Chapter 53

That night Devin and Rebecca asked to speak to Father and Mary alone in Father's study. Catherine and Vincent both worried what Devin might say to the soon to be married couple, but reassured each other that Rebecca was there with him and maybe she could keep him in line.

The two of them had become almost inseparable since Devin's surgery and many were hoping that this was a sign that Devin might stay. He had started writing a book about his travels and it seemed to keep him occupied while Rebecca was at work in the chandlery.

Then the big day was upon them! Everyone was running around trying to get last minute things done. Catherine wanted to help, but the baby had taken the night before to be particularly active so on top of her constant worry about Jenny and Joe, she had gotten very little sleep.

Vincent kept watch on her as best he could, with all the things he was needed to help with. So when he couldn't be with her, he tried to make sure one of the older children stayed with her to make sure she didn't overdo.

After lunch he all but insisted that she take a nap. By this time Catherine was not in any shape to argue. She was almost asleep before her feet left the floor. Vincent tucked her in and went back to work. He knew she would sleep for several hours.

The wedding was to take place just before dinner and if she would sleep right up to the ceremony Vincent was prepared to let her.

The children's orchestra played as Rebecca, Catherine, and Sarah walked up the aisle and then they switched to the Wedding March when Mary appeared. She was lovely in a hand crocheted ivory dress. Catherine had made sure everyone had flowers and Mary's bouquet was her favorite orange tiger lilies they made a beautiful splash of color with the ivory backdrop of her dress. She walked down the aisle alone, with no one to give her away. She claimed that at her age she was old enough to give herself to the man she loved!

The ceremony was conducted by a Helper from Above who was a clergyman. After pronouncing Father and Mary husband and wife everyone applauded and started to move towards the couple to offer their well wishes. But this was stopped when Father help up his hands and asked for quiet.

Used to obeying the leader of their community everyone stepped back and grew quiet to find out what Father had to say.

"I know everyone wants to come up and talk to Mary and I and there will be time for that later. HOWEVER, before that happens I would like to thank you all for organizing this beautiful event. Not only have I married the most wonderful woman in the world, but today I have the added blessing of seeing my eldest son get married as well. Last night Devin and Rebecca came to Mary and I to ask if they could possibly share in our special day. How could we say 'no'?! So if Devin and Rebecca would step into place Mary and I will take their places while they exchange the same vows Mary and I just did.

As everyone was trying to absorb what they had just been told Devin held up his hand and said, "Just so there is no confusion, yes Rebecca and I want to get married today, but we have written our own vows instead of going with the traditional ones." Devin's tone made 'traditional' sound like a bad thing.

They took their places and the Preacher once again began the wedding service with the traditional 'Dearly Beloved'. However, when he arrived at the part in the ceremony where the vows were exchanged he told the congregation that Rebecca and Devin had indeed within their own vows and would exchange them now.

Rebecca was the first to offer her vows, her voice started off shyly, almost meek, but when she looked up into Devin's smiling encouraging face her confidence grew and her vows became clear and confident. "Dev, I have loved you almost all my life. When I was six, I came to the tunnels and fell in love with you. Even through all the years you were gone my love never wavered. There has never been anyone for me but you, so it is easy to promise you that I will love you the rest of my life."

To be continued…..