Two souls unite.

Oh yes, and for those interested, there is a URL in my profile with a picture of Christine's dress.

And another thing...where is everyone? Your reviews are my food...they are what sustains me. But, I do appreciate those who review every chapter...I love you guys!! (or gals, as the case most likely is!)

MAN OF SORROWS

CHAPTER 37

"Christine, you look breathtaking."

Meg could not hide the tears in her eyes. It seemed the dream of every little girl to have a picture perfect wedding – and Christine's dream was coming true.

The church was not full, but that was perfect – because she wanted this to be a private moment between her dearest friends, a few of her co-workers, her students – both her art class and her chorus students – and a few from the church.

The entire day had been sunny, with a cool breeze; and Christine noticed that there was still a multitude of colors dancing on the leaves – indicating that autumn was still in full swing.

"Thank you…"

Christine's reply was quiet and dripping with nervous energy.

"…is Erik here?"

Meg chuckled, and Evie rolled her eyes; but after a minute, Meg answered.

"Of course he's here – standing at the alter looking like a Greek god."

Evie laughed this time and her look was one of disbelief.

"Greek god, my foot; he looks like a man whose about to marry the woman he loves – nervous and anxious – but full of anticipation."

Christine took one last look at her reflection in the mirror and briefly thought about her mother and father – and wished they could have both lived to see this day.

"Are you ready?" Evie whispered into her ear.

She felt the tears of joy as they welled up in her throat, and she tried to push them down with everything she had in her…she would not cry…not yet.

They escorted her out of the small preparation room and led her to the front of the sanctuary. The music was playing quietly through the sound system and Christine smiled at the selections – they were the ones she had picked while she and Erik were talking music one day.

He had taken the songs and recorded them, and then put his voice to them…it was the most amazing thing she had ever heard; he could have been a star with that voice.

The recorded music stopped and Christine heard the traditional wedding march played by the church organist; she knew it was time.

♫♫♫

Erik had not been this nervous when he had married Loraine, and he had no idea why…the whole process was nerve wracking!

The weeks leading up to it had been harrowing and he was surprised he had emerged unscathed – for the most part.

Never had a black tuxedo seemed to confining and tight. He wanted to run his fingers through his hair in exasperation, but knew it would make a big mess.

One, almost silent, voice – in the back of his mind – kept saying that Christine was not going to bother to show up and had gone running like a mad woman away from the church asking herself what she had been thinking.

However, he knew better. The love she had for him, showed in the depths of her eyes, the sweet promise in her kisses and the tenderness in her touch. He had captured her heart somehow – most likely by the grace of God.

Now, as she made her way through the double doors at the back of the church, Erik was desperate to catch his breath. What a vision she was; all covered in white with her beautiful, creamy skin showing in all the right places.

It was at that moment – of all moments – that it dawned on Erik…Christine was a virgin; Meg had almost come straight out and said it; but Erik had not given it much thought.

Loraine had not been a virgin when they married – due to some rebellious behavior and poor judgment calls when she was a teenager…but Christine….

He gulped visibly, pushed the panic back down and warded off the nervous nausea that threatened to settle in the bottom of his stomach.

She would, no doubt, be terrified at the prospect of giving herself to him…what was he going to do?

He bolted out of his thoughts when her warm hand took his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

They turned simultaneously toward the Reverend, smiled at him, and the service began.

♫♫♫

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here, in the sight of God and man, to join these two souls in holy matrimony. If anyone knows of any reason why these two shall not be wed, speak now – or forever hold your peace."

Not a sound was heard, not that anyone expected it, but it was nice – nonetheless.

"Erik and Christine have decided on duel vows, and they will be sung."

They turned to face each other and both smiled brightly – they had decided on this together – knowing the song and each other – but they had not sung it together, until now.

Christine began…

"I do swear that I'll always be there.
I'd give anything, and everything. And I will always care."

Erik echoed.

"Through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow.
For better for worse, I will love you
(with every beat of my heart.)"

Then, their voices joined, and the moment was forever be engrained on the minds of everyone there.

"From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on."

Christine continued…

"From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness…
And for your love I'd give my last breath…
from this moment on."

Erik's voice carried the next lines.

"I give my hand to you with all my heart…
I can't wait to live my life with you, I can't wait to start.
You and I will never be apart…
my dreams came true because of you."

Again, their voices joined.

"From this moment as long as I live,
I will love you, I promise you this.
There is nothing I wouldn't give
from this moment on."

Her tone quieted, and her hand caressed the softness of his perfect cheek.

"You're the reason I believe in love…
and you're the answer to my prayers from up above.
All we need is just the two of us…
my dreams came true because of you."

Fighting back tears of is own, Erik leaned in and placed his forehead to hers; his voice was quiet, and yet so powerful

"From this moment as long as I live…
I will love you, I promise you this.
There is nothing I wouldn't give…
from this moment on."

They joined their hands and clasped them over their hearts as their voices mated.

"I will love you as long as I live…
from this moment on."

As the song ended and their voices resonated through the church, there wasn't a dry eye among those in attendance.

"Erik Gregory Argeneau, do you, this day, take Christine Lynn Daughtry to be your lawfully wedded wife…to love and cherish her in sickness and in health; for richer or for poorer; in the good times and the bad – until death do you part?"

He slipped the wedding ring on her finger and brought it to his lips for a soft kiss.

"I do." He caressed her cheek with the softness of his palm, "but even in death, your love would be my light. I place upon your finger this symbol of unbroken love and unending devotion."

He smiled down at her and she could see the tears sparkling in the corners of his beautiful eyes.

"Christine Lynn Daughtry, do you, this day, take Erik Gregory Argeneau to be your lawfully wedded husband…to love and cherish him in sickness and in health; for richer or for poorer; in the good times and the bad – until death do you part?"

Christine let the tears finally fall from her face.

"I do. Even in death I would love you…and I place upon your finger this token of my promise to you…a ring signifying my undying – unwavering love and devotion"

As they peered into each other's eyes, the reverend addressed those in attendance.

"With the power given to me by God, I present to you – their family, friends, and co-workers – Erik and Christine Argeneau…" they turned to face the congregation, "…what God has joined together, let no one tear apart."

The reverend looked at both of them and smiled broadly; his eyes focused on Erik, "You may kiss your bride."

A gentle touch of lips turned more fevered as Christine answered his softness with a moan and a sweep of her tongue across his lower lip. Erik pulled her closer to him and deepened the kiss – gently fanning the flames of passion.

They pulled away and stared at each other for a few seconds before heading down the aisle.

Christine's chorus stood up and sang a reprisal of their love song from earlier…and Christine had never heard them sound so good. She walked beside her husband as though in a dream and lifted her eyes toward heaven in a silent prayer of thanks and gratitude.

TBC

A/N - The song is "From This Moment", sung by Shania Twain.