The music from Nat's violin swelled as the guests began taking their seats on the back lawn of Plumfield. The archway stood beautifully before them, lilacs, daisies and various wild flowers adorning the sides. Father Lewis stood at the front and to his left were Nick and Ben, whispering to one another, slightly embarrassed at the fact that they were now the center of attention. The front few rows of chairs were filled with family, the children having a difficult time deciding which seat would be best to watch the event.
The low murmurs stopped as the ceremony began. Rob led the procession, his tiny suit obviously bothersome as he tugged at the collar. He hurried down the aisle with Meg and Amy soon after. Jo had tried to make the difficult decision of which sister to choose as her matron of honour. However, the fact that conventionality was definitely not her strong suit, both sisters were chosen. The women were dressed in a blue satin, which Amy had insisted on buying along with the young girls' pinafores. Meg had wanted to fashion her own but having Jo's gown to contend with made Amy's offer irresistible. The sisters bustled down towards the altar, grinning at Nick and Ben as they passed by.
At last Jo appeared on her father's arm, a nervous smile on her lips as she noticed the crowd. The dress fit her perfectly and Meg had done up Jo's hair, completing the effect with traces of Baby's Breath nestled in amongst her curls. As they strolled down the aisle, Jo caught Nick's gaze and smiled while he stared intently upon her. She kept her eyes locked with his as they finally reached the front and after giving her father a gentle kiss on the cheek, Jo found Nick's hand.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered to her. They turned to Father Lewis as he began to speak.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of God to witness the joining of these two very special people, Nicholas Riley and Josephine Bhaer in Holy Matrimony. The union of marriage is one of trust, honour and love and is a true blessing that God has intended and bestowed upon two of his children. – If any among you can show just cause why these two should not be lawfully married, speak now or forever hold your peace." The crowd was silent until the strong smell of the flowers that Amy had been so adamant about began to tickle Rob's nose and the poor boy was enveloped into a fit of sneezes. The timing was unmistakable and giggles erupted throughout the guests. The young boy turned eight shades of red and he looked to Nick for relief from the embarrassment. Nick tousled his hair and smiled at Jo who couldn't help herself but join in the laughter.
"We'll take that as a 'no'," Father Lewis chuckled. "Let's continue. Please join hands." Jo and Nick faced one another, lacing their fingers together. "Do you, Nicholas, take Josephine to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honour and cherish as long as you both shall live?"
Nick looked deeply into Jo's eyes; all nervousness had vanished. "I do."
"And do you, Josephine, take Nicholas to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honour and cherish as long as you both shall live?"
Jo smiled gently and nodded. "I do."
Father Lewis looked to Ben. "The ring, please."
Ben dug through this pockets, a twinkle in his eye, until he found the cloth bag and carefully removed the gold band, handing it to the priest.
"The ring is a symbol of a never ending love that two people share. Lord, bless this ring as a sign of the vows that have been expressed as this man and this woman bind themselves as one." Father Lewis placed the ring into Nick's possession. He took Jo's left hand and slowly slipped it onto her finger. She smiled sweetly, tears beginning to fill her eyes.
"With the expression of vows and the exchange of the ring, the union is complete. For those whom God has joined, may no one put asunder." Father Lewis grinned at the couple. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
"I think I can handle that," Nick joked. With hands still locked together, Nick gently brought his lips to Jo's and with more tenderness than ever before, expressed his devotion to the woman before him. Jo's eyes fluttered shut as Nick enveloped her in a kiss that made her knees grow weak. However, before it could be considered improper, Nick slowly broke the kiss and smiled lovingly at his new wife. Applause ensued as the newlyweds made their way back down the aisle and after climbing the back steps of Plumfield, somewhat out of sight, Nick pulled Jo into another gentle embrace. And before leaning in towards her for another loving kiss, he whispered into her ear, "Now that wasn't so bad, was it?"
XXXXX
The tables were quickly cleared after dinner and the band took their place in the far corner of the yard. As they warmed up their instruments, the bride and groom appeared in the center of a makeshift dance floor, Jo's long, ivory train bustled onto the back of her dress. Throughout the meal, Jo could hardly contain her joy as guests approached the couple with congratulations and best wishes. She kept her hand tightly within Nick's, not wanting to let go, fearing that the entire fantasy was a dream and at any minute her pleasure and delight would slip away.
The music began and Nick swept Jo up in his arms, spinning her around the floor, much in the same way he had the night he proposed. The expression on his face made Jo giggle and Nick reacted with shock. "What's so funny?" he asked, dancing between the guests that had taken the floor.
Jo smiled sweetly. "You."
"Me?" Nick chuckled. "Well, I'm glad I could be so hilarious for ya."
"It's not that. It's your face…" Jo wasn't making the situation any better.
"Now I look funny…"
"No, I didn't mean it like that. The look in your eyes…well, it's one of…"
"Happiness?" Nick interrupted.
"Well, yes but there's more." Jo paused, not sure of the words. "There is a sparkle, like children get on Christmas…"
"It feels like Christmas." Nick swung her around a couple of times before planting a soft kiss on her lips. "And there doesn't even have ta be any mistletoe."
Jo blushed lightly and slapped him on the arm. The playful banter continued until a gentle tug on Nick's sleeve pulled them from their reverie. The couple looked down to see Rob standing beside them, a large grin on his face.
"Can I dance with you, Mama?" he asked.
Jo looked to Nick, who nodded insistently and stepped away, giving Rob Jo's hand. "Be careful," he whispered loudly to the young boy, "She'll step on your feet." Rob giggled as Nick walked away.
"Are you having fun?" Jo asked her son, who now came up to her elbows.
"Yep. I've already danced with Daisy!"
Jo chuckled, imagining the two children gawkily trying to keep in step with the adults. "I bet she's a much better dancer than your mother."
Rob thought for a few moments and shook his head. "Nah. She's doesn't know all the steps." Jo grinned. "Mama?"
"Yes, Sweetheart?"
Rob looked up at his mother, his forehead creased. "You still love Papa, don't you?"
Jo stopped suddenly, regret filling her frame. She had been afraid of this very situation. Although she had told Rob of the circumstances that surrounded the wedding, Jo was not confident that her son completely understood. "Of course I do. I will always love your father. That will never change."
Rob nodded, the crease still present. "But you love Nick, right?"
Jo swallowed hard. "Yes, I do."
Rob looked at his feet. "Do you think Papa would be mad if I loved Nick like I love Papa?"
Jo's eyes grew large with shock and lowered herself to eyelevel with Rob. "No, definitely not. Your papa would be happy that someone was in your life who you cared for, just like a father."
" 'Cause Nick can teach me the stuff that I need to know since Papa isn't here, right?" A smile reappeared on Rob's face.
"Right." Jo kissed him on the cheek. She looked him in the eyes. "Your papa would be so proud of you."
Rob beamed as Jo stood to resume their dance. "Mama?" Rob asked once again.
"Yes Sweetheart?" Jo dreaded his next question.
The young boy looked around and then back to his mother. "Can I have another piece of cake?" Innocence filled his voice.
Jo sighed with relief and nodded. "Go on." The young boy took off in search of sweets. Jo called after him. "But I want another dance!"
Nick strolled up after seeing Rob run off. "What was that all about?"
Jo merely shook her head. "He wanted more cake."
Nick laughed, pulling his wife into another dance. "Yeah right," Nick said with sarcasm. "I knew you'd step on his feet!"
