When Two Become One
Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
The day has come. Leighton looks at herself in the mirror as she pats down the skirt portion of her ivory two piece wedding dress. Whitney fusses with her hair, brushing down the bangs. Leighton’s hair is now almost down to her back. Kimberly is searching for Leighton’s heels, a light silver pair by Ferragamo. Bela is rushing back and forth between Leighton and Tatum’s adjoining rooms telling bad jokes to cut down the tension and nerves. After being satisfied with Leighton’s hair, Whitney focuses on Leighton’s lipstick. She puts ROUGE DIOR FOREVER LIQUID on Leighton’s lips.
W: Oh that looks good, Leight.
Kimberly, who has now found Leighton’s shoes, walks over and gets a look. She nods her head in approval.
K: You look hot.
Bela, who has now fully returned into Leighton’s part of the room barks her approval.
B: Maddie kicked me out of there.
Leighton giggles.
W: How do you feel Leight?
L: Nervous. Not marrying Tatum…of that I am 100% sure. Just the spectacle of it all, you know.
The former roomies nod.
L: It’s a relatively small wedding which is what we both wanted. If it was up to us, we would have gone to the courthouse and then gone on our honeymoon. But Mama Turner and Mimi would have thrown a fit.
K: No kidding. I’m so glad you two found each other again.
Leighton begins to tear up but Whitney’s voice rises.
W: Leight, you’ll mess up your makeup! Save the tears for the ceremony.
Just then Lila appears with a big basket of pink and red petals.
Lila: I’m the flower bitch huh?
Leighton: You wanted to be a part of the wedding? Have Lily do it with you.
Lila and Christopher now have two children, a son Ignatius and a daughter Liliana (Lily).
Lila: I know but fuck?! Yes I’ll have my baby girl do this with me. She’ll outshine me, I just know it!
Everybody laughs.
Lila: Really, Leighton. I’m so happy for you. You’re glowing right now.
Leighton: Lila, don’t make me cry!
Mimi and Henry Murray appear to have a pre wedding chat with their daughter.
The former roomies and Lila make themselves scarce.
Henry grins at his daughter.
H: You’re nervous. I can see it.
L: I just want the pomp and circumstance to be over with.
H: I get it honey. This is a lot. Your mom and I…our wedding was an extravaganza. I like this low key vibe you have going on here.
Mimi looks at her child.
M: Leighton, you look beautiful and radiant!
L: Thank you Mother.
M: I will let you two have your father/daughter moment.
Mimi exits and finds herself in a conversation with Lila outside the door.
Leighton looks at her dad, who is dressed to the nines in his three piece tuxedo and black and round toe lace up shoes.
H: Honey, you know I have waited on this day for years. I liked Tatum the moment I met her.
Leighton smiles at the memory.
L: You didn’t know she and I were dating when you first met.
H: No, I didn’t. But when you told me, I must say I was pleased.
L: I smile with my teeth, right?
H: You still do.
Leighton smiles brightly.
L: She still makes me smile a decade later. I can’t ignore that.
In the adjoining room, now that Madison has kicked Bela out, Tatum is getting ready.
Tatum is in a light silver tuxedo jacket that cascades to the floor and matching silver slacks with the jacket open to show a white silk low cut v-neck top. Christian Loubotin Astrida Bride Red Sole Suede Pumps are on her feet. Her blonde hair is past her shoulders with curls on the ends. Charlotte Tilbury’s Bitch Perfect shade of lipstick crosses Tatum’s full lips.
Tatum is restless but excited.
She turns to Ellie, her friend since elementary school: I’m nervous, El.
E: Really, Turner? You…nervous?
T: Not about marrying Leighton, no. I’m 100% ready for it. It’s just the whole spectacle before we get to the nuptials.
E: It does seem a bit much.
T: Believe me, if it was up to us, we would have gone to the courthouse and then gone on our honeymoon.
E: I see Sharon got with the program. She’s playing the doting mother of the bride…one of the brides.
Madison interjects: She deserves an Academy Award for her performance so far today.
T: I told her to get with it or get lost.
M: Your dad is happy.
T: Shit, he might be happier than I am.
E: I never thought the day would come that one woman would get you to settle down.
T: Oh come on El. I wasn’t that bad.
Madison and Ellie look at Tatum simultaneously.
Tatum grins sheepishly.
T: I loved Leighton the first day I put eyes on her. We didn’t get a good start but we’re going to have a great ending.
M: You know I had my doubts about her back in college. Back then, she seemed to be struggling to find herself. But I’m impressed with the woman she has now become.
Tatum (with sarcasm): She’ll be thrilled to know she has your approval.
All three women giggle.
Ellie: All the femmes hearts are broken now that Tatum is off the market.
Tatum shakes her head with a smile.
T: I’ve been off the market for a while and I plan on keeping it that way.
There’s a knock at the door and it’s Sharon.
S: Madison and Elizabeth, please let me have a moment with my daughter.
The ladies nod and walk out of the room together.
Sharon, in a pale blue dress with matching heels, walks over to Tatum.
S: Tatum Marie, you look beautiful.
T: Thank you, Mother.
S: All a mother wants for her children is for them to be healthy, happy and loved. You seem to have all three of those with Leighton. I wish you nothing but the best. I have something for you.
Sharon pulls out a diamond bracelet that looked aged.
S: This was your grandmother’s. On my wedding day to your father, she gave it to me. Now I’m giving it to you. Should you and Leighton have a daughter, I hope you pass it on to her.
Tatum is emotional internally but doesn’t want to mess up her makeup so she grabs her mother and hugs her.
T: Thanks, Mom.
Sharon tears up. She puts the diamond bracelet on her daughter’s left wrist and kisses it.
S: I love you, Tatum Marie.
T: I love you, Mom.
Just then George knocks on the door.
Sharon opens the door for her husband.
G: Everything okay in here?
Both Turner women nod their heads in unison.
George is dresssed in a light lavender double-breasted stretch wool Sicilia-fit suit by Dolce & Gabanna. Black dress shoes by Bruno Marc are on his feet.
G: Great. Ready, Peanut?
T: Let’s do this!
Meanwhile in Leighton’s part of her room, she and Mimi are having a discussion.
Mimi is in a light blue high-neck glitter a-line gown with keyholes by Oleg Cassini. Light blue Chanel Lambskin Cap Toe CC Ankle Strap Flats fill out the ensemble.
M: Leighton, I am so happy and proud of you.
L: Really?
M: Yes, you chose your own path in life. You didn’t do what was expected of you and did what you wanted to do. You’re my hero.
Leighton wants to cry, but much like Tatum, doesn’t want to ruin her makeup.
She hugs her mother.
L: You and I have come a long way. I did not think out of the two mothers, you would be more comfortable than my future wife’s.
M: I just want you to be valued and loved and Tatum does both of those things. I love the way she loves you. It’s all you want for your child.
L: Thank you Mom.
Mimi smiles widely.
I have something for you. She pulls out a necklace with a heart on it. She opens it up and a picture of Mimi’s mother is in it.
This necklace was given to your grandmother on her prom night by your grandfather.
Leighton stifles tears. Mimi turns her daughter around and puts the necklace on her.
M: They’re both proud of you.
L: It would mean more if they were here.
Mimi smiles sadly: I wish people could change all of their ways, honey.
Leighton nods.
Henry comes back into the room.
H: Ready, honey?
L: I am.
The weather is cloudy but the sun is out. The ocean’s waves are heard splashing in the background. Pink and red flowers adorn the chairs of the guests and leis are worn by everybody.
Lily and her mom Lila lead the way dropping pink and red petals down the wedding aisle as pictures are snapped. Eric (there with Bela) and Lila’s husband Christopher, along with their son, Iggy, smile and snap pictures of the two.
Taron (bridesman) walks down with Ellie (Tatum’s maid of honor)
Madison walks with her wife Jessa
Kate walks with her boyfriend Reggie
They all make it to the front.
The crowd of about 100 people, full of the ladies family and friends get out of their seats as Tatum is the first to appear walking with George.
“Here Comes the Bride”, which is being performed by a live band, plays in the background.
Tatum is cool as a cucumber on the outside but is a nervous wreck on the inside. She makes it to the front with her people in back of her. The beach is a perfect backdrop at the Royal Kona for these two ladies.
She smiles at the ordained minister who smiles back.
Tatum eyes her mother in the front and nods and smiles as Sharon Turner smiles with tears in her eyes.
Three minutes later
Whitney (Leighton’s maid of honor) and her boyfriend Alex walk down the aisle.
Bela and Kimberly walk behind them.
Then Ginger walks down the aisle.
Jocelyn also comes down the aisle in her electric wheelchair.
Travis, who came with Jocelyn, sits next to Evelyn in the front with the mothers of the brides.
The crowd rises once again as Leighton and Henry come down the aisle together.
Leighton is beaming from ear to ear as she walks towards the front. She never takes her eyes off Tatum who hasn’t taken her eyes off Leighton.
Henry brings Leighton to Tatum who takes Leighton’s right hand in her left.
Whitney, Lila, Bela and Kimberly line up in their positions in the back.
All the bridesmaids are in pink dresses made by Isaac Mizrahi. They all have Adrienne Vittadini white wedding wedges on their feet. Taron, the lone man in the bridal party, is in a pink three piece tuxedo by Tom Ford. All white Bondi by Hoka shoes are on his feet.
Leighton looks at the minister and smirks.
Minister Tova smirks back.
An ASL interpreter is in front and to the right of Leighton signing for a couple of guests who are hard of hearing.
Tova begins
Tova: Welcome, everybody. We, as a small community are here to celebrate the union of one Leighton Lynn Murray and Tatum Marie Turner. I have known both ladies since college and it is an honor to know them. You two have been through a lot to be together and your love for each other is to be admired and perhaps studied. And we celebrate you two as individuals and we now celebrate you two as a unit in matrimony. You guys have your own vows that you will both say. Leighton, you wanted to go first.
Leighton begins to giggle. She looks at Whitney who grins at her. Bela raises both of her eyebrows in a faux seductive manner. Kimberly smiles widely.
Leighton turns to Tatum whose blue eyes scan her up and down.
Leighton speaks: Tatum, my love. My bunny, my dimpled doppelgänger. *The audience chuckles* I love you. I love you so much. When we first met, you honked your horn at me and yelled at me to get out of the way. I never would have thought twelve years later, you now want me near you at all times. We broke up several times and we reunited several times. We agreed and disagreed over so many things but one thing we never did was shortchange the other. Your sincerity and honesty is what I find most attractive about you other than your eyes and lips. *Tatum widely smiles* I always feel safe with you around and that no harm will come my way if you have anything to say about it. You let me be me and at my own pace. I love you for that. I love that you look at me like I’m the only star in the sky even a decade after we met. I love that you are willing to see my side of things when we get into a disagreement. You are my life and I will cherish you and our marriage for the rest of my days.
Leighton begins to cry.
I loved being your girlfriend but now I can’t wait to be your wife.
Lila wipes away tears as do several people in the crowd.
Tatum grabs Leighton gently and wipes her tears away with her right thumb.
“It’s okay, babe.” she whispers so only Leighton can hear.
Leighton nods.
Tova, who is a bit choked up themselves, turns and tells Tatum it’s her turn.
Tatum smirks.
T: Leighton, my beloved, you know I loved you since the day I almost ran you over.
The crowd laughs and Leighton giggles.
T: But no seriously, when we met I felt like I had won the lottery. I was young and immature back then. Full of bravado and hubris, I let it get in the way of our relationship. When we broke up, that shook me. I wanted to change but I was too proud to admit it. Later down the line, we reconciled and I was determined to not lose you again…until I lost you again after I graduated from Essex. But fate stepped in, I’d say, and we found our way back to each other. We have been through so much, it’s not even funny. You have seen me in my darkest hour and didn’t leave although sometimes I was scared you would. You made me want to be better and to do better. *Tatum clears her throat to stifle a tear*. I love the way your eyes light up when you smile and I am determined to make sure that smile stays on your face until the day I’m no longer alive. And I will do that, Leighton. But I don’t want you to lose yourself in our marriage, I want you to be your own person and you allow me to be mine. We won’t always agree and there are going to be days when we can’t stand the sight of one another. But I will never stop loving you. I loved you twelve years ago and I love you now. I can’t wait to be your wife as well.
Leighton is full on sobbing now as her mascara starts to run. Tatum finally lets the tears run down her own cheek.
Maddie and Kate are also sobbing and Taron is nodding his head proudly.
Tova now has the floor.
Will the ring bearer please come down?
As the crowd “ahhhhs”, Tatum’s young nephew TJ comes down in his pink suit with the rings on a pink pillow. Leighton and Tatum smile brightly at the little boy who has his aunt’s dimples.
Trevor, TJ’s father and Taron and Tatum’s younger brother, follows behind his son and smiles at his sister.
Tova takes the rings from the little boy and begins.
Tatum Marie, will you take Leighton Lynn,to be your wife, to protect her and love her until the end of your days?
T: I will.
Tatum takes the ring for Leighton and slides a six carat pear shaped diamond ring on Leighton’s left ring finger.
Leighton lets out an audible gasp.
Tova also looks stunned.
Tova: Leighton Lynn, will you take Tatum Marie as your wife, to love and cherish and protect until you are no longer living?
Leighton: I will.
Leighton slides a four carat gold diamond ring onto Tatum’s left ring finger.
It’s Tatum’s turn to look stunned.
Tatum eyes Leighton and mouths Whoa!
Tova picks their jaw up off the floor and gathers themselves.
Tova: Taron, Whitney…the ribbons.
Whitney and Taron leave their respective positions in back of the brides and bring out a ribbon in the colors of the lesbian flag. Leighton is stunned by this as Tatum had requested the change from a traditional color. Whitney and Taron tie Leighton and Tatum’s hands together.
L: I love you.
T: I love you.
Tova: Everybody rise.
People do as they’re told.
Tova: Tatum and Leighton, you are now joined together for life. I now pronounce you Mrs. and Mrs. Murray-Turner. You may kiss your bride!
The audience erupts in cheers as Tatum with the ribbons around her wrist cups Leighton’s face in her hands and kisses her passionately. Leighton grabs Tatum by the waist and kisses her back. They gently undo the ribbons and simultaneously reach for each others hands and walk down the aisle together to raucous applause.
Rice is being thrown as they make their way back to the hotel lobby.
As they make their way to a quiet corner, a more passionate kiss between the two commences.
T: You look good enough to eat!
L: Well you can have an early dessert right now.
Tatum’s eyes widen.
Taron walks in to give his sister and new sister in law a huge hug.
Tatum whispers in her brother’s ear and he smirks with a look eerily similar to his sister’s smirk.
Taron: I got you. I’ll keep them occupied.
Tatum: Thanks, bro.
Tatum and Leighton walk quickly to the adjoining room they had shared prior to their wedding and shut and lock the door.
T: We have to take pictures you know.
Leighton, busy removing Tatum’s tuxedo top and unzipping her pants, grins at her new wife.
L: Guess that means you’ll have to take all of this off so as not to mess it up.
Tatum begins removing Leighton’s wedding jacket and skirt.
The kisses are getting more passionate as Tatum kisses Leighton’s neck and Leighton lets out another gasp.
Leighton pushes Tatum off of her and leads her to the bed as she removes Tatum’s pants and underwear.
L: Remember what I said? Leave your heels on.
Tatum laughs as she pulls Leighton on top of her.
T: Whatever you want, wife.
We probably have 15 minutes before someone knocks on the door.
L: ooh a challenge.
Leighton goes down on Tatum.
Tatum grins as she grabs Leighton’s head.
T: I have no doubt you’ll complete the challenge.
Tatum moans…
T: Well…maybe twenty minutes.
45 minutes later, the new wives redress and do their best to reapply makeup and lipstick.
They are giggling and laughing and finally someone knocks on the door.
Whitney is on the other side: Are y’all done?! Y’all ain’t exactly quiet.
Leighton turns red: Oh my god.
Tatum kisses her new wife on the cheek.
We’ll be right out.
T: You good?
Leighton kisses Tatum on the mouth: Yes, I am.
The ladies begin holding hands as they walk out of their room and into the lobby.
They laugh at the snickers and giggles of their guests.
T: Hey, I couldn’t wait.
Pictures are taken on the rocks with the beach in the background with both sets of parents. Tatum takes pictures with Leighton’s bridal party and Leighton takes pictures with Tatum’s.
Nico and his girlfriend, Natalie and Taron and his girlfriend Audrey take pictures with the brides.
Leighton and Tatum hold TJ as he smiles toothless with his aunts.
It’s a celebratory atmosphere.
The ballroom hosts the reception.
Tatum and Leighton mingle with their guests, smiling, taking envelopes from various people.
As Tatum and Leighton finally sit down at the wedding table, champagne and sparkling cider is brought to everybody.
Henry Murray taps his glass to get everybody’s attention.
H: Everybody, everybody can I have your attention!
Leighton…Tatum, I am so happy for you both. The love you two have for each other does my heart so good. Tatum, thank you for loving my daughter the way you do. Leighton, my dear, I’m proud of you more and more every day. Your old man’s cup runneth over. Congratulations to you both! Cheers!
Raucous applause ensues.
Tatum gets up with champagne in her hand: I just want to say, Leighton and I thank each and every one of you for coming to celebrate with us. Each of you here has a personal connection to us respectively. We are blessed beyond measure and are overflowing with joy. Now it’s time to eat!
The audience whoops loudly.
There are several food stations. Dim Sum, Ethiopian, Vegan, American and Hawaiian food are the options.
Leighton and Tatum are having trouble keeping their hands off one another.
As everyone gets their meals together, Elizabeth (Ellie) stands up to speak.
Tatum, we have known each other since second grade. We came out to each other in the ninth grade, we have fought over the years and we have made up. You were there for me when my mother died and I held your hand as you said goodbye to your grandpa. I’m sure he is looking down on you with a smile.
Tatum nods and grins.
Leighton, you’ve got a good woman there. Believe me, many hearts were broken when it was announced Tatum was no longer available.
Tatum shakes her head with a grin.
Ellie: But enough about that, I have a surprise for you ladies.
Tatum and Leighton look at Ellie quizzically.
E: Ladies, a special guest wanted to congratulate you.
Recording star Gracie Abrams comes through the door and Leighton almost drops her glass.
Tatum looks at Ellie, clearly impressed.
T: How?
E: Oh, I have my ways.
Leighton gets up to hug Ellie.
L: Wow, El.
E: You deserve it, my friend in law.
Gracie begins to serenade the audience as everybody enjoys their meals.
Leighton leans back onto Tatum swaying to the music.
She whispers to her new wife: I’m tired. All I want to do right now is take you to bed.
T: Same. Just a couple of more hours.
And with that, four more hours pass.
During that time, Whitney gives a speech recounting when she first met Leighton and how unimpressed she was but over time, the ladies have become incredibly close.
Tatum and Leighton have their first dance as wives.
Tatum dances with her mom and her dad.
Leighton dances with her mom and her dad.
The DJ has the right mix of music to keep the dance floor full.
Leighton and Tatum chat privately with Gracie for about half an hour.
Gracie performs one more song and then exits to thunderous applause. Everybody is tipsy and the laughter has risen to an all time high.
Leighton and Tatum cut their cake: Chocolate marble.
Another hour passes.
Tatum notices her wife is starting to fade.
She whispers to her: I’ll get us out of here.
Tatum gets up and grabs the mic: Everybody! Thank you all so much for coming and I want you all to continue and have a great time. We’re thrilled and can feel all of your love. We are going to bid you all adieu. I know, I know. But my wife’s needs come first for me.
Tatum grabs Leighton’s hand and they go to each table taking quick photos and saying their goodbyes.
So many thank yous and love yous were said by the ladies. Tatum never lets go of Leighton’s hand.
The live band begins playing Sound of Music’s “So Long Farewell” as the ladies get ready to retreat for bed.
As they wave goodbye, George walks over to them and gives them
a hug. He hands Tatum a very thick envelope. “From your uncles”. Tatum knowingly nods.
G: Don’t worry ladies, I’ll take care of the guests. Tatum, take care of your wife. Love you girls.
Tatum and Leighton: Thanks Dad.
Leighton giggles at Tatum’s shocked face.
Leighton walks in front of her new wife and grabs Tatum’s hands and puts them around her waist. They walk like that all the way to their room.
Tatum opens the door: Oh shit!
The room has been redone with red and pink petals everywhere as well as pink red and black and gold balloons. Congratulations and Just Married banners adorn the room.
Tatum brings Leighton to the room and guides her to the bed. She gently undresses her wife whose eyes are getting heavier and heavier.
L: Tatum, bunny, I’m tired.
She reaches for Tatum and removes her jacket and pants.
Tatum removes her bra and top and the wives are both fully naked.
T: Come here.
Leighton and Tatum snuggle under the petal covered king sized bed and Leighton falls asleep almost immediately on Tatum’s chest.
Tatum kisses the top of Leighton’s head and breathes a sigh of contentment. She falls asleep seconds later herself.
The End.