++Epilogue++
The 5 piece orchestra began softly, carefully gaining sound as they played Pachebel's "Cannon." Chris stood beside Lance as Stephanie stood at the end of the walkway between the pews. She took Chris's breath away. Her hair was piled on top of her head in a mass of soft curls and braids held back with a tiara. Her dress was like a dream. A whimsical white creation that was perfect for her. The top was like a corset encrusted with rhinestones and small beads. The skirt of the dress was made of smooth, white heavy silk kept full with underlines of crinoline and tulle. She had the brightest smile on her face while she hooked her arm with her fathers. Chris's eyes never left hers. She slowly followed the rose petal path to him.
Everyone was standing now, including Edge. His black clothes signaled his feelings about the blessed union. He sighed and turned--his eyes caught the sidelong glance from Torrie. He smiled and winked. By the end of the day he'd forget all about Stephanie.
Stephanie moved next to Chris and smiled sweetly. "You look handsome." She said. "Same to you, beautiful." The turned to the preacher and he began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the blessed union between Christopher Jericho and Stephanie Marie McMahon." He paused. "Marriage is nothing that should be treaded into lightly. But to entered into faithfully and reverently. It should be an eternal bond between two people who love deeply and truly love one another. And I, as well as everyone in attendance is in witness to that now." Chris and Steph smiled lovingly at each other. "Now, Chris…do you take this woman, Stephanie to your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, from this day forward. In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?" Chris looked deeply into Stephanie's eyes. "I do. So much…" Steph squeezed his hands. The preacher went on. "And do you, Stephanie, take this man…Chris, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward. In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?" Steph nodded. "Oh, I do." The priest nodded. "The rings." Lance took the rings out of his pocket and handed them to the priest who placed them on a small silk pillow. Chris took a dainty gold ring and took Steph's hand. He spoke as he began to put it on her finger. "This ring is a symbol of my everlasting love for you. Like a circle, my devotion to you is never ending. With this ring, I thee wed." He lifted her hand and kissed it lightly. Stephanie then took the obviously masculine ring and took Chris's hand. As she slipped the ring on she began. "This ring is a symbol of my undying and unwavering love for you. It's a representation of my commitment and our marriage. Like a circle, my adoration for you is everlasting. With this ring I thee wed." They clasped their hands together. A small smile spread across the priest's features. "Now, if there is anyone in attendance who feels these two shouldn't be married, speak now or forever hold your peace." There was only silence. "Then by the power vested in my by the state of Florida and by the church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." There was a resounding cheer as Stephanie and Chris laughed and kissed each other thoroughly.
They ran into the limo under the shower of white and red rose petals. Chris laughed and kissed Stephanie as they sat inside. "We're married, Mrs. Jericho." "That's right, Mr. Jericho." They kissed again as Chris pulled Stephanie into his lap. "How did we make it here?" She asked dreamily. Chris kissed her temple and held her close. "I don't know…if it wasn't for our love and longing for each other I don't think we would be." Steph smiled. "Well, thank God for love and longing then." They kissed passionately and headed for Paris, where they would begin their honeymoon as man as wife.
+++The End+++