Murder on Parade by Melanie Jackson Read Free Book Online

the closed door, and I was glad that Althea had listened to my mother’s suggestion of having a harpist instead of the church organist who managed to make everything sound like a dirge. She had chosen Pachelbel’s Canon in D and Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring .
    The time came. Mom hugged me and then hurried down the aisle. I stepped out and looked at the long, narrow room I had known from childhood, trying not to see specific faces in the pews. David, a blur of green velvet, was at the altar already but I ignored him and smiled blindly at everyone else, even the photographer who temporarily blinded me with his flash.
    With every step down the red runner I became more calm. The simple red of the poinsettias was elegant and there were enough candles to bake a cake, flickering in the draft that leaked under the old warped doors. At least I wouldn’t be cold in my sleeveless dress as I stood vigil at the altar.
    Then it was Althea’s turn to walk the aisle. I didn’t look at her, but watched my father instead who escorted her. He looked very handsome and dignified in his old tux. Maybe, someday, he would walk me down the aisle.
    Althea was soon beside me and we turned our backs on the guests. Father McIlhenny’s face was aglow with happiness. It was a relief to look at Althea and Dale and see happiness there too. After the last month’s tribulations I had had some doubts about this being a joyful occasion.
    “Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.”
    Father McIlhenny had a beautiful, hypnotic voice and I found myself getting lost in the flickering of the candles’ flames.
    “The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God. The Church expects of you a lifelong commitment of fidelity, monogamy, affection and respect; honest but careful communication; and holy love which enables each of you to see God in each other’s image.” Father McIlhenny paused and let this sink in.
    It wasn’t that I didn’t agree with him, but this was a solemn charge to lay on anyone and even I needed a moment to reflect. Mom and Dad had been married in this church. What were they thinking when they heard these words? It was all I could do not to turn and look at them. And Alex. Because I realized in that moment that my days with Alex were snatched from his other life and I didn’t know which was more important to him. And when he left in January I would miss him terribly. Did this mean that I could someday say these vows and mean them? I thought, after David, that I would never be ready.
    And then it was time to help Althea with her veil. A kiss between the couple and we were done. We retreated down the aisle, which now seemed much shorter and went out the side door and down a covered walkway strung with twinkle lights to Friendship Hall. David dropped away from me as soon as he could and Alex took his place. Shivering in the outside air, I huddled in his warmth until we entered the hall.
    Here, too, the poinsettias were in evidence and there were more white candles to augment the electric lights. Only the bank of lights over the buffet had been turned on so that the romantic ambience would be