Thomas III and Louisa Donnelly's vows renewal ceremony
Chapter 12:
18th May 2019
Marine Park, Brooklyn, New York
"It has been 2 weeks since Dad came home after 9 years of being MIA. Now we're all attending his vow renewal ceremony. To watch my Mom and Dad get married again is something I never expected. I've watched my Grandparents Thomas II and Grandma Marilyn have their vow renewal. But not Thomas I and Grandma Elizabeth, though they said something's in the making, whatever that had meant.
Kate's been real excited about Mom and Dad's vow renewal, I think she's determined to see if I make a move to put a ring on her finger. But unknown to her or anybody else, I already have a plan in place for the engagement. And this one's goin' to be one to remember for the Donnelly family and for the future younger generations."
It was summer time in Marine Park, Brooklyn, it was Saturday, Thomas Donnelly III was getting re-married in a vow renewal ceremony to Louisa Donnelly. All friends and family were invited to the ceremony, Thomas IV was goin' to be his best man along with Matt O'Meara, Henry Renzulli and Frank Magnum.
Thomas I and II were to resume their original roles at the wedding ceremony and be Thomas III's best men as well, Danielle was going to be flower girl, and Kate was bridesmaid with Marianne Renzulli.
The men were dressing in their NYPD dress blues. Except for Frank who wasn't NYPD but he was dressing in his Rangers uniform.
Donnie Pracero and Nicole Veradi were going together. They had recently announced their engagement a couple days ago. Getting married in November. Donnie was going to be wearing his Special Forces uniform. Nicole Veradi was wearing a blue dress.
Everyone had gathered at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. For the Donnelly family, they had a proud record of marriage proposals. All the Donnelly men before Thomas IV had proposed to their girls and lived happily ever after. Now Thomas had everyone's eyes on him to propose to Kate.
But Thomas, he was waiting for the right moment to make it all special just like his family did for all their special ladies.
Thomas was straightening the collar on his uniform, he looked at the breast bars that were above his badge in the mirror.
Thomas IV NYPD Decorations list:
American Flag Breast Bar
Combat Cross (x2)
Meritorious Police Duty Honorable Mention
Meritorious Police Duty Exceptional Merit (x2)
US Army Service Breast Bar
Firearms Proficiency Breast Bar
The Donnelly men, Frank Magnum, Matt O'Meara and Henry Renzulli stood at the makeshift altar located in the Palm House as Thomas IV says, "How'd you get all this sorted and not tell Mom 'bout all this?"
Thomas III smiles saying, "That is a professional secret, but in truth, I called in an old contact for a favour." "Good work, Dad. who'd I have to call about scheduling something here for me and Kate?" Thomas IV asks.
Thomas III hands him a card saying, "All yours, better make it count." "Not happening yet, buddy, I've got it all worked out."
Thomas III stared at him in thought saying, "You'll let me know right?" "Damn right, I will." Thomas said.
Soon the bagpipes began to play as everyone in attendance stood up.
Danielle came down in her white dress dropping flowers on the floor, everybody smiled, Thomas smiled with much pride over his little girl, he then smiled over at Kate wearing a white dress with a satin bow, her blonde hair pinned up, the same had been done with Danielle and Marianne's hair.
He was in awe of Kate and Danielle with the way they both looked.
Louisa strolled down with Thomas I and II on both arms as she smiled proudly, Thomas III smiled proudly reminiscing of the day he had gotten married to Louisa, she looked beautiful since their wedding 25 years ago and they had not fallen out of love with each other.
Henry had watched his adoptive mother walk up to the podium as he said, "Congrats Mom." "Thanks Hank."
Thomas smiled saying, "You look beautiful, Ma." "Reserve that for your girl, my boy and thank you." Thomas nodded standing to attention.
Frank nodded in respect of the bride as his eyes wondered the room. Soon laying on a beautiful woman that was sitting in the next 3rd row, her blonde hair left down going past her shoulders, light eyes holding a twinkle inside them, she looked up at him and smiled softly, to which he returned it nodding as well.
The officiant had then begun, "Thomas and Louisa, it is a pleasure to share today's very special occasion with you.
Many people believe that entering into marriage is the final step in a romantic relationship. As they see it, a couple meets, gets to know each other, falls in love, decides they want to go through life together, and then take the final step-marriage.
But marriage is not meant to be the final step in a couple's relationship—it is really just the beginning of a grand adventure, that hopefully, will be long and fruitful for each couple.
You have shared the joys, blessings, and yes, the challenges, of married life for 25 years, but in your case, 15 years. And, today you wish to reconfirm your commitment to working together to make your marriage grow and blossom in the years to come. May this ceremony, renewing the vows you took to become husband and wife on your wedding day, remind you that despite the stresses inevitable in every life, your love, respect, trust and understanding of each other will continue to increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living. Please join hands."
Thomas III and Louisa took each other's hands as Thomas III was asked, "Thomas III, will you continue to have Louisa as your wife and continue to live in this marriage?" "I will." Thomas replied quickly.
The officiant asked, "Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?" "I do."
The officiant turns to Louisa and says, "Louisa, will you continue to have Thomas III as your husband and continue to live in this marriage?" "I will." Louisa winked at Thomas III who chuckled.
The officiant asked, "Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?" "I do." Louisa smiled at him.
The officiant then quoted from the bible before he then continued with the ceremony.
"On your wedding day you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle of love. Rings serve as a reminder of your wedding vows to each other, and your commitment to live in unity, love, and happiness. At this time, it is appropriate to reconfirm the meaning of the rings you wear."
"Please join your left hands together so that Thomas III's hand is on top. Thomas III, please repeat after me. Louisa, I wear this ring you placed on my hand as a symbol of my love, loyalty, duty and commitment to you."
Thomas III repeats this as he smiles as Louisa places the ring on his finger.
Soon the officiant says, "Now, with Louisa's hand on top, Louisa, please repeat after me:
Thomas, I wear this ring you placed on my hand as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."
Louisa repeated the speech as Thomas III slides the ring onto her ring finger smiling widely.
Afterwards the officiant continues, "I ask that you each remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each other, in good times and bad.
Thomas III and Louisa, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your wedding rings.
It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you and binds you as husband and wife. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a kiss!"
Thomas III stepped in as he said, "We live for moments like this!" "Don't we always?" Louisa said kissing Thomas III as everybody stood to applaud as he said, "I love you, Lou, I love you."
The couple strolled down the aisle as the best men and the bridesmaids followed on. Soon everyone was outside as the bride and groom began to walk down as Thomas I said, "Atten-hut!"
The military men (Frank, Donnie and Johnny Perera) and cops (Thomas I, II, IV, Matt O'Meara, Henry Renzulli) formed a guard of honor and saluted the renewed couple as Thomas IV said to Frank, "Don't think I saw you and that blonde sharing a smile." "Well-known fact, lotta people meet future spouses in church." "Wise guy." Thomas says with a foolish grin.
Frank chuckles as the newly-wedded couple passes through. Afterwards, the Donnelly family posed for pictures, even the Renzulli family joined in.
Frank was walking around carrying the beret in his hand, he had stopped at the lake, near where the pictures had been taken as he heard somebody say, "You not joinin' the celebration?"
Frank smirked saying, "Oh, I enjoy the celebration. Just not a fan of the attention." "How long you served?" "Joined up outta high school, I was 4-year Army Rangers, 1/75th, then I headed for 5th SFG for 4 ½ years." "Thank you for your duty." "I actually served alongside the groom's son for 4 years. One of the best I ever knew."
The blonde nods showing her blue eyes at him as she said, "I'm Mia, Mia Taylor." "Frank Magnum, where are you from?" "Paton, Iowa, you?" "Little Italy, Manhattan, I moved to Park Slope, Brooklyn."
Mia smiled saying, "New Yorkers always polite?" "Only ones from Brooklyn and Manhattan." "Praying guy, I take it?" "You pray as well?" "Attend Sunday mass every weekend." "Same too." Frank said with a half-smile.
Mia flirtatiously smiled back at him as the pair walked hand-in-hand to the reception. Thomas and Kate watched the pair as Kate said, "Aw, looks like another couple to be happy about." "All we need to worry about is Matt." Thomas said.
Soon they saw a man in a tan suit walk in as he said, "Who is that?" "A friend of your father's?" "I don't think so."
They watched the man as they saw him lay eyes on Matt.
Matt was busy talking with Danielle as he heard somebody say, "Officer Matt Patterson?"
Matt turned to see a man in a tan suit, black hair neatly combed. Brown eyes dark as a night sky. He emptied his thoughts before saying, "May I help you?" "I'm Dinesh Singh, I worked for your grandmother Amelia. I was hoping to ask you something." "I'm currently busy at the moment." "It's very urgent."
Matt was slightly angered as he said, "I'm spending a little time with my goddaughter, I'll contact you later."
Seeing the man wasn't going to budge, Matt then turned and said, "Honey, I gotta go, man needs to see me. Why don't you go find your Mom and Dad, I'm really sorry." "It's okay, Uncle Matt." Danielle says, hugging her godfather tightly as she walked over to her adoptive mother.
Matt turned back to the man and said, "I hope you understand, I nearly made her upset, let's walk outside." Matt said in anger.
Kate then hugged Danielle and said, "It's alright baby, Uncle Matt had to do something." "Even though, he didn't want to do it?" "Even though, he didn't want to do it."
Outside the reception, Matt walked with Dinesh and said, "Alright, now we're somewhere quiet, tell me why you've asked me to meet you." "Okay, your grandmother asked me to make sure you're to meet me to on the Ember of the Sea Cruise."
Matt whistled saying, "That ain't expensive." "I know, but your grandmother arranged for you and your siblings to attend the cruise." "I assume my Aunt and Cousin Elizabeth have been alerted."
Dinesh nodded as he said, "Plans have been made for the whole family to attend. And when is this?" "June."
Matt nods as he says, "How long?" "The entire summer, I've been trying to find you for a while." "Well, you obviously know the job of a cop is incredibly busy." "Indeed." "I'll try to pull time off, where's this cruise depart from?"
Dinesh told Matt the location for where the Ember of the Sea was moored in as he nodded. Dinesh had then said, "You have a month." "What aren't you tellin' me?" "That's all I can tell you." Dinesh said.
Matt tries to press for more information but knows he won't be able to gain more info.
The lawyer leaves him as Matt pulls out a requisition form so that he could have time off from the NYPD.
Matt hadn't taken a day off ever since 2 years ago, he rotated 2 tours of duty to the city of New York, combined, and there had been his project on Tennyson Drive in Staten Island. He was having a heck of a time trying to figure out the master bedroom. But wanted to wait until he was married to decide what to do with it.
He walked back inside as he saw Sergeant Roselli at the bar as Matt walked over and said, "Hey Sarge, I was wondering, how long's it been since I had a day off?" "A little over 2 years since your engagement ended badly…Why do you wanna know?" "I'm feeling a little burned out, well…My grandmother has left behind an instruction for me to go on a cruise and I kinda think I need to do this."
Roselli nods saying, "How long?" "Three months, her lawyer had set this all up and I've been asked to go as part of her last wish." "If it was my Nonna that asked me to do this. I'd adhere to it." Matt nods as he says, "That's what I am going to do." "I'll pass along the requisition form. Why don't you go and have fun out there." "Yes Sergeant." Matt said as he left to dance.
Everyone was now dancing to a playlist that Thomas III and Louisa had created mostly consisting of love songs.
Matt and Danielle were dancing together as Thomas said to Kate, "We gotta find Matt a new dance partner." "Let 'em enjoy time together. You probably didn't hear it from me, but Matt might be heading on leave. He hasn't had one in years." "Over 2 years, and he's one of the best damn cops I've ever seen come out kicking." Thomas said.
They looked round at the other couples and saw Frank and Mia dancing as Thomas said, "Ain't Mia one of Mom's nurse friends?" "Apparently your mother had the idea to set up Mia with Frank." "It appears her plan has come together." Thomas said grinning.
Kate smiled seeing Thomas I and Elizabeth as they said, "That's a definition of love, would we ever get to the point they're at now?" "One in a million, yes. I love you Kate." "Forever and always, right?" "Forever and always, no matter how many kids we have." Kate says passionately.
Thomas smiles sensing Grandma Elizabeth's influence through his girl thinking to himself, "Grandma Elizabeth's been influential for Kate, I sense that determined old-school Irish-Catholic matriarch strength in her."
Thomas kisses Kate smiling.
At the end of the ceremony. Everyone had gone home back to their respective houses. Frank had dropped off Mia at her apartment building, which funnily enough had been the same one he was living in, the pair had handed each other their information and set up a date.
Henry and Marianne drove back to their house as Marianne took a pregnancy test. It was confirmed to be positive and the pair celebrated the news.
Thomas IV was in the garage drinking a solitary beer, he was working on his car as Thomas I came in saying, "Lights were on, so what you doing in here?" "Just checking the car, something was up with it." "What was wrong with it?" "Oh it was the spark plugs, now I've gotta buy some new ones." "I think you might wanna keep this baby around for your kids." "Gramps, I love driving this car, it was your car, now it's my car, I mean, I can't throw it away."
Thomas I then says, "I wouldn't recommend throwing it away, more like just keepin' it in here and working on it from time to time."
Thomas IV sighed thinking about the car, he had driven this car since he was 16 years old. His grandpa owned the car since 1955 passing it down to his great-grandson. The two were more alike than they liked to admit. Both were the definition of old-school cops, both Army Rangers, MOH winners, class snipers, master mechanics.
The pair were alike in form and identity. Passionate about their love for the city. Thomas IV handed his grandfather a beer as the pair reminisced of their fond memories for the car.
Down in Eltingville Staten Island at 575 Tennyson Drive right by the beach, Matt had pulled in to the parking space in his 2010 Blue Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. He had closed the door on his Silverado as he got out and stared towards the sea. He turned to look at the White 2-storey house. The flag was attached to the side of the front door.
He had unbuttoned his jacket and walked into the house, the place had boxes around, none of them weren't unpacked there were no chairs, no couches, Matt was still in the process of filling out the paperwork to fix up the place.
He had moved out of his Manhattan apartment in April, moving out to the right side of Staten Island where the sun was clear blue and it was nice and peaceful, he remembered one particular day, he had found a similar house several years ago.
Matt flashback scene
4 Years Earlier
August 2015
846 Page Avenue, Staten Island, New York City
It was a peaceful Sunday in Staten Island, New York. Matt and his buddy Joe were coming down to Staten Island to go swimming. They had parked in a derelict parking spot and got out as Joe said, "Here we are, I don't why I couldn't drive us here." "Yeah, the day I let you drive my Silverado, you best pray I'm dead." Matt said laughing.
Joe chuckled as he said, "As if I'm gonna get one over your scout sniper ass." "Never ask dumb questions." Matt said in reply.
Both Joe and Matt were best friends. They served in the Corps together, now they were on Marine Corps Reserves and training to be a part of New York's Finest, they headed down to the beach passing a sky-blue 2 story house as Joe said, "That's the house I was telling you about."
Matt whistled in appreciation, "it's beautiful. You ever wanted to live here?" "Don't get me wrong, place is perfect, views are great on Staten Island. Don't know if I'd find myself here though."
Matt grunts saying, "Trust me, somethin' like this, I can find myself here."
Joe laughs saying, "Matt, you're a Manhattan boy, don't get me wrong. But, can you really see yourself livin' here." "I would, plus, there's fishing, swimming, but out of my price range."
Joe patted him on the shoulder as they walked, "Give it 4 years and you'll be living on this block like that." Joe said clicking his fingers.
"You said there was another house as well, right?" "Yeah. Down at Eltingville, 575 Tennyson Drive. It's real beautiful." Matt looked surprised as he said, "Yeah, I remember seeing it a couple years ago."
Matt chuckled as Matt smirked and raced for the ocean as Joe shouted, "JACKASS! YOU CHEATED!"
Matt laughed as he raced out to the ocean as both best friends grappled and wrestled in the water.
Later on in the day, Matt was still on the beach, Joe headed back to his home. Matt was drinking a beer looking at the house in silence saying to himself, "Someday. Someday."
End Flashback Scene
Matt stood in the home. As he breathed in, the walls around him coloured white, the garden was very large, down at the very bottom was a seated area with 2 chairs looking out over the sea. It was quite perfect. On the right hand side of the garden, there was a seating area underneath a silk lining sheet.
Matt looks around him at the house as he says to himself, "Picked a helluva time to move into Staten Island. Didn't I?"
Hope you guys loved this story, I hope you enjoy your day and the sun is shining warm upon your faces.
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