There was blankness, gray nothingness…she was floating through it…then there was sound, a shimmering, metallic swoosh…
There was white light, and Mariah Carey's disembodied voice was singing Vision of Love
Treated me kind
Sweet destiny
Carried me through desperation
To the one that was waiting for me
It took so long
Still I believed
Somehow the one that I needed
Would find me eventually
I had a vision of love
And it was all that you've given to me…
…and she was in Vincent's arms…and these were his words to her…
I had a vision of love
And it was all that you've given to me
I had a vision of love
And it was all that you
Turned out to be…
"You found me," he said. "I am so grateful that you found me. Wake up, my love. Open your eyes: this is our wedding day."
Smiling, she opened her eyes and looked around. Rosy dawn filled the room. She threw back the covers, and jumped out of bed.
She ran to the great room where she knew she would find him. She jumped into his arms as though time and space had parted them for a long, long while. She rushed through showering and dressing. At the breakfast table, she was so excited she could hardly keep her food down.
"I feel like I'm about to explode," she said.
Vincent sat across the table from her. He looked up from his plate and a slow, wanton smile spread across his face. "Soon," he whispered.
The rest of the table fell silent.
Cullen cleared his throat. "Well," he addressed everyone except Catherine and Vincent, who had hypnotized each other, "I've got two things to say. One, have we stocked their house with groceries for two weeks? Because I'm not kidding, now, I really think it's going to take them at least two weeks, maybe three, to scratch that itch. And two, Claire, I want to talk to you, seriously, there is no reason why we should not be getting married."
"Cullen, you cannot rush me—˝ Claire started to answer.
"Okay, yeah, well, we're going to talk about how waiting a year for an answer is rushing," he answered.
"Okay," she answered, "I don't want to have this conversation in front of everyone. We'll talk."
"Okay," he answered.
"Emily," said Scott, "will you pencil me in on your calendar for today?" He turned his smile on high beam. Emily smiled back, and nodded.
Father looked up to see Roz staring at him.
~ oo ~
The women were busy in the dorm, getting Catherine ready. She wore a white robe while Jennifer styled her hair. Emily was arranging her make-up box, and Claire was looking over the nail polish. Roz was readying her cameras. Mary was looking over the itinerary; it filled a one inch binder.
"This is starting to feel like a royal wedding," said Catherine, looking at the binder.
Mary looked up and smiled at her. "Thank you, Catherine."
"I hope it hasn't been too much work."
"Too much? Good Lord, Cathy, we live for this! We love this!" exclaimed Mary.
~ oo ~
Vincent helped to greet and direct friends and relatives as they arrived from about ten o'clock when the first few started trickling in, until noon when the arrivals were coming in a steady flow. By the time the entire commune gathered, plus the Mayopelley community, plus friends and relatives from the sister communes, there would be between two hundred fifty and three hundred people attending.
At noon, Vincent stopped for lunch. Lunch and the reception after the ceremony were being held in the lower level of the Meetinghouse. Every member of the commune had been pressed into service to prepare for the wedding. Forty members were helping William, and had assembled one hundred fifty box lunches, the number of commune members and guests they guessed would be present for lunch. Most of them ringed the room, eating lunch and waiting to clean up, then decorate for the reception. The rest were in the kitchen, helping William prepare the food.
"Where's the beer?" Ultan asked Vincent.
"No alcohol until after the ceremony," Vincent answered.
"Whose idea was that?" groused Ultan.
"Mine, after you poisoned me at that bachelor party " Vincent started, but was drowned out by laughter from the Mayopelley males.
Mary came barreling through with Roz and Dana, gathering lunch for Catherine and the bridal party. "Vincent, be sure to watch your time," she admonished him.
"Yes, Mary," he answered meekly.
The Mayopelley waited for Mary to exit, then began mocking him, echoing, "Yes, Mary," and laughing.
"He's practicing for married life!" yelled Tierney, and the others laughed.
"Yeah," said Vincent, "well, it's time to get dressed, so come on." He called out, "Father!" Two men stood up. "Yes," said Vincent, "both of you, if you would please come and get dressed now?"
~ oo ~
The men and the Mayopelley males got dressed in the men's dorm of the farmhouse. The men wore black tuxedos. The Mayopelley males wore long-sleeved, gold embroidered silk tunics with mandarin collars, black breeches, and black knee-high boots. Vincent's tunic was cranberry; the other males wore deep emerald tunics.
They walked to the Meetinghouse, and climbed the stairs to the second level. They made their way to the staging area outside the bride's dressing room. After a few minutes, the door opened, and bridesmaids began spilling out, dressed in olive green gowns. Then Catherine came out.
Time stopped, gravity failed. The universe contained Catherine and himself, and he had some doubts about himself. He was by her side, unaware of having taken a step.
"Catherine," he stammered, "…there are no words to describe how very beautiful you are." Her hair was styled in a loose updo with an elegant braid in back, a thin fringe of bangs on her brow, and tendrils falling from her temples. She wore a narrow glittering headband with a shoulder length veil attached in the back. Her face was perfect radiance, and she wore a pearl necklace and pearl earrings. Her gown was white lace with a bateau neckline, long lace sleeves, beaded lace covering the bodice, and a lace and silk skirt. It was floor length, had a natural waist, and a chapel train. Vincent had never seen a woman look so wonderful.
Vincent took Catherine's breath away. He wasn't just handsome, he was magnificent. Magnificent. His honey mane was brushed, and floated, wavy, around his head and down his back. His sparkling blue eyes and long eyelashes were stunning. His cheekbones were prominent, and strong. His powerful chest pushed against the tunic, and his muscular arms filled the sleeves; he wore a gold sash around his narrow waist. He wore black breeches, and knee length black boots…he looked like a prince who had just stepped out of a fairy tale. "You look magical," she whispered.
They half circled each other, and half-turned. She curtseyed; he bowed. He held out his hand, and she reached to take it, when Emily and Jennifer jumped in between them.
"Oh, no!" they cried.
"You two don't touch each other until after the reception!" cried Emily. "I spent an hour and two re-do's on that make-up, Cathy, and I won't have it ruined!"
"Ditto on the hair!" yelled Jennifer. "You better not break a sweat, Cathy, let alone turn Vincent loose!"
Roz snapped pictures of the confrontation.
The guests filled the chapel. The commune didn't use an altar, but the men had built a rectangular stage, twelve feet by eight feet, and two feet in height; there was one step up to the stage. Three arches were positioned center, left and right, and decorated with garlands of flowers and greenery. One center aisle led up to the stage.
Mary's watch read two o'clock straight up; she reviewed the wedding party one last time to make sure everyone was in the right place; she snarled at Catherine and Vincent to keep their hands to themselves; and then she gave the band the signal to start.
The band was composed of commune and Mayopelley players, three guitars, drums, keyboard. At Mary's signal, they struck up a reggae version of I Can't Help Falling in Love With You. Winslow, Ultan, and Joan took the stage.
Kanin, as Best Man, and Lena, as Matron of Honor, entered dancing a two-step up the aisle, and at the altar, moved left in front of Winslow.
Lisa, Brooke, Claire, Jennifer, and Emily proceeded up the aisle with a dance choreographed in a style contemporary but balletic. They arranged themselves to the left of Lena.
The groomsmen, Mouse, Pascal, Randolph, Scott and Michael, proceeded next, with a modified version of the dance The Temptations performed when they sang My Girl. They arranged themselves to the right of Kanin.
Father and Mary came next, swing dancing. They stood in front of Winslow.
Rori and Lynda went next. Their first position was the traditional starting position, Rori holding Lynda's right hand with his left, his right hand at her waist, her left hand on his shoulder. Four left to right side steps, then they shifted to open position, arms stretched out in front, holding hands, and four left to right side steps, turning slightly, and moving down the aisle with each step. When they were about a fourth of the way down the aisle, and Donal and Portia started out, repeating all of Rori's and Lynda's steps. Tierney and Cindy started out when Donal and Portia were a fourth of the way down the aisle, repeating the same moves. Garrett and Juliet came next, when Tierney and Cindy were a fourth of the way down the aisle. When Rori and Lynda reached the front, all the males spun the women one turn. Rori and Lynda moved to the right in front of Ultan.
Catherine and Vincent stood in back, watching. Vincent's eyes were open wide, he smiled broadly with delight. "It's fantastic," whispered Catherine.
The other three couples resumed repeating the side steps, moving forward down the aisle, until Donal and Portia reached the front. Again, all the males gave the women a spin. Donal and Portia moved to the right, Donal to the right of Rori, Portia to the left of Lynda. Tierney and Cindy, and Garrett and Juliet repeated the pattern.
Riordan and Sarah started out next, swing dancing. They used all the same moves as the previous couples, but added side bumps. When they reached the front, they moved in front of Ultan.
Finally, Catherine and Vincent set out, swing dancing. They used side steps, side bumps, spins and slides. When they reached the front, they took center stage. The guests applauded enthusiastically.
"Thank you," said Vincent. "Welcome to our wedding."
"Thank you for coming," said Catherine.
"Today, as I, Mayopelley, and Catherine, human, join together, we will also blend a Mayopelley ceremony with a human ceremony," said Vincent.
"We will have the traditional ceremony of the commune on the left, and the traditional ceremony of the Mayopelley on the right, both at the same time," said Catherine.
"Riordan, Jacob, I grant you my proxy to stand in my place to marry Catherine," said Vincent.
"Mary, Sarah, I grant you my proxy to stand in my place to marry Vincent," said Catherine. Then they faced each other, and held hands.
Ultan and Joan officiated the Mayopelley ceremony:
"Gathered family and friends, welcome," said Ultan, in Mayopelley. "We gather to join Catherine and Vincent in wedlock. From the dawn of our origins, we have believed that joining is a sacred event, and the most important passage each one of us will make in our lifetime."
Joan also spoke in Mayopelley, "Our ancestors fashioned our ceremony, and it still retains its true form today. Our ancestors knew that we were incomplete until we join. And we need only call to mind the happiness we feel in the love of our families to know how wise they were. We call on our ancestors to celebrate this joining with us, to bless this couple and their marriage."
"Catherine, Vincent," said Ultan, "once joined, it cannot be undone. You will share every feeling, and occasionally, even thoughts. Your hearts will beat together; when one stops, the other will as well. Joining together is sometimes difficult, and often requires sacrifice. We have asked you to look into your hearts, and tell us now, why you are certain you should be joined."
As Catherine's proxy, Sarah spoke, "I did not know trust until I knew Vincent. I did not know faith until I met him. He shines a light of excellence, and inspires me to follow. I love him with all my heart, I trust him with my life. My heart's desire is to bond with him, and become one heart, one soul." Her throat was tight by the time she finished speaking, and her eyes were misty.
As Vincent's proxy, Riordan spoke, "She is my melody, my song. She unlocked her heart, and let flow her sweetness, her kindness, and her love. She opened her heart for me. For me. Only for me. I shall hold her in my arms, lock her in my heart, and cherish her until the end of time." His voice dropped to its lowest register; a tear ran down Sarah's cheek.
"Let all who support this joining so indicate by the upraised hand," said Ultan. The guests were surprised that everyone in the chapel raised their hands, even the humans on the bride's side. Catherine and Vincent smiled. Rori and Lynda stepped to the candle sticks, Rori to the right of Riordan and Lynda to Sarah's left, and removed a taper; Rori presented his to Riordan, and Lynda presented hers to Sarah.
"Flame of love, burn pure and bright in the hearts of Catherine and Vincent," said Joan.
"Light of love, shine true and strong throughout their lives," said Ultan.
Sarah and Riordan walked past Joan and Ultan to a candle stand on the stage behind them. They used their two candles to light the single candle on the stand, and then they returned to their places, candles still burning. They turned to Rori and Lynda, and passed their candles to them. Sarah and Riordan faced each other, and joined hands. They and Catherine and Vincent bowed their heads, touching foreheads for several seconds.
"As these two flames have joined and become one, so now have your two hearts joined," said Joan. "Catherine and Vincent, two separate souls before, now you are one."
Catherine and Vincent opened their eyes, wide. Catherine felt her heart palpitate, and felt short of breath. Tears brimmed in her eyes. "Can you feel my heart singing?" Vincent whispered. Catherine smiled and nodded.
Sarah and Riordan pulled away from each other. Rori presented Riordan with his candle and a rose, as Lynda did Sarah.
At the same time, Winslow was officiating the Commune ceremony:
"Welcome, friends," he began. "On this day we celebrate the marriage of Catherine and Vincent, two people, separate, unique, individual. But in marriage, they will join; they will come together, and be two separate people no longer, but instead one soul, joined in marriage.
"We believe that the spirit of love that sustains us all, that created us all, and to which we shall return at the end of our earthly life is here with us today, joyfully sharing in our celebration, like the Loving Mother she is. Marriage is the gift our Loving Mother gave us to help us understand our relationship with her, to show us that when two people come together and join their hearts, it is the most holy of unions. When we reach the end of our lives, and return to Loving Mother to join our hearts together with hers and with all our brothers and sisters for all eternity, that will be the most sacred of all unions. Marriage is the symbol of that perfect, eternal, sacred union.
"Catherine, what promises do you make Vincent?"
Mary, as Catherine's proxy, said, "Vincent, I promise that I will always be by your side, to encourage you and restore you. I promise to be honest with you, to respect you, to dream with you, and to love you, every day of my life in this world, and the next."
"Vincent," asked Winslow, "what promises do you make Catherine?"
Father, as Vincent's proxy, said, "Catherine, when I lose faith in myself, I promise to believe in your faith in me. When my strength fails me, I promise to renew my strength from yours. All the gifts you offer me, I promise to accept. I promise to do these things every day of my life in this world, and the next."
Winslow addressed the guests, "All those in favor of Catherine and Vincent joining, let them so indicate by the upraised hand." Everyone, even the Mayopelley, raised their hands to the surprise of the guests. Catherine and Vincent smiled. "As a community, we promise to do all we can to sustain and support your marriage," said Winslow.
Kanin gave Father Catherine's ring. Father said to Mary, "With this ring I thee wed, with all that I have and all that I am. Wear it, and remember that as a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you."
Lena gave Mary Vincent's ring. Mary said to Father, "With this ring I thee wed, with all that I have and all that I am. Wear it, and remember that as a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you."
Father and Mary, and Riordan and Sarah crossed the stage to Catherine and Vincent. Mary took the ring off her finger and gave it to Vincent; he put it on Catherine's hand. Father took the ring off his finger and gave it to Catherine; she put it on Vincent. Sarah and Riordan presented Catherine and Vincent with the candles and roses. Catherine and Vincent blew out the candles. Father and Mary, and Riordan and Sarah returned to their places. Winslow and Ultan joined Catherine and Vincent.
Ultan spoke in Mayopelley, "Family, friends, let us welcome Catherine and Vincent into our community, and celebrate with them their joining."
Winslow spoke, "By the authority granted to me by this community I introduce Catherine and Vincent as a newly joined couple."
The entire gathering applauded. The band struck up One Republic's Counting Stars, and Catherine and Vincent led the wedding party procession out.
~ oo ~
The receiving line took a ridiculously long time to advance. A sampling of conversation from the end of the line to the top:
"This has got to be the world's longest receiving line," Randolph whispered to Pascal.
"Twenty-nine people long, three hundred guests, we'll be here for hours," Scott whispered to Michael.
"Someone needs to tell Catherine to quit pouring her heart out to every single person," whispered Jennifer to Emily.
Cullen hugged each bridesmaid. "Claire, I'll save you a seat," he said meaningfully. "Oh, God," sighed Claire.
"Mouse, I'll save you a seat," said Jamie as she came through the line. Mouse smiled wide.
"Mary, has this event awakened any desires?" Father asked.
"Maybe…what about you?" she answered.
"Oh, maybe," he answered, watching Roz taking pictures.
"You'd better close the deal with Brooke," said Donal to Alby. "She and Michael are getting pretty cozy."
"That was so beautiful!" said Juliet.
"I'm so jealous, my ceremony was so plain," said Portia.
"Oh, my God! I'm going to make Catherine plan my anniversary party!" cried Cindy.
"So that's the last one," Riordan whispered to Sarah.
"More grandchildren to spoil," answered Sarah.
At first, Vincent and Catherine had both heartily wished they could skip the reception, and close themselves up in their house. But as they greeted one guest after another, and Vincent introduced each one to Catherine and shared a memory, some funny, some warm, some sad, the happier they were to be there, sharing their day with their loved ones.
~ oo ~
The front door swung open, and he carried her in.
"Welcome home, Catherine," he said.
"Welcome home, Vincent," she said, and they kissed.
He set her down and closed the door. "Catherine, you are a genius. How did you get the idea to run both ceremonies at the same time?"
"I was listening to Mary and Sarah arguing when we were trying to plan it, and the thought occurred to me that we would have to be in two places at the same time to make them happy. The thought of using proxies just came to me."
"Well, it was wonderful…wonderful."
Her throat tightened a bit. "Thank you. That means so much to me."
"Was it what you wanted?" he asked, suddenly concerned. "You placated Mary and Sarah, I was delighted, but was it what you wanted?"
"Oh, yes, Vincent, yes. I can't imagine anything I would've been happier with. I'm glad we had the problem because it led to such a very lovely solution. And we got to watch it all, and see our guests at the same time."
"You know, the only part that scared me was the dancing entrance. But then when everyone did it…it was amazing."
"If you hadn't told me, I would never have guessed."
"Yes," he said, "but once I saw everyone making their entrance, I felt as though the dancing was adding an element of, I don't know, I want to say formality."
"Making it more of a ritual," suggested Catherine.
"Yes, like it was part of the ritual," agreed Vincent. He took her hand. "I'd like to add something, right now. I would like to say, with his ring I thee wed, and seal it with a kiss." He kissed the ring and her finger.
"I'd like to repeat something," she answered. "I love you with all my heart. My heart's desire is to bond with you, and become one heart, one soul."
He pulled her close. "Catherine, you are my melody," he whispered.
"Beloved, you are my vision of love. I promise to always stay by your side, to restore you, to love you."
"I promise to drink deep from the wellspring of your faith in me. I promise to accept the gifts you bring me."
She lifted her train, took his hand and led him upstairs.
~ oo ~
Roz sat at a table, sipping tomato juice. Father sat down beside her.
"This wedding was one for the books," she said.
"I thought it was wonderful."
"It was very pretty."
"A very creative solution to a very difficult problem."
"I agree."
Father watched her take a sip of tomato juice.
"There's no alcohol in it," she said, only slightly defensively.
"I'm not checking up on you."
"I've been clean for sixty days."
"That's fantastic, Roz."
"I paid off all my warrants."
"All of them?"
"Yes, every one of them."
"Roz, I'm impressed."
After a moment she said, "Jacob, I thought maybe we could go for pizza, sometime."
He hesitated.
"It's just pizza, Jacob. Just pizza and talk."
He smiled. "Let's do it this week. Is Wednesday good?"
She smiled. "Wednesday is good."
~ oo ~
"No, Claire, I mean let's set a date, now." Cullen was resolute.
"What do you mean, 'now'? I can't, off the top of my head "
"It's not off the top of your head, Claire. We've been talking about this, literally, for a year. Do you want to marry me, or not?"
"Well, yes, Cullen, yes I do."
"But?"
"What?"
"But what's holding us back? Why can't we say we're going to get married next month, or in two months, or three?"
"Well, fine, then, let's say we're going to get married in six months."
He looked at her for a moment. The cold brick of reality sank into the pit of his stomach. "No. No, Claire. I'm not going to wait six months."
She closed her eyes, and tears spilled out. "Cullen…I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, I just can't do it."
He nodded, and quietly got up and left. Lisa sat down next to Claire, and put her arm around her shoulders.
~ oo ~
The band was playing Love Me Do, and Scott and Emily were swing dancing. The song ended, and Scott asked her, "How many kids do you want?"
"Two," she answered. "When do you want to start?"
He pulled her close and kissed her. "Right now," he said.
~ oo ~
Jennifer and Hugh were also dancing to Love Me Do. When the song ended, Hugh said, "Let's get a drink." They drank, ate, talked and laughed.
~ oo ~
Lou finally spotted Mary. He grabbed two glasses of punch and made his way to her table.
"Mary, another triumph!"
"Thanks, Lou. Here's to triumphs." They drank.
"So, catch me up on what's new," said Mary. Lou lived in one of the sister communes. He started sharing details of current events, and several of the older members joined the table to listen.
~ oo ~
She woke up in the dark. The clock radio read 2:38. Her eyes were burning, and she had to pee. She slid carefully away from Vincent.
She flicked on the bathroom light, and squinted in the brightness. She availed herself of the commode, and while she washed her hands, she surveyed her smeared make-up in the mirror above the vanity. She heard a light knocking on the door.
She swung it open. "Aw, sorry, babe, I didn't mean to wake you," she said softly.
He leaned down and still half asleep, gave her a sloppy kiss. "No," he mumbled, "had to pee."
She glanced over as he availed himself. As she started pulling hair pins out, she observed his procedure.
He noticed her watching. "Yes?"
She looked away. "Sorry. I was curious; male bathroom habits are a mystery."
He half grunted half chuckled. "As are female habits, to me," he said. He finished, closed his pajama bottoms, closed the lid and sat on it. "May I watch you?" he asked.
"Sure," she said. She double checked for hair pins, and not finding any more, pulled off the fall Jennifer had pinned into her hair; Vincent gave a yelping cry as she did. She froze. He jumped up and peered into her head.
"It's a wig," she explained.
"Oh, my god," he breathed. "I thought you were pulling your head apart."
She bit her lips, but couldn't hold back. She burst out laughing. He smiled and shook his head. He washed his hands. "My curiosity is sated. I'm getting a snack." He left the bathroom.
She removed her eye make-up with baby oil, and washed her face. She brushed her hair, and the curls stiffened with hair spray relaxed into soft waves. She descended the stairs, and met Vincent, seated at the kitchen table.
He held out his hands to her, and pulled her onto his lap, facing him. "Here," he said offering her one of the cheese smeared crackers he was eating. She let him feed it to her.
She smiled while she was chewing. He fixed himself another cracker, but she took it out of his hand, and held it to his lips. He smiled, and allowed her to feed him.
She pulled an apple out of the fruit basket on the table, got up and fished in a drawer for a paring knife. She returned to her position on his lap, and fed him a few slices of apple.
She cut off another apple slice, and held it between her lips. She leaned close to Vincent's lips; kissing her, he took the apple from her.
Suddenly, she broke out in a sweat. She looked up and saw the raw animal hunger she was feeling reflected in his eyes. Ever so slightly, she bared her teeth at him.
His pupils dilated. Slowly, he stood, lifting her with him. He climbed the stairs with her nipping his neck, biting his lower lip.
~ o ~
She whispered, "I saw fireworks."
"Thank goodness," he whispered back, "I was wondering if I was having a stroke."
"I feel like I'm floating," she murmured. He kissed her hair, her forehead, her cheeks. "Hey, I need to tell you something. Uh, actually…hmmm…"
"Trouble concentrating? Here, let me help," he said softly, brushed his lips across her neck, and caressed her body.
"Okay, let me say this: children." She threw it out there, to see where it landed.
For a split second, he froze. Then he kissed her chin, and gently bit her lower lip. "What about children?" he tried to ask casually.
"Naw, you're busted. You want those kids, I can feel it. I felt it. I've been feeling it for days. So, ah, you know, I got that birth control, but, ah, you know, I never started taking it "
He froze again, but this time pulled back and looked at her. "Almost since I made you promise that we'd wait to start a family, I've been thinking about how much you want children. I could feel it, Vincent, I didn't need our bond, it was so obvious. So every day I thought about taking those pills, and that I'd better start taking them, I'd tell myself to get up and take one, but then I'd think of you, and…I just never did."
He kissed her tenderly, deeply. "I will adore our children…just as I adore you, Beloved."
"And I adore you, Beloved."
Just outside their windows, the full moon glowed gentle blue enchantment, and the stars twinkled their sweet song. A soft night breeze wafted across the farm. The people of the commune slept restful, peaceful sleep, safe, secure. Life was sweet and life was good.