ALL I HAVE TO GIVE
Cappie spent the entire morning playing golf with the boys. It was not only relaxing but helped him take his mind off of the wedding. Not that he didn't want to think about it. It was just that the more he thought about it, the more nervous he got. It felt good to have his family and best friends by his side. Calvin, Dale and Heath were able to join him for the golf game along with Rusty, Evan, Beaver, Mr. Cartwright and his father. The game took a while since there was so many of them but it didn't matter. The conversation was never dull and they had plenty of laughs to go around.
The eight of them had lunch at the restaurant at the golf course and then headed back to the hotel. Everyone dispersed and went to get ready for the wedding. Cappie went into his room to find a box with a note sitting on the bed. He picked up the card to read it.
I can't wait to become your wife. I'm going to treasure this day forever. Hope you like your gift. I love you.
Love, Casey
Cappie slowly unwrapped the box and opened it. He smiled as he looked at the brand new watch. He had told Casey a while back that he was due for a new watch. He took the watch out of the box. It was silver watch with a blue backdrop behind the clock. Cappie then realized there was an inscription on the back of it: Time has no meaning when you're in love –Casey. Cappie smiled bigger as he put the watch on his wrist. It was a perfect fit. He looked at the time and realized he needed to get ready. Quickly he changed into his wedding outfit. Since it was a beach wedding they decided a suit or a tux would be a little too much. So he opted for a pair of khaki pants with a loose button down white short sleeved shirt. After getting dressed he brushed his hair and looked in the mirror. He did look pretty handsome. Cappie was slipping on his sandals when there was a knock at the door.
"Dad," he said opening the door. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to talk to you before the wedding son," he said walking into the room. "A little fatherly advice."
"OK," Cappie replied sitting on the bed next to his dad.
"I proud of you son," Mr. Cappington began. "You have really become a great man inside and out. I know I don't have to sit here and tell you how you should and shouldn't treat Casey because I know you already know that. You have yourself one hell of a gal and I know that you're not going to do anything to mess that up. But that being said, marriage does have some work involved. If a problem arises, make sure you use long discussions and compromises to help fix it instead of yelling and harmful words. Make sure you kiss her goodnight every night because you never know when it will be either of your last. And you can never say 'I love you' enough. Even after years and years of marriage those three words will always mean something in both of your hearts. I guess that's about all I have to say for now. Stay tuned for my baby talk in about a month."
Cappie smiled as he gave his dad a hug.
"Dad," said Cappie backing away. "I know in the past we really have never been very close. But I just wanted to tell you that I'm very grateful for the relationship we have now. I know the baby news was a surprise and something you and mom weren't too happy with to begin with. But looking back on it now, I think the baby has made our family so much stronger. I've seen you more these past few months than I've seen you in years. Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it with me for the rest of my life."
"That's my boy," said Mr. Cappington giving Cappie another hug. "And for the record," he said pulling away. "I agree with you. Your little miracle has made this family much stronger. She's not even born yet and is making a difference. She'll always have a special place in grandpa's heart."
Cappie smiled as he stood up off of the bed.
"Well," he said looking at his watch again. "It's time for us to head down there. Time for me to start the rest of my life."
"And a great one it's going to be," his dad replied putting his arm around Cappie as they walked out the door.
Cappie met Jessica downstairs minutes later.
"OK there is our groom," she said walking up to him. "I'm going to go get your bride in just a few seconds. You should wait over there with the minister and dad, you can take your seat."
Jessica rushed off as Mr. Cappington turned to his son.
"Go get 'em," he said as he patted Cappie on the back and walked down the beach towards his seat.
Cappie looked out at the crowd as he approached the minister. There were about thirty guests which he felt was a perfect number for the wedding.
"Time for us to head down the aisle," said the minister turning to Cappie.
Cappie took a deep breath and adjusted his shirt. He was ready to do this. Several of the guests waved to him as he and the minister walked to the altar. The staff did a wonderful job creating the wooden arch and decorating it with white tool and flowers. There was also a harpist set up off to the side that played music for the ceremony. Cappie took one last look at the beautiful water behind him before he turned around to face the guests. His heart began to race a little faster knowing that very soon his bride would be walking down that aisle.
Casey met her father just inside of the hotel lobby.
"Wow, you look beautiful darling," he said giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks dad," she replied.
"Are you nervous?" he asked as they hooked arms.
"Yes," said Casey taking a deep breath. "But it's a good kind of nervous. I should be fine."
Casey peeked around the corner. She was trying to catch a glimpse of Cappie before she walked down the aisle but unfortunately Beaver and Ashleigh were already making their way down the aisle and blocked any view she could have had of Cappie. Jessica came up to the two of them. Once she heard the harpist change the music to the wedding march she gave them the OK to go. Casey and her father turned the corner and headed down the beach. At first she didn't look up, knowing as soon as she saw Cappie she would lose all control of her emotions. But as they reached the guests she finally looked up and met eyes with Cappie. She saw him reach his hand up and wipe the tears from his eyes and instantly hers began to fall. She held on to her father for dear life feeling weaker as they began to walk towards the altar. Her heart was racing when they reached Cappie. Her father shook Cappie's hand and placed hers inside of his. Cappie squeezed her hand tightly as they took a few steps closer to the minister.
"Ladies and gentleman," he began. "We are gathered here today to witness the union between Mr. Charles 'Cappie' Cappington and Miss Casey Cartwright. Everyone here today has affected the lives of Cappie and Casey. Therefore, today's ceremony not only unites these two individuals, it unites two families and two sets of friends also. Cappie and Casey, a wedding is a celebration of love. Your love has brought you to this moment. Your love will support you through the years of your marriage. True love is not the result of a chance encounter. It is rather a continual decision you make to see the best in each other, to support one another, to hold your relationship as a sacred trust, and as a priority in your lives."
During the minister's entire speech Cappie and Casey did not take their eyes off of each other. They grasped their hands tightly together, never wanting to let go. The sounds of the waves behind them, the occasional click of the photographer's camera and the sniffles from the women in the audience were all mixed in with the minister's words. It was a perfect moment. They had never been so in love with each other.
"And now Cappie and Casey have chosen to state their own vows," continued the minister. "These vows you are about to exchange serve as a public declaration of the intention of your love and commitment to each other. Cappie, you may go first."
Cappie took a couple of deep breaths and cleared his throat.
"I just want to start off by saying that you look absolutely stunning," said Cappie. "I had my vows all memorized in my head but as soon as I saw you walk down the aisle I became completely speechless."
A few people in the audience chuckled. Beaver tapped Cappie on the shoulder.
"You were going to tell her how much you love her, what she means to you, all that mushy stuff," he said with a smile.
"Thanks Beave," said Cappie returning his gaze back to Casey.
He cleared his throat one more time.
"Casey," he began. "I take you as my wife from this day forward. I vow to be there for you through all circumstances. I will throw you a party when you're happy. I'll bring you chicken soup when you're sick. I'll be a shoulder for you to cry on when you're sad. And I'll even run out at three in the morning to get you cottage cheese and pickles if and when you get pregnant again."
Casey laughed along with the audience, easing her nervousness just a little.
"I promise to encourage and support you through all of life's obstacles," Cappie continued. "I will always remain faithful to you and promise to never hurt you."
Cappie had to stop and take a deep breath as he was starting to become emotional.
"I not only vow these things to you Casey," he said as tears began to fall from his eyes. "But I also vow these things to our daughter. I am going to be there for her as long as I'm alive. I promise to give her the best advice I can and help her through anything life may throw at her. I promise to put my family above anything else. I will protect you two, I will keep you safe always. You two girls are everything to me. I love you."
As Cappie finished his speech he wanted so bad to reach down and kiss Casey. It was like his lips were magnetically attracted to hers. But he held back knowing that he couldn't kiss her until they were pronounced husband and wife.
"And now Casey you may begin," the minister said.
Casey wiped a few more tears off of her face before she took Cappie's hands back into hers.
"I feel like you stole all of my words from me," she said jokingly.
The audience laughed along with Cappie. It helped Casey calm down a little bit.
"Cap, I love you," was all Casey could get out before she began crying again.
Cappie reached his hand up to wipe the tears off of her face.
"I'm sorry everyone," she said turning to the crowd. "I blame the pregnancy hormones."
The audience laughed again.
"OK, I can do this," said Casey taking a deep breath. "Cap, you complete me in a way that I didn't know was possible. The feeling of safety and content I feel with your arms around me is amazing. You truly are my best friend and from this day forward I promise you these things: I will laugh with you in times of joy and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will share in your dreams, and support you as you strive to achieve your goals. I will listen to you with compassion and understanding and speak to you with encouragement. I will help you when you need it, and step aside when you don't. I will remain faithful to you for better or worse, in times of sickness and health. You are my best friend and I will love and respect you always."
Cappie smiled widely at Casey as she finished. She couldn't have said any more perfect vows.
"May I have the rings please?" asked the minister towards Beaver.
Beaver playfully checked all of his pants pockets with a worried look on his face that he had forgotten the rings. But in an 'ah-ha' moment he reached into the pocket of his shirt and pulled them out. The audience along with Cappie and Casey laughed. They could always rely on Beaver to lighten any kind of mood. He handed the rings to the minister.
"A ring, by its very shape, is a symbol of eternity. It is an unbroken circle which symbolizes everlasting love. It is a visible symbol of your commitment to one another. Therefore, Cappie and Casey, let these rings serve as a reminder of the love that you have pledged here today."
The minister handed Cappie Casey's ring.
"Cappie, please place the ring on Casey's finger and then repeat after me," said the minister.
Cappie then repeated line for line the following vow from the minister, never taking his eyes off of Casey's.
"With this ring, I give you my promise, that from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home. May we walk together through all things. You are deeply loved. With this ring, I give you my heart. I have no greater gift to give. I feel so honored to call you my wife."
He placed the ring on her finger and smiled, noticing how sweaty her hands had become.
"Now Casey, please place this ring on Cappie's finger and then repeat after me," said the minister handing Casey the other ring.
Casey recited the same vows to Cappie as she slid the ring on his finger.
"I feel so honored to call you my husband," she finished smiling as she noticed how sweaty his hands had become.
The two of them joined hands again and squeezed tightly, knowing that the ceremony had almost come to an end.
"May the love you feel for one another in this moment never diminish," said the minister. "May your faces always light up when the other one enters the room. May forgiveness, patience and honesty be your shield. And now by the power vested in me by the State of Illinois, but much more importantly, the love I see in your eyes, it is my honor and my delight to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
He certainly didn't have to tell Cappie twice. As soon as the words left the minister's mouth he plunged his lips towards Casey for the most passionate and romantic kiss they had ever shared. He slightly dipped Casey back as he grabbed a hold of her tightly. They backed away and smiled widely at each other.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cappington," said the minister as they turned to their family and friends.
Everyone stood and cheered as the two of them walked back down the sandy aisle arm and arm. Jessica met them as they reached the end of the aisle.
"Congratulations you two," she said. "Now while everyone gets settled in the reception area you two are free to get some pictures with the photographer or take some time to yourselves."
"Let's go for a walk down the beach," said Casey turning to Cappie.
"Wonderful idea," Cappie replied as the two of them began walking down to the shore.
Once they were farther away from everyone Cappie turned to Casey and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I love you my wife," he said as he leaned down and kissed her.
"I love you too my husband," she replied kissing him again.
"It feels so good to say and hear that," said Cappie as a shiver went down his spine as Casey called him her husband.
"Cap, I just wanted to thank you for everything," said Casey wrapping her arms a little tighter around him. "Even though this isn't the wedding I necessarily dreamed of as a little girl, this is the wedding of my dreams given the circumstances. You couldn't have picked a better location for this and we have the perfect mixture of the most supportive family and friends as our guests. This is like a dream I never want to wake up from."
"I hear ya," Cappie replied. "That moment was everything I pictured and more. You really left me speechless in this dress. I've never seen a more beautiful bride."
"Thanks Cap," Casey replied leaning against him. "You look incredibly handsome yourself. I couldn't even look at you when I first began to walk down the aisle because I knew I would just lose it."
"I could tell," said Cappie with a laugh.
"Oh and Cap," said Casey turning to look straight into his eyes. "What you said about our daughter was beautiful. I couldn't have put the words better myself. She is going to be so lucky to have a father like you."
Cappie just leaned down again and kissed Casey.
"You're words were pretty magical too," he said as he backed away from her. "And speaking of baby, how is my little girl doing?" Cappie asked bending down to Casey's stomach.
"She was doing cartwheels during the entire ceremony she was so happy," said Casey with a laugh. "I don't think she stopped moving once."
"I told you she seems to like it when her mommy and daddy profess their love to each other," he said standing back up straight.
"You're so right," Casey replied taking Cappie's hand as the two of them walked back towards the hotel.
Jessica met them once again as they arrived.
"Everything is set and everyone is in place ready for you two," she said as she escorted them to the reception room.
Everyone cheered as the doors opened and the couple entered the room. Cappie and Casey took their place at a sweetheart table in the front of the room. The reception itself lasted a few hours and was more of a social gathering and congratulatory party than it was a wedding reception. There were no typical wedding reception events such as the bouquet and garter toss taken place. They used the time to mingle with their closest family and friends and celebrate the union of their family. Every single person in the room was supportive of the two of them and that is what made the night the most perfect.
Around midnight the two of them decided to call it a night after a long and eventful day. They said goodbye to all of their guests and headed up to the honeymoon suite.
"Here," said Cappie handing Casey the room key as they got off of the elevator. "You can unlock the door."
"Why?" asked Casey.
"Because," said Cappie stopping her. "My hands will be full with you."
He smiled as he scooped Casey up into his arms. He had to admit the extra twenty pounds on her made it harder than he expected but he was determined to carry his wife over the threshold. They made it to the room and Casey unlocked the door and opened it. Cappie carried her in and set her down on the bed. Cappie slowly climbed over her and kissed her.
"Mmmmm," moaned Casey. "I love you my husband."
Cappie just kissed her harder as she began to take his shirt off. Once his shirt was off Cappie began to fumble around with Casey's dress. After a few minutes he sat up.
"I give up on this thing," he said with a laugh. "Will you just take it off for me?"
Casey giggled as she stood up and directed Cappie to the zipper in the back. One that was undone the dress pretty much fell right off of her and onto the floor. Cappie completely undressed her and led her back down onto the bed. He continued to kiss her neck and breasts softly as she unbuttoned his pants. Cappie helped her take the rest of his clothes off so he could be naked also.
"I'm about to make love to my beautiful wife," Cappie whispered to her. "I love you."
Casey just moaned softly in response to Cappie's words. She had never wanted him more than that night.
The two of them made love several times over the course of the night. It was a little difficult at first finding the right position with Casey's eight month pregnant belly in the way but they managed to make things work. It was important to both of them to be able to make love on their wedding night. There was no better way to seal the marriage.
A/N: So what did everyone think of the wedding? Who was thinking Casey was going to go into labor during the wedding? LoL.....I wasn't going to do two major events in one chapter now :0)
BUT we have made it to the point I think everyone has been waiting for....THE BABY!! I'm not going to tell you what chapter it's going to happen but it is coming up soon!
Keep the reviews coming....love to hear what everyone thinks!
