Between the Lanterns(19)
Bobby poured another glass and handed it to August, and said, “Cheers to that, Auggie. Don’t gulp it, though;: I don’t want you falling down when you’re up there. It might embarrass your wife-to-be.”
“Right. I better put this down, then,” August said, resisting the temptation to down another glass of the strong wine to cool his nerves. “Oh, did you grab those things I asked about, Bobbo?”
“Yeah, man, I got ‘’em right here,” he said, holding up the unusual bridal gift. “I still can’t begin to understand why you need these, but I stopped trying to understand you and gadgets a loooooong time ago, Auggie.”
The two friends shared a good, long laugh at that, and then August put one arm around Bobby and said, “Listen, Bobbo, thanks for being my best man. It means a lot to me.”
“Don’t get all weird on me,” Bobby said, shrugging out of the hug. “We’re buds, and it’s my honor. Now let’s get out there before she beats you to the altar.”
“Right,” August said, taking them from Bobby. “I need to set these up before she starts walking down the aisle.”
The chairs set up for the wedding were few, but filled. They had decided on no designated sides; people could just sit wherever they wanted, and that included family. Since Samantha had no family, August had decided to skip the whole parents -sit -up -front thing. If they got there early enough, his parents could sit up front. Otherwise, they’d have to be happy with whatever they got. He had already explained this to his parents, but it didn’t matter to them. By the way they reacted, August would be surprised if his parents even showed up. Which, of course, they didn’t.
Looking out at the crowd, he was pleased to see two newer models of Montek.Automatons in attendance. He felt pride when he looked at those machines. After John had died, and they had the option of putting his memories inside of one of them, August had begun working on the automatons at the factory. He found that their limitations were astonishingly frustrating, and he was glad they hadn’t chosen that path with John.
For starters, they couldn’t have afforded it. Even a year ago when they first came out, it cost as much Credit as a new AutoCar just for the body of the automaton. Affordable, Dr. Granger had said... yYeah, right. The BrainSave was a good deal cheaper, though, and still is. The new automaton bodies were even more expensive, thanks in part to some of August’s contributions. He never really thought about the ramifications of improving these machines. He just saw a problem and tried to solve it.
His surprise for Samantha in place, August stood and waited for his bride-to-be. She had not let him see the dress before the wedding. August was glad of that because now there was a sense of mystery to go along with his anticipation to marry the love of his life. Suddenly the music started, and people turned their heads, waiting to catch a glimpse of the bride.
Samantha took a deep breath and stepped out into the courtyard of the vineyard. She saw the audience turned back to look at her, and felt her face blush with embarrassment. Samantha’s gaze drifted further and settled on August, who was more breathtaking than Sam had imagined. He had insisted that she not see his tuxedo or him in it. He had only done so to tease her because she had set those same rules for her dress, but now she was glad he had insisted.
She was already happier than she ever believed possible, but at seeing him in that nicely cut tux with tails and a very handsome ivory vest and tie, she was filled with even more love and anticipation. She wanted to hold him and have him hold her. She wanted to feel his heartbeat against her cheek. At that moment, Samantha never wanted to stop holding August… and then she looked above his head, and her knees went weak. The Bride began to cry tears of endless joy. Samantha didn’t care if she was holding up the ceremony or making a scene. She lost control right there on the bed of roses that covered the aisle.
When Sam walked out, August’s heart exploded with light. He had never seen a person looking more radiant in his life. Samantha looked more breathtaking than he had imagined possible. Her dress was a Renaissance style, and she resembled a princess from an ancient legend. It was an ivory color that matched exactly with his vest and tie. He had no idea how they had matched unintentionally, but it was perfect. It’s how their entire relationship had always been;: filled with fortuitous circumstance.
August could barely breathe with the sight of her looming in his vision. He noticed her look up and see the surprise he had added at the last minute. When she began to cry profoundly, August could not control himself, and he wept along with her. It was a cry that came from deep within his soul, and it was a gift to Samantha.
He didn’t care if anyone judged him for crying. He didn’t care if they were holding up the ceremony. It was their wedding, after all. August just wanted to hold her, and for Samantha to hold him back. He wanted to kiss the top of her head, and the back of her neck. He wanted to smell her hair and nothing else.
Samantha started walking again and then broke into a run. She collided with August in front of their gathered friends and family. She kissed him deeply to shocked gasps, and even a few oohs and ahhs.
“Are those our lanterns, sweets?” she asked breathlessly.
“The very same, love,” August answered, grinning from ear to ear. “The ones from down at the end of West Main Street.”
“How… how did you get them? Have you been drinking? Are you going to jail?” sShe asked, concealing a smile.