Wedding
The next day when she arrived she saw another man there. She looked concerned and asked, "Is everything alright?"
"Emily, this is the chaplain. I hope you don't mind but I couldn't wait. Will you marry me now? We've already wasted so many years," he answered nervously.
She smiled with tears in her eyes nodding. "Yes," she smiled.
"I know it's not very romantic but I can't wait any longer for you to be my wife."
"Aaron, I don't care how we get married; I don't care where we get married as long as we get married. I love you and I've waited eighteen years."
He smiled at her and Sean walked over. "I've got the rings," he answered placing them down on the bedside table.
"Thanks," he smiled back. He looked back at Emily and added, "I picked these out eighteen years ago."
"Oh Aaron," she smiled with tears in her eyes.
"Let's correct a past mistake."
She nodded and sat down by him holding his hand turning to the chaplain.
"Before I start would you like to make the traditional vows or your own?" the chaplain asked.
She looked to him and they both nodded. "We'd like to make our own," they answered smiling at each other.
He smiled and started the ceremony.
"Do you Aaron Thomas take thee Emily Valerie to be thy lawful wedded wife?" he asked.
"I do," he smiled at her.
"Do you Emily Valerie take thee Aaron Thomas to be thy lawful wedded husband?"
"I do."
Soon it was time to make their vows and Jack gave his dad Emily's ring. Sean helped him sit up as much as he could without pulling his stitches.
"Emily, my love, my life. I first fell in love with you when you were only eighteen and though I married another woman I never really fell out. I made the mistake of believing a lie and I am so sorry for all the pain I caused. I should have told you when we met again how much I loved you but I was too scared. You are the most forgiving and loving woman I've ever met and my love for you has only grown stronger. I will always love you and with this ring I become the happiest man in the world," he said slipping the ring on her finger and kissing her hand.
Jack then gave Emily his dad's ring. She took his hand and said, "Aaron, you are the only man I have ever loved. I've loved you for half my life and will never stop. We were separated for many years by a misunderstanding and I'm so sorry we lost so many years. The distance only made my love for you strengthen and I don't think I could love you more. You are the best man I have ever known and I can't imagine my life without you. With this ring I become the happiest of women." She slipped the ring onto his finger and kissed his hand.
The register was soon brought out for them to sign. She signed first then they all helped him to sign being careful of his stitches. He then sank back a little tired.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss," the chaplain said.
She held his hand while they smiled at each other and she kissed him on the lips. The chaplain left and Aaron tried to fight sleep.
"Honey, it's ok, you can sleep. You had a transplant only two days ago. You need to gain your strength back," she soothed.
"But we just got married," he answered.
"We can celebrate later. Your health is number one priority. As soon as you're better and out of here we can celebrate. Sleep."
"Yes ma'am," he smiled then closed his eyes while she watched him. She soon felt her own eyes drooping and fell asleep. She hadn't been able to sleep herself in excitement and nerves that they were finally getting married. Now she was married she felt free.