You can glare at me all you want to, Lady Triplet, but you’re still not going to the wedding,” Sheila said. “I’ve spoken to Dr. Kaliea who has also spoken to Dr. Rigden, and I’ve read your medical records. I agree with their diagnosis. You need to stay calm.”
Lady Triplet cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know you.”
Sheila chuckled. “I’m not surprised you don’t remember me. It’s been at least ten years since Richard and I were together. I’m Tim McGowan’s younger sister. Richard and I were in chemistry class at Cambridge.”
Lady Triplet sat up in bed and smoothed the sheets. “I don’t like McGowan.”
Sheila grinned. “That’s OK, Lady Triplet. He doesn’t speak very highly of you either. Now, are you going to behave yourself, or do I sedate you. One way or the other, I will carry out Dr. Kaliea and Dr. Rigden’s orders.”
Joyce appeared behind Sheila.
Lady Triplet glowered at Sheila. “Do not kindle my anger. I’m running out of patience, and you’re running out of chances! Get my son on the phone!”
Joyce’s eyes widened. Where have I heard that phrase before? It came back to her. Oh my God! She cleared her throat. “Dr. McGowan, if you need me, I’ll be in the back.”
“Before you go, I’d like you to administer Lady Triplet’s medication.” Sheila handed Joyce a filled hypodermic syringe.
Joyce held out her hand. “Sure, Dr. McGowan.”
Sheila frowned. “Joyce, is something wrong? You’re shaking.”
Joyce swallowed hard and glanced at Lady Triplet. “No. I’m fine. It’s just a little… cold… in here.”
“Have a nice nap,” Sheila said. “I’ll check on you later.”
Lady Triplet cut her eyes at Sheila and then watched Joyce’s shaky hands as she injected the liquid into her IV. Joyce glanced at Lady Triplet from the corner of her eye, but wouldn’t look directly at her. She quickly headed for the door. “Joyce…” Lady Triplet called out.
Joyce froze and turned. “Yes, Lady Triplet?”
“Turn out the light on your way out, please?”
Joyce stared at Lady Triplet. “VICi, lights out,” she said and left.
Lady Triplet narrowed her eyes. “VICi, lights on.” The lights came back on. “VICi, lights out.” The lights went off. Lady Triplet sighed and lay back on her pillow. “Curious,” she mused. “I’m not at the Centre. Now, I wonder where I could be?” She grinned.
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Engrossed in the memorabilia Sir Richard had lost all track of time. He read over his speech to make sure it was perfect. He smiled and glanced at his watch. “Oh shit! I’m going to be late!” Immediately, he unlocked his cell phone and headed for the door. “Missy, it’s me. I’m….”
“…Sir Richard! Thank goodness. John has a search party out looking for you.”
Sir Richard frowned and grabbed the door handle. “Why didn’t he ring my…?” He paused. “Hang on a second, Missy. I’m going to put the phone down so I can use both hands. The door is stuck.” He gave the door a couple of strong yanks. “Bloody hell!
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“What’s going on, Missy?”
“It’s Sir Richard.”
Donna let out a long sigh of relief. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know, but….”
“…I’m in the attic turret. The bloody door won’t open. Tell Donna, I’m sorry and let Ricky know. I’ll be there just as soon as somebody gets me out.”
“Sir, why didn’t you answer your cell?”
“I shut the damn thing off, so I wouldn’t be disturbed. I didn’t realise I’d been up here this long. What a good first impression I must be making with my new daughter-in-law.”
Melissa laughed; she couldn’t help herself. “I’ll tell John. See you in a few minutes, but hurry. Ricky is probably sweating bullets, by now.” Melissa pressed John’s speed button. “John, it’s me. Sir Richard just called. He’s – ah – he’s locked himself in the attic turret.”
There was laughter on the other end of the line. “I’m headed that way.”
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John slapped on the door. “Hang on, Sir Richard. We’ll have you out of there in a couple of seconds. Tim is knocking the hinge pins out.” After a couple more knocks, with a grunt, McGowan lifted the door out of the way. The look on Sir Richard’s face was priceless. “A little rusty on your jail breaking skills, Sir?”
“We’ll discuss this later. Get downstairs and let the bishop know I’m on my way to get Donna. I’ll signal Ricky when we’re at the top of the stairs. And don’t forget to put Mum’s door back on.”
Sir Richard ran across the roof and down the spiral stairs. He fidgeted while he waited for the lift to stop. Jerking the door open he ran down the corridor, nearly crashing into the door of Richard and Donna’s apartment. He smoothed down his hair, straightened his tie, and knocked. Melissa let him in.
“Where is she?”
“She’s in her bedroom.” Melissa led the way. She tapped on the door and opened it. “He’s here Donna. I’ll wait in the corridor, and give you a moment alone with her.”
“Thanks, Missy,” Sir Richard smiled. “I won’t be long.”
Sir Richard entered and gazed in awe at Donna. Although she wasn’t his daughter, he felt the lump rising in his throat that a father gets when he realises his little girl has grown up. Tears glossed his eyes. “You look… stunning,” he said with a quaver in his voice.
Tears filled Donna’s eyes. She placed her hand in the crook of Sir Richard’s arm. “Come on Dad, it’s time to go.”
“I’m so, sorry I’m late. I forgot the attic turret used to be used to detain prisoners. The bloody lock stuck. Tim had to take the door down.”
Donna smiled. “It’s OK, Dad.”
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Standing at the bottom of the grand staircase, John signalled with a wave of his hand.
Wein quickly checked his cameras and unlocked his cell phone. “VICi, begin recording.”
Slowly, Donna and Sir Richard glided down the stairs with Melissa a few steps behind, carrying Donna’s train. Sir Richard signalled Richard who nodded.
Sam began playing the bridal march.
Everyone turned in their seats.
The bride stepped beneath the archway. Sir Richard escorted her to the altar. Melissa followed close behind. Sir Richard placed Donna’s hand on Richard’s arm. “Where’s your sling?” she whispered, leaning close to his ear.
“I’m fine, pet. I’ll put it back on after the reception. By the way, you’re breath-taking,” he whispered and kissed her cheek.
Richard and Donna faced each other and stepped up to the altar. Behind her veil, tears glossed Donna’s eyes. This was not the wedding she had dreamed of, but she refused to cry. Richard’s eyes glistened. Gary sensed Donna’s pain. Tears stung his eyes as his heart ached for his cousin.
The bishop stepped up to the podium, and the ceremony began. Not a sound could be heard as the couple began their wedding vows.
“Richard Harold Triplet V, do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife …?”
Donna’s heart was pounding. She listened to Richard repeat the bishop’s words. Then, the important question. Richard answered without hesitation, “I will.”
The bishop turned to Donna. “Donna Marie Rigden, do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband…?”
Richard couldn’t take his eyes off his bride as she pledged to love honour and obey him.’”
Then it was her turn. Donna reached down deep and grabbed onto every ounce of strength she had left for the breath it took to do what she had to do.
Sam clenched the sides of the piano stool. Everything inside him was screaming ‘No!’
Gary swallowed hard. Stay strong D. It will be over soon.
Richard heard the most important words he would ever hear. “I… will,” Donna said; her voice choked.
“Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. Richard, you may kiss your bride.”
Richard gazed into Donna’s tear-glossed eyes. He smiled as he took her into his arms and kissed her. He ended the kiss, and they turned. The bishop said his final words. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present you with, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harold Triplet V.”
Richard and Donna joined hands and made their exit through showers of red and white rose-petals falling around them, and beneath their feet. Donna breathed a long sigh of relief. After signing the register, Richard led Donna to the main dining room where the reception was being held. Gary’s speech was both entertaining and heartfelt as he wished Richard and Donna many happy years together.
The cake was brought out. Donna’s mouth gaped. She turned to Richard. “How did you?”
Richard smiled. “It wasn’t easy. I had to sweet talk an old friend at the last hour. I was supposed to call her and forgot when I went back to the complex to get Mum’s pearls. By the way, they look as beautiful on you as they did on her. She wore them for all of hers and Dad’s anniversaries. They’re yours now.”
Donna touched her neck. “But they were supposed to be used for something borrowed. That means I have to give them back. I couldn’t take your mother’s pearls, Richard.”
“They were mine. I want you to have them. You did borrow them, and now I’m giving them to you. I think we can get away with it.”
Donna smiled. “It’s a beautiful wedding present, Richard. Thank you.”
Richard picked up the knife and handed it to Donna. “That’s not your wedding present. It’s back at the complex.” He wrapped his hand around hers, and they turned to face the camera. To Donna, the reception seemed to go on forever. She kept sneaking quick glances of Sam out the corner of her eye. He looked positively shattered. Most of the time, when she looked his way he tucked his head.
After their traditional first dance together, Richard danced with Melissa while John danced with Donna, and then Sir Richard danced with Donna. Gary finished his dance with Donna and then Sam approached. He studied Donna’s eyes. “May I dance with the bride?”
“I don’t see why not,” Gary responded. “Just remember, you’re being watched,” he cautioned.
Sam rested a hand on Donna’s back and took her hand in his. “I can’t begin to tell you how lovely you look.”
Donna sighed. “I can’t begin to tell you how much I wish this could be over. The wedding was beautiful, but it’s not at all what I’d hoped for.”
“…Or me. When we get the chance, we’ll do it right.”
Donna rested her head on his shoulder. “We’ll see…” she sighed. “By then, you’ll probably have a woman on each arm, and god knows how many in your bed.”
Sam softly chuckled. “Maybe on my arm, but not in my bed,” he whispered. “That spot is reserved for one person.”
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After the family photographs were taken, Richard got a call and stepped out of ear shot. Donna wondered over to the serving table and filled a small plate with hors d'oeuvres. “Would you like a glass of Champagne to go with that?” a server asked.
Donna smiled. “No, thank you, but I’ll take a glass of ginger ale, please.”
“Would you like that with vodka?”
Donna frowned. “No – just the ginger ale. I’m alcohol intolerant.”
He held a flute of sparkling ginger ale. “I don’t do well with alcohol myself.” He narrowed his eyes. “You look incredibly familiar. Didn’t you used to be in a country rock band? Jared Thundercloud and Raging Storm?”
“I was lead female vocalist for a short time, but I left the band when I left the States. How did you know that?”
“You signed autographs at HMV in Newcastle. I saw your video on MTV. It’s a shame you left the band. You and Jared were good together.”
“Don’t remind me,” Donna groaned. “Did you have anything to do with the cake?”
“Oh no. I’m just temporary help. One of those you-scratch-my-back favours, if you know what I mean.”
Donna softly chuckled. “Yes, I know what you mean.”
“So, I guess you’ll be off to a big month-long honeymoon after this?”
“Oh no. Too much work to do. That will have to come later.”
“Then I guess you’ll be whisked off to the Triplet mansion. I envy you. Being a Triplet you have lots of opportunities. The sky is the limit.”
“It doesn’t feel that way to me,” Donna sighed. “Do you think I could have my ginger ale now?”
“Oh! Of course,” he said, looking genuinely embarrassed. “I didn’t realise. It’s just that you have such beautiful dark eyes. They seem to catch every ray of light.”
The corners of Donna’s mouth turned up. “Thank you. And thank you for the ginger ale.”
“My pleasure, Dr. Triplet,” he smiled.
Donna sighed and walked away. “Why is his voice so familiar?” she mused. She grabbed Gary’s arm and pulled him out of earshot. “Did you notice anything about that server at the end of the table, next to the window?”
Gary turned. “D, there’s a woman at the end of the table.”
“What?” she turned and frowned. “He must have already left. Never mind. When Richard gets off the phone, tell him I went upstairs.” She walked up to Sir Richard. “Thanks for a lovely wedding, Dad.”
“It was my pleasure petal. When you were growing up, I always hoped I’d be able to walk you down the aisle.”
“I love you, Dad. I’ll see you later.”
“Going to change?”
“Yeah. I need a break. Oh,” she said in turning. “Did Sam tell you about your mother?”
“Yeah. I’m probably going to get it in the neck, when she sees me.”
Donna slightly smiled. “I’m sure she’ll survive. Her life was worth more than having her at my wedding. Let me know when we’re ready to go back to the complex. I think I might take a short nap.” She kissed his cheek and walked away.