Chapter Four

"Tonight's the rehearsal dinner." Charlie told Sergei, Eric and Jim. "Don't forget to arrive."

Across town, at the spa, Jody was excited. "Tomorrow's the wedding. I can't wait."

"Girl, we need to get you all done up, and then it's off to bed, so you don't fall asleep walking down the isle." Eva was saying.

"I think it is really sweet that you made all of us your bride's maids." Maureen was saying.

"Yeah, you didn't even really know me." Galina added.

"You're Sergei's girlfriend, and you're our friend. It really isn't a big deal." Jody assured them.

That night at the rehearsal dinner, Charlie and Jody got everyone situated where they were supposed to be.

"Jody, you're going to spend the night with us, at a hotel." Eva said.

"Yeah, it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding." Maureen added.

"No it's not. It's just bad luck to see her in the dress." Charlie protested.

"It's fine." Jody said, giving him a kiss. The other girls ushered her away.

After seeing her go, Charlie walked to a bunch of guys in the company. "Tomorrow, I need to make sure that Cooper Nielson doesn't get into the church. At least not until we're officially married."

The guys looked at each other and smiled. They hated Cooper Nielson. "We can do that."

The next morning, the girls drove Jody to the church. They rushed her into her dress, they did her hair, her make up, they added jewels, and made her look like a princess.

Over in the groom's room, Charlie was already to go. He stared impatiently in the mirror. Then he turned to Jim. "Can you go and see if the girls are ready?"

Jim nodded.

There was a knock at the door. Galina went to answer it. It was Jim. She informed him that they were ready.

Just then, they wedding march started.

"This is it, ladies." Eva said, getting into position.

The girls each took their turns, walking out. Jody took a deep breath and got into position. Waiting for her cue. There it is. She thought to herself. She took her first step, walking into the light. Every eye was on her.

Wow! Charlie thought when he saw Jody. He was magnificent. Her hair was done up in a bun, with two blond tendrils hanging down in her face. Her dress was sleeveless, and showed off some of her back. The Tiara held the veil in place. Even through the veil, he could see her face. She had on light pink lip stick, her eyes were lightly dusted with glitter and there was a gem by her eyes. Light blush covered her cheeks. Her shoes were made of the finest materials.

Her dad was walking her done the isle and she glanced over at the pews. All of her family and friends were there. In the front, her mother's eyes were filled with tears. Her gaze landed on Charlie. He looked especially handsome today. He eyes met hers and she smiled. He smiled back.

When she reached the altar, Her father lifted her veil and kissed her on the cheek. Then, Charlie took her hand and together they faced the pastor.

He cleared his throat and began. "Dearly and beloved, we are gathered here today to unite Charles Sims and Jody Sawyer together in Holy Matrimony. Who gives this woman away?"

Mr. Sawyer stepped forward. "Her mother and I do." Then he sat down next to his wife.

"Do you, Charles, take Jody to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

"You bet I do." He replied, getting a laugh out of the audience.

"Do you, Jody, take Charles to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

She smiled. "I do."

"If there is anyone here today that thinks these two should not bed wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Meanwhile, outside the church, Cooper was fight hell and high water to get in. the guys that Charlie asked, kept him from getting inside. He was drunk off of his ass.

"You aren't getting in, asshole." One of the kids said.

Back inside the church, the pastor continued. "By the powers invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Charlie smiled at her, lifted her veil, and pulled her close. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you."

"I know. You were patient with me, and you stuck my me, even after you heard my shaving secret." She then crushed her lips against his.

"I am proud to announce for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sims." The Pastor said.

Later at the reception, when everyone gave their toasts, it was time for the newlyweds to cut the cake together. Charlie gave the knife to Jody and he took her hand in his. They cut two pieces, then fed them to each other.

The music started playing and Eva got on the microphone. "I know the happy couple are eager to get on their honeymoon, but before they leave, they need to bless us with the first dance."

Suddenly, "We're Dancing' by P.Y.T. came on. Charlie led Jody out on the stage as the music played.

When the going starts to get rough
And you feel like you've had enough
Let the music take control of your soul
Take a chance and do what you feel
Your a force they cannot live without it
You gotta break the chain yeah yeah

There's a passion inside
An inner strength that drives
Can't nobody take that away from you
It's the greatest high
You set the floor on fire when you come alive

And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
I can't control my desire
And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
Yeah
And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
Can't hold me down
Gotta reach for the sky
And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
Yeah

Some people don't know the love you possess
They pretend what they don't understand
It's natural
You're in a world of your own
Ohhhhh oh

There's a passion inside
An inner strength that drives
Can't nobody take that away from you
It's the greatest high
You set the floor on fire
When you come alive

And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
I can't control my desire
And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
Yeah

Push it too the max
Feel the room fall at your feet
Don't you dare hold back
Cuz it feels so good
It feels alright

There's a passion inside
An inner strength that drives
Can't nobody take that away from you
It's the greatest high you set the floor on fire
When you come alive

And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
I can't control my desire
And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
Yeah
And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
Can't hold me down
Gotta reach for the sky
And we're dancin'
And it feels alright
Yeah

And we're dancing

When the song ended, everyone clapped. Just then, Cooper burst through the crowd. "You don't serve her." He said to Charlie.

Jody's face hardened. "Get the hell away from us. He deserves me and I deserve him. We love each other and they're nothing you can do to change that. Now, if you would kindly leave, so you don't make a bigger ass out of yourself, we would all be pleased."

Behind her, Charlie's jaw dropped. You tell him, baby. He thought.

Eva got a big smile on her face, and then was right beside Jody. "You heard the girl, now can you leave on your own, or do you need me to escort you?"

"Bitch!" Cooper told Eva.

"I know, and I'm proud to be." Eva replied. She got the security, and they removed him.

Eve turned back to the happy couple. "Now, for another dance."

Charlie stepped forward. "Actually, our flight leaves soon, so we have to get going."

After everyone said their goodbyes, Charlie led Jody to the limo.

"How long are we going to be gone?" Jody asked.

"About two weeks." Charlie replied, shutting the door.