A/N: Seeing as how the last three chapters haven't been reviewed and have barely even been read, I was nearly reluctant to finish the story; but I wanted to finish this story before I moved on. There are only two chapters(including this one) left. Erin and Ashley's wedding will be similar to Erin and Paul's.
"Why aren't you getting married on the mountain?"
"Ashley wants to get married in Rockfish. We only have a few small churches here. There are larger churches in Rockfish that can fit all of us."
"Ashley doesn't have any family here. We could all be in our church." Elizabeth said. I turned to her after I put my earrings in.
"Elizabeth, this is supposed to be a happy day for me. Why do you have to talk like this and take that away from me?" I walked out of our bedroom and down into the kitchen where Daddy was standing with Ben and Jason.
"You look wonderful Erin. Just like Mama."
I wiped the tears out of my eyes and hugged Jason, "you think so?"
"I do."
Daddy looked at him, "we should be getting to the church." He went to take my arm when Ben stopped him.
"I'd like a minute alone with Erin first if that's alright." Daddy nodded and walked outside with Jason.
"Yes Ben?"
"How could you do this to your family? You are disgracing us and this entire mountain!" he exclaimed.
"What? By getting married?"
"You and Paul were getting married, but you wouldn't leave things be. You had to leave the best man for you and go back to Ashley." He said with disgust in his voice. "I'm sure you know Paul had to leave the mountain because of you. He was the best man that ever worked in this mill with me besides Daddy and Grandpa, but he left so things wouldn't be difficult for you. You are selfish Erin, I hope one day you realize what you've done around here!" He yelled and I stared at him with tears welling up in my eyes.
"I'm sorry you feel that way Ben. I couldn't marry Paul just because it was going to make things easier for you. I love Ashley and that's why I want to marry him. I know things happened that shouldn't have and I know I hurt Paul and all of you; but this is just how things are. Do you think it was easy on all of us when you brought Cindy home in the middle of the night? But we learned to love her, and Virginia. Now, if you can't be happy for me and Ashley I don't want you to be there but if you think you can be, I want my little brother at my wedding. It's up to you." I said and walked out of the house with tears flowing down my cheeks again. I stepped onto the front door and saw Grandma standing in front of Daddy's car. I rushed down the steps and hugged her. "Oh Grandma! You came. I'm glad you came."
"Love you Erin."
"I love you too." I kissed her cheek and quickly got into the car as we headed into Rockfish.
My stomach felt like it was rolling around when I stood inside the church, but after Mary Ellen, Elizabeth and Virginia made it down the aisle, it was time for me and Daddy. I held onto his arm tightly as we walked and headed down where the minister and Ashley were standing. When we got there, Daddy let go of my arm and gave my hand to Ashley's before he sat down and pulled Virginia into his lap. Ashley and I looked into each others' eyes for a long time and shared a subtle smile before the minister began and we turned to him.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and the presence of these witnesses to unite this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted by God and signifying for us the mystical union which exists between Christ and His church. It is therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two people come now to be joined. No other ties are more tender. No other vows are more sacred than those you're about to assume. Ashley Longworth, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live?"
Ashley looked at me before he turned to the minister, "I will."
"Erin Esther Walton, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health and forsaking all other keep thee only unto him so long as ye both shall live?"
I couldn't take my eyes off of Ashley as I heard the vows being spoken before me, "I will."
"Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"
"Her mother and I do." Daddy said behind me and I smiled softly. It was hard knowing that Mama wasn't here to see me get married today. She knew Ashley and we talked about going to see her, but it wasn't the same as her being with us.
"Face the bride and repeat after me," the minister paused, "I, Ashley Longworth Jr, take thee, Erin Esther Walton, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part. And thereto I plight thee my faith." Ashley repeatedly slowly line after line after the minister.
I felt nervous as I started to repeat my vows, "I, Erin Esther Walton, take thee, Ashley Longworth Jr, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part. And thereto I plight thee my faith."
We exchanged our rings and prayed on the Bible in front of my family and friends, before we heard the minister say "you may now kiss the bride."
