Candles flickered softly along the walls of the old church. Deep rich colours, muted by the soft light. The reds, golds, deep blues and creams of the paintings sat high on the walls inbetween the old leadlight windows that rose up towards the ceiling. Pointing their tips towards heaven.
People filled the pews. Friends, work colleagues, family. Smiles on faces, friendly nods to each other. The anticipation of this day had everyone joyous.
It had been a long time coming. The wedding that they had dreamed of for so long.
Plans had been set in motion months ago. Each detail carefully laid out. Invitations, hand crafted by Angela for them. Delicate and beautiful in design. Her love was in each one.
The floral arrangements adorning the pulpit were glorious. Bright white, with punches of lavender and lime green. They matched the traditional bows and floral touches on the pews.
The deep red carpet lay the length of the aisle. Waiting for her feet to walk it.
The music swelled suddenly. Everyone turned and saw her standing in the doorway on the arm of her father. Her dress was simple, cream silk, strapless and form fitting. Her bouquet was a simple one of white roses tied with a lavender ribbon. Many eyes began to fill with tears. They had been a part of her life for so many years, and were thrilled to be there to finally share this big day.
Booth looked up and stared into the eyes of his beloved Bones. His Temperance. She smiled back at him from the other end of the aisle. Her eyes glistening with unfallen tears of joy. The anticipation of the day had finally hit home. This was it. They were getting married.
The bride began her slow walk down towards the pulpit where her husband to be stood. Tall, handsome and proud. He was smiling widely. She could see the love in his eyes. She swallowed down the tears and smiled back from beneath her veil. Her fathers hand warm and firm upon her arm. She glanced from side to side as they made their way towards the priest.
People she had known for such a long time. Good friends. Here to share the day with her. Angela and Jack. Michael Vincent. Sweets. Caroline reached out and handed her something. She looked down. A small satin horseshoe on a white ribbon. She slipped it over her wrist. It was an old fashioned thing, but it meant so much. Cam and her daughter Michelle, who was crying. Wesley, Finn and Clarke. They had all come to watch her marry the man of her dreams.
Her father lifted her veil and kissed her cheek and whispered "I love you baby". She grabbed at his hand and squeezed it tightly. "I love you Daddy" the words catching in her throat. He squeezed her hand one last time as he reluctantly passed it to the man waiting. He took her hand and smiled reassuringly at her father, the promise to take care of her apparent in his face. She looked up and saw the love in his face for her. Only for her. Everything happens eventually she had been told. And it was.
"Who gives this woman?" the priest asked.
Temperance smiled as Booth responded "I do" and then took his seat beside her. "Our baby" she said softly as a tear trailed down her cheek. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. "I know"