Detective Partners (36 page)

Nicole silenced him by pressing a finger to his lips. "I'm a little nervous, but I'm not afraid. I know you would never hurt me." She kissed his palm. "It will be our wedding night. I want us to make love. I'm ready to give you all of me."

"I love you," Galen breathed.

"I know," she whispered. "I love you, too."

He kissed her. "I guess we should say good night. We can't stay here all night."

"I'll see you at the church," Nicole said.

"I'll be there," Galen promised. "Good night, sweetheart."

"Good night, love." She gathered up her things, got out of the car, and headed toward the house.

Later the following day, Nicole stood in front of the mirror and eyed her reflection critically. Her hair was pinned up and secured with bobby pins. Diamond teardrop earrings and matching necklace glittered at her ears and throat. Makeup had been applied with a light touch. Her wedding dress was off the shoulders with short sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a long skirt that pooled at her feet.

"You look beautiful," Alicia, her old neighbor and maid of honor, said.

"Thank you." Nicole turned to look at her. "Thank you for everything. You've been a wonderful friend."

Alicia embraced her. "I'm always here for you."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Nicole called out as she released Alicia.

The door opened and Olivia entered the room. She beamed at Nicole. "You look stunning, dear."

"I'll leave you two to talk." Alicia left the room, closing the door behind her.

Nicole gazed at her soon to be mother - in - law. The elderly woman looked lovely in a pale blue dress and she told her so.

"Thank you." Olivia crossed the room and took her by the arm. "Sit down and let's put your veil on."

Nicole sat down at the vanity table carefully. "Have you checked on Galen?"

"I have." She picked up the veil and asked for a bobby pin. "He's doing fine. He wanted me to check on you. How are you doing, dear?"

"I'm doing okay." Nicole's mind drifted and she thought of her mother and sister. More than anything she wished they were there with her to share in her joy. Sadness brought tears to her eyes and she blinked them back. The last thing she wanted to do was fall apart and
ruin
her makeup.

"You're thinking of your mom and sister, aren't you?"

"Yes," Nicole croaked.

"They're here with you." Olivia squeezed her shoulder. "They're always with you."

"Galen must be missing his Dad."

"He is, but I told him the same thing I told you."

By the time Olivia was finished putting on the veil Alicia came back. She informed them that Galen was waiting at the front of the church and that everybody was taking their seats. With a nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach Nicole collected her bouquet, red roses with baby's-breath, and rose to her feet. She slipped her feet into a pair of white high heels and moved toward the door.

Galen nervously adjusted his tie and cleared his dry throat. His heart was pounding so loudly he was surprised that no one heard it. He wiped his palms on his slacks and took a deep breath. From the corner of his eye he saw his mother take a seat in the front row and he flashed
her a
smile that looked more like a grimace then anything. She smiled back and winked.

"Relax, Maxwell," Parker, who was standing in as his best man, muttered near his ear. "You'll do fine."

"Were you nervous on your wedding day?" he asked his boss.

"I was scared to death."

Galen snorted. "Glad to hear it." He gave Pastor Kelly his attention. "Where you nervous on your wedding day, Pastor?"

The pastor smiled, his eyes twinkling. "I threw up all over my shoes. Thankfully it was before the ceremony and not during. I imagine every groom and bride
are
nervous on their wedding day. Just take deep breaths and try to relax."

The music began to play, signaling that the ceremony was starting. Galen turned to gaze up the aisle and spotted Alicia. Since Nicole chose not to have any bridesmaids the walk up the aisle would be a lonely one for Alicia. She moved quickly and for that Galen was grateful. He was impatient to see his bride.

The music switched to the wedding march and Nicole stepped into the doorway. Galen's breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. She was the most beautiful bride he had ever laid eyes on. His heart swelling with pride and love he watched her make her way down the aisle. When she finally reached him he offered her his arm. She looped her arm through his and he whispered in her ear, "You're beautiful."

"You're not so bad yourself, my love," Nicole replied.

Pastor Kelly glanced at his bible briefly and then raised his eyes. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is not to be entered into lightly, but reverentially, thoughtfully, and seriously. If any person can show just cause why these two should not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

After a brief pause the pastor spoke again. "Before I begin with the vows there is a quote I would like to share with you all." He cleared his throat. "In a time when nothing is more certain than change, the commitment of two people to one another has become difficult and rare. Yet, by its scarcity, the beauty and value of this exchange have only been enhanced."

He turned to Galen. "Do you Galen Alexander Maxwell take Nicole Bernadette Goodwin to be your wife, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish her, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?

"I will," Galen said without hesitating.

Pastor Kelly turned to Nicole. "Do you Nicole Bernadette Goodwin take Galen Alexander Maxwell to be your husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish him, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?

"I will," Nicole said softly, tears filling her eyes.

"Now it is time for the exchanging of the rings," the pastor announced.

Galen turned to Parker, took the ring from him, and then turned back to Nicole.

"Galen, please repeat after me," Pastor Kelly said. "I give you this ring to wear with love and joy."

"I give you this ring to wear with love and joy," Galen repeated.

"As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you."

"As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you," Galen said.

"I choose you to be my wife this day and forevermore."

"I choose you to be my wife this day and forevermore," Galen said. He slipped the ring on Nicole's trembling hand.

"Alright, Nicole," Pastor Kelly said, turning to face her.
"If you're ready."

Alicia took the bouquet from Nicole and handed her the ring.

"Please repeat after me," the pastor said. "I give you this ring to wear with love and joy."

"I give you this ring to wear with love and joy," Nicole said.

"As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you."

"As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you," Nicole said.

"I choose you to be my husband this day and forevermore."

"I choose you to be my husband this day and forevermore." Tears streaming down her cheeks, Nicole slipped the ring on Galen's hand.

"What God has joined together, let no man put asunder," Pastor Kelly said. "And so, by the power vested in me, by the State of California and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife. Galen, you may kiss your bride."

Amidst the cheering and clapping Galen took Nicole in his arms and kissed her.