Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Five
Author's Note: It's finally here…the wedding day. Congratulations to WilsonHope2 and hyeh for getting part of the quote and to lukkygrl08 and lillitgirlx2 for getting the entire quote.
Disclaimer: The author of this story (me) does not own the respective characters. She intends no copyright infringement.
I never did believe in miracles,
But I've a feeling it's time to try.
I never did believe in the ways of magic,
But I'm beginning to wonder why.
-Fleetwood Mac "You Make Loving Fun"
Rory sits in her beautiful wedding gown, reading. She's ready and has been for quite a while. Right now, she's waiting on her mother. Lorelai always takes longer to ready herself-today is no exception.
Rory's actually surprised that she's not the littlest bit nervous. She's not afraid that Jess will decide he doesn't want to get married and skip town. Luke and Jimmy trailing after him to drag his sorry butt home. The calm feeling might have something to do with Jess's new book.
He surprised her with an advanced copy after their…indiscretion in the lake. That man can make her do just about anything.
Lorelai turns to her, "You ready, Rory?"
Rory nods. She's been ready for hours now; it's Lorelai that they all have to wait on. Emily shakes her head when she sees Rory, as she's been doing ever since Rory picked out her dress. The short tea length displeases the strict and formal Emily Gilmore. Jess was very happy to hear of the more informal wedding.
Lorelai calls Luke in and the girls get into place. Paris signals the Reverend and both he and Jess step into place. The few guests fall silent. Liz and TJ take walk to their seats and then Emily and Richard proceed.
The processional music begins-traditional for Emily and April and Lily walk down the aisle. Next, Paris walks with Chris; Lane heads down with Matt.
The music shifts and it's Lorelai and Luke escorting Rory.
Lorelai hands her over to Jess, who has the tiniest grin just for her. She smiles at him as Reverend Skinner begins, "Friends and family we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of Rory Gilmore and Jess Mariano. Jess came here a troubled young man; Rory has always been a part of this town…"
Jess grins at this, Goody-two shoes. Rory sticks her tongue out in response.
"…They became friends and dated," he continues. "Though they struggled in the past to maintain their relationship, they have both grown. Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create a marriage; only you can do that – through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other. Will you commit to this union?"
They reply in unison, "I will."
He invites the congregation to join, "And will you-their family and friends-support them in this and further endeavors as they move forward together?"
"We will," they respond.
"Rory and Jess have asked their friends April and Lily to read a short excerpt about relationships." He explains further, "Rory selected this piece based on a disagreement she and Jess have over two authors."
April and Lily meet in the center of the aisle, between the couple. This is an inside joke between her and Jess and Rory watches carefully for his reaction. April begins, "At night, there was the feeling that we had come home, feeling no longer alone, waking in the night to find the other one there, and not gone away; all other things were unreal. We slept when we were tired and if we woke the other one woke too so one was not alone…"
Jess grins at her; he knows the book. It is one of his favorites, after all. Lily picks up the quote, "…Often a man wishes to be alone and a woman wishes to be alone too and if they love each other they are jealous of that in each other, but I can truly say we never felt that. We could feel alone when we were together, alone against the others. We were never lonely and never afraid when we were together."
They recite the author and book together, "From Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms." Then, they move back to their line of attendants.
Reverend Skinner moves the ceremony on, "Rory and Jess have pledged themselves in marriage. They use traditional vows to promise themselves to each other. And the exchange of rings to seal the promises made here today. Jess?"
"Rory," Jess ignores the other people, "today I take you for my wife. Now, we will feel no rain, for each of us will be shelter for the other. Now, there will be no loneliness, for each of us will be companion to the other. There is only one life before us, and our seasons will be good and long. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, no matter what lies before us, for as long as we both shall live." He takes the ring from Matt, "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love; and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you."
"Rory," prompts the reverend.
Rory begins her recitation, "Jess, today I take you for my husband. Now, we will feel no rain, for each of us will be shelter for the other. Now, there will be no loneliness, for each of us will be companion to the other. There is only one life before us, and our seasons will be good and long. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, no matter what lies before us, for as long as we both shall live."
Lane passes his ring to her. She smiles at him, "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love; and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you."
Reverend Skinner picks up the ceremony, "All you today bare witness this ceremony of love. Jess, Rory, congratulations."
Instead of a more traditional "you may kiss the bride" they opted for this. Jess leans over and kisses her. He never was one to shirk the public displays of affection. Rory is the one to pull away, her expression reminding him that there is a clergyman present.
"Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, it is my honor," he announces, "to present to you Jess and Rory Mariano."
Jess chose the recessional music and Rory was expecting something rock-ish or punk. The gentle piano melody throws her. As they begin their walk back up the bridge, Jess leans close to explain, "It's from The Princess Bride."
She laughs and is still laughing as the guests file down the bridge to offer congratulations. Lorelai looks at her, trying to determine what exactly it is that her daughter has consumed, no doubt.
The reception is a simple affair in the square. Rory only forces Jess to dance with her in the traditional dances. They make it through those and grab glasses of wine before sneaking away. Rory demanded a simple reception with no toasts for this very reason. Jess leads her back to the bridge.
"So," he tells her, "I planned the honeymoon, as requested."
"Where are you taking me?" she questions.
"Oh, I don't know that I should tell you that," he teases.
She uses the one power she has over him, "If you don't tell me, you're not getting any tonight."
He laughs, "You always try that. Last night, I believe you said we would not have sex on the bridge again."
"We didn't," she defends. "We had sex in the lake. That's vastly different."
He smirks, "Sorry, Miss Yale Graduate, of course the bridge is different from the lake. The principle of the matter is the same, however. You had sex outside again."
"Geez," she mutters.
His smirk seems to grow. She can read his mind and begins to shake her head. "Now, Rory, you know you'll give in," he starts to trail a line of kisses along her clavicle. Rory remembers why she considered the dresses with high collars.
"Jess," she moans. She pushes against him, "Not when half the town is in the square, probably looking for us now."
He pulls away, noting her flush and the pleading look in her eyes. He nods, and moves on to gently kissing her lips. This of course turns into a heated make-out session just as they participated in when they were younger.
The sound of approaching shoes pulls them apart. Jess helps Rory to sit up and lightly dusts the back of her dress as Lorelai comes into view. "Hey, Kids," she calls.
"Hey, Mom," Rory stands to greet her mother and holds out a hand to help pull Jess to his feet. He accepts.
"Lorelai," he greets.
"Rory, you know I have to give this speech," she gets acceptance from Rory and turns to Jess. "You ever, ever, do anything to hurt her and I'm sending Luke to get you. I'll kill you and have Jackson use your body for fertilizer. Do you understand?"
"I've got it," he answers.
"Good." Her tone changes drastically, "I booked you two a room at the inn tonight. Far away from Matt and Chris to have your first night together. Even though we already know you're doing it."
Rory gives her mom a hug, "Thanks."
She grabs Jess and tugs him along after her towards the Dragonfly. He pulls back on her hand to slow her sprint to a crawl. He smiles gently at her and slides an arm around her waist. She reciprocates. "I love you, Rory," he tells her.
She grins, "I love you too, Jess. Are you taking me back to the inn to have your way with me?"
"That," he says, "is a very good idea. All that education is really paying off."
When Jess is sufficiently relaxed, Rory begins the questioning again, "So, where are we going on this honeymoon?"
He isn't relaxed enough to give up easily, "Away."
Rory's up for a challenge, "Away where?"
"Away."
That answer does nothing to sate her curiosity. But, she has ways of making him talk. Before resorting to any dirty tactics, she tries pouting. Nothing. Begging. Nothing. It'll just have to be dirty, she decides.
He starts to relent after much torture, "Rory."
"Tell me," she demands, hands still moving on his body.
"God, Devil woman!" He admits, "I'm taking you to Spain."
"Beaches or mountains?"
"Beaches," he states.
"Thank you," she replies.
"You are an evil, evil woman."
Rory grins, "Yes, I know. You can be pretty evil yourself."
That smirk reappears, "You bet I can."
It'll be a long night, thinks Rory.
A/N: No, I didn't exclude the speeches because I didn't want to write them. I just figured Jess would demand a simple wedding and steal Rory away before hem anyway. He can't seem to keep his hands to himself.
ladybug1115