The Hostage - Page 10/28

Jeff was waiting with two agents, who I didn't know and whose names I didn't catch as I was in my own world. Jeff was going to drive so I sat in the back seat and we drove out of CTC parking lot. We took Interstate 395 S which would take us straight to Hunting Creek Road, the location of the farmhouse. As I watched the road go by I thought back to the day of our wedding: It had taken three months to plan but today was finally the day, Amy, Kyrie, Keith's mom Bridget, my mom Michelle, and myself had planned it all. Amy was the maid of honor and Kyrie, Amber, and Melissa were the bridesmaids. Keith's father, Anthony, was going to be the one to give me away. Freddie was Keith's best man and his friends Eric, Billy, and Andrew were the groomsmen. Rachel, my niece was the flower bearer and Ryan, Keith's nephew was the ring bearer.

The wedding was held outside in a beautiful park near Keith's parent's house just outside of Baltimore. It was a small wedding just close friends and family. Everything was set up near the lake in the middle of the park. The park had many weddings so it was all easily set up. The guests were taking their seats on chairs that made an arc around the gazebo; it was split down the middle for the walkway. The preacher was standing inside the gazebo adorned with beautiful pink and white flowers. Keith stood near the preacher in a black tux and he told me later his stomach was doing flips as he waited for it to begin. He said couldn't believe that his beautiful Mandy was going to be his wife. His parents and my mom were sitting in the front row. Also in the front row were the photographer and videographer.

Freddie and Amy walked down the aisle followed by Eric and Kyrie, Andrew and Amber, and then Melissa and Billy. The guys were wearing black tuxes like Keith and the girls were wearing light pink strapless dresses. The groomsmen took their places behind Keith. The girls parted and stood on the other side. Rachel came out and began tossing rose petals and then Ryan came out with the rings on a white satin pillow. Both kids took their places.

Then it was my turn. Keith said later his heart skipped a beat when he saw me. I was wearing a strapless beaded white dress with a long trail. My hair was done up into a bun with two tendrils of hair framing my face. I found my smile matching Keith's as I made my way down the aisle, arm in arm with Anthony.