Taking Care of Everyone
Lucy enjoyed helping people in need, and homelessness was a big concern for her. She liked volunteering at a local shelter, going out of her way to ensure that those in the neighborhood who lived on the streets were cared for.
Taking Care of Everyone
Mark
One day, Lucy saw someone sitting on the sidewalk with a sign reading “homeless and hungry.” She offered help, and Mark accepted. He claimed not to have eaten for two days, which hurt to hear. After asking what he needed, he replied, “A blanket.”
Mark
Becoming Friends
Mark lost his job and couldn’t afford rent, so the landlord evicted him. Since he couldn’t find a place, he was left on the street. With time, Mark and Lucy became friends. She’d bring food, and they’d talk seemingly forever. He had a gentle soul, and she was drawn to him.
Becoming Friends
Being Asked to Marry
Lucy saw more in Mark than a homeless man. He had hopes and dreams like everyone. One day, Jack, her boyfriend, proposed to her. It was the happiest moment of her life, and she wanted to tell Mark right away.
Being Asked to Marry
The True Friendship
When Lucy told Mark she had gotten engaged, he was happy for her. They hugged for a moment, and Lucy knew he was thrilled and excited. Though he could have been upset that she had a good life, he wasn’t like that.
The True Friendship
A Special Task
Jack and Lucy wanted Mark to be part of their special day, and she finally got the perfect idea. They asked him to officiate at the wedding, and Mark was truly stunned. He wondered if they were sure, and they said he was an important part of their lives.
A Special Task
Took It Seriously
Mark was overcome with emotion because he’d never expected to be asked. He was honored and spent countless hours rehearsing his lines to make sure he wouldn’t mess up on the wedding day. He had to do a great job.
Took It Seriously
His Surprise
Lucy and Jack had no idea that Mark wanted to do something special. He hadn’t shared all parts of his life, and he needed time to plan. Since he was homeless, he had little access to resources, but he’d make it work!
His Surprise
The Librarian
He befriended a librarian, which wasn’t hard because of his charm and kindness. She allowed him to use the public library’s computer and lent a few books to him. Mark was always careful with them, treating them as treasures.
The Librarian
His Grand Gesture
A few days later, Mark was finished researching and returned the books to the kind librarian. He started making notes for his surprise idea. Mark wanted them to know they meant the world to him, and he was sure they’d appreciate it.
His Grand Gesture
The Big Day
The big day was finally here, and Lucy made sure he had a tuxedo and was staying in a hotel beforehand. She wanted him to be confident, and he felt it when he went to the location of the wedding. It was beautiful and should be quite large.
The Big Day
Guests Come In
Guests came in and looked for seating. Everyone was happy and chatting, so they didn’t look at Mark by the tree. He didn’t know when to go to the altar, but he was a little uncomfortable being alone for so long.
Guests Come In
The Wedding Planner
The wedding planner made Mark feel comfortable, telling him to go to the altar in five minutes for a sound check. He waited patiently while the technicians scurried around, arranging cables. Finally, they asked him to test the microphone, and all was well.
The Wedding Planner
Jack’s Turn
Mark was at the front of the altar, waiting for Lucy and Jack. Jack came first, shaking Mark’s hand while he waited. Then, the bridesmaids came down the aisle, whispering as they stood beside Mark.
Jack’s Turn
Can’t Take It
Everyone seemed to be staring at Mark, and he finally couldn’t take it anymore. He ran out of the room, almost knocking Lucy down. She was just about to come down the aisle herself. It surprised her, and she asked what had happened.
Can’t Take It
Stop Caring About Others’ Opinions
Mark got stage fright, feeling like he didn’t belong. In fact, some of the guests were upset he was there because they didn’t understand Lucy and Jack’s love for him. Lucy calmed Mark down and demanded that he stop caring about what other people said.
Stop Caring About Others’ Opinions
Her Kind Words
Lucy told Mark that he meant the world to them; he was their friend, and they wanted him at the wedding. This calmed him enough to go back. Plus, he really wanted to give them their surprise. He held his head high and walked back to the altar.
Her Kind Words
We Chose You
Jack patted his shoulder when Mark explained the situation to him. He offered kind words of encouragement and said that Lucy cared about him, and they chose him specifically for that reason.
We Chose You
A Grand Entrance
Mark reminded himself of his plan and wanted to prove everyone wrong. His surprise would show the world he was more than just a homeless person, as many saw him. Finally, the music began, and everyone rose, turning to watch the door for Lucy. The doors opened to showcase her beauty.
A Grand Entrance
Walking Down the Aisle
It was time to see Lucy walk down the aisle, and her wedding dress was gorgeous. Everyone felt the love, and Jack started crying because he couldn’t stop his emotions. The moment was perfect, and Mark would never forget it.
Walking Down the Aisle
The Big Breath
Mark knew it was time to start speaking, but he’d forgotten his lines. Lucy saw him panicking, and she gave him a reassuring look. He drew in a large breath, closed his eyes, and started to speak from his heart.
The Big Breath
Day Filled with Love
Though everyone looked at him, he didn’t care. He said his rehearsed lines perfectly, telling the group that it was a day full of celebration and love. Throughout his speech, tears rolled down Lucy’s cheeks because of those kind words.
Day Filled with Love
Payback
The bridesmaids were rolling their eyes and sighing, which hurt Mark’s feelings. However, Lucy noticed and stepped on the bridesmaid’s toes. After apologizing, the bridesmaid looked angrily at Lucy because she couldn’t even scream. Plus, she knew why it had been done.
Payback
A Sudden Shock
Mark thought it was a beautiful moment up until then, but the shock came. No one could find the rings! The guests were panicking, and the bride and groom were bewildered while the maid of honor and best man searched.
A Sudden Shock
Lightening the Mood
Mark was worried because the surprise was supposed to happen after the ring exchange. Jack lightened the mood by creating rings from the twigs of the flowers around them. He said they had no use for expensive rings if they had each other.
Lightening the Mood
The Reception
Luckily, the rings were found in the best man’s pocket. After the ceremony, everyone went to the reception room. It was decorated well, and there was plenty of food, with a dance floor. The wedding cake was the focal point.
The Reception
The Beautifully Decorated Room
Mark was in awe of the room because he’d never seen anything decorated so grandly. He wanted to find Lucy, but he couldn’t. Then, he realized Jack wasn’t around either. They better show up for his surprise!
The Beautifully Decorated Room
Calling Mark
Mark wandered aimlessly, trying to find Lucy and Mark. Finally, the DJ called his name; it was time for the surprise, but it couldn’t start until the couple was in the room. Now, he had to stall!
Calling Mark
Must Find Them
He wanted to sneak out of the reception room, but everyone had congregated by the door. Therefore, he decided not to care about their opinions because he’d learned from Lucy that they weren’t important; his happiness was.
Must Find Them
Changing Clothes
He ran from the room and hollered for Lucy and Jack. He heard them, realizing that they had changed clothes for the grand entrance. Mark demanded they come to the reception room immediately because of his surprise.
Changing Clothes
Mark Takes the Mic
Jack and Lucy were thrilled to learn he had a surprise for them. Heading to the stage, they thanked the group for being there and had a special thank-you for Mark. Then, he took the stage and microphone. What would he do?
Mark Takes the Mic
Time for the Surprise
Mark took the microphone and walked to the dance floor. He’d planned for a spotlight, and it showcased him well. Then, he looked at the guests and got ready to give his speech.
Time for the Surprise
Singing
After his speech, everyone was close to tears, though Jack and Lucy were wiping them away. Finally, he took a breath and started singing. No one knew he could do this, and it surprised the entire room of people!
Singing
His Beautiful Voice
Mark’s voice was soulful, and he made sure the lyrics reflected his feelings for the couple. In fact, he wanted to capture their love. Everyone was captivated by that performance, humming along or crying softly.
His Beautiful Voice
Full-night Celebration
After the song, the whole room stayed silent. Finally, they all started clapping and telling Mark how great he was. Overall, there was a celebration of joy for the rest of the night. No one judged him, and he could dance and laugh.
Full-night Celebration
Cake in the Face
It was time to cut the cake, and it was beautiful. Everyone surrounded the happy couple, and Jack had a trick up his sleeve. He grabbed a chunk of the whipped cream, smearing it on his wife’s nose. She laughed and screamed while shoving cake in his face!
Cake in the Face
The First Dance
Jack didn’t mind it when Lucy shoved cake in his face, and he did the same to Mark. This caused him to lick his lips while laughing. It was truly comical to see the cake in his beard! Then, it was time for the couple’s first dance.
The First Dance
Plenty of Love
Lucy was dancing with family and friends, and no one had any fears or worries. In fact, Mark hadn’t felt that much love in a single room. Then, a girl came up to him and took his hand, pulling him toward the dance floor!
Plenty of Love
Letting Loose
Mark hadn’t danced much before, but he cut loose, slow dancing with Lucy’s aunts and enjoying himself tremendously. He wouldn’t forget that night and was so happy to be part of it.
Letting Loose
Pulling Him Aside
The night was coming to a close, so the couple pulled Mark aside and thanked him for being part of their big day. They also said they appreciated the beautiful song and heartfelt speech he’d given.
Pulling Him Aside