Chapter 21

Wedding Dance

Over the next few days, Celina and Ella settled into life in Hull. In June, while amidst all of the flurry of planning a full-fledged wedding, Joseph received a job to serve upon the Adriatic as an officer, the same ship that had brought him back from New York. When he showed Celina the letter, she was clearly upset but fought very hard to not show it; after all he was a ship's officer.

"It's not until after the wedding," he said softly, "And we can still travel to Scotland like I promised."

Celina nodded, "I know it's just..." she sighed, "Joseph I just need to get used to the idea of you traveling on ships that is all. I know you love the sea but the sea took my father from me and I have nightmares when we are apart, of the sea taking you from me as well."

Joseph sat down beside her, "I understand, but even in just the three months since the disaster, extra safety measures are being taken. I will come home to you every single time I have to leave."

Celina gave a heavy sigh but she nodded in understanding and he kissed her on the forehead.

The last few days leading up to the wedding flew by and finally Celina found herself being dressed in the most exquisite gown she had ever seen. Antique lace covered the gown and pearl beads lined the bodice on each side. It had been decided, keeping with the bond Celina and Joseph had with the other officers of the Titanic that Charles would give her away once again. He was standing outside of Celina's room waiting for her while the rest of the officers had already journeyed with Joseph to the church.

"Lina, you look so pretty!" Ella exclaimed when she saw her sister.

Celina smiled down at the child, "You look very pretty too, my love."

Eleanor grinned and twirled around in her dress, causing Celina to laugh. But even when she laughed, she felt as if there was a pain in her heart. She stared behind her at the portrait above the dresser; her parents wedding photo. 'They should be here,' she thought to herself.

"Are you ready, child?" Mrs. Boxhall asked after a moment.

Celina looked at her, "Yes, I am."

Mrs. Boxhall nodded, "I am so pleased that you are a part of our family. You are a fine young woman and I am so proud to call you my daughter."

Celina smiled, "Thank you, so much Miriam."

Mrs. Boxhall grinned and kissed her on the cheek, "We need to run along so we are not late!"

The women exited the room and Charles stood to his feet and he grinned at his friends bride, "You look stunning, Celina."

"Thank you Charles," she said smiling.

They linked arms and walked down the stairs together and out to the waiting carriage.

"I was very pleased when I received the invitation," Charles began to say as the carriage pulled away from the house, "Very honored that my giving away skills were held in such high esteem the first time, you asked again."

Celina laughed, "Yes well Charles, and please do not get big headed. It is not a good look for you."

He smiled at her and they made small talk until the carriage arrived at the church. Charles stepped down and helped Mrs. Boxhall down and then Celina. They were met at the front of the church by Joseph's father who escorted his wife into the church.

"Well, this is it," Celina said, smiling.

"Nervous?" Charles asked.

She laughed, "I do not see why I would be, I have been married to him for nearly two months already."

"Fair point, this ceremony should be like child's play," he said, smiling.

Celina nodded, "I agree."

The two walked up the stairs of the church together and waited until they were instructed to enter the sanctuary together. The music played and the doors opened to reveal a great fair amount of people. Joseph's entire family was there and people from the town with his fellow Titanic officers standing up front with him, all of them in their uniforms. People from Celina's hometown had arrived and while the group was smaller than Joseph's side, Celina was still so happy to see them. Her eyes finally fell on Joseph and she beamed at him and he was grinning back.

Celina stood beside Charles while he stood in between the young couple as the priest began to speak, finally he said, "Joseph and Celina, now that you have heard God's message concerning marriage, do you agree with it and do you desire to enter into this holy estate as ordained by God?"

"I do," they both said, grinning.

"Who gives this woman to this man, then?"

"I do," Charles answered.

"Joseph, please extend your right hand and take Celina's right into your own."

Charles moved to his place beside Herbert and Harold, and Celina's right hand was taken up by Joseph's right hand.

"May the Lord God confirm the desire and purpose of your hearts and may your beginning be in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth," the priest said over their hands. The man then looked to Joseph, "Joseph, do you solemnly swear to take Celina as your wife and do you promise that you will, with the gracious help of God, love, honor, and care for her, live with her in the holy bonds of marriage according to God's ordinance, and never forsake her, so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Joseph answered.

The priest turned to Celina and asked, "Celina, do you solemnly swear to take Joseph as your husband and do you promise that you will, with the gracious help of God, love, honor, and care for him, live with him in the holy bonds of marriage according to God's ordinance, and never forsake him, so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Celina answered.

"Now for the rings," the priest spoke.

Harold pulled them out of his pockets and handed one to Joseph and one to Celina. These were new rings that Joseph had bought in London, "Real wedding rings," he had called them. Celina was wearing her original wedding ring around her neck and vowed it would never leave its place from there, because to her it symbolized everything they had been through together. The sinking, the death and disaster, and amidst all of that they were able to find each other and stay together.

"Joseph, do you give this ring as a symbol of your constant faithfulness and abiding love?"

"I do."

Joseph carefully slid the ring onto Celina's left hand and then the priest looked at the young bride, "Celina, do you give, this ring as a symbol of your constant faithfulness and abiding love?"

"I do."

She tried to avoid looking at Joseph as she put his wedding band on his finger and it thankfully went on with ease.

"According to the laws of the state and the ordinances of the church of Christ, I now pronounce you, Joseph and Celina, husband and wife, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. What therefore God has joined together let not anyone put asunder. Henceforth you go down life's pathway together, and may the Father of all mercies, who of his grace has called you to this holy state of marriage, bind you together in true love and faithfulness and grant you his blessing."

Following his words, the priest said a prayer over the young couple and they walked outside after as a hymn was sung. On the steps of the church, Celina looked up at Joseph and he pulled her to him in a kiss, stealing a moment to themselves before everyone else came outside to join them.

"I love you Joseph Boxhall," she said quietly.

"I love you too, Celina Boxhall," he beamed and kissed her again.

Xx

A/N-A short but hopefully sweet chapter. I am currently toying with one more chapter or just doing my epilogue...we'll see what I decide! What would you like to see happen if I did the reception?

Leave me love!