Disclaimer:I don't and will never own ER
Note:Here it is, the final chapter…
"Well…what do you think?" asked Neela as she turned slowly in front of her friends who gave no answer. Instead, Hope's eyes had begun to well up and Abby was definitely showing signs of a tear or two. Neela's brow furrowed with amused concern. "Oh, don't you two or you'll set me off as well!"
The other two women grinned watery grins and hugged the bride-to-be. In keeping with her usual style, Neela's dress was cut simply, a white gown that comprised of a fitted, strapless bodice that floated out in an A-line full length skirt with matching satin shoes and topped off with a simple pearl tiara and light veil.
Abby was honoured to be her friend's matron of honour and although she may not immediately have sprung to mind as an obvious choice, Neela was pleased to have Hope as her bridesmaid, so enthusiastic was she when she realised another ER wedding was on the cards.
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This is so different from last time. Abby reflected on the past. Before, the arrangements had been rushed and Neela had opted for traditional dress in keeping with her family's roots. This time, though, her dress was in keeping with another part of her cultural background. In addition, this event, with Hope's help, was a much more organised affair and though it was not a particularly large wedding, she had been able to bring the bride's parents and the groom's mother to attend as well as any other close friends. How Hope had managed such a feat remained a mystery to the couple but they were grateful for the blonde intern's powers of bringing people together. To add to her already impressive credit, she had been able to book a large hall for the event and had tastefully decorated the space. Abby was sure that if Hope ever decided to leave medicine, she would carve out a successful career as a wedding planner!
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A last deep breath and with respective bouquets in hand, the women listened for the first notes of the wedding march then stepped out from the side-room and into the hall.
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"This is it, man," Gregg clapped Ray on the shoulder. "No more freedom, tied to domestic chores forever and constant nagging. Congratulations!" he teased the groom good-naturedly.
"Yup, under the thumb but what a thumb," Ray bantered back with a smile.
Gregg pulled him into a manly hug. "Seriously, man, you're a lucky guy and she's a lucky girl. I'm just going to go check on things, see you out there."
"Wow, I never thought I would see the day that Ray Barnett got snared. And to Dr. Neela, no less!" Brett straightened the collar of Ray's dark charcoal suit, one of the rare times when Ray would be seen in a full suit-and-tie.
"Yeah, it's crazy, huh?" Ray replied to his best man who had also made the concession to the dress code although his own tie had been left loosely done up in an artful manner. "I'm glad you're here, though."
"I'm glad to be here, wouldn't have missed this for the world." The young men went out into the hall to take their places by the female registrar. Met by what seemed to be a sea of faces all beaming at him, Ray felt so many butterflies that he thought his stomach would take-off at any second. As he looked round about him, the registrar gave him a reassuring smile and nod.
As the music started, Brett leaned towards Ray, "It's show-time."
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As she began the steady walk up the aisle, Neela's eyes found Ray's and they shared a look that spoke volumes of their love for each other. Ray was transfixed by the beauty of his bride and looking back, he found that could not remember the ceremony in precise detail, just that they both had eventually voiced their vows and "I do's" and kissed to the delight of their tearful assembled guests.
With the serious part of the day now over, the happy couple thoroughly encouraged everyone to kick back and enjoy themselves, encouragement that was used to full advantage and whilst they were still in more or less full possession of their faculties, Ray, Brett and the rest of the band played a few numbers that received enthusiastic applause and cheers.
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Dancing cheek-to-chest, Neela knew that in Ray's arms was where she always would be.
Ray breathed in her delicate scent as they were pressed together as decently as possible in public.
Their eyes were locked in an unwavering gaze as they twirled amongst the other couples.
Not for a second did their eyes leave each other.
Neela and Ray.
Note: Hope u all liked the ending xx