"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of Oliver and Grace in holy matrimony. They have attended my church for ten years and I have been blessed to witness their friendship blossom into romance. Everyone who knows these two extraordinary people has no doubt felt that they stood in the presence of a true and lasting love, the kind of love that happens only once in a lifetime. They were perhaps the last to know that they were meant to be together," the pastor smiled over his glasses.
"Oliver, please repeat after me: I take thee Grace Elizabeth Farrell, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I vow to love, honor, and cherish thee all the days of my life."
As he spoke his vows, he admired the resplendent beauty of his bride. The beads on her modest high necked lace gown glinted in the light of the afternoon sun and the wind played with the dark loose ringlets of her hair. He had never seen her look more stunning. Her cheeks were flushed, matching the delicate pink peonies of her bouquet, perhaps a bit nervous to have so many eyes on her. She didn't generally feel comfortable being the center of attention.
"Grace, repeat after me: I take thee, Oliver Stanley Warbucks, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I vow to love, honor and obey thee all of the days of my life."
Grace lifted an eyebrow at the word "obey." She was a modern woman, wanting to start her marriage as a partnership. She would give him her life and love, but she wanted to be his equal. She smiled at Oliver.
"I take thee Oliver Stanley Warbucks to be my lawfully wedded husband. I vow to love, honor, and respect thee all the days of my life."
She gave great emphasis to the word "respect," and Oliver grinned back at her. Her feistiness was one of his favorite qualities in his new bride. She was always challenging him to grow and he adored her for it. He would take her respect over obedience any day.
The exchange of rings was sealed with a passionate kiss. Annie cheered, peeking from behind Oliver's back in her tiny tuxedo. She had decided that she wanted to serve as his "best man."
The reception was held on the south lawn in huge white tent with a crystal chandelier and a lively band. The day was a blur of laughter, friends, and well wishes. The dancing went late into the night. As they bid the last guest goodbye, Oliver turned to his bride, "Well, my dear, shall we turn in?"
Grace's stomach growled in response. They both laughed. "I don't think I've eaten a thing all night!"
"Come to think of it, neither have I!" Oliver took Grace by the arm and led her to the kitchen where Mrs. Pugh was cleaning up from the festivities.
"Mrs. Pugh, I thought I gave you the day off! No working! These things can wait until morning! Go get some rest!" Oliver gave the old woman a peck on the cheek.
"What are you two doing in here on your wedding night?" she admonished.
"We are positively famished!" Grace chimed in, pulling some leftovers out of the refrigerator.
"Well, you'll certainly need some sustenance for tonight," she winked at Grace.
"Mrs. Pugh!" Grace averted her eyes, blushing furiously.
"I'll leave you two alone. Enjoy your evening!" she gave Grace a sly grin.
Grace was mortified with so many people knowing that she was going to finally lose her virginity tonight. She looked up at Oliver, who was staring at her with deep longing, ignoring the plate before him. His hunger was something that food would not satisfy.
