From Dream to Destiny

by Caddy Rowland

  Women! First all they wanted was to be with you. Then, when they were, nothing you did was good enough. He certainly hoped Sophie would not be quickly finding fault with him.

  Later, he stopped by Cassie and Vic’s shop. Gastien was beaming when he walked in the door.

  “How’s the groom doing?” asked Cassie.

  “I am fine. Just excited,” replied Gastien.

  “Nervous?” she teased.

  “Oui! I keep thinking that Sophie will change. I also keep thinking I will disappoint her. I am wondering, would you do me a favor?”

  “Sure! I would love to help. What do you need?”

  Taking money out, Gastien explained, “I want the chapel area to look as romantic as possible tomorrow for Sophie. I am male, so I would probably not get it right. Could you buy flowers and have them arranged there? Also, order a huge bouquet for Sophie to hold. I want her to have the most beautiful bride’s bouquet you can imagine.”

  “Awwwww. You are romantic, after all. I will make sure it looks like a fairy tale. You can just ride in on your white horse.”

  “I am no Prince Charming, but I will be there,” laughed Gastien.

  “You are Sophie’s Prince Charming. Anyone who sees her face when she looks at you knows that.”

  Gastien glowed. “What are you and Vic doing tonight?”

  “Not much. I imagine you are going out with the guys and getting crazy again. You’re ‘last night’ and all.”

  “Non, I don’t think I want to do that. I drank enough last night. I don’t want to be hung over for my wedding. I was wondering if you and Vic would care to just relax over some good food and vin tonight. Mic and Alice, too.”

  “We sure can. I tell you what, how about if we eat at our place? You know how much I love to cook! I will whip something up. You can bring the vin; ask Mic to bring a dessert. How does that sound? ”

  “That sounds good! Now I am going to paint for awhile, if I can. I am so nervous that all I think about is the wedding!”

  “That is normal. Gastien, you will be one of the most handsome grooms ever. You won’t disappoint Sophie. She loves you just as you are; the poor soul.”

  “Merci for the vote of confidence,” Gastien shot back. “I will tell Mic and Alice to arrive at eight tonight. I want to talk to you and Vic first, so I will arrive about a half hour earlier.”

  XLV

  Gastien found that he could not keep his mind on painting. He was overwhelmed with the upcoming marriage. What if he disappointed Sophie over and over again? How could he expect her to stay happy with the living arrangements he needed? He had never planned on being a husband!

  Finally, Gastien gave up on painting for the day. He went upstairs to Mic’s, inviting them to the dinner tonight. Then he took off down the street, taking the side roads, waving or stopping to chat with various artists he saw along the way. It was a beautiful fall day, and Gastien was glad for the fresh air. There were interesting art conversations going on in the park that he joined for awhile.

  Soon, he was walking again. Before he knew it Au Lapin Agile was there in front of him. It had to be close to four o’clock, because Sophie was arriving to work. Gastien hurried up to her, scooping her into his arms to kiss her fondly.

  “Sophie! Forgive me for showing up here. I was walking, and I ended up here without even thinking about it. The wedding has been the only thing on my mind all day!”

  “I have been thinking about it all day, too, Gastien. I am so excited!”

  “Do you really understand what you have agreed to? I mean, I know I am not an easy person to deal with. I will understand if you are having second thoughts,” he said seriously.

  “Non, I am not having second thoughts! Believe me, I know you are not like most men. That is what I love about you, Gastien. You are unique. I like that. The only issue I have is that I can’t seem to think about anything but you! You and your nice big bed; your strong arms – “

  “Stop! You will drive me crazy!” he interrupted.

  “Then get going away from me! I need to concentrate on work tonight. If you are going out, please go somewhere else. And stay out of fights!”

  “Non, I am not going out. I am going to Cassie and Vic’s. I want be bright eyed when I wake up tomorrow.” He kissed her again. “Je t’aime, Sophi-belle.”

  “Je t’aime.” She kissed him back, and then ran to the entrance. Turning around, she waved.

  XLVI

  That night, Gastien told Cassie and Vic about the living arrangements that he and Sophie would be adhering to. He had expected more questions, and maybe even criticism, but they voiced little.

  “Given the fact that Cassie and I don’t lead conventional lives, we should be the last to judge. I just hope you both remain happy. You are both wonderful people,” Vic said.

  Cassie chimed in. “Actually, I think it will give Sophie a break from your intensity. Not a bad idea. Je t’aime dearly, Gastien, but you can really get moody when you are painting. I think you have a right to be concerned about someone there every night and day. Living with you could easily make someone feel as if they were an intrusion. You get completely consumed with creating!”

  Gastien realized that he should have known they both would be completely supportive. They dealt with a lot of raised eyebrows about their own lifestyle; they would know more than most the difficulty of knowing you needed to be different from the norm.

  “Merci for your understanding. That means a lot to me,” he replied.

  Cassie then added, “Now I want to ask you a favor. Vic and I would dearly love to have a child. Unfortunately, we would not be allowed to adopt. Will you please use us as often as you wish for babysitting? We don’t care if it is during the night or day, for an hour or overnight; we would love to babysit.”

  “That is very generous! We will be sure to take you up on that; however, not so often that you regret offering. I would bet that it will be for short times for quite some time, because of the baby nursing.”

  “Well, you will both want time alone. Seriously, Gastien, don’t be afraid of it being too frequent. We have discussed this. We would babysit every day if you let us! So, make sure that you and Sophie have time alone to use that bed of yours. We want you both to stay happy. Plus, the more you are taken care of, the less likely you will be to indulge in others. That can’t hurt either,” said Vic.

  “Merci. I will tell Sophie. That is extremely kind. And you are right, it would help a great deal to keep us both…satisfied.“ Gastien started to blush.

  Cassie laughed. “You get so embarrassed for such a little manslut! It is kind of cute.”

  Gastien gaped at her. “Did you just call me a manslut?”

  “Oui. In an affectionate way. You have not been shy about unbuttoning your trousers for the masses, after all.”

  Gastien laughed. “I guess you are right. I have just never heard the term manslut before.”

  “Well…”

  “Oui. Fine. Point made,” sighed Gastien.

  Cassie kissed him affectionately. “You can’t help it if you fall horizontal easily.”

  Mic and Alice then arrived. After dinner, the evening was spent in pleasant conversation and singing. Gastien looked appreciatively at Cassie and Vic.

  “I did not know you both could sing so well. What lovely voices!”

  They looked at each other and smiled.

  “Glad you like our voices, Gastien,” said Vic.

  They then opened another bottle of Gastien’s vin. Hashish was passed around, and soon they were all pleasantly stoned.

  A Very Bohemian Marriage

  I

  Prior to the wedding, Mic made sure Gastien was occupied. He knew Gastien was scared about being a husband and wanted to keep his ami from dwelling on it. They fenced awhile before going out to breakfast.

  After that, they went to a museum to look at art. They got into a good discussion with some others that were there. Soon it was time for lunch. Gastien found himself in such a
deep discussion that he ate without nerves being a problem.

  Pretty soon Mic said, “It is two o’clock. We better get back, Gaz. Time to get you beautiful.”

  The others laughed.

  “He is getting married at six tonight,” Mic explained. Congratulations were given, with plenty of teasing involved.

  Once they were back at the studio, Mic advised, “Father wants us there by five, Gaz. I will be down at half past four, unless you need me sooner.”

  “I can dress myself, Mic.” Gastien smiled nervously.

  “Oui. But if your nerves get the best of you, just yell up the stairs.”

  “I will be fine…I think…”

  He laughed nervously and went inside. While he bathed he debated about if he should wear his hair down or back. Gastien decided to wear it down long. That is how Sophie loved it most. He shaved carefully, and then put on his scent. He also removed his earring, deciding his only jewelry would be his ruby ring. At last he was dressed in his new trousers, boots, and the satin shirt with the billowing sleeves.

  He put Sophie’s ring in his pocket. He also had a heart shaped gold locket that he would give to his bride. The inside was inscribed with ‘Today I give you my heart’ on the left side. The right side showed their wedding date and names.

  Gastien looked in the mirror. Satisfied with his appearance, he turned to find Mic standing there, staring at him. Mic gave him a grin.

  “Gaz, you look great. I hate to say it but, damn, you are handsome!”

  Gastien laughed nervously. “Merci, Mic. You look nice, too. Alice, you look stunning. I am glad you are coming to the wedding. You will be prettier than any of the flowers!”

  Alice smiled, thanking him. She was somewhat shy around Gastien, as she did not know him well yet.

  They rode in a covered carriage, so they would not get dusty. Upon arrival at Notre Dame the three of them went to the area where St. Catherine stood guard.

  II

  Gastien drew in a breath when he saw the decorating that Cassie had done. The area looked like a paradise. There was a large bouquet in front, and flowers strung along the edges of the few benches. There were also candles lit, next to a beautiful harp in the front. Questioning, Gastien looked at Cassie. She just winked.

  “You did a wonderful job Cassie and Vic. Merci Beaucoup! Sophie should be very happy,” exclaimed Gastien.

  “Oh, she is, Gastien. She already saw it, when she arrived earlier.”

  “Earlier? Whatever for?” he wondered out loud.

  She rolled her eyes. “To get ready, of course! Men! It is her wedding day!”

  “Of course,” he answered, puzzled.

  What in the world did she have to do except put on a dress? She did not have to shave or anything like that. Women!

  Father Fournier approached Gastien. “Gastien, please come with me for a little while.”

  Gastien looked at Mic, suddenly worried. “What if Sophie decided not to marry me after all? Maybe he is going to tell me she had second thoughts.”

  Mic put his arm around his ami. “Gastien, she is here, believe me. However, if you wish, I could try to talk some sense into her…”

  “Non! Just leave her be,” Gastien laughed. He walked up to Father. “Lead the way. I am ready.”

  Father brought Gastien to a room off to the side. “Gastien, as you know, marriage is a big commitment. I hope that you and Sophie will be very happy together. I talked to her earlier, and I have to tell you that you are one extremely lucky man. She loves you very deeply. It is my duty to talk to both people before the vows. I want to make sure that you understand your responsibilities.”

  Gastien looked scared. “I-sure, but…well…all right, Father.”

  The kind priest put a comforting hand on Gastien’s shoulder.

  “I am not going to lecture you about a bunch of rules. I am going to simply ask you to remember that love is kind. Love is forgiving; it endures all things. It is very patient. Please treat Sophie with love, Gastien. Be patient and kind. Be forgiving. Put up with her quirks that you will find that she has, just as we all do. Try not to hurt her; always protect her. Be her strength and her confidant; her ami and her lover. If you succeed at doing those things most of the time, you will have been a fine husband. I have no doubt that you will.”

  He hugged Gastien to him.

  “I will, Father. I will be good to her, and love her as best as I can.”

  “I know life was hard for you during the earlier years. There will be other tough times. How wonderful that now you have a partner to get through those! I know this is not what society teaches, nor the church, but treat her as an equal, Gastien. She is your other half.”

  “Oui. But father, we are not conventional and – “

  “And that is between you and your wife, Gastien. What you two agree to is your covenant. See to it that you give as much as you can. Sophie will do the same. You will find marriage to be very good for you, if you just love.”

  “Merci, Father.” They hugged again. Father cleared his throat, his eyes bright with tears.

  “Je t’aime, Gastien.”

  “And I, you, Father.”

  “Well. Now, let’s go get you married.”

  III

  As they approached the chapel area of the St. Catherine station, Gastien was surprised to hear harp music softly playing. It was Alice! He did not know she could play harp. Alice looked at him and winked. Gastien smiled, nodding. That made her blush prettily.

  Gastien noticed that there were several people there he did not know. They must be Sophie’s three brothers and two sisters with their spouses. The children were not there, as it was a small area.

  Then he noticed that about ten of his artist amis were there. He looked at Mic, and Mic nodded at him. Leave it to Mic to make sure that Gastien did not have to worry about not having anyone there.

  He wished his brother Paul could have come, along with his mother. There had not been enough time, plus it was a busy time for farmers. His father did not allow his mother to leave the farm, anyway. Not since Gastien left.

  Finally, he noticed that Odette had also come. She looked at him and, while she did not smile, she did not look disgusted either. He inclined his head to her.

  He went and stood next to Mic. His palms were sweaty, yet his hands were cold. He glanced at Mic again.

  Mic whispered, “Just wait until you see Sophie!” Mic placed a hand along the back of Gastien’s waist, where no one would see him reassuring his ami.

  All of a sudden, Alice stopped playing for a second. Then she began again, louder. Cassie appeared, walking the short distance to stand on the other side up front.

  Then, Sophie appeared on the arm of her oldest brother.

  Gastien almost fainted.

  Mon Dieu, she was beautiful. He had to be dreaming! How could something so lovely be human? How could a woman so perfect allow him to enter her? He swallowed hard. She had on a simple cream colored crochet dress that was cut almost to the shoulders and tucked in at the waist, then flared and folded softly around her ankles. There were fresh flowers arranged throughout her hair.

  She looked like a sprite, a fairy, fresh from a woodland garden. Her huge eyes saw only Gastien. Sophie radiated happiness.

  When they got to the front, Gastien moved toward her. Sophie’s brother released his arm. Gastien offered his arm to her, and they stood facing Father Fournier. The brother sat down.

  Father Fournier spoke. “Amis, family, we are gathered here to celebrate the marriage of two wonderful people. They are not your run of the mill, conventional people, so this is not going to be a conventional service. Please forgive us if you were expecting that.”

  Father looked kindly at the bride and groom. “Gastien, Sophie, I want you to turn and face each other. Oui, like that. Just look at each other for a few minutes. This is the biggest day of your life! It is a day that Sophie no doubt acted out many times as a young girl. Take a moment to impress upon your mind how your partne
r looked on your wedding day. This moment is sacred. I want you both to be fully present.”

  Gastien and Sophie stared at each other. He could not get over how beautiful she was. She could not get over how strong, how handsome he looked.

  Father continued, “Sophie and Gastien, I know you want very much to be enfolded in each other’s arms right now. That time will arrive shortly. Right now I want you to listen to what the Holy Bible has to say about love. He read from Corinthians and then asked them to face each other once again.

  Cassie was then joined by Vic. They sang a French love song. Their voices were pure, and Vic’s alto harmonized perfectly with Cassie’s soprano. By the time the song ended there were many handkerchiefs brushing eyes. Men were trying to wipe at their eyes without being caught. Both Sophie and Gastien had tears in their eyes as they smiled quietly at each other.

  Odette looked at the two lovers. It was obvious they did indeed both love each other. Still, she had wanted so much more for Sophie! He would never give Sophie everything a better choice could have. Odette still felt he was to blame for this. But, Sophie wanted him. Odette sighed. She would not cause hard feelings. At least, she would try not to.

  Father Fournier continued, “These two have written their own vows. We don’t usually allow that, either. However, I imagine everyone here would agree that Sophie and Gastien are very clear in their needs and desires. Sophie? Will you please give Gastien your vows?”

  Sophie looked up at her groom. Gastien reached out and held her hand, smiling down at her. She opened her mouth. No sound came out. She took a steadying breath and tried again.

  “Gastien, I promise with my whole heart and soul to always love you; to treat you with respect and kindness. I will always listen to you. I will try to support your ideas and decisions. In you I have found the greatest happiness I have ever known. I will be your lover, your amie, your nurse; your place to come when you are tired or scared, frustrated or fed up. I will comfort you, laugh with you, and play with you. I will always admire you and think you are wonderful. I would give my life for you if I had to, just to make sure you were happy. I am honored to be your wife.”