“Nick, repeat after
me,” Reverend Daniels began Nick’s vows.
“I, Nick, take thee, Jo, to be my lawful wedded wife…”
Nick took his bride’s
hands in his. “I, Nick, take thee, Jo,
to be my lawful wedded wife…”
“To love, honor, and
cherish…”
“To love, honor, and
cherish…”
“For better, for
worse, for richer, for poorer…”
“For better, for
worse, for richer, for poorer…” he looked straight into Jo’s eyes.
“In sickness and
health, forsaking all others…”
“In sickness and
health, forsaking all others…” Nick gave his beloved a smile that he reserved
for only her.
“As long as we both
shall live.”
“As long as we both
shall live,” he finished and gently squeezed her hand.
The reverend nodded
toward Jo. “Jo, repeat after me.” She
smiled at the reverend, then looked at Nick.
“I, Jo, take thee, Nick, to be my lawful wedded husband…”
She began, “ I, Jo,
take thee, Nick, to be my lawful wedded husband…”
“To love, honor,
cherish, and obey…”
“To love, honor,
cherish, and obey…”
“For better, for
worse, for richer, for poorer…”
“For better, for
worse, for richer, for poorer…” Nick lightly ran his thumb across the palm of
her hand. This gesture sent chills up
Jo’s spine.
“In sickness and
health, forsaking all others…”
“In sickness and
health, forsaking all others…” she gently squeezed his hands.
“As long as we both
shall live.”
“As long as we both
shall live,” Jo finished up quietly.
* * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
“May I have the
rings, please?” Reverend Daniels looked over at Demi Brooke. Demi walked up between Rebecca and Nick and
stood beside the reverend.
Reverend Daniels
began with William and Rebecca. He
picked up the first ring and handed it to William. “Please place the ring on Rebecca’s finger.”
William took the ring
and placed it on her third finger of her left hand. “With this ring, I do thee wed,” he said to her. Rebecca smiled as she felt the cold metal on
her finger.
“Rebecca, take this
ring,” Reverend Daniels handed her groom’s ring to her, “and place it on
William’s finger.”
She took the ring and
slipped it onto his wedding ring finger.
“With the ring, I do thee wed,” she said, more tears coming to her eyes.
“Nick,” the reverend
said to him. “Place the ring on Jo’s finger.”
Nick reached out to
take the ring from him, but he didn’t get a good enough hold on it. “Oops,” he said, as it dropped to the
ground. A clumsy smile adorned his
face.
Jo couldn’t help but
laugh. “Just a second,” Nick said as he
bent down to retrieve the small golden circle from the grass. It took him a few minutes, but he finally
stood up, the ring in his hand.
“Let’s try this
again,” the reverend smiled at him, “place the ring on Jo’s finger,” he
repeated.
Nick put the ring on
Jo’s finger, took her left hand in his, and spoke. “With this ring, I do thee
wed.” He innocently smiled at her.
“Jo,” the reverend
continued. “Take this ring, don’t drop it, and place it on Nick’s finger.”
Everyone laughed.
Jo took the ring and
placed it on Nick’s ring finger. “With this
ring, I do thee wed.” She smiled, still
thinking about the scene that Nick had just made.
The couples stood
there, each bride facing each groom. The
reverend spoke to them, “I now pronounce you husbands and wives.” He looked at
the eager grooms. “You may kiss your brides.”
Everybody clapped as
William leaned down to gently kiss Rebecca, and Nick leaned down to kiss Jo.
As everybody quieted
down, the reverend finished up, “May I introduce you all to Mr. and Mrs.
William Laurence; and Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Riley.” Nat began playing his violin as the new couples headed down the
aisle and over to the refreshment tables.
They had been through
a lot. Death had not won over; life
had. This was only the beginning for
these two couple…only the beginning.
THE END
