan’s obvious distress. I pointed out his physical symptoms, such as the rash, which made me feel uneasy, but Tammy reassured me that it was just nerves. She then reminded me of how I had been just as anxious before my wedding, suggesting that Aidan’s condition was more of a passing phase than a sign of something serious. This perspective contrasted with my own, as I couldn’t shake the feeling that Aidan might be dealing with something more troubling. Despite this, I tried to calm myself and let the moment proceed as planned, though unease lingered.

The rehearsal officially began, with RJ leading the procession, his nervous energy palpable as he directed the participants. Abigail, adorably tossing flower petals down the aisle, was followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen, all of whom seemed eager to get through the process. When it came time for me to escort Maggie, the tension between us was evident. Our unresolved issues surfaced as we walked down the aisle, reminding me of the emotional weight that this wedding held, not just for Aidan and Maggie, but for me as well. Despite my personal concerns about Aidan’s well-being, I tried to stay composed, recognizing that the focus should be on the bride and groom, not my anxieties.

As the rehearsal continued, RJ revealed that the “Bible” he was holding was merely a prop, something meant to add weight to the ceremony, though it didn’t provide the genuine comfort that I had hoped for. Maggie and Aidan, still uncertain about the direction of the ceremony, looked to him for reassurance. RJ, ever the optimist, offered a relaxed take on things, suggesting a more contemporary approach, which did little to ease their minds. Tammy, however, confidently practiced her reading from the Bible, and as she recited the words with such sincerity, the entire atmosphere shifted. Her heartfelt delivery filled the space with a reverence and calm that RJ had not anticipated, leading him to question whether they should reconsider the tone of the ceremony. Maggie, with a firm assurance, responded that everything was perfect as it was, which brought a sense of stability and calm to what had been a somewhat chaotic rehearsal.