The Words That Stop a Wedding

Rina had officiated thirty-seven weddings, but never one with two private escape plans. An hour before the ceremony, the groom pulled her aside. “If I say, ‘I need some air,’ stop everything.” Ten minutes later, the bride found Rina by the flower arch. “If he says he needs air, keep going. His mother taught him that trick.” Now the guests were seated, and the couple stood before her. Rina opened her book. The groom looked at the bride. She squeezed his hand. “I need some air,” they said together.