The couple had been in Paris three days with today being the third and Karen had found every minute of it exhilarating and romantic. Today though, she hoped would be a day neither would forget. The idea had come to her while visiting her family in Iowa. In her hometown, the young woman loved the fact she and Derek could walk around without worry of photographers hiding out at every corner hoping to catch something scandalous. In Iowa, they were simply Derek Wills and Karen Cartwright, a man and a woman engaged. In light of that revelation, she had considered Capital Heights a possible venue for her wedding. That was, until she realized that the normalcy was only because no one knew the couple was visiting. If they chose to marry there, once the media knew of the location they would merely follow the couple. If she wanted true privacy then it would have to be a surprise.
Peering out over the small candle lit chapel through the crack between the door and its frame, Derek couldn't believe how his life had changed so much over the course of a year. Ten months ago, when he walked into Table 46 with Ivy, he never imagined his encounter with the tall brunette waitress from Iowa would lead him to where he stood today. Sure he had found her attractive from the onset but walking her home that night she captivated him. Never had he met a woman with her intelligence, beauty, confidence and sincerity. The more time he spent with her, the more he found she stole his heart. When Karen surprised him this morning with the marriage certificate he pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Since he had proposed, neither had brought up the topic of a wedding date and for him the fact she still wore the ring and had said yes was more than enough.
"Are you ready mate?" Daniel and Eric both asked. "You look as if you might pass out." Eric teased the Brit. The three men had arrived an hour ago and were waiting in a small room located off to the side of the chapel's alter. They had shared a shot of scotch in celebration of their friend's big day and also in hopes of calming his nerves. Derek was dressed in a tailored black suit Karen had delivered to the hotel earlier and at the moment was fidgeting with the cuffs.
"I still can't believe Karen arranged this." He replied with sincerity. "I worry that I don't deserve her."
"I've known you since we were five years old," Daniel replied. "I've never seen you so happy and at ease with anyone." He slapped his friend's back. "Just enjoy today."
"How do I look?" Karen asked the older women surrounding her. She was wearing a simple white dress with a fitted bodice and mermaid bottom. The beading shimmered in the light. "Stunning," her mother replied as a tear fell.
"Don't cry Mom or you're going to make me cry," she chuckled. Julia, Grace and Susan smiled at the interaction and snapped a picture with their phone.
"I'm just so happy for you, sweetheart. Derek seems like a good man and when he looks at you it is obvious how in love he is. As a parent I can't ask for more." Karen beamed at her mother's comments and reached out for a hug.
The young woman then turned to others, "thank you for all of your help; today wouldn't be possible without it." She remarked. Susan had been instrumental in helping Karen obtain a marriage certificate that normally required a forty day waiting period. The older woman knew someone in the French embassy who was friend of Derek's and an admirer of the actress. He had managed to cut through the red tape on the condition he would get a visit from the couple and an autograph before they left Paris. Julia had helped with travel arrangements and Eileen along with Jerry had purchased airline tickets for the small group of Hit List and Bombshell members as a gift to the couple. Grace helped gather the documents needed for the marriage certificate such as Derek's birth certificate etc.. and she had brought his suit and the wedding band that went with her mother's engagement ring. The older woman said it only seemed fitting and right to keep the set together.
"You are very welcome. Theo means the world to Daniel and I and we've never seen him so happy." Susan answered.
"The same goes for Eric and me," Julia added. "You have completely changed him."
"You are every bit the woman my mother hoped Derek would find." Grace stated. Before Karen could respond, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. .
"Come in," Karen called.
"Are you ready?" Roger Cartwright asked as he took in his daughter's appearance. She nodded with a smile reaching from ear to ear. "Then its time." He stated taking Karen's arm in his. Leaning into her ear he whispered "you look beautiful buttercup. I love you." He ended with a kiss to her cheek.
"I love you too daddy."
Derek exited the small room followed closely by Daniel and Eric. As the three stood at the front of the chapel he gave a nervous smile to the small group of close friends and family. When he heard the music start and the back door open his heart began to race. He watched as Karen's mother and his sister walked together down the aisle. The two women played such important role in each of their lives and he couldn't help but admire their beauty and strength. He was also grateful both were accepting of the relationship. Next walking down the aisle was Julia. She looked radiant in the soft lavender dress Karen and Susan had picked out for the bridesmaids. The writer had become such a good friend to him and he couldn't be happier that she and Eric were together. Julia was followed by Susan. She looked beautiful and when he glanced at Daniel he could see the smile her presence evoked. Derek owed the couple so much for helping Karen and for instantly welcoming her.
The doors closed again and the music changed to the traditional march. The priest walked out from the side room and greeted Derek as he took his place in front of the small alter. When the doors opened again Derek was sure he was going to pass out as he could feel his heart beat fast. In the candle lit chapel Karen glowed in the soft light. She wore a small veil covering her eyes but it was her smile when their eyes locked that made his stomach flutter. Never had he loved someone so much or felt so connected than he did with Karen in that moment. He couldn't help but smile. "Is this real?" he asked the man standing next to him.
Daniel laughed "very real and you are one lucky man." He replied.
Walking next to her father Karen felt her breathe catch when her eyes locked with those of the man she loved. "Are you alright?' Her father whispered when he felt her hand tighten around his arm.
"More than alright," she beamed. "I can't believe this is real." Her father smiled when saw the happiness portrayed on his daughters face. "I love him daddy."
"I know sweetheart." He replied as they continued to make the walk down the aisle. When they reached the end and Derek walked forward, Karen's father placed his daughter's hand in his future son-in-law's. "Take care of her," he ordered.
"Always," The British man promised his voice cracking. Looking into the eyes of the woman he loved he found himself mesmerized. "You look beautiful." He whispered; the comment resulting in a blush.
They turned in unison to face the priest and the ceremony from that point forward was a blur to Derek. It wasn't until it came time to exchange vows he was stirred from his reverie. Taking Karen's hand he began "Karen Jacqueline Cartwright, you take my breath away. When I look into your eyes I see the man you deserve and the man I will spend the rest of my life striving to be. You have taught me the true meaning of love and I will forever be faithful to you. You are everything to me." He finished his voice choking.
Karen raised her hand to graze his cheek "Derek Anthony Wills, when I look into your eyes I am overwhelmed and blessed by the love I see reflected in them. You make me forget about fear because with you next to me, I believe all is within reach and nothing is impossible. I am in awe of the man you are and I will spend the rest of my life striving to be the woman you deserve. I love you and will forever be faithful." Tears were falling freely as she ended.
The priest took the rings from the maid of honor and best man and turning back to the couple asked "Derek Anthony Wills please repeat after me. Karen Jacqueline Cartwright, with this ring I thee wed." He then looked to Karen "Derek Anthony Wills, with this ring I thee wed." Each did as instructed and when they finished the priest announced "With the power invested in me by the Roman Catholic Church of France, I declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Derek lifted Karen's veil and gently taking her face in his hands placed a kiss on her lips he hoped showed her how much he loved her. The wedding march started and the couple made their way down the aisle and into the cool Paris night.