Authors: Ralph Smith
“Wow! It looks
incredible back here.”
“It sure does. She’s one lucky girl.” Rebecca said softly
.
David spotted Michael
and pulled Rebecca along with him. “I want you to meet someone.” He said as he felt her move woodenly under his guidance.
“David, I see you’re dressed.”
Michael was wearing his robes for officiating the ceremony. “I see you’re ready, too. I’d like you to meet someone. This is Rebecca, who runs the Safe Haven mission.”
“What a pleasure to meet you young lady. I’ve been following your exceptional work for a long time.” Michael said as he reached out a hand.
Rebecca stepping out from under David’s arm took Michael’s hand, and said, “thank you,” her confidence buoyed by the compliment.
“Oh yes, I’ve read a number of articles about all the
marvelous work you do, and was thrilled to hear David knew you. I really must come down sometime soon to see the place.”
“I’d love to have you come
, and visit.”
“The only thing I worry about is that Rebecca works too hard.” David said
, “I just wish I knew someone as dedicated that could help her.” He looked at Michael.
"David, you know I love my work,"
Rebecca said enjoying his praise. “I don’t feel overworked.”
Michael, looking at David suddenly caught on
, and smiled “I’d like you two to meet my sister.” He turned, and waved at Abigail and Charles who immediately came walking over.
“David
and Rebecca this is my sister Abigail, and my Nephew Charles.”
“It’s very nice to meet you David, Michael has had such
lovely things to say about you. Thank you for inviting us to your wedding.” Abigail said.
“Thank you for coming. Michael ha
s been a tremendous friend, and I’m so pleased to meet his family.” David replied. Charles was standing quietly, staring at Rebecca, and David extended a hand to him which he absentmindedly took. “Nice to meet you too Charles.”
“Yes, nice to meet you.” Charles
said, “Rebecca do you run the mission downtown?”
Rebecca a little flustered by his intense look
said, “Yes I do, how did you know?”
“I just got back
, and was reading some articles my Uncle had saved about your mission. There was a picture, but you are much more beautiful in person. I mean, you know, newspaper photos aren’t very... Well.” Charles spluttered, as he and Rebecca both turned red.
“Thank you, Charles. I never like when they put my picture in those articles. Unfortunately
, the press is good for our mission, so I have to do the interviews.”
“Charles just got back from running a mission for
the homeless, and battered women in South America for the past few years.” Michael said.
"Really,"
Rebecca said smiling broadly.
Charles, looking even more embarrassed said, “Yes
, but it was nothing as impressive as what you’ve been doing.”
Rebecca
, slightly embarrassed said, “I do the best I can.”
“
Charles, would you please do me a favor?” David asked. “Could you escort Rebecca to a seat? I have to go and greet more guests.”
Charles excitedly said
, “It would be my pleasure.”
Rebecca gave him a grin
, and they headed off. Abigail asked, “What are you two up to?”
Michael said with a small chuckle “you have some of your Aunt
Molly’s blood in you, David.”
David said with a sly grin “I only introduced her to you.”
Michael gave a big laugh “Yes, that’s true. So you’re a lot more subtle than she is.”
Abigail interrupted “You two are playing matchmaker!
Now I’ve seen everything. At least she seems like a nice girl, and I’ve read those articles too. She certainly does do exceptional work, but don’t think you are off the hook if anything goes wrong.”
“Yes mam” David
said, “I better get back to work.”
David made it back out front in time to meet Bob Johnson coming up the drive. He told him about the morning’s demonstration for his father
and Michael, and Bob just laughed. David met a number of neighbors, and a variety of people he didn’t know, who evidentially were friends or relatives of council members. He was just happy to be busy, and was enjoying being outside on such a beautiful fall day.
As he made his way back to the garden
, his dad came over, and said, “It is just about time, Son. Are you ready?”
“Oh, I lost track of the time. What do I need to do?”
“Wait up by the arbor with Michael. Here, is her wedding band” Gabe handed him the ring “and I have yours. I’ll walk her up when the music starts, and just remember, when Michael asks you if you take her as your bride to say yes.” Gabe gave him a grin.
"I think I can handle that,"
David said then gave his dad a hug.
“All right
, I’ll go get the girls. Tell Michael he has 15 minutes to get everyone in their seats.” Gabe said as he walked off.
David found himself walking towards Michael not
quite sure if he was directing his legs or not. He hadn’t taken any time to contemplate that they were actually about to be married. So much had happened in the past two weeks that it almost felt like a lifetime had passed, and yet it suddenly felt like the blink of an eye. He reached Michael, and managed the words “It’s time.”
Michael
said, “very well.” Then in a big booming voice David had never heard from him before he spoke to the crowd “Everyone, can you please take your seats? We are about to get started.”
Without hesitation
, the group began quickly filing into the rows of chairs before them. As David stood there watching, he felt as if he were looking at the scene from a distance, the sounds were muted; people seemed to be moving in slow motion. Then before he realized it everyone was seated, and he heard music start to play. He turned mechanically to see a string quartet, and wondered where they had come from.
From a distance he heard Michael say “relax David, everything’s going to be fine.”
David turned to look at him, but found he didn’t know what to say. He turned back looking towards the house, and watched intently as the music played on. After what seemed like an eternity the door finally began to open as his father made his way through. He looked dapper in his best suit, and once across the threshold he stepped aside to reveal Aurora. The sight of her hit David like a bucket of ice water. Suddenly all of his sense snapped back into place. He took a deep, steadying breath. She looked more beautiful than he could describe.
Her hair had been pulled back exposing her face
and neck, and on her head was the delicate white braided flowers she had requested. Her face was alight with a mixture of nervousness and joy. Even from this distance, he thought he could make out a twinkle in her eyes. He admired the way her neck gracefully sloped down to her shoulders, framed by a small collar on the dress that stood up like the petal of a flower.
The front of the dress was cut just low enough to show the cross pendant resting gently in the center of her chest. The dress
gently caressed her, showing off her exquisite figure, still leaving more to the imagination. Her long legs and curves were unmistakably feminine, and the soft, shimmering fabric made her graceful movements seem almost ethereal. As he watched her walking down the steps her right leg teased him through the slit running up the side.
Her eyes found his
, and he felt himself smiling like a schoolboy. In return, her smile lost its nervousness, leaving only the look of joy on her face. With his father to guide her up the aisle, she didn’t even bother looking at anything, but David. As their gazes locked on one another, they were entirely unaware of anything or anyone else around them.
When she stepped next to him
, he reached out to take her hand, and said, “You look stunning.”
She gave him a shy little smile
, and said, “You look so handsome.”
Michael cleared his throat
, and the two of them were startled a little, looking slightly embarrassed. They had almost forgotten where they were. “Are the two of you ready?” He asked with a smile.
They nodded
, and he said, “Let’s get started, then shall we? I promise I won’t take all day.”
They gave each other a quick glance then turned back to Michael.
“Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in faith we have gathered here today to witness the joining of these two in holy matrimony, and to celebrate their love for each other, and our Lord. Although they only met recently, they have known each other all their lives. Those of us of faith understand that the Lord works in our lives, guiding us in ways we do not see or understand, but that by trusting in him, we receive his good gifts in their proper time. As it is written in Galatians 5:22-23, but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.“
“I say to you that a union forged through the spirit cannot be broken. So let anyone who opposes this marriage, speak now or forever hold their peace.” Michael looked over the crowd then continued “David, do you take this woman to be your wife in holy union
, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?”
"I do,"
David said, then he took out the ring his father had given him, and placed it on her finger.
“Aurora, do you take this man to be your husband in holy union
, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?”
“I do” Aurora said, then Gabe handed her the other ring
, and she placed it on David’s finger.
“Then by the authority vested in me
, by the Lord as his servant, I pronounce you man and wife. Let no one tear apart what the Lord has brought together. You may now kiss the bride.”
David stepped forward
, and put an arm around her waist pulling her close. She put her arm around him, and he reached up gently cupping her cheek and neck. Pulling her to him, her full soft lips slightly parted with anticipation, he kissed her. He felt that familiar charge course through him, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up. His heart was pounding as a warm breeze washed over them. He could feel her body pressed up against his, then a rush of emotion as she pulled him even closer.
As he slowly leaned back their lips gently held on not wanting to let go. He opened his eyes to see her gazing at him longingly
, the light behind her dark eyes glowing brightly. It took them a moment to realize the guests were still there, and that they were all murmuring in hushed tones. They stood up straight, and looked at Michael who had a slight look of surprise on his face.
“
I’m sorry, did we do something wrong?” David asked.
“No, no, come let’s sit down.” Michael said
.
"Come this way Son,"
Gabe said as he led them to the tent for the reception.
Ruth
and Molly hurried over to them as they made their way to the head table. Once they were seated Michael asked, “Did you notice anything unusual?”
“What do you mean?” Aurora asked
.
“When the two of you affirmed your vows with that kiss there was a glow of white light around you.” Michael said
, “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
"Oh,"
David said, “that happened to us before when we took our vows in Aurora’s world too.”
“Really, that’s extraordinary.” Gabe said
.
“Why
?”
“Just another way the two of you seem to break the rules
. But we have a wedding to celebrate, it’s certainly nothing to worry about.” Gabe said.
"That's right,"
Ruth said, “It was a beautiful sight; a good sign. So enjoy yourselves.”
David
and Aurora looked at the four of them smiling, and silently agreed. Then David said, “I believe you owe me a dance.”
Aurora smiled as David stood
, and offered her his hand “Excellent!” Molly said, “I’ll tell the musicians.”
Once they started dancing
, others began joining them. Neither one of them knew much about dancing, but they didn’t care. Several people including Gabe and Michael asked for a dance with Aurora, even Bob Johnson wanted a turn. David took the opportunity to dance with his mother and Aunt Molly. Everyone was enjoying themselves, and they didn’t bother with the traditional formality of toasts and speeches.
David
and Aurora were dancing to a slow number amongst a thinning crowd, when Aurora said to David in a hushed tone “look! Rebecca is dancing with that young man over there.”
“His name is Charles. He’s Michael’s nephew
, and they’ve been together dancing all afternoon.”
“Do you know him? Is he a
nice man?”