"With This Ring"

A/N- Thank you all for your continued support and positive reviews of this story. It's been a labor of love for me and the wish I would have for them had we ever been blessed with a wedding. I tried to make this as visual as possible- I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Side note- there are references to many song lyrics through the vows that I do not own any rights to but fit their story so beautifully.

The large, French doors opened revealing the beautiful, small chapel with filled with Tony's and Angela's closest family and friends. The hundred guests rose to their feet as Billy made his way through the door, beginning his steady march down the aisle with Tony and Angela's wedding ring tied to a vintage, white, lace covered pillow. Giving the boy a high-five when he reached the alter, Tony inhaled a deep breath in anticipation of seeing his bride. Wendy and Isabelle proceeded down the aisle, followed by Samantha. Reaching the alter, Sam kissed her father, telling him how handsome he looked as he gushed over how beautiful she was. Samantha took her place to the right of her father, turning to face up the aisle, overjoyed at the event about to occur.

A soft guitar strum began to play as Angela rounded the corner, stopping briefly at the door, taking in the sight before her.

"You ready dear?" Mona squeezed her hand, trying to ease the tremble she felt washing over her daughter.

Taking a deep breath, Angela looked down at her mother, tears already swelling in her eyes, "Yes mother, I'm ready." She smiled.

"You look absolutely stunning," Mona returned, straightening her posture, her own emotions beginning to betray her.

Arm in arm, mother and daughter took their first steps down the aisle as the lyrics to "Now That I Found You" could be heard through the chapel,

"How can I believe
That my heart would find someone like you
You see me, the real me
No in between, I had nowhere to hide
You took away the walls around me
Made me feel safe to share my truth
I see the heavens open, a heart that once was broken
Is holding nothing back
Now that I found you"

Tony's eyes looked up to meet Angela's, his legs began to shake, becoming weak at the knees at the vision before him.

" I see the heavens open, a heart that once was broken
Is holding nothing back
Now that I found you
You hold me like a prayer, you touch me everywhere
A lifetime just ain't enough to love you true
Now that I found you"

Their eyes were looked on each other, two people surrounded in a tunnel of a hundred eyes.

"I do believe we're meant to be
Our chemistry will last forever
And through the years
We'll see some tears
We'll conquer fears
And together we will grow
Looking in your eyes
They tell me
I no longer have to feel alone"

Angela continued down the aisle, grateful for her mother leading the way, her eyes never leaving Tony's.

"I see the heavens open, a heart that once was broken
Is holding nothing back
Now that I found you
You hold me like a prayer, you touch me everywhere
A lifetime just ain't enough to love you true
Now that I found you"

A lump formed in Tony's throat, he reached for his bowtie, trying to loosen it so he could catch his breath, his eyes never left Angela's.

"You see me, the real me
You believe in me
I see the heavens open, a heart that once was broken
Is holding nothing back
Now that I found you
You hold me like a prayer, you touch me everywhere
A lifetime just ain't enough to love you true
Now that I found you."

Bride and Groom were face to face; tear swollen eyes still locked on each other.

The sound of Father Marconi clearing his throat brought them back to the moment,

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the presence of God and of His company, to unite Tony and Angela in Holy Union and to celebrate love, commitment, friendship, family and two people who although it took them forever to get to this moment, are in it forever."

A slight chuckle could be heard throughout the chapel. Tony and Angela looked at each other, both shrugging their shoulders in acknowledgment of the jab.

"Love- The great unifier, the one universal truth! Love is what has brought Tony and Angela here today. The love of a father for his daughter in wanting to provide a better life for her. The love of a mother looking for stability and support for a son struggling to find his way. The love of two families, thrown together by circumstances that would unite them in their commitment to one another. No matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in, we can all know this one thing: Love is what we can do right when everything else seems wrong.

But love isn't just a word; it's an action. Love isn't something you say, it's something you do.

Love is genuine, honest, and open, compassionate, and kind, passionate and blind. Love doesn't know space or time, nor look through jealous eyes, and in the modified words of Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never dies.""

He took a deep breath and looked between the couple

"Today, Tony and Angela are taking their first, very long and overdue steps towards their new beginning, their brand-new life, together."

Their eyes met again, each reaching for the hands of their children; Tony to his son, Angela to her daughter, Mona between them, uniting the pairs.

"They will laugh and cry, dance and sing, and above all, celebrate their love with the blessings of the people who matter most to them."

The five smiling faces acknowledged each other.

"As we give thanks for the past, which brought them to this place, and look forward with hope to what the future will bring, who gives this woman to this man?"

"We do!" Mona, Samantha, and Jonathan exclaimed in unison.

Releasing hands with their children, as mother and daughter unlinked arms, Mona took Tony and Angela's hands in hers, uniting them together in front of her, "I love you both more than you'll ever know," she sniffled, stepping back from the alter to take her seat next to Ms. Rossini.

"Tony and Angela, you have known each other for years, from your first glance as employee/employer to this moment of commitment, you have shared many promises and agreements in an informal way. Today, the promises and agreements you make will unite you in your hopes and dreams for the future. They will be a tribute to the past and a promise to the future. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, neither is a relationship ever complete. It needs constant nurturing. A strong marriage is one that fosters respect, devotes love and is willing to make sacrifices for each other. These are the foundation blocks of a newly formed union. Although you will join as one, you are still two separate individuals with unique ideas, talents, and ways of being. Respect and value those differences and your marriage will flourish."

Speaking to the guest, Father Marconi continued, "Tony and Angela have chosen to say their own vows. The exchange of vows is the most ancient part of a wedding ceremony holding extraordinary meaning and importance."

Addressing the bride and groom again, "As you speak to one another, remember that these are truly sacred promises and sacred promises must be kept forever."

Facing Tony, Father Marconi tipped his head in a gesture to begin, "Tony!"

Inhaling deeply, Tony took both of Angela's hands in his. Looking her straight in the eyes, his hands trembling in hers, he began to speak, "Angela, when we started this journey eight years ago, I could never have imagined that it would lead us down this path. To say there wasn't an instant attraction would be a lie. The moment you opened that door, I thought you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid eyes on- pink robe, head towel and all," he chuckled. What I didn't know in those few moments, few days and few months, was what an incredible woman laid beneath that beautiful exterior. It didn't take me long, I was pretty hooked," he smiled warmly. I don't want to go over all the reason it took eight years for me to wake up but instead all the reason why I'll spend the rest of my life making up for those lost years."

He took another deep breath, his eyes beginning to swell, "I honestly can't remember when you weren't there, when I didn't care, for anyone but you. Yes, I tried to fight the feelings, tried to ignore the signs but they were too strong. You pulled me out of my darkness. You were the light that shined on my heart and soul. You stood by me, made me face truths I was too sacred to see, you gave me wings and helped me fly."

Another breath, his voice cracking, "You decorated my life and created a world where dreams where once again a part of it. When my life had no meaning except being Samantha's dad," he turned and smiled at his daughter, "You helped me to find purpose. When I lost my faith, you gave it back to me because you always believed in me. You pulled me through all my insecurities and doubts. You've seen me through it all and just when I didn't think I couldn't love you more, you take my breath away. You know it's hard for me to tell you how I feel but I want you to know today and for always that you're everything I've ever wanted, everything I'll ever need because no matter what life brings, I know my heart will never unfeel your touch or unhear your sweet voice because no matter what I do, I can't unlove you."

Not breaking contact with her tear-filled eyes, Tony wiped the moisture that had formed beneath them, "From this day forward, this is my solemn vow- I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on, I'll be the rock that will be strong for you. I'll be the one that will hold on to you when you feel the rain falling down. I'll be the arms to reach for you when you need someone to hold. I'll be the one to see you through and carry you if any trouble comes around. I'll stand beside you through the year because through the years, the sweetest days I found I found with you and I swear by the moon and the stars up above I'll be the shadow by your side, for better or worse, till death do us part, I'll love you with every beat of my heart. This is my vow!"

Tony's efforts to wipe away her tears were unsuccessful as tears streamed down Angela's face. Ms. Rossini could be heard sniffling loudly and Mona's hard exterior was cracked as she held a hand full of tissues to her face.

"That was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard," Angela gushed through her sobs.

Allowing her a moment to compose herself, Father Marconi gave Tony a quick nod of approval before continuing with the ceremony. Turning to Angela, he motioned with his hand for her to begin, "Angela."

Still trying to regain her composure, Angela took a deep breath and exhaled softly, "Tony, when I opened my door eight years ago, the last thing I ever thought possible was finding someone that would be my partner, someone to see me through the good and the bad, someone I could trust and listen to, someone that would support me, guide me, teach me and love me for me." She caught her breath before continuing, "From that moment, my life began. You added music and laughter to a life that didn't have much meaning at the time. You became the father, role model and protector our son so desperately needed." Jonathan smiled at his mother's words.

"You mended my broken heart and helped me fall in love again. Because of you, I could believe in love and dreams come true. You saw the real me, you took away the walls around me and made me feel safe to share my truth. You were everything I didn't know I was looking for and when I looked into your eyes, I knew I couldn't ask for more. I'm able to see all the things life can be, shining in your eyes. I've learned what life's about by loving you!"

Wiping her own tears, she continued, "You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You were my strength when I was weak, my voice when I couldn't speak, my eyes when I couldn't see- you always saw the best in me. You gave me wings and helped me fly and because of you, I could touch the sky. You stood by me and made me believe that no star was out of reach and I'm grateful each day for what you gave me. You were my light in the darkness, shining your love into my life, even if unspoken," she smiled slyly.

"You've taught me everything I know, I can't imagine needing someone so, but through the years, I find myself needing you more and more." Her voice cracking with each word as she gazed into Tony's eyes.

"Our journey may have been unconventional and our path long and windy- It may not have been the path I would have liked to have taken, but it's the path that took us along an incredible journey and the path that brought us to where we are today. Our journey has been like an interstate and old song, like time, they go on and on and no matter how far we go or how much time passes, there will only be one place I'll ever want to be and that's by your side because I can't unthink about you, I can't unfeel your touch and no matter what, I can't unlove you."

Squeezing his hand, acknowledging their shared words, Angela declared her vow, "Today, I pledge to you, with all my heart and soul, my solemn vow- From this moment, I live for your happiness- for your love, I'd give my last breath. For as long as I live, I promise to love you. When you feel your faith running low, I'll be there to believe in you. I'll be the sun when your heart is filled with rain, I'll be the one to chase the pain away. I'll give you everything I can, build your dreams with these two hands," she squeezed his hands again, "We'll hang memories on the wall and when there's silver in your hair, you won't have to ask if I still care cause as time turns the pages, my love won't age at all. Through weakness and strength, happiness, and sorrow, for better for worse, I will love you with every beat of my heart -this is my vow.

Mona's armer was broken, listening to her daughter's vows, knowing what it took for her to get to this place in her life, her tears of happiness could no longer be hidden by a hand full of tissues. Aunt Rosa and Ms. Rossini wept unapologetically. Samantha and Jonathan could not hide the emotions they felt listening to their parent's vows, each sharing glances to each other through their own tears.

Tony cupped his brides face and leaned in to kiss her, tears streaming down his own cheeks "Not so fast," Father Marconi interrupted, "We haven't reached that part yet." He gave him a knowing smile.

"Sorry Father," Tony returned with an embarrassed chuckle.

Addressing the guest, Father Marconi moved forward with the ceremony, "In celebration of love and unity between two families, Tony and Angela have asked that their children join them for the lighting of the unity candle symbolizing the birth of their new official family. With this marriage, Tony and Angela and Samantha and Jonathan have confirmed the bond among them that has grown and deepened over the past eight years. In honor of Angela's mother, Mona, being the shepherd that united these four individuals, she has been asked to light each of the four candles with her candle as a representative of their joining as one. Mona, Samantha, Jonathan," he motioned for each to join them as they walked towards candles.

Reaching the candle alter, Father Marconi handed each a long-stemmed white candle, "Fire is believed by many to represent passion and purity. It is also associated with the security of home and family. It is a magical representation of the light of two people in love. It symbolizes your own individual selves joining to ignite the partnership of marriage, creating the unbreakable bond of family. As you light these candles, may you bask in the beauty of the light of your love for each other. May its light shine bright and steady upon your new path, together, and may its heat keep you warm through all the days of your life and beyond."

Mona struck the match, lighting her candle then proceeded to light each family member's candle, beginning with Jonathan, and ending with Tony. With all five standing on solidarity, Father Marconi blessed the union, "From every human being, there rises a light and when two souls that are destined for each other find one another, their streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being. Today, two families join as one, four flames, become one, representing love and devotion for one another."

Tony, Angela, Samantha, and Jonathan all met at the center candle, igniting a beautiful, united, flame.

Returning to their original places, Mona handed Angela a clean tissue as she, herself took to wiping her own tears.

Taking his place at the center of the alter, Father Marconi faced Tony and proceeded, "Do you, Anthony Morton Micelli, take this woman, Angela Kathrine Bower, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others, till death do you part?"

Tony looked at Angela, "I Do!" His eyes glistening.

Exhaling the breath she had been holding, she saw Father Marconi turning to face her, "Do you, Angela Kathrine Bower, take this man, Anthony Morton Micelli, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others, till death do you part?"

Angela looked at Tony, "I do!" Her lips quivering.

"The rings please." Father Marconi turned to Billy, motioning him to his side. Untying the thin lace holding the rings in place, Father Marconi removed the rings from the pillow and blessed them before handing each their respective rings, "Tony and Angela, you have come here today to vow before God, your family, and friends your ever lasting love and devotion to one another. May these rings be the symbol and testament of those vows, a never-ending circle of trust, faith, commitment, and love for each other. Two lives, now joined in one unbreakable bond. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home, which they built together, be such a place of sanctuary that many will find there a friend. May these rings, on their fingers, symbolize the spirit of love in the heart. Tony, repeat after me- With this ring, I dewed."

Placing the ring on her finger, Tony, looked down then back up to meet Angela's eyes, "With this ring, I dewed." She took a quick breath, not realizing she hadn't breathed since they said, "I do."

Handing Angela Tony's ring, Father Marconi, turned towards her, "Angela, repeat after me- With this ring, I dewed."

Angela slipped the ring on Tony's finger, "With this ring, I dewed," she repeated.

Their faces were aglow with emotions as they awaited those sealing words, "With the power vested in me, by the state of New York, with authority in Connecticut, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Smiling at Tony, Father Marconi nodded his head, "You may now kiss your bride."

Taking Angela in his arms, their eyes locked, "You're stuck with me now," Tony whispered as their lips met for a lingering, heartfelt kiss that solidified eight years of friendship, family, commitment and most of all, love.