The wedding ceremony proceeded smoothly as the elderly minister read the sacred words slowly.
Mark stood at the altar looking very sharp in his fitted black tux and silk tie.
He smiled warmly at Sarah as she walked down the aisle toward his side.
Lily stood proudly near the front row while holding her small flower basket tightly.
When the minister asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of quiet prayer.
Sarah closed her eyes and felt a deep sense of calm wash over her mind.
Suddenly a muffled cry broke the quiet silence near the back entrance of the room.
Sarah opened her eyes quickly and turned her head toward the sound in confusion.
She saw Jason roughly grabbing Lily small arm near the white floral backdrop curtain.
Lily was pulling back with all her tiny strength while crying real tears of fear.
The guests began to whisper nervously as they watched the strange physical struggle happen.
Jason tried to pull the little girl behind a large decorative wooden door quickly.
Sarah dropped her flower bouquet onto the floor without thinking about her dress at all.
She gathered up her heavy white gown and ran fast down the long center aisle.
Bride: Let go of my daughter right now!
Sarah reached Jason in two seconds and grabbed his wrist with full force.
She shoved him back against the wall until he released his tight grip on Lily.
Lily sobbed loudly and buried her face right into Sarah neck for safety.
Little Girl: He hurt me so bad mommy!
Sarah wrapped her strong arms around her child and held her very close.
She felt Lily small body trembling with deep fear against her chest.
Mark came walking down the altar steps quickly with a tight angry face.
He looked around at the staring guests and grabbed Sarah upper arm tightly.
Groom: You are embarrassing me in front of everyone!
Bride: You hurt my child and you expect me to stay quiet!
Sarah glared back at Mark with hot tears of fury in her dark eyes.
She noticed a bright red mark on Lily small fair wrist from the pulling.
Lily pointed her tiny finger directly at Mark inner black jacket pocket with fear.
Little Girl: That is the paper they said don't tell about!
Sarah eyes narrowed as she looked at Mark fitted black tuxedo jacket closely.
A thick yellow paper envelope was sticking out slightly from his inner pocket.
Mark face turned completely pale as he quickly reached up to cover his suit jacket.
He tried to step back into the crowd but Sarah moved forward even faster.