A few hours later, the wedding had finally started. Fortunately, the bride's parents had managed to keep things under control. Jen and Martin had arranged for a small event. Thus, there were only a few witnesses outside the wedding party present.
Zoe tried not to fidget as she made her way down the aisle. While not physically uncomfortable, she felt awkward in the bright frilly dress that identified her as her sister's bridesmaid. Her recent smoking break had calmed her nerves somewhat, but that had all been undone by having so many eyes following her every move.
She had long considered herself unsuited for such formal occasions. Thankfully, she would only have to put up with it for a short while longer. Then, she could retreat back into her own private world known only to outsiders like herself.
Despite her better judgment, her eyes drifted over to the groomsmen and best man now standing in their places. As if sensing her scrutiny, one of them turned to her and gave her a smile. Zoe shuddered. Their behavior may have seemed friendly to other people, but to a suspicious person like herself, they seemed a bit too calculated, their eyes too watchful. On the other hand, Martin's naturally approachable manner usually helped put her at ease. Still, it would be good to get this wedding over with so she could see the last of those creeps.
When Zoe reached the front, she took her place on the bride's side of the justice of the peace acting as officiator. From there, she had a full view of the final part of the procession behind her. Jessica quickly reached the front and stood next to Zoe. Mikey likewise fulfilled his ring-bearer duties, maintaining his ten year old dignity even while lacking a proper flower girl.
As one, everybody then focused on the back of the chapel, anticipating the bride's appearance. Only a closed set of double doors kept them from glimpsing her before the big moment.
Without a sound, the doors swung open, and all held their collective breath. Bathed in radiant sunlight, Jen stood resplendent in her gown. At her side, her rather misty-eyed father prepared to take the first step towards having to part with his precious second daughter.
Zoe's heart fluttered, echoed no doubt by everyone else in the chapel. She would never admit it, but even she could be moved by the utter perfection of what she saw. Her older sister practically glowed, smiling under her veil at her future husband.
For his part, Martin remained cool and calm, but his eyes glimmered as he studied Jen. All was going according to plan. Soon, she would be bonded to him, and her family's legacy would finally be within his grasp.
