Week Summary
The rest of the week the boys couldn’t stop talking about race cars. It was constant race car this, race car that. Marcus and Andrew didn’t understand what the big deal was until they watched the videos the girls had of the simulator and time spent at Barber. The boys immediately got annoyed at their father for the different things he wanted them to do.
Eventually, things started to calm down on the weekend when everyone went out to eat and began taking in the different sites and interests around Mobile. The group visited the USS Alabama, a World War 2 battleship turned into a museum. That she was sea worth three hundred years later was nothing short of impressive.
The group had a full week of wedding activities planned. On Monday they went to an upscale restaurant. Getting Andern and Nathan to dress appropriately and for Andern to act as such was hilariously and frustrating in equal measures. John thought it was a bit too uptight for his tastes, but the food and company were good.
An all-day pool party was the rage on Tuesday. John had to remind everyone multiple times about sunscreen and that he wasn’t at fault for anyone burning. His nagging prevented any mistakes and bad wedding pictures. The group reluctantly thanked John for watching out for their best interests.
Wednesday everyone went golfing which resulted in John and Kevin getting holes in one. After lunch in the afternoon, they went to the gun range. Naturally, all sorts of challenges were had by the boys. Their favorite one being the mile challenge. Andern cheated by using a mini-railgun and was promptly disqualified from the impromptu challenge despite his unique defense.
On Thursday the group went to the beach. They spent most of the morning playing volleyball and rocking out to old rock music. Alexa recorded a video of the boys playing and uploaded it to YouTube. Most of the comments called it a modern-day Top Gun montage. Everyone laughed when they watched a nearly three-hundred-year-old movie later that night.
Friday was a much slower day. Everyone slept in and had brunch together. After brunch, there were pre-wedding photos in casual attire. Andern got sent back to his room to change his shirt since. They went to a go-kart track to have fun before heading to the church. After they had their fill beating John, though, through very dirty methods, they went to the church and did a walkthrough of the service.
Then they went to the reception hall and helped with the setting up. There wasn’t much left to do besides place some flowers and gift packages at the tables. They headed back to the Robertson’s estate and were treated to a feast for dinner. The group was relaxing around the pool but the girls decided it was time to head to Alice’s mansion and get some sleep so they can get ready for the big day in the morning.
Friday. 23:00 Employee Apartment
The boys, John included, were having one last beer in the third-floor living room.
“I can’t believe you drove a legit race car and they actually said if you quit the military to reach out,” Brian was still having a hard time witnessing everything John had done this week.
“Right, looks like I have some legitimate career opportunities after the military,” John was laughing, “No joke, the simulator was harder than the real thing.”
“That simulator they had was seriously cutting-edge tech,” Thomas was still nerding out over the technical specifications of it.
“I can’t believe you pussies said my mile-long shot didn’t count. That was bullshit.” Andern was pouting.
“You took a railgun; those rounds are practically immune to wind,” Brian shouted.
“So, what are y’all doing the rest of the summer?” John asked.
“Theresa and I are going up to Idaho to camp for a week,” Kevin said. “Beyond that, not much is planned.”
“Kristin is coming up to Valley City for a week. Going to a couple of concerts and Ribfest in Fargo. Dad needs me to help do a few things for the family business too.”
“Going fishing on Lake Michigan with my dad and grandpa in two weeks. Got a chartered boat so that should be sweet,” Nathan finished his beer.
“Actually, this is the only time Brian and I are seeing each other this summer. We’re going to road trip it back to his place and then I’ll fly home. Mom needs me to work on a few things.”
“Yeah, not much going on besides this and our road trip. Probably try and catch up with some friends back home,” Brian said.
“Nobody said a good summer has to be busy,” John said, “Sounds like good summers.”
“Alice kicked you out and you won’t see her until we take pictures in the morning?” Kevin asked.
“Dude, we won’t see her until she walks down the aisle. Our group picture is going to be taken right before the ceremony ends,” John said finishing his beer.
“I can’t believe one of us is getting married already. That is just wild. You are still only twenty,” Thomas said.
“Yeah, you aren’t fucking around here,” Nathan caught himself, “Yes, yes you are. Ah fuck it, you know what I’m getting at.”
The group laughed. They continued talking and reminiscing about the last two years until midnight. That’s when John decided to call it a night and recommended the rest do the same. By 00:15 all the friends were asleep in their rooms.
Saturday. 07:00 Alice’s Mansion
The girls had been up for an hour already and it was an absolute madhouse of activity. Everyone had cleaned up and their clothes were laid out and ready. They were having breakfast together and were killing time until the hairdressers would arrive.
“Oh my god, the day is finally here. I am so excited for you Alice,” Theresa hugged her friend.
“Y’all wasted no time,” Alexa smiled, “But I am so happy you found him.”
“I am so excited, but I am terrified of what his best man may say in front of everyone,” Kristin laughed and hugged Alice.
“John was too, he made Andern give his speech to one of my brothers to proof and approve,” Alice said through laughter.
“I’m going to echo everyone else here and say I’m so happy and excited for you,” Jessica hugged Alice.
“The church is so nice, but I cannot wait for the party afterward,” Alexa said.
“There’s still like five hours before the service starts. We are just going to get everything done in time,” Alice said looking at her watch.
“Ugh, the boys I bet are still sleeping and will be ready in like thirty minutes.”
“It’ll be worth it because Alice will be shining though!” Jessica exclaimed.
Just then one of the maids walked in and let them know the hairdressers were arriving. The girls left the table and got ready to have their hair done.
08:15 Employee Apartment
John woke up just before 08:00. He rounded up the rest of the boys and brought them down to the main floor for a group breakfast. Everyone was still partially asleep. The breakfast was largely quiet until a plate full of bacon was set down on the table.
“Oooh, bacon,” John said.
“That is such a heavenly smell,” Thomas reached over and grabbed a couple of pieces.
“I bet the girls are busy and being overly sentimental,” Nathan smiled as he took a bite of his waffle.
“Yeah, but girls do that. Nothing wrong with that,” Kevin smiled.
“So, dude, last hours of you being single. Nervous?” Andern asked.
“Nah, at least not any more or less from yesterday,” John smiled.
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“I think the better question is how busy it is in that other house,” Brian asked.
“I’d rather be here if I’m being blunt,” John laughed.
“Second that,” Kevin added, "Bacon is yummy."
“Here’s to you and Alice today buddy,” Nathan raised a glass of milk.
“Here here!” the other boys said.
The stress and pace of work happening between the employee apartment and Alice’s mansion would be interesting to write a dissertation on. The boys were all aware of how important the day was to the happy couple, but no one seemed to be urgent in doing anything. In fact, it was almost stressless with the boys.
Alice’s mansion continued to be abuzz with activity. Stress levels were high because of how many different things needed to be done. After the hair was done then it was time to get nails done. Then there was makeup and so many other things. The bridesmaids all were looking out for Alice and getting her anything she needed. Thankfully Alice was about as far from a bridezilla as one could be, but all the girls wanted to do their part to make this day special.
10:00 Outside the Employee Apartment
The boys were waiting outside dressed in shorts and t-shirts. They were going to get dressed up at the church. John hated wearing white and didn’t want to get his dress uniform dirty before the ceremony. He kept looking at his watch.
“If I’m allowed to say, this is a group of sexy bastards,” Terry smiled and walked up to the group.
“Morning Terry, thanks for being here,” John walked over, shook his hand, and hugged him.
Terry got interrupted by Marcus, “Wow, I have to agree with big bro. But we aren’t dressed to kill yet.”
Andrew laughed, “I’ve already told that dumbass who not to hit on, don’t need no stinking wedding day drama.”
“Thank you, Andrew,” John shook his hand.
“Alright, gentlemen. There are nine of us. Split into two groups and let’s get to the church,” John was smiling as he shook everyone’s hand and thanked them.
The ride to the church was thirty minutes. The boys got to the church first. They went inside and got dressed quickly. The photographer saw John walk out of the dressing rooms first and asked to get a few pictures of him. John put his dress hat on and complied.
The Robertson brothers were the next ones finished and the three soon-to-be brothers-in-law had pictures taken too. Eventually, the groomsmen were all dressed, and that part of the party had pictures taken. John didn’t feel like Brian and the brothers should be excluded so they were included. Everyone looked quite dapper.
11:30 Women’s Dressing Room, West Hills Baptist Church
“Oh, my goodness Alice. You look absolutely beautiful,” Katelyn said as she carefully hugged her daughter.
“Thank you, mom. I can’t believe today is happening,” Alice was trying hard to not cry tears of joy.
“Has John seen you yet dear?”
“Auntie, Alice wanted to wait until she was walking down the aisle before he’d see her,” Alexa said.
“Oh, that is just devilishly delightful,” Katelyn was snickering to herself, “If you need anything please let me know. I’m going to be with your father and greet the guests.”
Katelyn left the room. The girls were still busy with several different things. There was no time to be bored. Alexa was running point in this operation and was directing the other bridesmaids to do different tasks.
“Alice, do you need anything?” Alexa asked.
“I’d appreciate some water.”
“On it,” Kristin popped her head out from around a corner of the room.
“I cannot wait to see the look on John’s face when he sees you, Alice. Oh my god, you are gorgeous,” Theresa was gushing over her friend.
“If we blink it’s going to be time to walk,” Alice said smiling.
12:15 Front entrance
“Director Aspern, thank you for coming,” John said.
Aspern gave John a grandfatherly hug, “Congratulations are in order son. I’m sure I won’t be the last one to say this, but you are looking quite sharp today. And I am so happy for the two of you. If you don’t mind me asking where’s your father?”
“He got a last-second deployment, so he won’t be here today,” John shrugged, “I had figured that was going to happen.”
“I’m sorry that he can’t be here.”
“It is what it is sir. There’s a seat up front on the right for you. Terry will take you to your seat.”
“Thank you. Lead the way Commander,” Aspern smiled and walked into the church.
“John, the pastor wants you upfront in ten,” Brian stepped up and spoke.
“Thanks, man.”
John continued to greet people for a few more minutes. He talked with Aaron for a few minutes, but then Brian came back and reminded John about the pastor needing him. Aaron laughed and told him he ought to follow orders.
John smiled and said under his breath, “Time to experience and enjoy the great unknown.”
12:30 Wedding Ceremony
The last few people were getting seated as John walked down the side of the sanctuary. He met the pastor who shook his hands and asked if he was ready. John and the pastor shared a laugh about that. John was in good spirits and ready for the milestone in their lives.
John walked up to his position below where the pastor would be, put his hat on, and stood at attention.
“Looking good buddy,” Andern whispered. “Ready for this?”
“If I said yes, I’d be lying, but when has that ever stopped me from rushing forward into anything?” John whispered back.
The groomsmen had a quiet laugh at the front as the organ began playing music. A pair of little girls threw rose petals enthusiastically followed by a little boy holding the ring pillows that appeared to have achieved peak boredom in his young life. Slowly, and one by one, the bridesmaids entered and took their position. After Alexa took her place John walked down to the spot where he’d receive Alice from her father. The organ music began playing louder, then Alice and Aaron began walking down the aisle slowly. The site of Alice took John’s breath away, he had to take a couple of deep breaths to regain his composure. Seven minutes later Aaron passed his daughter to John.
John whispered, “Words don’t any justice to how beautiful you are.”
Alice was keeping her composure, but she was flush with emotion, “Thank you.”
There were two special singers during the ceremony. The sermon was on point and topical. Thankfully it wasn’t overly long either. Andern played the fool and made the bride and groom think he had lost the rings. There were groans from the rest of the wedding party. No one stood up or said anything when the pastor asked if any would object.
“I now pronounce thee husband and wife,” The pastor said, “You may kiss the bride.”
John leaned down and gave Alice a long kiss. They smiled at one another and turned to the crowd.
“Introducing Alice and John Lief.”
The wedding party then began to filter out of the church. John and Alice, who hyphenated her name, were the last to leave but the first to greet people as they exited the church. Marcus and Terry began directing what pews could leave and greet the new couple.
Brian and Andrew were moving all the gifts into the SUV. There was a lot of movement going on in the background. Alexa went into the dressing room and got Alice’s reception dress ready. She came back and was running point for Alice getting her anything she needed.
An hour later all the guests had left the church. The wedding party went back to the front of the church and had a couple of official pictures taken. Then they were getting ready to head to the reception. Alice went into the dressing room and had Alexa and Jessica help her change into her other dress.
The groomsmen were out front enjoying a ten-year-old Montecristo Petit Edmundo cigar. The bridal photographer came over and took several pictures of the young men. The first task of the day was over, the next one was nearly upon them.
15:30 Dinner Reception, Uriel Towers
“Hotel rooms have already been checked in. I’ve got everyone’s keys,” Andern said.
“Good man. The dance and general reception are across the street at the Hilton where we’re staying,” John said.
“Paul, Marcus, and Andrew drove all the swag back to the estate,” Terry said.
Alice walked over to Terry and gave him a big hug, “Thank you so much for being here.”
“How the hell did the baby get married first?” Terry said laughing.
“When are we eating?” Andern asked.
“Ugh, why do you have no patience?” Kristin asked.
Alexa walked over to the group, “Time for us to take our seats.”
“Love you, Alice,” John smiled.
Alice stood on her tiptoes and kissed John, “You have made me the happiest woman on the planet today.”
More wedding music played. Alexa sent off Kristin and Thomas first. Theresa and Kevin were next. Nathan and Jessica follow them. Alexa gave John and Alice instructions on when to come in, which was when the music began playing louder, then she and Andern walked in. The music got louder, then Alice and John walked in. They waved and smiled at everyone as they walked around the room up to the wedding table.
After the food was served Director Aspern and Aaron Robertson gave short speeches. Alexa and Andern gave theirs too, Andern’s was surprisingly PG, he did joke while he was talking that he needed four people to proofread his speech. The rest of the wedding party wanted to know what his first draft was.
Terry overheard that and whispered some of the things he recalled from his proofing of it. It’s a good thing Andern had four people proofing his speech because the original was not only terrible and rambling but wholly inappropriate for a wedding.
After the dinner reception was finished some people that weren’t attending the general reception gave their best wishes to the new couple and thanked them for the invitation. Once everyone had left the wedding cigars, Partagas Lusitania’s, were cut and fired up. More pictures of the party were taken and then they walked over to the general reception.
18:30 Hilton Towers, Wedding Reception and Dance
There was a giant TV screen with pictures of the couple as children. There were also many pictures taken since they’ve been in the academy. Several videos were playing. The groom and his groomsmen were all shown to freak out at the racing headquarters for the enjoyment of the attendees.
“Dude, having an indoor and outdoor area for this is fucking dope,” Andern said as he took a drag on the cigar.
“Glad people mostly are outside mingling, so I don’t have to toss this bloody amazing cigar,” John said.
Alexa walked over, “John, Alice has a couple of people for you to meet.”
“No rest for the weary,” John smiled as he puffed out some cigar smoke.
John didn’t know anyone that was there. Alice was aware of who some of these people were but never really interacted with them. But there was a lot of meet and greeting that needed to be done. The couple would be walking around meeting hundreds, if not thousands of people that evening.
When the sun set the party really started. The DJ started things off with the Father-Daughter dance. Then the first dance was had between the couple. Then the dance floor was opened up to everyone. Fun and games were had by all. An hour into the dance the bouquet throw happened. Theresa wasn’t trying to catch it, but it bounced off Jessica’s face and landed square in her hands.
Around midnight Andern began going around the tables and raiding them for champagne. Hangovers were going to be had by nearly everyone at the wedding party. Except for the newly married couple who weren’t drinking anything besides water that evening.
At 01:00 the DJ began shutting things down and people began heading back to their rooms or homes. It had been an incredibly busy but joyful day. It was everything they had hoped for. And it wasn’t even remotely as scary as they thought it may have been. The only complaint they would come up with was just how long it took to get everything ready for all the fun they had.
Sunday. 01:30 Hilton Towers Penthouse Suite 23A
“Alice Robertson-Lief, that was one hell of a day,” John smiled as he hugged Alice tightly.
“I love you so much. This day was way better than my dream one.
“It was my pleasure and honor.”
“Now, we need to do three things,” Alice smirked.
“And what would those things be milady?”
“The first is I need help out of this dress. Then we need to get on that bed over there and make love. And then we need to sleep because I am exhausted.”
John laughed, “At least we’re checking the boxes with the essentials.”
“God, you are a smart ass,” Alice grabbed John’s face and brought him down to her level, and kissed him.