The Nurse's Station

My White Dress

“You look beautiful,” Carla said, chin resting on Elliot’s shoulder as they looked at her in the mirror. “Stop worrying.”

“You really think so?” Elliot asked, turning this way and that, making sure nothing was out of place. “God, this was such a bad idea. Why am I doing this?”

“Because you love her, although that I can’t explain,” Carla replied, smiling. “And she must love you, otherwise she wouldn’t have said yes. Come on, you’re almost up,” she added, pushing her towards the door.

Elliot closed her eyes as Carla handed her the bouquet, not quite believing this was real. The music started and Elliot opened her eyes as she started walking, focusing all her energy on not tripping on the dress. Instead she looked at the guests, too shy to look at Jordan herself. Dr. Cox (she still couldn’t bring herself to call him Perry, which was starting to get ridiculous) and JD, both wearing tuxes – apparently JD had won that argument. Turk, also in a tux, who was eyeing his wife instead of Elliot. Ted and his band, thankfully not performing. Janitor wearing the one suit he seemed to own. Her parents who threatened not to come but finally agreed when they realized it was for real and not just a ploy to piss them off. Countless others, both her friends and family and Jordan’s, everyone looking beautiful.

Then she did trip, not noticing the step up onto the altar. She pin wheeled her arms and managed not to fall over, but only just. Jordan was smirking, obviously trying not to laugh, and Elliot glared at her. But then she was there, standing a few feet in front of Jordan, and they took each other in.

Elliot’s dress was strapless with an empire waist and a full skirt. Embroidered black ivy wound its way halfway up the skirt matching the black ribbon that circled the waist. Her hair was back except for a few carefully planned strands that framed her face.

Jordan was wearing a dress too, also white. It had thin straps and hung straight down, the silk shimmering in the bright lights. Her hair was down and teased into soft curls that fell around her shoulders. She wore a black ribbon that matched the one on Elliot’s dress wrapped around her neck, a crystal hanging from it. She was also holding a bouquet.

They exchanged vows, having decided long ago not to write their own. Then the minister pronounced them married and they kissed, Jordan wrapping an arm around Elliot’s waist and pushing her back, causing whistles from the audience, namely Todd. They tossed their bouquets and JD somehow managed to catch both of them. He turned to Dr. Cox with a hopeful smile on his face, earning himself a scowl and a growled, “Don’t even think about it.”

As far as Jordan was concerned the reception lasted far too long, even though they snuck out early, climbing into the back of the limousine and driving off, trying not to giggle as the car pulled out of the church parking lot.

“I love you,” Elliot said, pushing Jordan back on the seat.

“I love you too, Barbie,” Jordan replied, pulling her down for a kiss.

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My 40 Snapshots

by Nicole Merrill