“Oh… yes…”
Catherine kissed her on the cheek. “Honey, you keep me informed about the wedding plans and date.”
“Be… uff… e… mall.”
Gini walked to the door with her, holding her hand, then Catherine turned and looked at Robert. He gave a nod with a smile. She waved and smiled back.
The emails flowed from that day on. Robert found a link so they could video call. Then a whole new world opened for Gini. She loved talking to her good friend. Debbie left Gini at her desk alone most of the time when she was on the computer, checking on her with the monitor or walking back to the room. She could hear Gini’s giggle; it warmed her heart. She was just walking in the room when Gini put her hands up and started to sign.
“Oh, girlfriend, I don’t know how to interpret that stuff. You’re stuck talking to me.”
Gini put her head back and laughed.
“Honey, I love hearing you laugh. That tells me you’re happy.”
“Oh… yes… be… uff… happ… ee.
“Cat… ter… rin… bout… chill… ren… heat.”
“What’s that?” Catherine was trying to figure out what she’d said.
“Chill… ren… heath… car.”
“Oh, health care; sadly, nothing much has been accomplished. Every time we just about get to the floor, something new is added to the proposed national health-care bill, and ours gets pushed back. We are working with the people proposing the national bill to include our requests. It’s a long-drawn-out process.”
Debbie stood in the door and listened.
“Chill… ren… be… uff… dis… able. Guiney… be… uff… dis… able. Bain… uff… no… tink.”
“Oh honey, there’s nothing wrong with your brain; believe me.”
Gini giggled. Debbie walked up behind her and kissed her on the top of her head.
Each night Robert, Gini, and Debbie discussed the wedding plans. He suggested they get married in the hospital chapel. That way Gini’s friends working there could all come. Debbie took care of most of the arrangements.
She took Gini to a dress shop in New Haven to buy her dress. She knew there were many fancy dress shops in Boston on Newbury Street, but she thought it would be easier for Gini, and it certainly was easier for her, since she knew little about high fashion.
When they got there, Lisa asked, “How about a little help? I can’t get this big baby belly out of the car.”
Gini giggled, and Debbie helped Lisa step out of the back door. “Won’t be long now.”
“Nope, just a few weeks.”
Once inside, Debbie told the saleswoman what they were looking for.
“Let’s get you into a fitting room, and I’ll bring you some dresses I think you’ll like.”
“I’ll wait out here,” Lisa said, finding a chair.
Debbie and Gini walked with the saleslady.
“Gini, you’re going to model the dresses, right?” Lisa asked.
“Oh… yes…” Gini lowered her head and shook it. “Be… uff… moe… deel.”
The wedding day finally arrived. Everyone working at the hospital was invited. The chapel quickly filled, and many stood outside peering in through the doors.
Debbie walked Gini down the aisle. Gini held a single long-stemmed yellow rose, clutched tight in her hand. Debbie had pulled her curls back, and they were held in place by a headband covered with small fresh flowers. She wore a simple champagne pink dress. It slid softly down her small body; it hung short, to her knees, and longer in the back. The shoes were flats, the same color as the dress.
Robert’s eyes lit up when she walked through the door. Debbie took the rose and put Gini’s hand in his. He looked distinguished in his black tux.
When Debbie turned to sit, she saw Catherine and Ric sitting in the second pew. Ric nodded at her, and Debbie smiled. She sat next to Lisa and Lenny in the first pew. Lisa’s baby belly laid low over her lap.
Reverend Gilbert gave a small opening sermon on marriage, love, and how God would always guide them and be with them. Then he had both Robert and Gini repeat the vows. Gini took her time and didn’t miss a word.
“I believe, Robert, you have something you want to say to Gini.”
Robert held her hands, facing her. “Oh, Gini, where do I start? I had no idea I was capable of loving anyone as much as I love you.”
Gini would open her eyes for a minute and then the lids would slide down, then she’d open them again.
“There was something special about you from the day you arrived at New Haven Medical Center. I saw your courage, your determination, and your will to make your life the best it could be. Then one day I checked your vitals, and you placed your hand on my chest.” He took her hand and put it on him. “And right there, you took my heart. You stole it from me, but I give it to you willingly.”
Lisa leaned over to Debbie and whispered, “This is so beautiful.” Debbie nodded and wiped her tears; Lisa blew her nose. Lenny hugged Lisa close to him.
“I will always love you, Guiney. My arms will encircle you forever; I’ll take care of you till the day I die. I looked forward to spending every spare moment with you to learn your lessons, and to feel your love.”
“Pa… lay… uff… bray… car.”
Both John, who stood for Robert, and Debbie laughed.
“Yes, and you will always beat me at braille cards.” He squeezed her hands.
“Gini, do you have something to say?” the reverend asked.
“Oh… yes…”
Debbie wasn’t aware they were going to do personal vows. She was sure Gini had nothing planned.
Gini closed her eyes tight and thrust her tongue. Robert stood rubbing his thumb over the back of her hands.
“Er… guiney… no… know… wear… are. No… know… who… be. Be… uff… scare. Ock… tor… rob…
