A/N: Hi Everyone! Happy August! Guess who doesn't have a cold anymore? Me! Yay! I apologize for a late update, but this chapter was hard to write because I just want it to be perfect (you'll see why in a minute) so I rewrote it once or twice. My thanks goes out to all of my readers who have read and reviewed! Your comments make me so happy. I hope you enjoy the chapter. Please excuse any grammar errors. Afterwards, why not leave me a review? Reviews make my day and help me become a better writer for you guys. Also, don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story if you haven't already! Well…enough about me. Raise your glass for…Chapter Ten! :-)
Disclaimer: If I owned anything else besides Anne, I wouldn't have to go to college because I'd have enough money to spend the rest of my days in a tropical paradise. ;-)
This Chapter is dedicated to the lovely Miss Christine Elizabeth! Thank you for your review! I'm so glad you love this story. You are still my inspiration. I hope you enjoy the chapter! :-)
Chapter 10
Deafening screams that pierced through the night was all that I could hear in my dreams; cries of terror, the groans from the Titanic as she was twisted into the air, the crackling sound of poor souls splashing into the water. The Titanic kept rising and rising up out of the ocean. I felt myself slip from Tommy's grasp and plummet into the icy waters before thousands of bodies drowned me to use my body for leverage out of the frozen abyss.
My eyes shot open. My body shook violently as sweat dripped down my face and my heart raced out of my chest. It took several large gulps of air to finally quell the tremors that shot through my veins. My eyes rolled with hopeless defeat. I had hoped that with time, the nightmares would lessen. It was not to be. Instead, they had persisted, making my worst fears a horrific reality.
"Another nightmare?" A familiar voice questioned. I slightly jumped at the voice. But it didn't take me long to find those hazel irises slicing through the darkness. I was surprised to see Tommy out of bed. Even though his condition had gradually improved over the past several weeks, Tommy was easily tired and often retired to bed early.
"No," I lied. "I just couldn't sleep."
"I know what a nightmare is, Anne," Tommy replied, discerning my deception.
I sighed. "They don't stop Tommy. I keep hoping that they will, but they don't." Tommy sauntered over to the bed and crawled up next to me. "I hear them and their screams every night." Tommy pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead.
"They will lessen with time," he assured me, stroking my curls. "No matter how hard we try, we can't escape what happened. The Titanic is a part of us, it always will be a part of us." I sighed,
"I miss them Tommy. I miss Fabrizio, Helga, and little Cora."
"I know," Tommy whispered. "I miss them too."
"I wish they were here," I moaned. "Safe in America and warm in their bed, instead of dying in the freezing Atlantic." Tommy hugged me tighter.
"Me too, but one day…we'll see them again."
"I hope so, Tommy. I truly hope so."
Silence descended upon us as we listened to the crickets chirp out in the night. As I reflected on my fruitless attempts to find oblivion, I realized I still didn't know why Tommy was up. I turned and stared at his countenance.
"Couldn't sleep, Tommy?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"No, I'm too excited," he replied.
"Why?" For the next few moments, Tommy scrambled to find the right words. I could see that he wanted to tell me something, but didn't know how to say it.
Can we go for a walk?" he finally asked. I raised my eyebrows.
"Right now?"
"Yes," Tommy replied. "I wanted to save it until tomorrow morning but I just can't wait."
"Tommy, you know the doctor said you're not supposed to overexert yourself," I reminded him.
"We won't go far, I promise. Besides, when was I ever a good patient?" Tommy's comment made me chuckle.
"Alright, I'll come."
Tommy helped me out of bed as I sauntered into the bathroom to throw on a lilac-colored dress over me. The light airiness of the dress reminded me of that fateful night on the Titanic, when I had adorned similar attire. It amazed me to think how much my life had changed since that night.
When I opened the door, I found Tommy smiling at me. My spirits lifted at the sight of him. Several weeks ago, Tommy was barely clinging to life. Since then, there had been several nights where William and I were sure we would lose him. But Tommy meant what he said when he had promised to keep fighting. He had managed to survive the worse of the fever and for that, I was eternally grateful.
"Are you ready?" Tommy asked. When I nodded, Tommy held out his hand and I laced my fingers around his. The warmth I felt pulsing through his hand comforted me as we quietly plodded down the stairs.
The house had been empty for weeks. I missed the sound of children echoing through the halls. At the moment, Tommy, William, and I were quarantined. The doctor wanted to be absolutely certain that the fever was gone so that we didn't expose anyone else to the deadly disease. Thankfully, the quarantine period was almost over. Over the past few days, William and I had been constantly boiling and sanitizing everything in the house to the doctor's standards. The work was long and strenuous, but to me, it would be all worth it if I could see Jack, Rose, Mildred, Mary, and Edith's faces again. I couldn't wait for everyone to finally come home.
As Tommy led me outside into the moonlight, I asked. "Where are we going?"
"Just wait and see," Tommy answered. We passed fields of wildflowers until Tommy and I reached the tiny lake behind the mansion. Tommy grabbed my hands and sighed, "Alright, close your eyes."
"Why?" I smiled.
"Just trust me." Obediently, I shut my eyes. Tommy's grip on my hand lessened as he seemed to be reaching for something. "Now…open your eyes."
When I did, my mouth gaped open. In front of me, Tommy held the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. A sparkling diamond laced in tiny crystals on a golden band. It was simple, something I loved.
"Just to make it official," Tommy whispered. The beauty of the ring had left me flabbergasted.
"Thomas Ryan! Where in the world did you get this?"
"In town," Tommy laughed in response to my reaction. "Jack helped me pick it out. Do you like it?"
"I love it," I replied. "It's gorgeous."
I stared deep into Tommy's eyes, full of strength and love. I couldn't imagine my life without him. He was my strength. He was my solace from the struggles of life. And I wanted more than anything for him to be my husband. It was as though all of my dreams were finally coming true.
"I can't wait to start forever," I whispered. Tommy pulled me into a warm embrace as he kissed my forehead.
"I've been waiting for it since the night we met."
I peered up to find Tommy's lips inching closer to mine. I didn't hesitate to welcome them. A warm, tingling sensation pulsed through my veins, making me shudder. This wasn't like any kiss we had shared before. It was intoxicating, tasting like honey, fueled with a fiery passion. I leaned into the kiss, releasing all of the fears, the worries, and the heartache that had accumulated over the past several weeks. They were no more. Tommy was mine, and no one would ever take him away from me if I had anything to say about it.
I found my nails digging into Tommy's curls as his arms traced my curves and found my back. He pulled me closer to him, enveloping my petite frame. He was holding me, protecting me from all of the cares of the world.
After what seemed like a blissful eternity, we finally broke apart. It was that or pass out. I glanced at Tommy to find the first genuine smile I had seen in weeks. For now, we could finally forget our troubles and worries. The gulps of warm summer air filling my lungs felt like the first time I had breathed in weeks. A joyful feeling was stirring inside me. We were free.
Tommy wrapped his hand around mine as he led me over to a tall oak tree near the edge of the lake. We soon found ourselves on the ground leaning against the tree. As Tommy's strong arms girded around me, I rested my head against his chest, listening to the lulling beat of his heart. No words could describe my relief to hear its sweet tune rumbling through my eardrums.
For hours, neither of us stirred as we silently stared out across the horizon. Thousand of stars danced across the sky. The crickets and sounds of the night were in perfect harmony. It was serene, like nature's lullaby. My eyelids struggled to stay awake. I fought to keep them open before Tommy whispered,
"When will you ever learn to stop fighting the idea of going to sleep?"
"When I actually decide to listen," I chuckled. A smile stretched across Tommy's countenance.
"That's my little lassie," he beamed. "Now, go to sleep."
And so I did. As I fell into oblivion, I listened to Tommy's golden heart enchant me as his lips softly hummed his Irish lullaby. I knew that I was safe in his arms, a place where no nightmares would haunt me.
The sound of birds welcoming the sunshine was the first thing my ears registered. My eyes fluttered open to find that I was still enveloped in Tommy's arms. His tepid breath wisped across my shoulder. I could feel a rattling pain shoot up my neck. It had come from my sleeping position, but I didn't move for fear of waking Tommy.
There had been many nights he had stayed awake for fear of being unable to wake up in the morning. Those were the longest nights, the longest hours of my life. How we had managed to survive, I could only guess. But we were here, alive, and that was all that mattered.
For the next few minutes, I contented myself with just watching Tommy sleep. His golden curls sparkled in the sunlight. The crimson rash of the fever had faded and the soft glow of his skin had returned. He was getting stronger every day. Tommy had proven to me that he was a warrior, fighting an uphill battle that he had conquered.
"Well, well, well, it looks like the lovebirds fell out of the tree."
I carefully turned my head to find a familiar face staring at me.
"It's good to see you again Jack!" I whispered, unable to conceal the grin forming across my features.
"But you didn't have to wake us up," Tommy groaned. Both Jack and I laughed as Tommy released me so I could embrace my dear friend.
"Aw, where's the fun in that?" Jack jeered. I joyfully buried myself into Jack's torso.
"Oh, I've missed you, Jack."
"We've missed you too," Jack replied.
"How is Rose?"
"Lonely," Jack answered. "She wants to see her best friend again."
"I want that more than anything," I declared.
"Good, because she's coming home today." My eyes widened.
"Today?"
"Yes, today," Jack replied. "All of us, we're coming home."
"But the doctor…"
"Don't worry Anne," Jack assured me. "I talked to the doctor this morning. He said the quarantine period is over. It is perfectly safe."
I breathed a sigh of relief. I felt like I was in a dream. Finally, things were starting to go our way. But with that thought, a pang knotted itself in my stomach. I ruminated on that fateful night when Fabrizio and Helga had also been planning their dreams. Only now, those dreams would never come to pass.
"Have you told William, yet?" I asked, trying to ignore the sickening feeling plummeting into my chest.
"I just came from there," Jack replied. "He said he hadn't seen either of you this morning. So I came looking for the lovebirds."
"I have to get back," I murmured. "There's so much to do."
"Anne, would you stop worrying about all of this?" Tommy laughed. "Everything is going to be fine."
"You're right," I sighed. Tommy reached for my hand and I slid it into his. "Come on you two, let's get back so I can make us some breakfast."
"Sounds good to me," Tommy concurred. "I'm starving."
We sauntered towards the mansion as we quietly soaked in the springtime air. For once, it didn't feel like my limbs even remembered the stinging chill of the Atlantic. More than anything, I was glad to be in the company of the two men I loved most.
When we arrived at the mansion, I was joyfully surprised to be greeted with familiar faces coming out of the front door.
"Anne!" Edith shouted as she raced towards my arms. Mary quickly followed her younger sister.
"Mary! Edith! Oh it's so good to see you!" I smiled as I caught Edith in my arms.
"Edith! You know we're not supposed to run," Mary stated.
"But Mary!" she whined. "It's Anne!"
"Don't worry Mary," I grinned. "I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me." I was thankful to see the girls well and in bright spirits. Their cheery smiles reminded me of Cora Cartmell, so young and innocent. I was certain Mary, Edith, and Cora would have been great friends.
"Oh I've missed you!" Edith proclaimed as she hugged me.
"I've missed you more!" Mary declared as she joined us in our special embrace.
"I've missed you most!" a voice from behind the girls chimed.
Rose
My eyes lit up at the sight of her. Her fiery hair gleamed as her pale yellow dress caught the radiant beams of the sunlight. Her smile brightened as she plodded towards me. She looked like an angel.
I placed Edith on the ground before engulfing Rose into my arms. It had been so long, too long since I had last seen her jade irises penetrate my soul. Tommy was right; I could've never thrown that bracelet at Titanic's stern and destroyed our friendship. It meant more to me now than it ever had before.
"Oh Rose," I whispered into her ear. "I'm so glad you're here."
"I am too," she replied. We held each other for another few moments before Tommy called us into the house. Smiles decorated our faces as we watched William be reunited with his son, Peter, the infant who had grown by leaps and bounds. Strands of golden curls were slowly starting to emerge from his forehead. But those curls could not hide the gigantic grin painting his countenance as his father planted a kiss onto his cheek.
Once we were all inside, Tommy gestured for me to join him. "Alright everyone, I have an announcement to make." My eyes widened with confusion as I contemplated what Tommy would say next. "I think Anne would agree with me in saying that this is the happiest day we've had in quite awhile. I wanted to let you know that by sundown, Anne Hockley will become Anne Ryan." My mouth gaped open.
"Tommy, are you serious?!"
"As serious as I've ever been Anne," he replied. "Remember when I told you I'd marry you the moment I got out of bed? Well, I know I'm a little late, but I intend to fulfill that promise."
I remember that night the promise was made, amidst the storms, the fear, and the heartache. For days on end, I had silently wondered whether or not we would ever get the chance to live it. Now, after all we had gone through, we would finally get to live our fairytale; the one that I had dreamed of, the one Tommy made me promise to live when he feared he wouldn't survive the sinking, the one Cal had nearly taken from us, the one we held dearly close to our hearts. That promise had sustained us in times of rain and in times of sunshine. Finally, today was the day it would begin.
Excitement welled up inside me, sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach. At the news, cheers roared through the air. Rose squealed with excitement as she embraced me. Jack shook hands with Tommy as both William and Mildred offered their congratulations.
"We're very happy for you both," Mildred exclaimed.
"Thank you," I replied as Tommy took me aside.
"Anne, are you sure you want us to marry today?" he asked. "I mean…we could wait a little bit if you…" I stopped Tommy's rambling with the tip of my finger on his lips.
"I'm sure Tommy," I answered. "I want you to be my husband, today."
"I can't wait," Tommy whispered as he pulled me into a kiss.
"No!" Rose and Mildred shouted. Tommy and I broke apart as Mildred came in between us. "It's bad luck to kiss on your wedding day before you're married," she explained. Rose coiled her grip around my arm.
"The bride is coming with us," Rose giggled.
Everyone burst into action. Rose began rushing me up the stairs. Mildred began ordering the servants to prepare a majestic feast. Mary and Edith were literally dragging Jack out the door to pick wildflowers for a bouquet, while William and Tommy drove to town to find a preacher. It was going to be a day of celebration, and a day I would not soon forget.
As soon as the door to Rose's suite was closed, we both squealed with excitement, jumping up and down.
"I'm so excited!" Rose proclaimed.
" Me too!" I replied. "I can't believe it. It's like a dream."
"Are you nervous?"
"Nervously excited."
Just then, Mildred opened the door carrying a tray of tea and scones. Rose situated me at the vanity. Between the three of us, we lightly bantered, catching up on all I had missed while they were gone and other trifling little details. Every other sentence or so, Rose and Mildred would express their excitement and congratulations on the sudden nuptials.
"So, Anne, what are you planning to wear?" Mildred questioned as we started discussing how I wanted to look. A sinking feeling plunged into my chest. I had been so caught up in the moment, I had forgotten that I didn't even have a dress. I tried to remember all of the dresses I had worn and those still in my closet.
"I… I suppose I could wear my lavender dress with ruffles," I suggested. It wasn't the nicest dress I had. But I refused to wear my black dress. I had seen too much sorrow and too much pain while wearing that dress. Today was a day I fulfilled the promise to myself, to honor the lives of my friends and to making it count. Besides, I did love the color and the ruffles of the dress.
"Or…" Mildred went to the closet and pulled out the most gorgeous dress I had ever seen. "You could wear this." My mouth dropped open as I admired all of the intricate details and patterns that decorated every seam. "This is the dress I wore for my wedding," Mildred explained. "It's made from lavish ivory silk and lace with buttons down the back. But my favorite part is the pearls interwoven in the lace on the sleeves. Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful." I answered.
"Well, change into it Anne," Rose prodded. I obeyed and quickly changed out of my dress before adorning Mildred's gift. It was a perfect fit. Rose and Mildred helped with the buttons and sleeves before ordering me to turn around so they could see me in the dress fully. When I did, Rose and Mildred gasped.
"Oh Anne…" Rose gasped. "You look gorgeous."
"Mr. Ryan is one very lucky man," Mildred smiled.
"Well I should hope so," I declared, causing the three of us to fall over with laughter. The warm smiles and presence of friends were things I had dearly missed over the past several weeks. I was glad to finally get a sense of normalcy returning to my life. A wedding of course, however, was not normal. But it was an exception that I was happy to have.
As I thought about my wedding, I thought about my family and what it would've been like if I had married Cal. I have no doubt that the entire Philadelphia society would have been present. My mother would have repulsed the idea of me marrying Cal, my own cousin. But if she were told of my behavior on the Titanic, she would have undoubtedly agreed. My marriage to Cal would have been the only way to save my family's name.
That day would have been like hell. Wearing a garish dress, standing through a flamboyant ceremony, and marrying a man I loathed and despised would have killed me. Cal could've cared less so long as he inherited his millions. He could buy a whole lot of liquor with that money.
Even with time, I don't believe Cal would've ever loved or cherished me the way Tommy has. Tommy genuinely cared about who I was on the inside, not just on the outside. Although I did miss some things about my old life like my friends, my family, and England, I was content with moving forward with my life and marrying Tommy.
After unleashing all of our bouts of laughter, Rose sat me down at the vanity and began brushing out my mass of chocolate tresses. It was then that for the first time in weeks, I was actually able to get a good look at myself. I grimaced at the hideous reflection staring back at me. With Tommy's illness, I hadn't bothered to spend much time on my appearance. My hair was like a rat's nest and my features seemed dull and lifeless. How Rose would manage to turn this chaos into something wedding worthy was beyond me. But if I knew Rose, she was up to the challenge. With a gleam in her eye and a smile on her face, Rose leaned down and whispered into my ear,
"Let's make you look like the most beautiful bride."
After what seemed to be hours of Rose vigilantly styling my hair, Mildred doing my makeup, and both of them taking care of the last intricate details, Rose and Mildred declared that I was finished. I admired with awe at how Rose had pinned my hair into a formal bun with loose curls framing my face as a quilt of diamonds and pearls encased it. With Mildred's light and deft hand, a soft glow of powders painted my features. I couldn't remember the last time I remembered feeling this beautiful.
"Now…if you're going to be a bride," Mildred smiled. "You have to have all of the things required: something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue." I watched as Mildred brought over a gigantic box and set it on the ground next to me. She carefully opened the box to reveal a majestic veil that perfectly complemented my dress. "This is your something old," Mildred explained. "It was the veil my mother wore on her wedding day."
"And this is your something new," Rose added as she presented me with a delicate handkerchief crowned with lace and my new initials AHR.
"Your dress is your borrowed," Mildred enlightened me as she warily set and pinned the veil into my hair. "And one last thing…" Mildred ambled over to the door and called out, "You can come in now."
Suddenly, Mary and Edith, dressed in their best attire, marched into the room with a huge bouquet of wildflowers. "This is your something blue!" they grinned, pointing to the blue and yellow wildflowers.
"Oh, they're lovely!" I beamed.
"We picked them all ourselves!" Edith proclaimed.
"With a little bit of Mister Jack's help, of course," Mary added.
"Thank you girls," I obliged as I hugged them both.
"You look pretty Miss Anne!" Edith complimented.
"Very pretty," her sister enjoined.
"Thank you,"
"Alright girls," Mildred smiled. "Now you must go and get ready, the car will be here any minute. Anne, you'll be going in the car right behind us. It'll be here a couple of minutes after we leave. Is that alright with you?"
"Just fine," I replied.
"Very well," Mildred exclaimed. "Come on girls. I've got to go check on Peter. Rose, be ready when the car comes."
"I will," Rose nodded.
"Goodbye Anne!"
"Goodbye Mildred! Thank you for everything!"
"You're welcome," she smiled. "See you at the church."
As I watched Mildred leave, Rose went to change into her attire. When she came back, she was dressed in a sapphire-colored summer dress as her scarlet tresses were fastened into a formal bun. She was the epitome of an angel.
"You look lovely Rose," I praised.
"Thank you." She sauntered over to me and handed me a pair of pearl earrings. "The final touch."
I obediently put them on as Rose gently draped the veil over my face. "Turn around," she ordered. I slowly twirled around to give Rose a glimpse of the final look. "Perfect, you're done."
The sound of a car horn blasted through the air, signaling to us that Rose had to leave. She embraced me and kissed my cheek before biding me goodbye.
"See you soon," she whispered. As soon as she left, the anxiety started sinking in.
Today was the day that my life changed forever. I was sealing my fate, to live the rest of my days with a poor Irishman. But I couldn't be happier. As I admired myself in the mirror, I wondered what Tommy would think of me. Would he like the dress? Would he think it was too much? My mind was so dizzy with all of those thoughts, I barely noticed the knock on my door.
"Come in," I hollered. The door opened to reveal a familiar face.
"Wow, Anne," Jack gawked as he admired my dress and veil.
"Just like in a nickelodeon?" I sheepishly grinned.
"Better," Jack approved. "Ready to go?"
"As ready as I will ever be," I proclaimed, hugging him.
Jack offered me his arm as we ambled down the stairs to the awaiting car, all the time, Jack showering me with compliments.
"You look beautiful Anne. Tommy is one lucky man."
"You think so?" I asked.
"I do. Besides, if he doesn't like you, I'll marry you myself. I am escorting you down the aisle after all." I laughed at Jack's preposterous idea. How I had missed the laughter he always seemed to coax out of me.
After Jack helped me into the car, we made our way to the church. Silence was prevalent as I reflected on everything Tommy and I had been through, from the night we met up to now. My hands were trembling as my heart sank into my throat. I hated myself for being this nervous. This was Tommy I was going to see, not Cal or some stranger. I only hoped they would ameliorate as the seconds ticked by.
My nerves didn't lessen as we drove up to the church. It was just on the edge of town surrounded by fields of lilies and wildflowers. The church wasn't huge, but it wasn't tiny either. It was nice and quaint, perfect for my wedding.
Jack helped me out of the car and led me inside. He left me in the front as he went into the sanctuary to inform everyone that we were here. In the mere seconds that the door was opened and closed, I stole a glimpse of finding Mildred at the piano. I couldn't see Tommy, but I had no doubt he was probably trying to remember how to breathe.
When Jack returned, he wrapped his arm around mine and whispered, "Ready?"
"Yes," I nodded. My hand girded my bouquet firmly as I raised my chin. As the doors opened and the music played, Jack and I marched into the room. It was then, I saw him.
Tommy had the biggest smile on his face as he stared at me with awe. He was dressed in a tuxedo and glowing. My heart relaxed at the sight of him and his blond curls twinkling in the sunlight peeking through the windows. I counted myself fortunate to have him here and healthy. All traces of the fever were gone.
My eyes peered to find Rose, William (holding Peter), and the girls quietly observing and admiring my entrance. No, I didn't have an entire society to witness this moment, but I had those I loved with me on the most important day of my life. As I plodded down the aisle, my gaze was glued to those captivating hazel eyes.
Every fear, every sorrow, every uncertainty vanished with every step I took towards him. The short aisle seemed to be as long as an eternity, but finally, I reached the end of it. Tommy winked at me as we both reverently turned our attention towards the preacher.
"Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?" he asked. I turned to Jack who glared straight ahead.
"Her friends and I," Jack answered. The preacher nodded and allowed Jack to kiss my cheek before he handed me over to Tommy.
"We have gathered here today to witness the marriage of Thomas Patrick Ryan and Anne Louise Hockley. If anyone has a reason as to why these two should not be joined together, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Silence echoed through the room. I breathed a sigh of relief to hear no objections. As Tommy and I faced each other, we took turns mouthing "I love you" as the minister stated a ritual monologue about what love really was and looks like. I knew that after all we had gone through, Tommy and I knew what love, true love really was.
"Before stating their vows, Thomas would like to take a moment and express his love for Anne." I turned with surprise as something like this had never happened at the weddings I had attended. Tommy turned to me and clutched my right hand.
"Anne," he sighed. "When I boarded the Titanic in April, I never thought things would turn out the way that they did. When I met you, I never thought we would be here. You are so kind, you are so stubborn, but you are so loyal. You care about people and see the best in them…" Tommy choked as tears began trickling down his face. I used my handkerchief to wipe the tears away as Tommy chuckled before resuming his speech. "The night that the Titanic sank, my only thought… my only wish was to save you. But in the end…it was you who saved me."
Tommy took a moment to compose himself before declaring, "I love you. I love you so much, and I can't imagine life without you. You make me…the happiest man in the world." Tommy kissed my hand and smiled before turning back to the preacher.
"Can I say something?" I asked him.
"Of course," the preacher replied. "It's your wedding." Everyone laughed as I began,
"Tommy, you…" I got choked up on my own tears. "Dang it, now you're going to make me cry." Everyone laughed as I continued. "You are my rock, my protector, and everything I don't deserve. I never knew what love really was until…until I met you. You laugh with me when I am happy, you cry with me when I am sad, and you've held me in the darkest nights. Meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am so happy to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you." Tommy winked before turning to ask the preacher,
"Can we kiss now?"
"In a minute son," he chuckled. "Now we'll start with you Anne. Do you take Thomas Patrick Ryan to be your lawfully wedded husband; to love, honor, and cherish; in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?" I turned and gazed into Tommy's sparkling irises.
"I do," I declared. The reverend nodded and turned to Tommy.
"Thomas, do you take Anne Louise Hockley to be your lawfully wedded wife; to love, honor, and cherish; in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?" A huge grin formed across Tommy's features.
"I do," he proclaimed.
"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you…husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate." The preacher flashed a smile at Tommy. "You may kiss your bride."
This was it. This was the moment I had been waiting for. As Tommy lifted the veil from my face, the butterflies soared in my stomach. I was about to receive a kiss from my husband. Joy and glee pulsed through my chest.
Tommy thrust his lips onto mine. As cheers and hands clapping sailed through the room, our lips softly danced in harmony as I felt his warmth snake through my veins, making me feel weak in the knees. The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but felt like a taste of heaven.
We broke apart, knowing that the best of our passion for each other would be saved for later. The preacher smiled as he cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present to the world for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Patrick Ryan."
Even as the music resumed, everyone clapped, and Tommy led me down the aisle, my feelings were up in the clouds. Today, Tommy and I had made a bond that no Cal, no society, no rules, not even death could unravel. We were married. And as we walked out the church doors, I was filled with happiness.
Because I had just become Anne Hockley Ryan.
A/N: Woohoo! Chapter Ten is complete, and it's happy (for once)! I hope you enjoyed it because I loved writing it. Thanks for sticking with me and my late updates. Life is busy and chaotic, but you guys encourage me to keep writing. I just wanted to let you know that this story will start jumping in the coming chapters, so be prepared. As always, please review. Your reviews encourage me and help me to become a better writer for you guys. Also…don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story. Next chapter is the party! You won't want to miss it! Well…enough about me. The next chapter should be up soon. So…until then! –Your happy train conductor (C.M. Singer) :-)