Chapter 14
Time went by fairly fast they all kept busy helping Elaina. When Bea and Paula arrived the Grandmothers were trying to get Sarah dressed. She was more interested in helping her Mommy then she was herself.
"Sarah Elizabeth, stand still for your Grandmas," Elaina told her. Sarah started to get more upset as Liz and Francesca tried to put the dress on her.
"Momma. No!" Sarah wasn't cooperating for no one.
"Bring her here, Mom. I'll get it on her," Elaina told Liz.
"I see we're having difficulty with the youngest Donovan," Paula remarked.
"Yeah I thought I'd have trouble with her Daddy, instead she's making up for him behaving." Elaina laughed.
"Do you want me to try Elaina?" Sab asked, coming from the bathroom after changing.
"She's determined that I dress her. Thanks for asking anyway." Elaina took advantage of Sarah watching Sab check her dress in the mirror and put the dress on her. "I guess you helped after all. You can go over there now and check your dress, Sweetie."
The ladies heard gunfire and they all went to the window. "Calm down! That's just Frank telling me to hurry. He said if I was running late he'd do that."
"We're not running late yet. We have five minutes yet." Paula checked her watch.
"His probably runs fast, that and he's probably tired of waiting," Bea said.
Alex came running into the room. "I'm sorry, it won't take long to change." She grabbed her dress and went in the bathroom.
"Now we might be late," Monica said, laughing.
"Ladies, are we ready? Frank said that was the two minute warning," Hank asked as he came in.
"Everyone but Alex is ready, even Sarah is ready now," Elaina told him. "Momma D and Mom, why don't you go on down and get seated. And tell Frank I'm not the hold up."
"I will dear. My son still needs to learn patience," Francesca told her.
The two mothers went out to the tent and were met by Frank and the two Dads. Both Jake and George escorted Liz. Jake made sure that when he escorted the female guests he used his good arm so he didn't bother the wound in his shoulder. Frank's mother hugged him and told him what Elaina had said.
"I knew someone would be late, never fails," Frank sounded exasperated and his dad Vincent patted him on his back.
"That's the female nature to make a man wait. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take my beautiful wife to her seat," Vincent told him.
"Don't let me stop you." Frank smiled as he watched his parents walk with Andy.
Miranda and Megan came in next. Megan was carrying Sarah and Miranda had Benny dressed in a baby outfit that looked like a tux. Miranda stopped to talk to Frank. "You, inside. She's ready to come down and you're not getting a sneak preview."
"Yes ma'am." Frank went inside with the others. Miranda signaled for the other girls to come out; she then signaled Becky to play the wedding march.
Frank watched Monica, Alex, Paula and Bea come down the isle. Then Sabrina came down trying to keep from giggling when she and Cody's eyes met. As Sab reached the front Elaina and Hank started down the isle. Elaina already had tears in her eyes. By the time she reached the front she was crying. Frank wiped her tears away and held her hand.
Father Mike was officiating over the ceremony. "Ladies and Gentlemen. We're gathered here today to witness a very special wedding. They have a special ceremony planned and I'm mostly here to make it legit," Father Mike joked. "I believe that Becky has a song to sing that's loved by the couple. Becky sang Because I Was Loved By You. After Becky finished Father Mike turned to Elaina. "Elaina, I do believe you have something to say now," he stated.
"If I cry through this sorry," Elaina apologized knowing she would. "I, Elaina Wynn Blakely Donovan, am a very lucky woman, to have found a man like you. I have loved you for better and for worse, in sickness and in health through that and more." Elaina started crying. "I think I'll shorten this. I'll continue to love you for eternity. For we are and forever will be, keepers of the other's soul.
"Frank, it's your turn," Father Mike said.
"I, Franklin Donovan, am a very lucky man to have found someone as special as you. I have loved you for better and for worse, in sickness and in health. You've shown me your strengths and weaknesses through many crises and we've both grown closer dealing with them. I'll forever be your husband, lover, and friend. I'll love you for eternity. For we are and forever will be, keepers of the other's soul."
"Now we'll get to the exchanging of the rings." Cody acted as if he lost it and Jake slapped him. Cody gave the ring to Frank and Sab gave the ring for Frank to Elaina, taking the bouquet of Peace roses, from her to hold.
"Franklin Donovan. Do you take again, Elaina Blakely as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do." Frank watched Elaina; her hands were shaking as she put the ring on his finger.
"Elaina Blakely. Do you take again, Franklin Donovan as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do." Elaina watched him through tears as he put the ring on her finger.
"I believe this is where I say; you may kiss the bride."
"The part I have been waiting for," Frank said as he took Elaina in his arms and kissed her.
"Come up for air guys," Cody joked.
They broke the kiss. "Family and friends. I give you Mr. And Mrs. Franklin Donovan."
Derek started to sing To love, I Love You, I Do, as they filed out of the tent and back into the house. Cody and Sab and then Paula and Jake followed Frank and Elaina. As Paula passed by Heather she broke into a bigger smile than what she had. Bea and Andy were next then Monica and Reese and bringing up the rear was Alex and Carlos.
Elaina was thankful they had the tunnel from the house to the tent. She kicked her high heels off and walked barefoot to the house. "Come here you. That kiss wasn't long enough for me." Frank pulled her away from the entrance and started kissing her again.
"Honeymoon seems to be starting early," Cody told Sab as they walked in.
"Give them a break they're newlyweds," Sab said.
"What was the excuse before the wedding?" Jake asked.
"I have a word for it but I'm too much of a lady to say it today." Paula giggled.
"I heard that Paula. I know what you're thinking and it's very true." Elaina laughed too.
"So do we get to kiss the bride, to congratulate her?" Jake asked Frank as he shook his hand.
"On the cheek only," Frank ordered.
"Same goes for the women with you, Love." Elaina smiled as Jake kissed her.
"She spoils all my fun," Paula said as she kissed Frank.
"Be lucky I'm not making him shake hands with the women too." Elaina laughed.
"Now that would be mean," Sab told her as she hugged her.
Everyone filed in to congratulate them. Elaina was getting tired and moved a chair over to sit down. "I'm being to think people are going in circles to keep us standing."
"You invited all of them." Frank reminded her as Derek came in.
"Derek, finally go get my flat, white slip-on shoes, they're by the bed."
"Sure, I'll be right back." Derek ran out of the room.
"That was easy. He's still trying to get us to let him stay alone, isn't he?" Elaina asked Frank.
"Yeah, but he's going to be disappointed," Frank said.
"When do we eat? I'm starving," Cody asked looking out the window.
"When they get the tables set in the tent, we'll all go back out," Sab informed him.
Frank and Elaina where joined by his parents and hers as she was changing shoes. "Hello Vincent. We haven't had much time to talk." Elaina got up to hug her father-in-law.
"I'm sorry our plane was delayed due to the weather. We were lucky to get here before the wedding," Vincent explained.
"We should've sent our plane for you. Why didn't you Frank?" Elaina asked.
"He offered, Elaina but we declined. We already had our flight booked," Francesca answered.
"I understand. I never like changing plans once they're made either," Elaina said, looking at Frank.
"She's talking about the wedding plans, ignore her, I plan to," Frank stated.
George signed. 'The wedding and the bride were very beautiful.'
"Thank you Daddy, I love you." Elaina said and signed, then hugged her father.
"Mom? Are you ok, you look sad?"
"I'm just blubbering like an idiot. I just saw my daughter get married. You'll feel the same way one of these days."
"Please Mom Liz, don't bring that up. I'm not ready to think about that, yet. We've quite a few years yet," Frank insisted as he picked up Sarah. "Don't we, Princess?" Sarah just giggled.
"You don't have long to think about Derek, though," Francesca said pointing to Derek kissing Becky.
"Oh great! Next thing I'll know, is that I'm a great-grandma," Liz said.
"Oh no! Don't even think about it. He has to finish high school and college before I'll allow him to have children."
"Sweetie, it isn't up to you. When he gets married or has children, once he's 18," Liz told her.
"Well, since he just turned 17 a few months ago, I still have a say in the matter. And he better keep his hands to himself," Elaina stated.
They all laughed with her. "Son, have you had your talk with Derek, yet?" Vincent asked.
"Not yet," Frank admitted.
"I think you should," Elaina told him.
"After the honeymoon, I will," Frank promised.
"Make sure you do, if it isn't too, late by then," Francesca said, still watching Derek and Becky.
"Momma D, do you know something we don't?" Elaina asked.
"Just an observation dear," Francesca said, smiling.
Time went by fairly fast they all kept busy helping Elaina. When Bea and Paula arrived the Grandmothers were trying to get Sarah dressed. She was more interested in helping her Mommy then she was herself.
"Sarah Elizabeth, stand still for your Grandmas," Elaina told her. Sarah started to get more upset as Liz and Francesca tried to put the dress on her.
"Momma. No!" Sarah wasn't cooperating for no one.
"Bring her here, Mom. I'll get it on her," Elaina told Liz.
"I see we're having difficulty with the youngest Donovan," Paula remarked.
"Yeah I thought I'd have trouble with her Daddy, instead she's making up for him behaving." Elaina laughed.
"Do you want me to try Elaina?" Sab asked, coming from the bathroom after changing.
"She's determined that I dress her. Thanks for asking anyway." Elaina took advantage of Sarah watching Sab check her dress in the mirror and put the dress on her. "I guess you helped after all. You can go over there now and check your dress, Sweetie."
The ladies heard gunfire and they all went to the window. "Calm down! That's just Frank telling me to hurry. He said if I was running late he'd do that."
"We're not running late yet. We have five minutes yet." Paula checked her watch.
"His probably runs fast, that and he's probably tired of waiting," Bea said.
Alex came running into the room. "I'm sorry, it won't take long to change." She grabbed her dress and went in the bathroom.
"Now we might be late," Monica said, laughing.
"Ladies, are we ready? Frank said that was the two minute warning," Hank asked as he came in.
"Everyone but Alex is ready, even Sarah is ready now," Elaina told him. "Momma D and Mom, why don't you go on down and get seated. And tell Frank I'm not the hold up."
"I will dear. My son still needs to learn patience," Francesca told her.
The two mothers went out to the tent and were met by Frank and the two Dads. Both Jake and George escorted Liz. Jake made sure that when he escorted the female guests he used his good arm so he didn't bother the wound in his shoulder. Frank's mother hugged him and told him what Elaina had said.
"I knew someone would be late, never fails," Frank sounded exasperated and his dad Vincent patted him on his back.
"That's the female nature to make a man wait. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take my beautiful wife to her seat," Vincent told him.
"Don't let me stop you." Frank smiled as he watched his parents walk with Andy.
Miranda and Megan came in next. Megan was carrying Sarah and Miranda had Benny dressed in a baby outfit that looked like a tux. Miranda stopped to talk to Frank. "You, inside. She's ready to come down and you're not getting a sneak preview."
"Yes ma'am." Frank went inside with the others. Miranda signaled for the other girls to come out; she then signaled Becky to play the wedding march.
Frank watched Monica, Alex, Paula and Bea come down the isle. Then Sabrina came down trying to keep from giggling when she and Cody's eyes met. As Sab reached the front Elaina and Hank started down the isle. Elaina already had tears in her eyes. By the time she reached the front she was crying. Frank wiped her tears away and held her hand.
Father Mike was officiating over the ceremony. "Ladies and Gentlemen. We're gathered here today to witness a very special wedding. They have a special ceremony planned and I'm mostly here to make it legit," Father Mike joked. "I believe that Becky has a song to sing that's loved by the couple. Becky sang Because I Was Loved By You. After Becky finished Father Mike turned to Elaina. "Elaina, I do believe you have something to say now," he stated.
"If I cry through this sorry," Elaina apologized knowing she would. "I, Elaina Wynn Blakely Donovan, am a very lucky woman, to have found a man like you. I have loved you for better and for worse, in sickness and in health through that and more." Elaina started crying. "I think I'll shorten this. I'll continue to love you for eternity. For we are and forever will be, keepers of the other's soul.
"Frank, it's your turn," Father Mike said.
"I, Franklin Donovan, am a very lucky man to have found someone as special as you. I have loved you for better and for worse, in sickness and in health. You've shown me your strengths and weaknesses through many crises and we've both grown closer dealing with them. I'll forever be your husband, lover, and friend. I'll love you for eternity. For we are and forever will be, keepers of the other's soul."
"Now we'll get to the exchanging of the rings." Cody acted as if he lost it and Jake slapped him. Cody gave the ring to Frank and Sab gave the ring for Frank to Elaina, taking the bouquet of Peace roses, from her to hold.
"Franklin Donovan. Do you take again, Elaina Blakely as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do." Frank watched Elaina; her hands were shaking as she put the ring on his finger.
"Elaina Blakely. Do you take again, Franklin Donovan as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do." Elaina watched him through tears as he put the ring on her finger.
"I believe this is where I say; you may kiss the bride."
"The part I have been waiting for," Frank said as he took Elaina in his arms and kissed her.
"Come up for air guys," Cody joked.
They broke the kiss. "Family and friends. I give you Mr. And Mrs. Franklin Donovan."
Derek started to sing To love, I Love You, I Do, as they filed out of the tent and back into the house. Cody and Sab and then Paula and Jake followed Frank and Elaina. As Paula passed by Heather she broke into a bigger smile than what she had. Bea and Andy were next then Monica and Reese and bringing up the rear was Alex and Carlos.
Elaina was thankful they had the tunnel from the house to the tent. She kicked her high heels off and walked barefoot to the house. "Come here you. That kiss wasn't long enough for me." Frank pulled her away from the entrance and started kissing her again.
"Honeymoon seems to be starting early," Cody told Sab as they walked in.
"Give them a break they're newlyweds," Sab said.
"What was the excuse before the wedding?" Jake asked.
"I have a word for it but I'm too much of a lady to say it today." Paula giggled.
"I heard that Paula. I know what you're thinking and it's very true." Elaina laughed too.
"So do we get to kiss the bride, to congratulate her?" Jake asked Frank as he shook his hand.
"On the cheek only," Frank ordered.
"Same goes for the women with you, Love." Elaina smiled as Jake kissed her.
"She spoils all my fun," Paula said as she kissed Frank.
"Be lucky I'm not making him shake hands with the women too." Elaina laughed.
"Now that would be mean," Sab told her as she hugged her.
Everyone filed in to congratulate them. Elaina was getting tired and moved a chair over to sit down. "I'm being to think people are going in circles to keep us standing."
"You invited all of them." Frank reminded her as Derek came in.
"Derek, finally go get my flat, white slip-on shoes, they're by the bed."
"Sure, I'll be right back." Derek ran out of the room.
"That was easy. He's still trying to get us to let him stay alone, isn't he?" Elaina asked Frank.
"Yeah, but he's going to be disappointed," Frank said.
"When do we eat? I'm starving," Cody asked looking out the window.
"When they get the tables set in the tent, we'll all go back out," Sab informed him.
Frank and Elaina where joined by his parents and hers as she was changing shoes. "Hello Vincent. We haven't had much time to talk." Elaina got up to hug her father-in-law.
"I'm sorry our plane was delayed due to the weather. We were lucky to get here before the wedding," Vincent explained.
"We should've sent our plane for you. Why didn't you Frank?" Elaina asked.
"He offered, Elaina but we declined. We already had our flight booked," Francesca answered.
"I understand. I never like changing plans once they're made either," Elaina said, looking at Frank.
"She's talking about the wedding plans, ignore her, I plan to," Frank stated.
George signed. 'The wedding and the bride were very beautiful.'
"Thank you Daddy, I love you." Elaina said and signed, then hugged her father.
"Mom? Are you ok, you look sad?"
"I'm just blubbering like an idiot. I just saw my daughter get married. You'll feel the same way one of these days."
"Please Mom Liz, don't bring that up. I'm not ready to think about that, yet. We've quite a few years yet," Frank insisted as he picked up Sarah. "Don't we, Princess?" Sarah just giggled.
"You don't have long to think about Derek, though," Francesca said pointing to Derek kissing Becky.
"Oh great! Next thing I'll know, is that I'm a great-grandma," Liz said.
"Oh no! Don't even think about it. He has to finish high school and college before I'll allow him to have children."
"Sweetie, it isn't up to you. When he gets married or has children, once he's 18," Liz told her.
"Well, since he just turned 17 a few months ago, I still have a say in the matter. And he better keep his hands to himself," Elaina stated.
They all laughed with her. "Son, have you had your talk with Derek, yet?" Vincent asked.
"Not yet," Frank admitted.
"I think you should," Elaina told him.
"After the honeymoon, I will," Frank promised.
"Make sure you do, if it isn't too, late by then," Francesca said, still watching Derek and Becky.
"Momma D, do you know something we don't?" Elaina asked.
"Just an observation dear," Francesca said, smiling.
