Free Somewhere in My Heart by Jennifer Scott

herself for after the wedding, when Chris and Joy would most likely come up to her to congratulate the bride.  Maria was thinking about Billie having an anxiety attack at the reception.  She had told Billie not to worry about Chris, that Joy assured her that he was doing fine.  Joy knew all about Chris' wrong doings.  He only wanted to be forgiven and to let people know that he had finally found a heart like his.  All it took was old fashioned love.  He discovered that when he was recording their song together.  Which Billie believed it started long before that, like at Andy’s place.  Joy had been at the cabin, and Billie remembered seeing Chris talk to her every once in awhile. 
     
    Billie informed, “I guess I can forgive him.  He did do a lot of good things, too.  It’s my wedding day and I am too happy.  I am getting what I have always wanted and now hopefully so will Chris.”
     
    Bobby sang a song at her wedding.  Andy Johnston was going to sing at the reception, along with every other country singer that happened to be there.  But, her soon to be husband was her favorite performer there.  He sang a song to her and then it was time for their wedding vows.  Billie’s vows were traditional and romantic.  His were:
     
I found love in a heart once broken far beyond repair, and you restored a soul that had forgotten how to care.  When things were at their darkest, I could hold you next to me.  And I knew all would be okay, for you were strong when I was weak. So, given every chance for me to start my life a new, there would be no question.  I’d do it all again with you.
     
    Her favorite part was almost here.  They had exchanged rings.  Ricky spoke to Billie in a Hawaiian language.
     
    He uttered, “Aloha Au Ia Oe,” which meant, “I love you.” 
     
    Then, his father, the preacher, said, “You may kiss the bride.”  Maria almost had to get a pair of pliers to separate them.  They did all of the usual wedding traditions, then went to the reception. They had entertainment, the bouquet was thrown, which Joy Edwards caught.  The garter was thrown and coincidentally, Chris caught it as well. 
     
    This was the opportunity for Billie to talk to him. 
     
    He remarked, “Don’t you feel strange?  It’s like an uncontrollable silence.” 
     
    She agreed, “Yes, I know what you mean.  This is so uncanny.”
     
    He estimated, “I wonder if that’s how Ricky feels.” 
     
    She stated, “No.  He doesn’t hate you.  He is very forgiving.  So am I.”  Chris was so glad that Billie had forgiven him.  For him, it was like unresolved business.  Now that they could move on, he wanted to plan a get together for all of them after their honeymoon.  Billie wished Joy and Chris the best.  Then, they gathered around as Billie and Ricky opened their gifts.
     
    Bobby and Kelly Douglas' gift couldn’t be wrapped.  It was a pool table. Chris got Billie a new state of the art camera and Ricky some workout equipment.  Andy and Louise got them jet skis.  Maria and Jason got them cruise tickets. 
     
    Ricky laughed, “Too bad I didn’t know about this before I reserved the place for our honeymoon.” 
     
    Billie grilled, “Where are we going, by the way?” 
     
    He assured, “I’ll give you a clue, it’s in North America.  You know I won’t tell you, you’ll know when we arrive.” 
     
    Before they left, Maria wished them well and told them to come by and see them when they got back.  Billie looked forward to visiting everyone upon their return as Mr. & Mrs. Todd. They had their bags packed and ready for their trip and were on their way to the airport. 
     
    Billie quized, “You still won’t tell me where we are going?” 
     
    Ricky bargained, “I will only give you another clue. It’s a small world.”  Billie figured it out when she heard the word Florida mentioned at the terminal gate.  This would be her fourth time going to Disneyworld.  They both had