On the morning of August 21, 2010, Natalie Teeger woke up to the sun shining and birds singing. She reached over to touch the empty pillow beside her, knowing this would be the last time that side of her bed would be empty. She stretched and looked at her sparkling, diamond engagement ring, knowing that by the end of the day, a gold band would accompany it. Today was her wedding day! Today she would marry Adrian Monk, her best friend, the man she loved. She couldn't contain the excitement a moment longer as she jumped out bed to get ready for the day.
Adrian Monk awoke on the other side of town with many of the same feelings. He realized that this would be the last morning he would wake up alone in his apartment. A year ago, he never would have believed that he would one day leave it. There were so many memories in that apartment, precious ones of his life with Trudy, sad ones of the years following her death, when he was obsessed with finding her killer, and good memories of his and Natalie's relationship, when she came to work for him and how it had progressed to friendship, and then love. If it weren't for the overwhelming joy and excitement of his marriage to Natalie and the forming of a family with her, he would struggle to say goodbye to this home, but it was finally time for him to leave, and surprisingly, he was ready.
The bride and her entourage of bridesmaids, flower girl, mother and sister-in-law all arrived at the church shortly after lunch to begin getting ready for the 5:00 pm ceremony. Adrian and Natalie chose to be married in the beautiful, historic church, just outside of San Francisco, that Natalie's family had been members of for many generations. They had asked Molly's pastor to officiate though, since Adrian had met him and had taken a liking to him. Pastor Matt Grady had insisted on giving them premarital counseling, and they were amazed at how many things it brought up that were beneficial to discuss before their marriage began.
As the ladies dressed and did their hair and makeup, the church was also being beautified for the occasion. Natural greenery, which complemented the stone and timber structure, was laid across every surface possible, with white Baby's Breath and lavender and baby blue spray roses accompanying it. White satin bows, tied with more greenery and white calla lilies, hung on the end of each pew, and a candle was placed in each stained-glass windowsill. More candles stood on tall candelabras at the front of the church, waiting to be lit just before the start of the ceremony.
Peggy Davenport was an unstoppable force of activity and instructions, making sure everything was perfect for her daughter. At 4:00, she knocked on the door of the bridal room. She opened the door, calling for her daughter, but when Natalie stood and turned to greet her, Peggy stopped in her tracks. Natalie was dressed in an off-white wedding gown. The bodice was covered in delicate lace and dropped to just below her waist. The straight neckline ended in sheer, cap sleeves and small, satin-covered buttons made a trail down her back. The satin skirt flared just slightly as it made its way to the floor. Her golden blonde hair was perfectly styled and when she smiled, she glowed.
"Oh Natalie!" Exclaimed her mother. "You are a sight!"
Natalie was touched. She and her mother had been distant for a long time. Peggy then crossed the floor and said, "I have something for you."
Natalie opened the velvet box. Inside was an exquisitely crafted strand of pearls. Peggy took the strand out of the box. As she began to put it around Natalie's neck, she explained. "This is your 'something old'. I wore it when I was married in this very same church, and my mother wore it on her wedding day, as well."
"I don't know what to say. It's just beautiful. Thank you, mother," she said as they embraced.
The necklace matched the elegant pearl drop earrings that Natalie had borrowed from T.K., and as she looked in the mirror, T.K. said, "Perfect Natalie, just perfect."
"You are stunning!" said Sharona. She then laughed. "Adrian won't know what hit him!"
At that moment, Molly and Julie came in pushing Sophia in her stroller. They had taken her for a walk. The girls quickly changed into their dresses while T.K. and Sharona dressed Sophia. The bridesmaids dresses were in a similar style to Natalie's except the bodice was made of a soft fabric that draped elegantly over their shoulders. They were tied at the waist with satin ribbons and the skirts flowed to just above the ankle. They were the same blue as the blue peonies in Natalie's bouquet. Sophia wore a white dress with a ribbon at the waist and a ballerina style skirt. She would wear a garland of tiny white roses and white Baby's Breath, the same as Natalie, except Natalie's had a floor-length tulle veil attached to hers, that would flow down her back.
The excitement in the room was palpable as the ladies giggled and fussed over each other, but Natalie couldn't help but think about Adrian, the man she was about to marry. She wondered how he was doing and couldn't wait to walk down the aisle to be at his side.
The groomsmen had arrived shortly after the women and began to get ready, as well. Leland was there as the best man, along with Randy and Natalie's brother, Jonathan. Jonathan's three-year-old son, Nathan would be the ring-bearer. The men dressed in classic, black tuxes with blue vests and ties, the same color as the girls' dresses, while Adrian would wear the same black jacket and pants, but with a black vest and black, bow-tie.
As the men dressed, it suddenly dawned on Randy that he hadn't seen Adrian all day. "Hey, Leland, where's Monk? He does know he's getting married today, doesn't he?"
Leland answered, "He's coming. I think he had to pick someone up first."
"Pick someone up? He's the groom Couldn't someone else do that?"
"Well, it sounded important. I'm sure he'll be here in time."
Randy thought for a moment. "I never thought I'd see him drive again. Of course, I never thought I'd see him get married again either, especially to Natalie. Do you think he may have gotten cold feet?"
"He'll be here. You've not seen how much he's changed in the last eight months, and if you could see how much he loves that girl, you wouldn't have any doubts. In fact, I can't believe you didn't see it before you left. Sometimes, I think you might be in the wrong line of work."
A moment later, there was a knock on the door, and in walked Adrian with his brother, Ambrose. "Hi everyone," grinned Adrian. Do you remember Ambrose?"
Ambrose shyly waved. "Hi."
Everyone shook his hand as Adrian said, "Ambrose has been working really hard with Dr. Bell. He started seeing him through the world wide web."
"Yeah, Skype," Ambrose explained. "Then, when I felt ready, Adrian started giving me rides to Dr. Bell's office to meet him in person. I figured that if Adrian could drive again and face so many of his other fears, there was hope for me too. This is my first time going somewhere other than Dr. Bell's, but when I heard that my little brother was getting married again, I had to be here." Ambrose changed into his tux, to stand with Adrian as his fourth groomsman.
Soft music played as the guests began to arrive. Everyone knew that it was almost time for the ceremony to begin. As the men waited for their turn to go, Leland noticed that Adrian had straightened his tie and patted his perfectly, groomed hair at least a dozen times. He recognized the nerves and walked over to Adrian, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Hey buddy, it's ok. Every groom gets a little nervous. It's normal. I know you love Natalie more than anything in the world and she loves you the same, so just focus on her and those sweet girls of yours. Nothing else matters here today, ok?"
Randy piped in. "Monk, you've got this man. I'm proud of you. Really, I am."
Adrian looked at his two friends and calmed down as he refocused his thoughts, and Leland helped him pin on his pale blue rose boutonniere. Then, the church bells chimed 5:00, and Adrian and his groomsmen filed out and lined up at the front of the church, along with Pastor Grady.
The ladies were also told it was time, and they made their way to the back of the church. As the strains of Bach's 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' began to play, Molly, T.K. and Sharona walked down the aisle, looking lovely in their bridesmaid dresses. Julie walked in last, as Natalie's Maid of Honor, pulling a smiling Sophia in a little white wagon. She was happily throwing rose petals as Nathan followed, carrying the rings on a little pillow.
Then, the music paused. Natalie was at the back of the church, butterflies in her stomach, not so much from nerves, but from excitement. How many times had she dreamed about this moment? How many times had she hoped that Adrian could love her like she loved him, and now, here she was, about to walk down the aisle and become his wife. Her thoughts were interrupted as her father walked up beside her and offered her his arm.
"You look lovely, Princess, really beautiful," he said as she took his arm. "I remember the day I married your mother here. I hope your marriage is as happy as ours has been." Natalie was surprised by her father's uncharacteristic display of affection.
"Thanks Dad," she whispered, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
The band began to play 'The Wedding March' and he patted her hand and said, "I think that's us."
As they walked down the aisle, Natalie only had eyes for one man. Adrian looked more handsome than she could imagine, but the smile that came across his face was the most wonderful thing of all. She knew that smile was for her and her alone. In this moment, every doubt she ever had was gone and there was only love for the man who stood before her.
When Adrian saw Natalie walking towards him, he was overcome with emotion. He could hold it in no longer, and the tears began to fall. What had he done to deserve her? She was beyond compare. Leland placed a hand on Adrian's shoulder as he understood the emotions pouring out of him. It had just been about one year since he had married T.K. and Adrian stood in the same place he did now. Today, it was Adrian's turn, and he couldn't have been happier for his friend.
As Natalie and her father came to the end of the aisle, Pastor Grady announced, "We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones to celebrate one of life's greatest moments. We are here to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words that will unite Natalie Teeger and Adrian Monk in holy matrimony."
Then, he asked, "Who gives this woman to be married?"
Bobby Davenport smiled. "Her mother and I." He then kissed Natalie on the cheek and sat down next to his wife.
Natalie moved forward to take Adrian's outstretched hand, his face beaming as she'd never seen before.
After the prayer, the pastor continued to say, "Into this union Natalie and Adrian now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace." No one spoke, but Randy shifted a little as Sharona gave him 'the look.'
Pastor Grady then took his Bible and turned to the New Testament. "Let us now turn to the book of 1st Corinthians, chapter 13. Beginning in verse 4, it says, 'Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.' This book of the Bible is often called the love chapter. Now, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Adrian and Natalie over the past couple of months, and I can assure you that they love each other. They may be more in love than any other couple I've ever met, a love born out of mutual tragedies and then finding each other and helping one another heal and learn to love again." As he spoke, many of the guests turned to each other, nodding in agreement. Those present knew the couple's love story.
Pastor Grady continued. "Romantic love such as this is a wonderful thing, but Adrian and Natalie will need more than romantic love to make their marriage successful and lasting. Marriage is a promise, a potential, made in the hearts of two people in love, but it takes a lifetime to fulfill. The apostle Paul understood this and gave us a blueprint to follow in 1st Corinthians. The kind of love spoken of here comes from God. It is a deep and lasting one of trust and commitment. It is a love that requires us to be open and vulnerable to our partner, ready to walk in unfamiliar territory together. It is a love of confession and forgiveness, one willing to admit you are wrong and to accept the admission of the other with grace. It is a love that might require you to bite your tongue once in a while, to consider words and actions first. It is a love of trust and loyalty. This sounds impossible, and it may be if attempted on our own. This is a love that has its source in God, whom we are gathered before today. Natalie. Adrian. Place your faith in the God who loves you. Entrust your marriage to Him, and He will bless it more than you can imagine."
Before they knew it, it was time for the vows. Adrian and Natalie recited the traditional vows and exchanged the rings, tears in their eyes. Adrian looked down fondly at the ring Natalie just placed on his finger. After the exchange of rings, the Pastor prayed a prayer of blessing over the couple, then came the moment they had all been waiting for. He smiled broadly and said, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!"
Natalie beamed up at her groom and Adrian smiled at his bride as he pulled her into his embrace, kissing her tenderly.
Pastor Grady smiled and said, "I would now like to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Monk. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
As Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' began to play for the recessional, Adrian turned and offered Natalie his arm. As she took it and they walked down the aisle, she thought of how many other times they had walked in this same manner, her hand in the crook of his arm, but this time was so different. He wasn't just her boss; he was her best friend. He wasn't just the man she loved; he was her husband, for now and always.