The nervous bride freezes like a deer in headlights

Jasper froze, the gazes of people on both aisles ahead of him turned to look at him. He brought the bouquet up to his face defensively.

As the organ music played on, he could gradually make out a man up at the alter, his would be suitor, turning and smiling towards him. There was no way he was going up to him, there had to be a way out.

Suddenly a huge man came up to Jasper's side. Dressed in a dark suit, he wore a trilby over a bald head, and had a cheek scar and stern look. While Jasper was still trying to figure him out, he looped an arm tightly around his elbow, and started stepping down the aisle.

Pulled along, Jasper made a few stumbles on his high heels, most of his attention was instantly focused on keeping balance, while being acutely aware how the eyes of numerous strangers could see his shaven legs. With effort Jasper gradually regained balance and got into the rhythm of stepping forward without his feet falling to the side. He tried to tug against the arm, but it was immovable as it continued to follow its owner down the aisle. He looked up again to see the smiling man at the altar. Suave, jet black hair, thin mustache, clearly rich. The smile was clearly intended for some beautiful, blushing bride and being on the receiving end of it threw Jasper off. For a moment he didn't appreciate that with the pure white dress, the subtle makeup, all the little details, he looked like he was a bride that had waited all her life for this moment.

Jasper was pulled up to the altar, the big man finally letting go and taking a few steps back.

Jasper looked over his bouquet to see the smart man facing him, in front of an altar, in front of a congregation of people.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..." the priest started..

The world seemed to spin around Jasper and he cursed Jacqueline, this had all been some cruel trick. Who was this guy anyway? Something vaguely rang a bell about him he couldn't focus on it right now. And don't you need documents for this sort of thing? Jasper had half a mind to turn tail and walk out, but somehow could feel the huge man behind him, ready for him to do just that.

As the priest droned on, Jasper started glaring at the smart man across from him, but for some reason the man only seemed to smile more. Jasper didn't appreciate how the red lipstick accented his scowl, or the mascara and eye-shadow styled his glare.