Chapter 3
A/N: Thanks for reading! The question of who all knows of Martin and Alex's 'secret' agent work... Sam, Clover and Alex have spoken to countless people and have saved the day in front small and large crowds, even a few times on TV! They also accepted an award from the president, with press coverage in an episode, so I'm going with 'not so secret'. Martin Mystery's Centers seem less public, but it's a small wedding, so we'll go with it being okay to share.
A man on a guitar and woman on a piano started to play processional music, and the audience's chatter died down. The minister was a middle aged man, well-built, with black hair greying on the sides, dressed in a suit with a tie. His warm expression was mirrored by those he made eye contact with. He'd entered through a side door with Martin and Billy, and they waited at the stage.
A tall older man looked on attentively. He wore an open suit coat, and had a thin moustache and a combover.
"They grow up so fast," Jerry, eyes shimmering, whispered to Stella and her husband. They made sounds of agreement, followed by Gabriella and her husband.
On the stage was a small wood lectern, the piano and music stands, and a jumbo flatscreen on the right side, raised up a bit. A loft in the back of the church had gear and seating for audio, video, lighting, and any other technical needs.
The two groomsmen, Java and Marvin, walked up the aisle, followed by Carmen, and Gerard and Nora Mystery. Most had never seen Martin's stepmother, Nora, before.
A short-haired brunette woman in a pink dress, she was as pretty as her daughter, Diana, but with a few added signs of age for a woman in her 40s. Gerard, Martin's father, was muscular with short spiky blonde hair and a full beard, looking a bit overwhelmed. After they took their seats, Britney followed, then the two maids of honor, Sam and Clover.
A focused-looking boy, the ring bearer, and a shy slightly younger girl in a pearl pink dress, the flower girl, came next, drawing happy looks from the audience. They were Alex's cousins, in attendance with their parents, Carmen's brother and his wife from L.A.
The music switched to the Wedding March, causing a slight buzz in the audience, and Alex and her father appeared in the back of the church. He escorted her to the stage, where Alex serenely held his hands a moment, then parted. He joined Carmen in the audience, and promptly used his handkerchief on tears that finally spilled out.
"Friends, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Martin and Alex in holy matrimony," the minister said, hands clasped before him. The audience of fifty or so hung on his words.
Alex's eyes met those of her parents, her bridal party, and eventually Martin's.
"In their time together, they have seen their love and understanding of each other grow and blossom, and now they have decided to live out the rest of their lives as one."
Martin looked to his parents, groomsmen, and to Alex.
"You're likely aware just how exceptional our groom and bride are," the minister said, earning looks and sounds of agreement from the audience. "They've helped save lives, cities, countries, and the world quite a few times."
Everyone applauded, some cheered, and Martin and Alex shared a surprised look, then smiled sheepishly. After the noise lessened, the minister continued.
"But now is the start of a new adventure, one that lasts a lifetime. I speak from experience when I say it can get a little crazy, though not on the level of what you've experienced."
Most in the audience and everyone on the stage chuckled, or made sounds of agreement.
"But now it's time for the vows," he said, causing hums of excitement to course through the gathered people. Martin's nervous smile looked about ready to crack, which Alex noticed.
"Relax," she mouthed.
He nodded, then turned to the minister. The minister spoke each part, except the groom's name, which was repeated by Martin until they'd said:
"I, Martin, take you, Alex, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."
Then he repeated the same process with Alex to Martin.
"May I have the rings please?" he asked, and Alex's little cousin stepped forward to do his part.
Once again, the minister spoke each part, followed by Martin:
"I, Martin, give you, Alex, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."
And did the same with Alex to Martin. Bridesmaids and groomsmen alike were fighting back tears, smiling with joy. The minister put a hand on Martin's and Alex's shoulders, who were holding each others' hands. Many in the audience whispered or shifted a bit in their seats.
"Do you, Martin Mystery, take Alex Sanchez, offering her your unconditional love and encouragement, your trust and respect as you create a future together?"
"I do," croaked Martin, barely audible.
The minister inclined his ear towards him, smiling. Martin closed his eyes and cleared his throat.
"I do!" he repeated, much louder.
Alex's eyes widened at the volume change, but grinned at the declaration.
"And do you, Alex Sanchez, take Martin Mystery, offering her your unconditional love and encouragement, your trust and respect as you create a future together?"
"I do!" she said excitedly, eyes darting around. She sighed in relief at the lack of a disaster interrupting her two simple words.
The minister chuckled at her antics, then looked from them to the audience.
"By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Martin and Alex looked to each other adoringly a moment, then kissed.
Those on stage and the audience cheered. The minister raised his hands and spoke louder to be heard over the small crowd.
"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Mystery!"
The minister gestured to the couple, who walked down the aisle, hand in hand, followed by the wedding party and parents. Afterwards, the others soon followed, ready to get to the reception.
A/N: Now you know who the little girl and woman in the back middle are on the cover: OCs: Alex's cousin, and Nora Mystery (Diana's mom). I've been to about five wedding receptions, and they are a blast. The reception is next! Please review. Thanks!
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