Hi everyone, I know it's been quite a while since I've updated to this site and I hope you remember this story. I have continued with the story on another board. But recently someone requested that I start posting here again also, as they didn't have access to the other site. So here goes I'm going to try again. If you want me to continue this story here please leave a comment and let me know.
Thanks for you time Lise
Chapter 25
Diane gave Elizabeth a warm hug and offered her best wishes for her new life with Jason. She entered the sanctuary and nodded to Johnny who started the soft lilting music. She continued down the isle smiling broadly. Giving her best client a wink before taking her seat in the front pew next to Max.
Jason abruptly stopped mid-sentence when the music started. Pastor Tim looked to where Jason's attention had been drawn. Nervously blinking the moisture from his eyes Jason stared toward the back of the church eager for his bride's entrance. His attorney's wink lost on him.
Francis and Brian offered their own hugs and kisses telling Elizabeth what a lucky man Jason was. Leaving the wide doors open they proceeded down the isle as instructed by the young bride. Brian shook Jason's hand once again mouthing his congratulation before taking his place next to his friend. Francis mimicked his colleague's actions before taking up his position on the other side of the pastor.
Jason's heart raced with anticipation, elated everything he ever wanted in this world, every hope and dream he had ever had, was about to walk down the aisle to become his wife.
Carefully crouching down, Elizabeth smiled jubilantly at her animated sons. "So are you guys ready to become a family with Jason?"
"Yes!" they chorused.
"Yeah me too. Cam will you help mommy hold these pretty flowers?"
"OK." He took her hand where it held the bouquet. Kissing both boys quickly she straightened, and with her free hand she took Jake's in hers. Taking a deep breath she smiled at Cody who was standing guard.
As they walked into the church Elizabeth gasped at how beautiful everything was. The sanctuary was small and intimate, with high arches. The vibrant stain glass glowed running along the walls, finishing with a large arched masterpiece as a backdrop to the pulpit. There were candles everywhere giving the church a soft warm light. The air smelled sweet with all the beautiful floral arrangements.
The excited little boys began to pull Elizabeth down the aisle bring her out of her reverie. Her musical laughter at her son's enthusiasm filled the room.
Jason forgot to breath. Her ethereal beauty was almost inconceivable to him. The gown seemed to float and shimmer around her. His heart slammed hard against his ribs reminding him to pull air into his starved lungs.
As his family drew closer, Jake caught sight of Jason and squealed in delight. Impatient he pulled free from his mother's light grasp and ran to his new father hugging his leg.
"Hey buddy," Jason smiled at his young son picking him up and holding him on his hip.
"Jays." the toddler beamed up at his father.
Kissing his son lovingly at his temple, Jason focused his attention back to his exquisite bride. Elizabeth and Cameron finished their trip and stood before him.
Elizabeth drank in the site of Jason in his dark suit and tie paired with a light blue dress shirt matching his eyes. A frisson of excitement flowed through her at the love she saw shining in them. It seared her soul with its intensity and caused her pulse to beat erratically.
"Jason if you'll take Elizabeth's hand." The groom briefly nodded to the minister and handed Jake to Brian.
Francis picked up Cameron who was still holding on to his mother's pretty flowers. He hugged him close and angled the little boy to get a clear view of his parents.
Jason captured Elizabeth smaller hands with his. When she felt them tremble slightly her eyes captured his in awe. He took a deep breath and smiled at her with a gleam in his eye. Silently he mouthed 'can you believe were really here.'
Her joy radiated back at him whispering her reply 'I know this is it, no more backing out.'
"Dearly beloved…." The minister began speaking words and earnest prayers of blessings over the loving couple.
With their eyes locked together Jason and Elizabeth reverently recited the powerful words of loving promise that had been spoken through out time. Bonding them together as one. Tears of happiness coursed down the brides face as she slipped the simple platinum ring onto Jason hand.
The groom's eyes were also misty. His hands trembled again as he slid the matching band on her finger. So lost in her he didn't wait for the pastor to say kiss his bride.
Polite laughter broke out amongst the witnesses. Oblivious to them, the lover's kissed teasing and rejoicing in each other. Until they heard Cameron's impatient voice ring out. "Jason, 'nough kissing. Let's go eat some cake!"
Elizabeth was his wife. Jason thought as he looked upon his beloved cutting the promised chocolate cake. She carefully carved out slices to include one of the decorative chocolate covered strawberries flowing down the sides. His family he marveled grinning from ear to ear.
Smiling at her husband as she handed him a plate, "Can you take this to the table for Cam?"
As instructed Jason put Cameron in a chair setting the treat before him. The act was so mundane yet so new to him. And so savored. Elizabeth followed with Jake placing him next to his brother. The siblings dug in covering their grins with icing.
Jason leaned over whispering in a husky voice, "Let's make another one tonight…"
Elizabeth choked on the Champaign she'd been sipping, and turned three shades of red. Slapped the hand reaching around her waist.
"Were going to practice though, right?" he breathed in her ear, enjoying his wife's reaction. "A lot," he added meaningfully his gaze falling to her plush mouth.
Her lips began to tingled as if he had actually kissed her, her pulse pounded in response. Elizabeth looked around for help and saw the minister watching them.
"Go talk to Pastor Tim before you get me in trouble!"
Satisfied with teasing her for the moment, Jason obliged and walked the short distance to where Tim stood enjoying his cake.
"You are a very fortunate man, Jason." The pastor stated as his young friend approached.
"I am." Jason replied simply, unable to tear his gaze away. Still trying to convince himself it was real. Elizabeth was now his wife, his wife. The boys were his children, his and Elizabeth's.
"It is my prayer for you that you will always cherish them and never take them for granted."
"I'm not a good man father, I don't deserve them. But I will spend the rest of my life loving them and giving them the best life that I possibly can."
The older man placed his hand on Jason's arm drawing his attention. He really wanted the troubled young man to believe what he was about to say.
"I've gotten to know you very well over the past few months. I know what you do but I also know your heart. I'm not condoning your profession but I also want you to always remember what's in our hearts matters. We all sin and fall short but there is also forgiveness and redemption." Placing both hands his strong shoulder the pastor looked steadily into the steel blue eyes. "You're a good man Jason and your family is just as blessed to have you too."
Jason gulped at the minister's words. He wasn't sure he believed them but they touched something deep within him. A seed of hope was planted within his heart. "Thank you. I'm not sure I agree with you but I'll try to remember what you've said."
"Good enough my friend, good enough." Giving him one more encouraging pat on the back both men went to join the celebration.
Jason was impatient to be alone with his wife. While he appreciated everything his friends had done to make their wedding special on such short noticed. He had had enough of all the toast and well wishes after the first few minutes. While Jason didn't want to spoil anyone's fun, he couldn't squelch the desperation for some privacy with his bride either.
Taking his wife's hand he pulled her off to the side. "How much longer do you think we should stay?" He questioned almost pleadingly.
She looked up to her husband hungrily and replied in a hushed tone. "I was ready to leave right after we were pronounced man and wife."
Jason's eyes lit with a fierce heat melting her down to her toes. "Why don't we say our good byes Mrs. Morgan?"
"mmmm I like the way you think, Mr. Morgan. I'll just go talk to Diane and then change back into my jeans."
Jason groaned thinking of his attorney's tendency for long speeches. "OK, but please try to keep it brief." He kissed her longingly before reluctantly releasing her.
Brian and Francis watched the restless newly weds and decided to take pity on them.
Aiding in their escape Francis spoke to Diane. "It's getting kind of late. I think we should take the boys back to the cabin and get them settled." Then went for her weakness. "Not to mention it's a long drive to Manhattan and you'll probably want to get an early start?"
"Oh yes, you're right. The earlier I file the paperwork, the more time I'll have for Neiman's!" She conceded to the attractive guard's point.
Just as Elizabeth appeared to say goodnight and thanks Diane cut her off, "Elizabeth why don't I help you with your gown? You're ready to leave aren't you? Or did you want your groom to help you out of the dress?" she winked.
"Ah thanks…" Elizabeth muttered wondering if the attorney had read her mind. As the redhead ushered the young bride out of the room she shrugged at the guards.
Francis, Brian, Johnny and Cody were so much fun the boys couldn't contain their excitement. All the men (and boys) were having a sleepover at the cabin. The boy's quickly kissed their parents goodnight and left with their new friends.
The eager groom started to help his new wife onto the back of his bike. "Wait" she paused, "now that were married this bike is half mine, which means I should get to drive at least half the time."
Laughing down at her Jason replied. "Nice try, but I'm in a hurry to get back home and if you drive it's only going to delay us."
Frowning Elizabeth yielded to his logic as she mounted the back of the bike. "Fine, but next time I get to drive, alright?"
Grinning at her spirit he turning over the engine, "we'll see," he hedged.
Holding on tightly Elizabeth eyes lit with a devilish twinkle and thought yes we will.
