Leonard took a step forward and said, “Her mother and I do,” and then Vicky’s parents took her hand and placed it in Aidan’s hands, and together they said, “Aidan, we give you our daughter Vicky, to be loved, supported, uplifted, and treasured as your mate, from now until eternity.” They smiled at them both and then returned to their seats.
For Aidan this was a monumental gesture on Alice’s part because she had been so against same sex relationships at first. It wasn’t until just that moment that Aidan could release her fear of rejection, and begin to look at Alice for what she truly was, her mother-in-law.
Dr. Kline outstretched his arms to both women, as Aidan fidgeted with her new watch to help her soothe her nerves. He addressed the audience filled with mostly Vicky’s family and friends, including some of her employees and Fortune 500 friends.
“Aidan and Vicky have come before you and before God, to proclaim their love for one another and ask for his blessing on their union. They do not ask this lightly, for they know that marriage symbolizes the intimate bond between two lives, and they are ready to formally pledge their life to each other for all to know them as married. Through this union, Aidan and Vicky make the solemn commitment to always accept each other just as they are, because they are who they are, flawed, inspired, funny, serious, wounded, loved.” Kline looked at both women knowingly, and then looked back at the audience, “At this time, they would like to say something to each other and would like for you to be a witness to it.”
Kline then nodded at Aidan, who pulled an envelope out of her jacket pocket. Her fingers trembled as she took a piece of paper from the envelope and unfolded it. Vicky smiled and put her hand on Aidan’s arm to help calm her, as it always did, and Aidan took a deep breath.
“Vicky,” Aidan winked at her, “Always, always, always, always, and always,” she said, lowering the paper as the audience laughed, not knowing that Vicky had told Aidan that all she had to say was the word always and she would be happy. Aidan folded the paper up, stuffed it in the envelope, and with nervous hands, slid it back inside her jacket pocket. Then she kissed the top Vicky’s hand and looked into her eyes, “I will always love you. I will always cherish you. I will always protect you, and I will always be there for you…, always. You complete me, kid, and without you I am nothing. Without you there is no love in the world and if not for you, I would never have known what real love was, or could be. You believed in me when no one else would, you supported me even when I pushed you away, and you fought by my side no matter the risks to yourself. You are my angel, my rescuer, my lover, and together our souls are as one. There is no greater choice in life than to love someone, thank you for choosing me to be the one you love.” Aidan finally took a breath and felt her blood pressure lower just a bit. If it had just been her and Vicky alone, she could have professed her love for hours, but saying her most intimate thoughts in front of people, was not something that came easy for her. Unlike Vicky who practically did that for a living.
Vicky dabbed the tears of love from her eyes with her new handkerchief, and then pulled out her notes, although she didn’t need to look at them either. Instead she looked deep into Aidan’s glistening emerald eyes and said, “Sweetheart, I have been in love with you since the first grade when you ran off that bully and retrieved my lunch box, and though the fates conspired to keep us apart, more than once, our love for each other was and remains, unwavering. During the worst of it you were my voice when I couldn’t speak, my protector when I couldn’t fight and my affirmer when I couldn’t believe. You strengthen me, challenge me, humor me and love me. But the greatest of these is love, Aidan, and I will always love you.”
Aidan took the handkerchief from Vicky’s quivering hand, and gently wiped Vicky’s moist eyes, smiling at her. Can you hear my thoughts, Vicky? I love you so much. Vicky nodded her head.
Finally Kline nodded at Jerry, who handed Aidan a gold wedding band, inscribed with the words, always and forever.
Aidan slipped it on Vicky’s finger and said, “With this ring I give you everything that I have, and everything that I am, always and forever.”
Joyce then handed Vicky a wedding band, inscribed with the words because you loved me.
Vicky said to Aidan, “With this ring I too give you everything that I have, and everything that I am, because you loved me.”
“With the exchange of these rings you both make a public profession of your love for one another,” Kline said, as he took both their hands and held them up together, “With these rings you are promising each other and the world of your love and fidelity.”
Aidan squeezed Vicky’s hand, and whispered, “Remember this day, kid.”
Vicky’s eyes welled up again as she nodded her head. This day was everything she had ever dared hope for, everything she’d dreamed of since she met Aidan in first grade. Oh yes, I will remember ever second of this day, my wedding day.
Kline turned to Vicky, “Victoria Ann Montgomery, do you take this woman to be your wife, your friend, and your faithful partner in love, from this day forward?”
Vicky’s eyes glistened as she replied, “Oh yes, with all my heart. Aidan, in the presence of God, our family and friends, I give you my solemn vow that I will be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise I will love you unconditionally, honor and respect you unreservedly, laugh and cry with you unabashedly, and that I will cherish you for as long as we both shall live.” Vicky wiped away a tear and finished, “I will finally be complete now, with you as my wife.”
Kline looked to Aidan next, “Aidan Marie Cassidy, do you take this woman to be your wife, your friend, and your faithful partner in love, from this day forward?”
Aidan nervously grinned and said, “I wish I had gone first, Vicky, because you said it so well, but yes, in the presence of all these people, I choose you as the only person I will spend the rest of my life loving, laughing, crying, playing, and growing old with. I will be complete now, with you as my wife, Vicky.”
Kline raised his arms, “So what God has brought together, let no person separate. I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your bride.”
For a moment, complete stillness filled the room, as Aidan and Vicky’s souls melded together, even as the lovers did, in a binding embrace. All of their sacrifices, turmoil’s, and separation’s, had come down to two words, I do. The lovers kissed for the first time as a married couple, oblivious to everything else, even the rainbow glitter shooting up into the air from the furthest corners of the tent, and rainbow streamers twirling down from the ceiling. As they kissed, six people approached the stage and picked up the arch, hoisting it over the newlyweds’ heads, and walking the see-through draped floral arches down the aisle until it was stretched appropriately, and through it all, the music, the cheers and applause, they kissed.
Dr. Kline picked up a flute of Champagne and said, “Lift your glasses in celebration as I present to you, Mrs. and Mrs. Aidan and Victoria Montgomery-Cassidy.” Cheers and glasses clinking was what finally brought the newlyweds from their enraptured kiss.
“I love you, Mrs. Victoria Ann Montgomery-Cassidy.”
“Oh, and I love the way that sounds! I love you so much, Mrs. Aidan Marie Montgomery-Cassidy.”
Holding hands, the newlyweds ran down the aisle, laughing and giggling out of the tent.
*
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Clark County in southwest Arkansas. A tornado was confirmed crossing Interstate 30 towards Highway 67, and Arkadelphia is in its path, so residents are advised to take shelter immediately. This super cell system is gaining strength at 75 mile per hour winds. This is caused by the instability conditions were the warm and humid air in our lower atmosphere, collide with cooler than usual conditions in the upper atmosphere. This air mass is so large it stretches across the state moving northeast. The map indicates two cells and both of them have a pronounced hook indicating tornados. Pleas
e stay tuned to this channel for further updates.
Chapter 7
As if by magic, the wedding tent was transformed into a party tent, complete with a live band, food and beverage. It took longer for the wedding pictures to be taken than it did to set up the reception, thanks to Ellen’s stringent planning. While the reception was gearing up, Aidan and Vicky were having their pictures taken with the attendants, Dr. Kline, family, and finally alone as a married couple.
Thirty minutes later, after the newlyweds reentered the tent, the band ended the song they were playing, and Dr. Kline clanked on his Champagne glass to get everyone’s attention. Then he announced in a commanding voice, “Ladies and gentleman, it is my privilege to present to you, Mrs. and Mrs. Montgomery-Cassidy!” Amid a standing ovation, Aidan and Vicky entered the tent hand in hand, euphoric smiles on their faces. They began to greet their guests, and made the rounds to each table, thanking them for coming, posing for pictures, and accepting toasts with champagne.
Finally, the newlyweds took their seats at the dais. Seated beside them were Jerry and Yvonne, Ruth and Paul, Joyce and Ellen, and Dr. Kline. Catering quickly served the food and everyone began eating and talking at once. Aidan kept touching Vicky’s arm, assuring herself that this was not a dream, and Vicky kept glancing over at her wife for the same reason.
The wedding was the media event of the century in Arkansas, having never had a same sexed wedding of this magnitude before. It was made even more prestigious after the state had unceremoniously repealed the law that had been in effect for only seven days, allowing same sex marriages. Because of that gross unfairness, Vicky allowed several fashion magazines, newspaper and television reporters to cover the reception. They were not allowed in during the wedding ceremony, but they made up for it by taking pictures, and in-between activities, doing interviews with some of the guests. Only the wedding photographer and videographer were given carte blanche to take pictures whenever they wanted during the ceremony and the reception, as long as they were discrete about it and didn’t get in the way of the celebrations.
After the meal was served, Jerry stood up with a microphone in one hand, and a glass of Champagne in the other, to make his toast as the best man. “Hi, uh, my name is Jerry Williams, and I’m the best man,” Jerry turned to the newlyweds and said, “Aidan and Vicky, on behalf of all of us here, congratulations. You made it.” Jerry turned back to the audience and continued, “I first met Aidan on the battlefield in Iraq. I was wounded, bombs were dropping all around me, and out of the smoke and flash of grenades, came this gangly girl yelling at me to get the bleep up and move. Well she didn’t have to tell me twice, I moved, oh man did I move. Aidan was shot saving my life that day, and one of those impressive medals she wore at the wedding was because of her brave actions under fire.” Aidan blushed and fidgeted in her chair because the audience had stood as one, clapping and cheering for her. Vicky put her hand on Aidan’s knee to quiet her wife’s nerves, while she dabbed the tears from her eyes.
Jerry continued, “If you know the newlywed’s history, then you know why they’re made for each other. Vicky, whom I call Scrappy, because in a fight she can out maneuver and outthink the best of them, was wounded recently stopping a bullet meant for Aidan, and Aidan was wounded stopping a bullet meant for Vicky, twice.” Jerry smiled and said, “The moral of my story is that you probably shouldn’t stand too close to Aidan.” The audience roared and Aidan laughed the loudest, forgetting her nervousness. “Seriously, I’m proud to call you my friends, ladies, congratulations again.” Jerry picked up his Champagne glass and looked towards the audience, “Lift up your glasses and celebrate this auspicious occasion.” And with that everyone stood up again and clinked glasses, toasting the happy couple.
Aidan stood up and shook his hand, and even gave him a hug, something that doesn’t come easy for her. Vicky also walked over and kissed him on the cheek, squeezing his arm in gratitude. The audience began chanting ‘kiss her, kiss her’ at Aidan and Vicky, but Jerry looked at the onlookers, and then shrugged his shoulders, wrapping his arms around Vicky, and dipping her backwards. He winked at her as he kissed her on the cheek. Aidan picked up a glass of Champagne and threatened to pour it on his head if he didn’t stop. Once the tomfoolery ended, Aidan grabbed up her bride and kissed Vicky deeply, longingly, as the audience counted down the seconds. Forty-two seconds later, they came up for air and Vicky fanned herself with her hand, not for show, but to suppress the heat rising up from her loins.
Then it was Joyce’s turn to make a toast. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Joyce stood up, “my name is Dr. Joyce McMillan and I am the matron of honor. I’ve known Vicky since our first year in college. I’ve had my speech prepared since the first day I met her because I knew who she was going to marry, even before she did. All she ever talked about was Aidan this and Aidan that, and all I can say is, thank you, Aidan, for finally marrying the girl. Now she can talk about something else for a change.” The audience laughed as Joyce continued, “I’d like you to meet my lovely bride of twelve years, Ellen Olivier-McMillan. Stand up, honey, if I have to wear a dress to this bash then you have to stand up and take a bow,” Ellen reluctantly stood up beside Joyce, “She designed this gorgeous wedding, so how about a big hand for her, folks.”
Vicky instantly stood up and began applauding as the audience followed suit.
Ellen kissed Joyce on the cheek and quickly sat back down again, as Joyce continued, “Vicky and Aidan, my God, you both are just absolutely radiant,” the audience agreed, “and I’m not talking about your clothes either. Vicky, this makes up for your gawky period in college. Speaking of which, Aidan, you probably don’t know this, but when Vicky was a sophomore, she invited her date over to meet me. Now mind you, she’d gone out with the girl two times already, but when Vicky introduced her to me..,” Vicky buried her head in her hands, knowing what Joyce was going to say next, “she had forgotten the girl’s name.” The audience thundered with laughter as Aidan poked Vicky in the ribs, “Now, here’s the kicker folks,” Joyce continued, “she introduced her as Aidan, and then almost wet her pants when she remembered the girl’s name was Adean!”
Aidan laughed so hard she almost snorted.
Joyce added, “After that she never brought anymore dates over to meet me. Anyway, Aidan, Vicky,” Joyce held up her glass, “I just want to say, except for my lovely wife and I, there are no two other people on this earth as happy and as in love as you two are. Love each other, cling to each other and grow old with each other. And Aidan, you better keep my best friend happy or you’ll have me to answer too.” Aidan feigned biting her nails, as Joyce turned to the audience with her glass held high, and said, “To the happy couple, may they always know excitement and adventure and lust and love. Salute!” Again the audience chanted kiss her, and again Aidan and Vicky obliged them with a kiss, not quite as long this time, but just as passionately.
And then Joyce walked over to where Vicky had sat down, and held her hand out, “My hand is naked,” she quipped.
Vicky grinned up at her, and then picked up her bouquet, unwrapping the chain that held the wedding bands she had borrowed. She stood up and hugged her best friend, and then handed Joyce the rings. Joyce kissed her on the cheek and sat back down by Ellen, sliding her wedding band onto her finger, back where it belonged.
Next it was Leonard’s turn to speak but he loathed talking in front of people as much as Aidan did, so he simply said, “Why am I having to give a speech, I already gave the bride away, shouldn’t Aidan be up here doing this?” Leonard winked at the newlywed’s as the audience laughed. Then he continued, “I love both of these women and know they are meant for each other. Let’s toast the happy couple!” Everyone raised their glasses, even Alice, and toasted the newlyweds.
Finally it was time for the newlyweds themselves to say a few words, and though Aidan stood up, she encouraged Vicky to do the talking. “Thank you everyone, for being here on this wonderful day, and for witnessing our love for each oth
er. A special thank you to the people sitting here beside me, Joyce, Ellen, Jerry, Yvonne, Paul, Aunt Ruth, Dr. Kline, and my parents, for their love and support.” Vicky handed the microphone to Aidan who leaned towards it and said, “ditto”, and then looked at Vicky to continue, as the onlookers laughed, “I’ve known Aidan since first grade and I’ve loved her as long as I’ve known her. She is my best friend, sorry Joyce…,” Joyce threw up her hands in jest, as Vicky continued, “she is my lover, my hero, and my confidante and I love her so very much.” Vicky handed the microphone to Aidan again, forcing her to take it this time.
Aidan swallowed hard, and said to the crowd, “Uh, unlike Pop over there,” she pointed to her father-in-law, “there’s no one to punt this off to, so I guess I’d better say something or the old ball and chain here, might get mad.”
Vicky grabbed the mike, “Just who are you calling old, missy?”
Aidan laughed, and looking only at Vicky this time, replied, “I’m sorry, I meant to say my young gorgeous ball and chain…, anyway,” Aidan turned back to the audience, as Vicky swatted her arm, “Seriously, I’d just like to say that, uh, all my life, all I’ve ever wanted was for someone to say, see that woman over there, she’s mine. And all my life all I’ve ever wanted to say was, see that beautiful blond spitfire over there,” Aidan pointed to Vicky, “well she’s mine. Today I am the luckiest woman on earth because as of today…,” Aidan pulled Vicky close beside her, wrapped her arm around her mid-waist and said, “she’s mine!” Aidan sat the microphone on the table, and without waiting for the audience to start chanting, she kissed Vicky with more passion, more sincerity and more love than she had ever kissed her before, because finally, she was hers.
On a cue from Ellen, the band began to play soft music, as a spotlight illuminated the dance floor. Dr. Kline picked up the microphone and said, “And now it’s time for the newlyweds to dance their first dance as a married couple. Vicky specifically requested this old Irish song in honor of her betrothed.” He handed the microphone to Vicky, who took Aidan’s hand and led her to the dance floor. Vicky began singing to Aidan, and only for Aidan, swaying arm in arm to the music.
Remember This Day Page 9