Beauty & the Beast: The Tale Continues
Chapter 28 - The Wedding, Part 2
Author's Note: Disney owns the rights to Beauty and the Beast, and I only own this story.
As everyone in the audience took their seats, Belle and Adam looked at Pere Robert, who started reading from the book that was on the podium in front of him.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts. In today's ceremony, we will witness the joining of Belle and Adam in holy matrimony."
While he continued to speak, Adam whispered, "Um, Belle, my love... don't you think we should have had him say our last names?"
The young woman thought about it for a moment, and she shook her head, saying, "I don't see what the difference would be."
"... and if there is anyone present who has just cause why this couple should not be united," continued Pere Robert. "Let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Adam took a quick glance over at Nathaniel, who simply gave his nephew a smile, while Belle looked over at the spot where Raphael was, and the half-brother of Gaston said, "I have something to say!"
Why, you son of a... thought Adam, whose anger was quickly growing by the second, and his servants were about to confront Raphael when the former antagonist said, "I would just like to give a sincere apology to the both of you for my actions... it was wrong of me, and I wish you both nothing but happiness."
Belle gave him a warm smile, glad to know that her plan had worked, and Adam said, "Um... thank you, Raphael, but... perhaps you could have waited until after the ceremony to apologize?"
"Eh, I'm not always thinking," shrugged Raphael. "Disorder and all."
As he walked back to the corner of the room, Adam looked at Belle, and muttered, "You never got around to telling me what he did to-"
"Let's save that discussion for a much later date," replied Belle. "Our apologies, Pere Robert."
The priest shook his head, chuckling, and said, "No need, mademoiselle... now then, for a good marriage to last forever, the little things are to be treated the big things.
"It is never being too old to hold hands, and remembering to say, 'I love you' at least once a day.
"It is never going to sleep angry, and it is standing together and facing the world at each other's side.
"It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
"It is having the capacity to forgive and forget, and giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful, and it is not only marrying the right person - it is being the right partner."
Belle and Adam took a quick look at each other, with wide smiles on their faces.
"I would ask that you always treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together today.
"Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong.
"This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and happiness."
The two of them nodded their heads, and then, Pere Robert asked, "Do either of you have any self-written vows to say at this moment?"
"Indeed, I do," replied Adam, who swiftly tapped the side of his head. "All in here, sir."
Then, after he and Belle turned to face each other, Adam said, "Before I met you, Belle, I was a man who was selfish, spoiled, and unkind to everyone.
"I have made many mistakes in my life, some of which have taken away certain moments that would have been special for the both of us... but I also know that it is unhealthy to look back at the negativity in the past, and I look forward to all of the new and wonderful memories that we are going to create and share together.
"You mean the world to me, Belle, and all I want is to bring you happiness every day for the rest of our lives. I will do whatever it takes to make all of your dreams come true, grant all of the wishes you ever made upon a star... and I promise to always love you, Belle... for evermore."
Using whatever inner strength she had left to stop the tears from falling down her face, Belle nodded her head, and began to say her wedding vows.
"All my life, I have always wanted something more than what I went through each and every day in the village... and you gave that to me, Adam... against all of the odds, you showed me true beauty, and that it was okay to be different.
"You showed me that it was alright to feel lost, and realize how desperately that I needed to be found. I learned that everything is not what it seems, whether it was because of a magical dinner presentation..."
Lumiere let out a silent chuckle, while Cosgworth and Mrs. Potts gave her a warm smile.
"... or being taken to the Paris of my childhood..."
Maurice found himself looking upward, in hopes that his wife was watching this very special moment in his and their daughter's life.
"I learned that people could surprise you, and that is exactly what you did the night we shared our first dance in the ballroom."
Adam felt like his heart was about to explode with happiness, but as he looked into her beautiful eyes, his nerves instantly lowered down, and he felt relaxed.
"I love you, Adam, and I am looking forward to seeing where our new adventures will take us."
Waiting a moment to see if Belle was or was not finished, Pere Robert then nodded his head, and said, "Now, then... may I have the wedding rings?"
Woof! Woof! Woof!
Froufrou made his way to the altar, his mouth holding onto a throw pillow that contained the rings, and as the couple happily took them, Belle used her other hand to softly rub the top of the dog's head.
"Good boy."
The small animal let out a joyful bark before returning to Garderobe and Cadenza, and Pere Robert cleared his throat before saying, "Belle, Adam... these rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May they always remind you of the vows you have taken."
Then, Adam placed the ring on Belle's finger, and said the words that Pere Robert had instructed him to say.
"I, Adam, take thee, Belle, to be my wife... to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise my love to you. Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit."
Once he finished, it was time for Belle to do the same.
"I, Belle, take thee, Adam, to be my husband... to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit."
Then, Pere Robert closed his eyes, and raised his arms over Belle and Adam.
"Lord, bless and consecrate this groom and bride in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of their true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love through the Christ to God.
"We ask this blessing for them in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit..."
"Amen," said all of the guests, and Pere Robert opened his eyes, giving the couple in front of him a warm smile.
"In conclusion, it is with great honor and pleasure that I now announce, in front of God, the two of you as husband and wife... you may kiss the bride."
And that is exactly what Adam did.
Once their lips touched, Belle returned the favor, and as they continued at a slow and romantic pace, everyone else stood up to give their applause.
"So, what happens now, Mama?" wondered Chip.
His answer came from Lumiere, who said, "Now it is time for us to return to the castle for the wedding celebration."
Then, he turned to the side of him (as if he were facing someone), and said, "Oh, and don't worry, you're invited to!"