| Chapter 21: Someone Like You The larger crowd assembled at a private field that was specially used for the wedding reception. A cobblestone pathway trimmed with lights led the wedding guests to the enormous tent that was situated in the middle of the field. When Lauralee stepped inside, it was like another world. Tiny lights shone and twinkled throughout the tent, mixing with every kind of light blue and white flower imaginable. The tables were set with pristine white china trimmed with silver, crystal stemware and a huge silver candelabrum with white tapered candles. White flowers were floating in tiny glass bowls around the candelabras. It looked like an old style mansion until you reached the dance floor, which was huge, with a DJ standing by and a live bandstand courtesy of a combination of the band Backstreet and Elegance used. Laura, Kevin and Colin had done a fabulous job. The guest list looked like what you would have at an awards show. P. Diddy, Elton John, Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans, Carson Daly, Mandy Moore, Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige, Shaggy, 112, and Rodney Jerkins were some of the people in attendance at the wedding. Tommy Mottola, Clive Davis, and many executives from Sony and Jive Records were there. It was a mix of the famous and non-famous, but they all mingled like it was a regular reception. The bridal party all stayed in the back waiting to be announced. They were announced as what places they stood at, and finally Kevin and Laura were announced with a standing ovation. They all sat at the deist at the head of the tent. After Kevin’s brother gave the first toast of the evening, Laura and Kevin took their place at the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Their choice was a song Kevin had written to Laura called “My Other Half.” They danced cheek to cheek, their tears mingling with each other’s. Others joined them, with Lauralee and Alex holding each other close. “Have I told you how stunning you look with these lights?” Alex whispered into her ear. “Yeah but I still love hearing it,” Lauralee leaned her head onto his shoulder and looked out. Brian, Elizabeth, Bianca and Nick were moving to the beat. Laura and Kevin looked as though they were the only two people in the world dancing. She noticed Charlene dancing with an awkward Dominic, trying not to step on Charlene’s feet. She turned her head to her mother and Jerry, holding each other so tight there was no room between them. Sandy turned her head and gave a slight wave to Lauralee. Lauralee gave her a wave, but was sickened by what she witnessed. Alex broke his embrace with her. “What is it? You tensed up,” Alex looked in the direction of Lauralee’s stare. “Hey, this is a celebration,” Alex smiled and kissed her forehead. “No bad feelings tonight.” Lauralee nodded as she snuggled up to Alex, avoiding her gaze of her mother. The song ended as the crowd clapped and Kevin kissed Laura. Laura had the traditional dance with her father, and Kevin with his mother. Then they all sat down for the dinner, which was exquisite. It was a home cooked Southern meal: roast beef, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and other Southern delicacies. Everyone approved with patting stomachs and leaning back in their chairs. The DJ then let loose with playing all of the greatest hits. Even celebrities took their chances on the bandstands with live versions of their songs. The crowd really flipped when P. Diddy and Lil’ Kim did a version of “It’s All About the Benjamins.” Even Lauralee and the girls joined Mary J. Blige on stage with a version of “You Are My Everything,” and the crowd ate it up. Lauralee was dancing with Dominic when Alex maneuvered his way to them and talked into Lauralee’s ear. “Everyone’s getting ready for Kev and Laura’s gift.” “OK, just let me finish this dance,” Lauralee winked as Dominic was moving on the dance floor. Lauralee joined the others on the side. “Everyone ready?” “Yup,” Howie smiled. “OK, you all know what to do,” Brian said. “Here goes,” Lauralee walked up to the microphone as the DJ just finished the last song. “Everyone, can I have your attention please? Can you all please have a seat?” Looking at Laura and Kevin, who had questioning looks on their faces as they turned around and sat at their tables, took a deep breath and began. “I know that it isn’t tradition for the maid of honor to give a speech at a wedding, but I think that this wedding has broken some traditions tonight. Laura, Kevin, could you please come to the dance floor?” Laura and Kevin came up to the dance floor as two chairs were placed in the middle and they took a seat. “I just want to say what an honor it has been to be Laura’s maid of honor, not only tonight, but through this whole wedding process. I’ve known Laura since I was 14 years old. We’ve gotten into our fair share of trouble, we’ve had a ton of laughs, and she is one of the most important people in my life. Over four years ago, I saw Laura meet Kevin, because they met at my apartment. I knew at that moment, I was witnessing the birth of true love. That’s pretty rare in this world. I know what special people these two are, and what they have in their lives. That’s why it was hard my friends and I to find the perfect gift for their wedding. Then it hit me. Laura came to my house one night, getting a little case of cold feet.” She nodded towards Laura. “You remember what you said to me that night?” ' Laura nodded her head as Lauralee smiled. “You said that you couldn’t imagine how someone like Kevin could come into your life, how all of this could happen to a person like you. That’s when I had the idea.” The rest of the crew joined them on stage, microphones in hand. “Guys, we just want to sat how much we love you, and we hope you like your gift. With love always.” The band cued up the melody as Nick started to sing: Nick: So many times I thought I’d hold it in my hands But just like grains of sand Love slipped through my fingers And so many nights I asked the Lord above Please make me lucky enough To find a love that lingers Brian: Something keeps telling me That you could be my answered prayer You must be heaven sent I swear Cause All: Something happens when you look at me I forget to speak Something happens when you kiss my mouth My knees get so weak Could it be true this is what God has meant for me Cause baby I can’t believe That something like you Could happen to me Brian: Someone like you LL: Boy in your eyes I feel your fire burn All your secrets I will learn Even if it takes forever With you by my side I can do anything I don’t care what tomorrow brings As long as we’re together Bianca: My heart is telling me That you could be my meant to be I know it more Each time we touch Cause All: Something happens when you look at me I forget to speak Something happens when you kiss my mouth My knees get so weak Could it be true this is what God has meant for me Cause baby I can’t believe That something like you Could happen to me Alex: Something magical Howie: Something spiritual BSB: Something stronger than the two of us alone Elizabeth: Something physical Lauralee: Something undeniable Elegance: Nothing like anything that I ever known All: Something happened Something happened Could it be You were meant for me Cause baby I can’t believe That something like you Something like you That something like you Could happen to me Something happened Yeah, Ooh Can’t believe that you happened to me The crowd responded with a standing ovation as Laura and Kevin clapped with tears in their eyes. The crew hopped off the bandstand as Laura and Kevin enveloped them in a group hug. “Thanks guys,” Kevin wiped tears away. “That was the one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard,” Laura blubbered. “Hey, it was better than a toaster,” Nick laughed. Chapter 22 Contents Chapter 20 Song from: "Someone Like You" N Sync Celebrity 2001 |