36- Here Comes the Bride
Beth Fute walked down a crowded hallway at Cornell, holding her diploma in her hands. She smiled when she saw her fiancé Dominick Giran. They had finished their veterinary medicine degree and were planning on starting their own business. Dominick was more interested in training racehorses and breeding, but knew he could market his veterinary skills to the track as well as his own animals.
“So what do you think?” he asked, smiling and giving her a kiss.
“I don’t know. It’s amazing to think that we’re doctors now,” she said, putting her arm around his waist. They walked along in silence until they found their families. Rachel was there with her fiancé Jim, and was laughing at something he had said.
“So I can call one of you two nuts for all my emergencies now?” Jason asked. Beth grinned and glanced at Dominick.
“If you plan to pay us,” she said. Jason shook his head and glanced at Jess.
“I don’t know about that Bethy. Pay you? That seems ridiculous.” Beth laughed, going to her father and giving him a tight hug.
“You’re crazy Daddy,” she said. He nodded, pulling away to smile down at her with proud eyes.
“I must be. Let’s get home. I want to have this party for you and then get some sleep. Training in the morning, show next weekend. I don’t know where I’ll find the time.” Everyone laughed, following him outside. Beth and Dominick gave Cornell one final look before getting into their car.
The next weekend Beth led Lion toward his stall at the horse show. Dominick was leading King for her, and soon both horses were settled.
“Where do you think my parents went?” she asked. Dominick shrugged, smiling mischievously
“To make out someplace?” he suggested. Beth shook her head, making a face.
“Gross. Come on, I’m being serious. I need to know the show schedule so I can plan my time.”
“I was being serious too… somewhat. I have the schedule in my pocket, hold on a second.” He pulled out the form and she reached for it. He held it away and grinned.
“Come on Dom, I really need that,” she said, jumping to get it. He laughed and handed it to her.
“There you go. So when are you riding?” She looked for her classes and smiled.
“Lion’s classes are starting at two, and King’s begin in the arena at seven. Then tomorrow I have all those early morning classes on Superstition,” she said. Dominick frowned. He had sprained his ankle leading an unruly stallion to the barn, and wasn’t allowed to ride for three weeks.
“I really appreciate your riding her… I just wish I could ride her in her first show. Just be careful in there, I don’t want you to get hurt. She gave him a hug.
“Thanks for the concern babe, but I’ll be fine. Let’s get something to eat. I’m starving.” He laughed, taking her hand and following her toward the food vendor.
Late that afternoon Beth mounted Lion for his first class. Dominick stood by her side and smiled up at her when it was time for her to enter the ring.
“Good luck,” he said. She smiled, riding into the ring and riding to a first place finish. When she came out she handed him the ribbon.
“I have to go over my pattern again Dom, hang on to that for me,” she said. She rode Lion over to the bulletin board and memorized the pattern once again. When her number was called she rode into the ring, signaling Lion to canter. They went through the center, performing a flying change of lead. “Good boy,” she murmured. At the corner she picked up a sitting trot and did a serpentine down the center line. At the gate she did a half halt and back five steps, then moved forward to complete the rest of her pattern. When she was done she patted Lion’s neck and rode from the ring.
“That looked great hon,” Dominick said. She smiled and dismounted.
“Thanks. I’m going to claim my ribbon on foot this time. I want him to have twenty minutes rest before hunter jumpers.” She ran her stirrups up and smiled at him. “Will you take him to his stall and loosen his girth and just take off his bridle? This is the last rider, so I want to be here for the call back,” she said. He nodded and took the reins.
“Sure. Be right back.” She watched as he led Lion away. When the riders were called in, Beth walked.
“First place goes to Beth Fute and Lion Heart, second to…” Beth retrieved her ribbon and then walked out of the ring. Dominick was back, a smile on his face.
“You’re taking this place by storm,” he kidded.
“Thanks. Is he all set in his stall?” she asked.
“Yes. Come sit down somewhere with me. You need a break too.” She laughed and followed him into the barn.
King pranced excitedly, looking around.
“Relax King, just a show,” she murmured. It was seven thirty, and they were waiting for their grand prix class to start. The jumps were huge, set at nearly seven feet in some places. King could clear them easily on a good day, but Beth had a feeling they wouldn’t do so well. She rode into the ring and began. They went clear, but Beth was still disappointed. King’s form was off, and it made them look sloppy. The audience applauded as she rode out, but she didn’t notice. When she was outside she dismounted.
“What’s wrong with him?” her father asked. She handed him the reins and began running her hands over his legs, stopping at his right foreleg.
“There’s a big lump here. I’ll have to pull him from the rest of the classes. Maybe I can ride Lion.”
“Do you want me to get him?” Jason asked. Beth glanced around, smiling at Dominick.
“Maybe I better get Dom to do it. Lion seems more comfortable with him. Saddle him for dressage Dom? That’s my next class,” she said. Dominick nodded and led King away. Beth went to the judges booth and explained what was happening. When she came back she was frowning.
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” Jason asked.
“They said that I couldn’t be given special privileges so I can’t ride Lion. I’ll have to pull my entries tonight,” she said. Jason watched as she walked toward the barn, obviously upset.
Dominick was almost done with Lion when she walked into the stall and started taking his tack off.
“What’re you doing?” he asked. She shook her head and sighed.
“I can’t ride him. They said I can’t be treated differently than anybody else, so I’m forced to pull my remaining entries tonight.”
“What about the group demonstration?” She shrugged.
“They didn’t say. Without me it’s not going to go so well… I’m the lead rider.”
“We’ll get things straightened out hon. I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to ride for that.” She smiled at him, sliding her arms around his waist.
“I don’t know why you put up with me,” she said. He leaned down and kissed her.
“You’re a good kisser,” he said. She laughed, shaking her head and walking from the stall.
The next morning Beth saddled Superstition and led her outside. Dominick was waiting.
“How is she?” he asked. She smiled and patted the young horse on the shoulder.
“She seems ok… just a little nervous. I’d say she’s great considering it’s her first show,” she assured him.
“Thanks for riding her today Beth, it means a lot to me,” he said, kissing her forehead. She smiled and put her free arm around his waist.
“Considering we’re getting married in August, I figure I might as well start helping you out,” she kidded,
“Gee thanks. You better get mounted up.” She nodded and swung into the saddle. They were entered in a green walk, trot, canter class. When the riders were called in, Beth squeezed her legs gently. Superstition went quickly, glancing around nervously. The other horses were slightly calmer than she was, but she began to calm as she moved around the ring. When the judge asked, she signaled the mare to trot. After several walk-trot transitions, the judge called for a canter. Superstition jumped into the gait and Beth grinned. When all the riders were called to the center, she was still smiling.
“First goes to Lisa Smith an Runaway, second to Beth Fute on Superstition, third…” Beth rode to the judge and took her ribbon, smiling politely and trotting from the ring. Dominick held the reins as she dismounted, a big smile on his face.
“That was great!” he said, patting the mare.
“She was great. Let’s get her loaded up and head home. I’m pooped,” she said. He gave her a quick kiss and they went toward the trailer.
In July Beth and Rachel were trying on dresses. Beth walked out of a dressing room wearing a beautiful, strapless wedding gown. Rachel’s jaw dropped when she saw her friend.
“Wow,” she whispered. Beth glanced in the mirror, smiling sheepishly.
“Is it too much?” she asked. Rachel shook her head.
“No way. You look beautiful. Dominick will die when he sees you.”
“I didn’t say I was going to get this one,” she said. Rachel gave her a withering look.
“You better. Come on, it’s perfect for you,” she said. Beth grinned, glancing at the saleswoman.
“I guess this is the one,” she said, looking back at the mirror and smiling.
Dominick looked up when she walked into the tack room. He had been cleaning an old pleasure saddle.
“How was shopping?” he asked.
“I got my dress picked out, and they did the measurements for alterations. I picked out the bridesmaid dresses too. Rachel fell in love with them, and I couldn’t talk her out of them.”
“Are they that bad?” he asked with a smirk. She shrugged and wrinkled her nose.
“No, not that bad. The rest of the bridal party will like them. What are we supposed to be doing tonight?” she asked. He shrugged, putting more saddle soap on his sponge.
“I’m supposed to be cleaning tack for mom. She has a whole new group of students coming in, and she wants everything to shine.”
“Who are they?” she asked. He looked at her seriously for a moment.
“Some kids with disabilities. Someone got in touch with Mom asking if she had the equipment and all that to work with them, and she said yes.”
“Does she want any help?” Beth asked, eager to be a part of it.
“Yeah. I think you just figured out what you’ll be doing tonight, didn’t you?” he asked with a grin. She blushed, sitting down next to him and starting to clean a bridle.
At three o’clock the kids showed up. Cotey smiled, glancing at Beth, Rachel, and Dominick.
“Welcome everybody! I’m Cotey, and the people behind me are Dominick, Rachel and Beth. They’re going to help us out today. Can everyone tell us their names and how old they are?” she asked.
“I’m Chris, and I’m seven,” a boy in a wheelchair said. Cotey nodded, looking to the next child.
“I’m Amanda… I’m ten,” a girl in a wheelchair said. Cotey glanced at a boy on crutches.
“I’m Steven and I’m twelve,” he said with a grin. Cotey smiled and looked to the last child. The girl was on metal crutches and had metal braces on her legs.
“I’m Kimberly, and I’m eight,” she said unenthusiastically. Cotey looked back and Beth and winked.
“Well it’s nice to meet you all. Why doesn’t everyone point to a horse or pony you think you’d like?” she suggested. Chris pointed to a pony named Pirate. “Great. Dom, why don’t you work with Chris tonight?” Cotey said, looking at Amanda. The little girl pointed to a dark bay named Nochebueno, a word that meant Christmas Eve in Spanish. Cotey nodded and Rachel helped Amanda to the horse. Steve was pointing to a tall gray named Night in Shining Armor. “Alright Steve you will work with me tonight. Kimberly, you’ll work with Beth. Your horse’s name is Pegasus.” Kimberly nodded, going over to Beth.
“Hi Kimberly. How old did you say you were?” Beth asked, giving Pegasus a pat. The animal was calm, but set in his ways and sometimes liked to play tricks.
“Eight. How old are you?” she replied.
“I’m twenty six. So would you like to ride Pegasus?” she asked. Kimberly nodded slowly.
“I guess so.” Beth helped her into the saddle and then helped her find her stirrups.
“One of the most important things to remember when you’re riding is to keep your heels down as best you can. Your heels keep you safe. Another really important thing is to pay attention to Pegasus and talk to him. That’s going to keep him paying attention to you,” Beth explained. Kimberly nodded.
“Alright. Are we going to walk around?” she asked. Beth nodded.
“Yup. Just sit there and move with him, like you’re on a rocking horse. That’s good!” she exclaimed as they walked. Kimberly smiled at Beth, her eyes shining.
Later that evening Beth and Dominick were sitting in her living room on the floor watching ‘The Cute.” Beth’s head was on his shoulder and tears were running down her cheeks.
“What is it with girls that they can’t watch a sad movie without crying?” he questioned when the credits came on. She laughed, brushing tears away.
“I don’t know… it’s just a thing we do.”
“Weird. What’d you think of those kids today?” he asked. She smiled, turning off the television.
“I thought they were great… such awesome attitudes. I think that it’s great that kids so young can believe in themselves and try something new like that.” He didn’t say anything for a moment.
“You were like that. You were only eight and look how far you’ve gotten. You never stopped believing in yourself.” She sighed.
“Yes I did. Sometimes I never thought I’d make it anywhere. Even when I was at the Olympics, I wondered what I was doing there. I thought I’d mess it up.” Dominick put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“You’re pretty amazing. What time are your parents going to be home?” She shrugged.
“I don’t know, they didn’t say. I feel like a bum staying in their house still. I’m going to ask if I can have one of the other farmhouses on the property. There are a few that nobody uses,” she said.
“Good idea. I’m sure your Dad would let you stay in one.” She nodded, kissing him.
“Probably,” she murmured. His arms went around her waist, pulling her on top of him.
“I hope so. I don’t think I could share a house with your parents, and I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t want to live with mine.” She laughed as he continued to kiss her. He rolled on top of her, moving the kiss to her neck. Suddenly the front door burst open and David raced in.
“Beth, King’s gone down!” he exclaimed. Beth shoved Dominick off and pulled her shoes on. All three of them raced toward the barn.
When Jason and Jess came home they found a note from Dominick It read:
Jason and Jess,
Beth and I are at the barn. King’s gone down with founder or something of that sort. We’ve been doing all we can for him, but it’s looking pretty bleak. You may want to come down and bring Beth up to the house… I think we may have to put him down.
Dominick
Jess gasped, looking at Jason. He sighed and started toward the door. Just as he reached it, the door opened and Beth and Dominick walked in.
“We called another vet. This is our first major job since college, so I wanted to be sure. I was right, he’s going to have to be put down,” Dominick explained. Beth was crying softly, her arm around Dominick.
“I’m sorry honey. What’s wrong with him?” Jason asked, stepping forward and giving her a hug.
“That lump in his leg that I thought was swelling was a tumor. It’s moved through his legs, chest, and part of his stomach,” Beth said. Dominick squeezed her shoulder gently.
“Why don’t you go up to bed hon? It’s been a long night. I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, giving her a tight hug and a kiss on the forehead.
“Thanks for everything tonight Dom,” she replied. They watched as she walked dejectedly up the stairs.
Several days later Beth was riding Lion in the arena. Rain was pouring outside, thunder booming and lightning cracking. Lion was paying attention to her though. Suddenly he shied away from a jump and Beth pulled up to circle him back and approach again. Dominick was standing at the wall and she smiled.
“Hey, how are you?” she asked, asking for a canter and going back toward the jump. This time Lion went over it and she patted his neck.
“I’m good, how’re you?” he asked. She trotted over to him, a smile on her face.
“I’m doing better. I miss King… he was a great horse and he was with me for a long time,” she said with a sigh. Then she smiled, shrugging her shoulders.
“Sorry I interrupted your jumping session,” he said with a wink.
“No biggie. I’m going to get back at it,” she said. They trotted off and Dominick watched as they did the course twice more. With a smile she dismounted and led Lion from the ring.
Rachel and Beth sat in Beth’s room, talking and laughing. It was the night before the wedding, and Beth was extremely nervous.
“I can’t believe that I’m getting married tomorrow. Not that I don’t love Dominick it’s just… I’m getting married,” Beth said. Rachel laughed.
“I’m getting married in a year. Did you ever think that would happen?” Rachel asked. Beth giggled.
“No way… but hey, a lot can happen in a year,” she teased with a wink. Rachel threw a pillow at her.
“I love Jim! I can’t believe you’re marrying Dominick. That’s just gross,” Rachel muttered with a roll of her eyes.
“It isn’t supposed to appeal to you, he’s your brother. What time is it?” she asked.
“Almost midnight. We should try to get some sleep… busy day tomorrow.” Beth nodded and they turned out the lights, talking well into the early hours of the morning.
The wedding march began and Beth walked slowly down the aisle. Rachel was behind her, holding her terrain off the ground. Everyone stood and saw her mother begin to cry. She glanced up at her father and saw that he too was trying to hold back tears. She looked ahead at Dominick and he smiled at her. She grinned and continued walking. When she reached his side her father shook Dominick’s hand and then Dominick took her elbow.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered. She smiled, holding his arm tightly.
“I’ve never been so nervous in my life,” she replied. He grinned.
“That makes me feel better,” he joked. When the preacher began they stopped talking and listened. The ceremony didn’t take long though.
“By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the man said. Dominick pulled her into a gentle kiss, and then they walked back down the aisle together. They got into their limo, waving to everyone as they drove away.
The next afternoon Beth and Dominick stood in the airport. They were going to the Bahamans for their honeymoon. Their families stood around, giving them hugs goodbye.
“I love you Daddy. Take care of Lion… and if anything goes wrong call me. I love you too Mom,” she said, giving Jess a tight hug. Dominick shook his father’s hand and gave his mother a hug.
“I’ll see you guys later. Love you Ma, you too Dad,” he said. Sam and Cotey smiled, and they all watched the newlyweds walk down the tunnel to the plane.
