Chapter Six

Today is the big day. Alyssa is ready to start the next chapter in her life with Cole. She's a little sad that she doesn't have a Father to give her away at the alter. But she puts those thoughts aside to put on her dress and makeup. After getting ready and making those final touches she rushes to the Riverview Baptist Church where she'll marry the man of her dreams.



Alyssa and Cole say their vows and exchange rings. Family and friends gather around as Cole kisses his new bride.



After the vows are said, everyone gathers in the reception hall for food, drinks, dancing and of course cake. Kerrigan watches as Alyssa cuts the cake. But then out of the corner of her eye she notices a side door open. When she sees who's coming through the open door she starts to panic.



"Hey baby girl. Did my invitation get lost in the mail?" says Michael. Kerrigan could smell the alcohol 40 feet away. " Alyssa turns to see her Father staggering towards her. "Actually no MICHAEL, it didn't. You weren't invited because I don't want you here." "Since when did you start calling me Michael. I'm your Father dammit and that's what I should be called." Alyssa who is now enraged says, "I'll start calling you Dad when you start acting like one!" Cole hears the commotion and quickly comes to his bride's rescue. "It's time for you to go. She doesn't want you here and from the looks of it no one else does either." Michael, who can't seem to keep his balance, manages a step closer to Cole. "Oh yeah? What the hell are you gonna do if I don't want to go?" Cole's jaw muscles started to twitch as he takes the final step between them, making their noses almost touch. Kerrigan finally snaps back to reality. The last time she was with Michael when he was this drunk was the night he broke her arm. But she refused to let him ruin her daughter's wedding. For the first time since he came in, Kerrigan spoke. "Michael, Why don't you come outside with me for a minute?" She gave him her sexist stare to entice him to follow her, when he did she had a small breath of relief but it was premature because she didn't know what to do next. They walked outside of the church and Michael kept putting his hands on her body. She tried her best to stay calm and not anger him but inside she was a mess but she finally had an idea. "Michael, walk over here to your truck." They walked passed the windows and she noticed Cole starring out of one, making sure she was okay. That made her feel a little better knowing she had someone there to protect her this time. Michael then grabbed her arm and aggressively kissed her. She heard a door open but held her hand up behind Michael's back to get who ever it was to stop and let her handle it. She gently broke off the kiss to speak. "Why don't you get in your truck and drive yourself home and I'll meet you there? We'll have more privacy and you'll have me all to yourself." "Okay babe, you better hurry up though." he replied. "I will. See you in a few." she said with a smile. Michael barely made it in the truck and drove off. Kerrigan had no intention of going to his house but he didn't know that. She turned back to the church and saw Cole standing at the steps. "Are you okay, Ma'am?" he said. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for what you did in there. I'm sorry you had to see that but let's try to forget about it for now and get back to the party okay?" Kerrigan replied. "Alright." he replied. "Oh and Cole, don't ever call me Ma'am again." Cole smiled and nodded as they walked back to the reception hall.



After Michael left, the party was starting to get back to normal. Alyssa was still upset but she wouldn't let him ruin her special day. Someone cranked up the music and everyone started to dance. It was their first dance as a married couple and it made her remember their first dance during Prom. Then she remembered the wish she made on her star which made her smile and love him even more. "What?" Cole asked with a grin." "Do you remember when you showed me my star at Prom?" she asked. "Yes, why?" "Well before we left, I made a wish on it. My wish was that you'd be the man I'd spend the rest of my life with. I just can't believe it came true." "Well that must have been a very lucky star because we both got our wishes granted that night." said Cole.



It's their wedding night. Cole is extremely happy with what's about to take place. "Are you nervous?" he asked. "A little. But I'm definitely ready." Alyssa replied.



Cole put his hand on her face and caressed her cheek then rubbed his thumb across her lips before he gently kissed her. Then he laid her down on the bed and held himself above her. His kisses went from gentle and sweet to hot and passionate. While they were making love for the first time he swept her hair from her face and looked deep into her mesmerizing green eyes. "I love you." he said. Alyssa's heart seemed to burst with all the love he'd given her. She could see it in his eyes now. "I love you too." she replied.



After several passionate hours together, Alyssa and Cole cuddled on the bed, gazing into each other's eyes. Tired and exhausted from such an exciting day filled with new and fun experiences, they held each other close as they quickly fell asleep.

OBITUARY

Michael Hoffa, age 40, died from injuries sustained when his vehicle collided with a light pole. Police suspect Mr. Hoffa was heavily intoxicated at the time of his death. Funeral services will be Monday at 2pm at Riverview Funeral Home.

No one came to his funeral.