Chapter 52

It was the day we had been waiting for.  Nick and I had gone through so much to get to this day.  It was our special moment to shine and it was going to be perfect.

Everything in the church had been decorated in a beautiful Christmas theme.  The lovely arrangements were burgundy colored roses and poinsettias amid dark green splashes of ferns and evergreens.  Burgundy ribbons and bows were placed along the ends of the pews.  Gold highlights could be found throughout the church.  And soft candlelight provided a lovely glow to the church.

The sound of classical music could be heard playing in the background as the guests arrived.  Although the time and place was kept a secret, fans still found their way to the church to get a quick glimpse of everyone.  However, for the first time that anyone could remember, the fans were very respectable and didn’t make a scene.  They lined up along the roped off areas around the church and waited patiently as the wedding party arrived.

Nick, Brian, and Howie were the first to arrive.  They had pulled up in a stretch limosine.  Howie stepped out first and then Nick and Brian.  All the girls in the crowd waved and clapped for the three of them.  Nick turned and looked at them and blew them a final kiss.  Then the three of them disappeared into the church.

AJ and Kevin arrived shortly after and waved at everyone.  They quickly found their way to the groom’s dressing room to check on final preparations.

“Nick, you look nervous.  Are you okay?” asked Brian.

“Yup, I just can’t believe the day is finally here.  Do you know how long I have been waiting for this moment?” Nick answered, trying not to tear up.

The four guys just stood there and listened as Nick talked about how happy he was and how beautiful I was.  Suddenly, from outside, they could hear applause and cheers.  The five guys turned towards the door to look, but AJ held Nick back.

“Sounds like Heather and Dee just arrived.” AJ looked at the others.

“God, I wish I could see her.  I just want to hold her in my arms.” Nick said.

“Down boy...in due time...in due time.” Brian said.  “It is only about 30 minutes until the ceremony.”

Howie then excused himself, saying that he needed to go and talk to me.  “Hey, if I am going to give her away...I have to go make sure everything is okay.” With that, he left.

Brian, AJ and Kevin looked at each other and knew that they had to find a way to get out of the room for just five minutes to come and talk to me.  Each one of them knew that they were going to help me do something for Nick, and well, it was time to come and find out.  There was a knock at the door and Brian soon answered it.

“Hello Bob and Jane, come on in.  We were just about to go check over a few arrangements, so, could you both keep Nick company until we return?” Brian asked.

“Of course, we wanted to talk to him anyway, so this is perfect.” Jane answered.

With that, Brian, AJ and Kevin left to come and talk to me.  As they arrived at the room, they could see Dee and I finishing my hair.  I was all in a fuss over it, claiming that I looked like a matted dog.  It was just nerves, but I still had to rant and rave.  The guys all commented on how beautiful I looked, as well as Dee, Leslie, BJ, and Lucy.  After a brief meeting with me, they made their way back to Nick and got ready for the ceremony.

Dee and I had a few final hugs, and my mother came in to wish me well.  She and I hugged for a few minutes, and then we wiped away the tears and gathered ourselves, for the moment that I had been waiting for had arrived.
 

Nick and Brian took their places at the front of the sanctuary, looking at the crowd.  Brian leaned over and wished his most dear friend the very best wishes in life.  Nick looked back at him, with tears in his eyes.  Brian patted Nick on the shoulder as the music soon started.

Everyone turned to look at the back as Pachabel’s Canon in D started to play.  The first to appear at the back was Lucy, who was accompanied by AJ.  The two slowly made their way down the aisle.

Next, were BJ and Kevin.  They smiled brightly as they walked down the aisle, a short distance behind AJ and Lucy.

Soon, Dee appeared in the doorway, and very elegantly walked down behind the others.

Aaron and Angel stood beside their older sister, Leslie as they walked down the aisle.  Aaron looked so proud to be carrying the rings on a soft velvet, burgundy colored pillow.  The two rings had been very gently tied to the pillow with small green ribbons.  Angel was carrying a gold basket holding the petals of 50 red roses.  She very gently tossed the petals on the aisle as they proceeded.

Then the whole church rose as the music gained volume.  They stood in their places as Howie and I stood in the doorway.  Very soft whispers could be heard as we started down the aisle.  Howie very proudly took my arm and placed it on his, and helped me as we walked down the aisle together.

I was dressed in an empire waisted gown made of white satin and lace.  The long lace sleeves came to a point on the top if my hands.  The gown flowed gently over my body, very nicely covering my tummy.  With the cathedral train and veil flowing behind me, I looked like a princess from a fairytale.  (AN: Picture the gown that Danielle wears in EverAfter and that is what I am wearing.)   I simple string of pearls, belonging to my beloved grandmother added a simple, yet elegant accent to my dress.  I wore very simple pearl earrings that dangled sweetly from my ears.  I carried a lovely arrangement of red and chocolate roses accented with ferns, evergreens and babies breathe.   A satin burgundy ribbon completed the bouquet.

Nick stood in his place, totally amazed by how beautiful I looked.  I could only blush and smile as I looked at him.  He was the most sexy and handsome man I had ever laid eyes upon.  He was dressed in a black tux with tails.  His green cornered tie and vest looked so amazing, and fit Nickolas beautifully.  He had a simple chocolate rose accented with babies breathe and ferns on his lapel.

As we approached, Nick smiled and winked at me.  I tried to hold the tears back as Howie escorted me to Nick’s side.  And, then the ceremony began.

“Dearly Beloved:  We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony.  The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.” The priest started.

“Into this holy union Heather Lynne and Nickolas Gene now come to be joined.  If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.”

Everyone looked around as there was a moment of silence.  When there was no objection, the priest continued.

“Heather, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage?  Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as you both shall live?”

“I will.” I said softly, looking into Nick’s deep blue eyes.

“Nickolas, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage?  Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as you both shall live?”

“I will.” Said Nick gently, continuing to gaze into my blue-gray eyes.

“Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”

“We will.” Answered everyone.

And now, Howie got to do the most special thing in his life.  The priest asked the crowd, “Who presents this woman to be married to this man?”

Howie very proudly stood before everyone and declared, “I do.”  He very gently squeezed my arm as he passed me off to Nickolas.

Everyone then took their seats for the reading of the Lessons and the Gospel, appointed for this joyous event.  Nickolas and I could not keep our eyes off each other as the lessons were read.  I was sure that there was some sort of message I should have been listening to, but all I could think about was Nick.  You could see in his eyes that he was having a hard time concentrating too.

“And, now, will the Bride and the Groom please come and join hands together.” The priest asked softly.  I handed my bouquet to Dee as she smiled sweetly and hugged me.  Dee looked so beautiful in her gown.  Kevin only gazed at her as she gazed back.  The two of them were in a dream state, thinking of the day that they would be saying these very words to each other.  The couple never took their eyes off each other as the priest continued.

“Nickolas and Heather have chosen to add, to the traditional vows, some words of their own.  Nickolas, please hold Heather’s right hand, and say the following:”

Nick very carefully said,

“In the Name of God, I, Nickolas, take you, Heather, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death.  From this day forward, you shall not walk alone Heather.  My heart will be your shelter, and my arms shall be your home.  I love with all my heart and soul, and I will be by your side as we walk through our journey together.   These are my solemn vows to you.”

Nickolas let go of my right hand as I took his in mine.

“In the Name of God, I, Heather, take you, Nickolas, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death.  I promise you, Nickolas, all my heart’s devotion, a smile to chase away your tears of sorrow, a love that is ever true and ever growing, and a hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.  I love you. These are my solemn vows to you.”  I said gently.

“Bless, O Lord, these rings to be signs of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other.” The priest continued as Aaron stepped up next to us.

Then Nick took the ring from Aaron, and said...

“Heather, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of God.”  And with that, he placed the on my finger.

I took the other ring from Aaron and said, “ Nickolas, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of God.” Placing in on his finger.

“Now that Nickolas and Heather have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands, and the giving and receiving of rings, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of God.  Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder.”

With that, the crowd said, “Amen!”

“You may now kiss your beautiful bride Nickolas.” The priest said aloud.

Nick took me in his arms and very passionately kissed me as the whole church clapped and cheered.

“Now, Nickolas and Heather have asked that everyone remain seated as they make presentations to each other.  Parting from the traditional service, both of them have prepared something special for each other and wish for you all to be present.” The priest said as he stepped out of the way and allowed Nick to step forward.

“I have always wanted to say so many things to Heather, and the only way I can express my feelings without stumbling over the words, is to give her the gift of a song...” Nick blushed.  Everyone giggled as Nick turned a lovely shade of red.  The music quickly started, Nick approached me, and then kneeled down in front of me.

And the song he sang was:
 

“I love you Heather.” Nick finished as tears flowed from his eyes.  He took me into his arms and held me close for a moment and then gently kissed me and then my tummy.  “And to the sweet child of ours that you carry, I will love, cherish and treasure him or her forever.”

Tears of happiness and joy flowed from my eyes as I looked at Nick and then proceeded with my presentation.

I sang a verse of “I Cross My Heart” from George Strait and then moved onto the surprise that each of the guys had a part in.

“Nickolas, I would like for you to sit, as I present you with five gifts.  Your loving friends and brothers here have helped me in this, and I want you to know that you hold a very special place in each of our hearts.”

I first had AJ step up and hold a seashell.  “Nickolas, the seashell represents the shelter in life that you have given me.” I said.   AJ then added, “And the shell will hold all your memories and moments that you will have throughout your life together.”

Then Kevin stood and held a crystal bottle with seawater.  I spoke softly, “The seawater represents the life you have given back to me.”  Kevin added, “And the water will bring purity and faithfulness to you each.”

Howie brought up a crystal jar holding sand. “The sand represents the gift of our journey together.” I said.  Howie then stated, “And the sand will help lay out the path that you will follow in your life together.”

Finally, Brian, stood up holding a gold chain, with a diamond star hanging from it.  I said gently, “The star represents the light of life.” Brian concluded, “The star is what guides you through life and will always be there to shine it’s light upon you both.”

I then walked over and opened a wooden box, with our named engraved in gold lettering across the top, and lined with forest green velvet.  “This box is that which will hold our treasures forever.  It will shelter our dreams and hold our deepest wishes.  Together, we will walk the path of life together, honoring and cherishing every moment that we have.  I love you with all my heart Nickolas.”

With that, AJ, Kevin, Howie and Brian placed the objects into the box and I handed it to Nick.  Everyone clapped and cheered.

“May God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting.  Amen.” The priest prayed.

“And, now, it is my happy privilege to congratulate and introduce to you,  Mr. and Mrs. Nickolas Carter.”

Everyone clapped and cheered again for us.  The music then started and we made our way back down the aisle while everyone rang small gold bells that had been handed to them as they entered the sanctuary.  The bells rang in the new life we would share and made a joyous sound to all who were present.

As we made our way out into the courtyard of the church, we were showered with rice and rose petals.  This was the start of our new life together...and it was the happiest day of our lives.