Chapter 7: Down the Aisle**
The church bells rang out, deep and resonant, signaling the start of the ceremony. The heavy wooden doors swung open, and the organ surged into Pachelbel’s *Canon in D*.
James stood at the altar, Lily holding his left hand tightly. His posture was rigid, his expression an impenetrable mask. In the front right pew, Richard flashed a warm, triumphant grin, nodding encouragingly at his younger brother.
Then came Rebecca.
She walked down the long carpeted aisle unescorted, her head held high, the lace veil pulled back to reveal steady, fearless eyes. Her gaze remained locked on James. The murmurs among the guests faded as the undeniable gravity of her presence filled the room.
As she reached the altar steps, James took her hand in his. Her fingers were warm now, no longer shaking.
May you like
"Dearly beloved," the minister began, raising his leather-bound hymnal, "we are gathered here today in the presence of witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."
---
