*Author's note: The song "The Safest Place," was written by Desmond Child,
Mark Shaw, Victoria Shaw and Eric Bazillion. It is used here for
entertainment enhancement only (since it so fit the character's
relationship) and is not meant to infringe on the writers' copyright. This
song is sung by Leanne Rimes on her new album "Twisted Angel" that is
excellent and I highly recommend it.
Love Triumphant
Chapter III
A Bond Everlasting
Cole and Phoebe indeed found themselves on a beach. Waves gently lapped at the shore and a million stars shimmered down upon the golden sands. There was no need for any other illumination. It was the most incredibly beautiful place either of them had ever seen. Any ill thoughts they had harbored toward Aphrodite for interrupting them earlier vanished. She smiled brilliantly as if she'd read their minds: "Not only is it the perfect time, it's the perfect place," she informed them softly.
They'd only known her for a very short time but Cole had come to think of Aphrodite as a loveable but mischievous valley girl type. Before tonight he doubted she had a serious bone in her body. She had a mixed demeanor now, however, part official and part serene. The goddess of love's clothes were also different. Gone was the Victoria's secret garb she seemed to prefer. In its place was a golden gown and a red orchid was tucked in her blonde hair over her left ear.
There were only three other souls on the beach and Aphrodite took Cole and Phoebe's hands in hers and led them to the others. One was Erin who Cole was still struggling to believe was his great grandfather. Erin was also dressed in gold with a red carnation in his collar. The other two Cole didn't recognize. It didn't take a genius to guess, however, that the man with blonde hair and close-cropped beard was Cupid. Who else would have wings on his back and hearts tattooed in a band around his arm? That must make the woman, Psyche. Aphrodite confirmed his suspicions when she officially introduced her son and his wife.
Psyche was incredibly gorgeous with long curling dark hair and vivid blue eyes. Seeing Phoebe's ancestors in the flesh helped Cole to understand even more exactly where the Halliwell's legendary beauty had come from. Cole noticed tears in Phoebe's eyes as her long lost great grandmother hugged her and kissed her on the cheek warmly. Cupid also gave Phoebe a kiss on the cheek and said, "Welcome home to Olympus my dearest granddaughter. Your as beautiful as your grandmothers." Then Cupid offered his hand to Cole and welcomed him into the family. Psyche gave him a soft kiss as well.
"Shall we begin?" Aphrodite asked after the greetings were exchanged. Psyche gave a slight nod toward Phoebe and suddenly her bathrobe changed into a magnificent white gown. It was slightly off her shoulders and it looked as if it were woven from a combination of silk, satin, and lace. There was a beautiful necklace with a chain made of pearls and a heart locket of pure gold. Phoebe's long hair was done up in a bun that was bound with golden beads and more strands of pearls. A bouquet of red sweetheart roses appeared in her hands. She looked exquisite.
Cupid pointed a finger toward Cole. He found himself in a tux of royal blue with a fine silken white dress shirt. There was a red carnation in his lapel. He had wondered what event the Fates and Oracles had decreed it was the perfect time for. Now he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt. Phoebe was about to become his bride.
Phoebe must have realized it too for she spoke up: "Aphrodite this is perfect but I'd like my sisters, my Mom, and Dad, and Grams to be here as well. "There will be a public ceremony at another time that they will be able to plan and participate in." Aphrodite assured her.
"This uniting ceremony is for the gods and goddesses who are guardians of love only. When the vows are spoken in our presence and our presence alone they shall be unbreakable, it has been so decreed by the council of the immortals for generations" Your love shall be as everlasting as that of myself and my dearest Psyche," Cupid offered by way of explanation. Psyche smiled and squeezed her husband's hand.
"I don't know if the significance of your first initials has occurred to either of you yet, but let me tell you now," she said softly. "This is one prophecy that has been hidden from you both that I think you will like. The most powerful of the Oracles told Cupid and myself that one of our descendant's was destined to share a phenomenal love that would mirror our own. Phoebe and Cole it is your love story that is meant to last an eternity and become just as legendary as ours. Cupid and I knew it as we watched your relationship first blossoming. It deserves this special of all blessings. Please allow us to give it to you."
Psyche's words should have stunned Cole and Phoebe but they realized what she said was real. They both spoke their grateful acceptance. Aphrodite and Erin moved to stand in front of two candle lit pillars and a third which was unlit. Psyche offered to act as matron of honor and Cupid volunteered to be best man. Phoebe and Cole gratefully accepted.
Erin began to speak. "Wind, thunder, and lightening are some of the most potent elements in the universe. Gods, goddesses, kings, and queens, are commanding indeed, yet all are humbled by one force. It has been written in all the great tomes of spirituality from time everlasting that love is the greatest of the Light's gifts and the most powerful force in the universe. We who are blessed to be love's chosen guardians gather here to give it our own humble and proper reverence."
He then stepped back and Aphrodite stepped forward. Cole and Phoebe do you recognize one another as true mates of heart and soul meant to share the blessing and treasures of love for eternity?" Their eyes met once more and Cole knew without a doubt that his answer was affirmative. He gently wiped Phoebe's tears away with his thumb as they both said in unison, "we do!"
"Cupid and Psyche, give them the rings, please," Aphrodite instructed. Cole noticed as Cupid handed it to him that the ring was delicate but strong. "Just like Phoebe," he thought. It was gold and had two entwined ruby hearts at its center. When Phoebe placed his ring on his finger he noticed it was almost identical accept his wider and masculine in interpretation. Aphrodite noticed Cole studying the rings. "Hesphestaus had them forged especially for your wedding," she explained.
The head goddess of love of Greece and the head god of love of Ere then placed gold satin scarves over the bride and grooms hands and briefly tied them together. Then by the vested in us by the immortals of Olympus, Ere, and by the Light we pronounce you united as lovers throughout time eternal, husband and wife forever."
"Bride and groom you may share your kiss," Aphrodite instructed softly. Cole wondered for a brief moment if this was all some incredible dream but at the touch of Phoebe's lips he knew it was incredibly real. They were married. Aphrodite and Erin then gave Cole and Phoebe candles and instructed them to light them from the glowing pillars and then together they used them to light the third. When they did it glowed far more brightly than the other two.
"I know you both are anxious to get to your honeymoon and all, but the muses had a special musical tribute they wanted to offer you as well. Know that it is in your honor. You can share your first dance as husband and wife to it and then you can be on your way," Cupid told them.
The music began to rise as Cole opened his arms to Phoebe and she came into them as naturally as breathing. Cole wondered how he could think at all with her body so near to his but he managed to listen to the lyrics:
"Daytime, I'm fine. Everything is back to normal. Last night I
had nightmares. I was so scared. Thank God that you were by my
side to hold me when I cried.
I want to be strong but I don't want to be alone tonight. I want
to believe that I can save the world and make it right. But I'm
only human and you've got a heroes' face and right here in your
arms is the safest place. The safest place.
It feels so real. You showed me I can trust you. With emotions
that I had locked away. It was your touch, your words; they heal
the deepest part of me that only you can see."
"I want to be strong but I don't want to be alone tonight. I
want to believe that I can save the world and make it right. But
I'm only human and you've got a heroes' face and right here in
your arms is the safest place.
As long as I am with you, as long as I can feel you, that's all
I need to keep me going on and on, I want to believe that I can
save the world and make it right, but I'm only human, and you've
got a heroes' face, and right here in your arms is the safest
place."
Cole held Phoebe tighter and couldn't stem the tears. He remembered the words he's spoken once to her on earth right before he had undertaken a dangerous mission that had almost threatened to separate them forever. He'd informed her that the safest place he knew was with her. He had meant it then and he meant them for always. The best thing of all is that from this moment on they both would be safe with each other for eternity.
Love Triumphant
Chapter III
A Bond Everlasting
Cole and Phoebe indeed found themselves on a beach. Waves gently lapped at the shore and a million stars shimmered down upon the golden sands. There was no need for any other illumination. It was the most incredibly beautiful place either of them had ever seen. Any ill thoughts they had harbored toward Aphrodite for interrupting them earlier vanished. She smiled brilliantly as if she'd read their minds: "Not only is it the perfect time, it's the perfect place," she informed them softly.
They'd only known her for a very short time but Cole had come to think of Aphrodite as a loveable but mischievous valley girl type. Before tonight he doubted she had a serious bone in her body. She had a mixed demeanor now, however, part official and part serene. The goddess of love's clothes were also different. Gone was the Victoria's secret garb she seemed to prefer. In its place was a golden gown and a red orchid was tucked in her blonde hair over her left ear.
There were only three other souls on the beach and Aphrodite took Cole and Phoebe's hands in hers and led them to the others. One was Erin who Cole was still struggling to believe was his great grandfather. Erin was also dressed in gold with a red carnation in his collar. The other two Cole didn't recognize. It didn't take a genius to guess, however, that the man with blonde hair and close-cropped beard was Cupid. Who else would have wings on his back and hearts tattooed in a band around his arm? That must make the woman, Psyche. Aphrodite confirmed his suspicions when she officially introduced her son and his wife.
Psyche was incredibly gorgeous with long curling dark hair and vivid blue eyes. Seeing Phoebe's ancestors in the flesh helped Cole to understand even more exactly where the Halliwell's legendary beauty had come from. Cole noticed tears in Phoebe's eyes as her long lost great grandmother hugged her and kissed her on the cheek warmly. Cupid also gave Phoebe a kiss on the cheek and said, "Welcome home to Olympus my dearest granddaughter. Your as beautiful as your grandmothers." Then Cupid offered his hand to Cole and welcomed him into the family. Psyche gave him a soft kiss as well.
"Shall we begin?" Aphrodite asked after the greetings were exchanged. Psyche gave a slight nod toward Phoebe and suddenly her bathrobe changed into a magnificent white gown. It was slightly off her shoulders and it looked as if it were woven from a combination of silk, satin, and lace. There was a beautiful necklace with a chain made of pearls and a heart locket of pure gold. Phoebe's long hair was done up in a bun that was bound with golden beads and more strands of pearls. A bouquet of red sweetheart roses appeared in her hands. She looked exquisite.
Cupid pointed a finger toward Cole. He found himself in a tux of royal blue with a fine silken white dress shirt. There was a red carnation in his lapel. He had wondered what event the Fates and Oracles had decreed it was the perfect time for. Now he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt. Phoebe was about to become his bride.
Phoebe must have realized it too for she spoke up: "Aphrodite this is perfect but I'd like my sisters, my Mom, and Dad, and Grams to be here as well. "There will be a public ceremony at another time that they will be able to plan and participate in." Aphrodite assured her.
"This uniting ceremony is for the gods and goddesses who are guardians of love only. When the vows are spoken in our presence and our presence alone they shall be unbreakable, it has been so decreed by the council of the immortals for generations" Your love shall be as everlasting as that of myself and my dearest Psyche," Cupid offered by way of explanation. Psyche smiled and squeezed her husband's hand.
"I don't know if the significance of your first initials has occurred to either of you yet, but let me tell you now," she said softly. "This is one prophecy that has been hidden from you both that I think you will like. The most powerful of the Oracles told Cupid and myself that one of our descendant's was destined to share a phenomenal love that would mirror our own. Phoebe and Cole it is your love story that is meant to last an eternity and become just as legendary as ours. Cupid and I knew it as we watched your relationship first blossoming. It deserves this special of all blessings. Please allow us to give it to you."
Psyche's words should have stunned Cole and Phoebe but they realized what she said was real. They both spoke their grateful acceptance. Aphrodite and Erin moved to stand in front of two candle lit pillars and a third which was unlit. Psyche offered to act as matron of honor and Cupid volunteered to be best man. Phoebe and Cole gratefully accepted.
Erin began to speak. "Wind, thunder, and lightening are some of the most potent elements in the universe. Gods, goddesses, kings, and queens, are commanding indeed, yet all are humbled by one force. It has been written in all the great tomes of spirituality from time everlasting that love is the greatest of the Light's gifts and the most powerful force in the universe. We who are blessed to be love's chosen guardians gather here to give it our own humble and proper reverence."
He then stepped back and Aphrodite stepped forward. Cole and Phoebe do you recognize one another as true mates of heart and soul meant to share the blessing and treasures of love for eternity?" Their eyes met once more and Cole knew without a doubt that his answer was affirmative. He gently wiped Phoebe's tears away with his thumb as they both said in unison, "we do!"
"Cupid and Psyche, give them the rings, please," Aphrodite instructed. Cole noticed as Cupid handed it to him that the ring was delicate but strong. "Just like Phoebe," he thought. It was gold and had two entwined ruby hearts at its center. When Phoebe placed his ring on his finger he noticed it was almost identical accept his wider and masculine in interpretation. Aphrodite noticed Cole studying the rings. "Hesphestaus had them forged especially for your wedding," she explained.
The head goddess of love of Greece and the head god of love of Ere then placed gold satin scarves over the bride and grooms hands and briefly tied them together. Then by the vested in us by the immortals of Olympus, Ere, and by the Light we pronounce you united as lovers throughout time eternal, husband and wife forever."
"Bride and groom you may share your kiss," Aphrodite instructed softly. Cole wondered for a brief moment if this was all some incredible dream but at the touch of Phoebe's lips he knew it was incredibly real. They were married. Aphrodite and Erin then gave Cole and Phoebe candles and instructed them to light them from the glowing pillars and then together they used them to light the third. When they did it glowed far more brightly than the other two.
"I know you both are anxious to get to your honeymoon and all, but the muses had a special musical tribute they wanted to offer you as well. Know that it is in your honor. You can share your first dance as husband and wife to it and then you can be on your way," Cupid told them.
The music began to rise as Cole opened his arms to Phoebe and she came into them as naturally as breathing. Cole wondered how he could think at all with her body so near to his but he managed to listen to the lyrics:
"Daytime, I'm fine. Everything is back to normal. Last night I
had nightmares. I was so scared. Thank God that you were by my
side to hold me when I cried.
I want to be strong but I don't want to be alone tonight. I want
to believe that I can save the world and make it right. But I'm
only human and you've got a heroes' face and right here in your
arms is the safest place. The safest place.
It feels so real. You showed me I can trust you. With emotions
that I had locked away. It was your touch, your words; they heal
the deepest part of me that only you can see."
"I want to be strong but I don't want to be alone tonight. I
want to believe that I can save the world and make it right. But
I'm only human and you've got a heroes' face and right here in
your arms is the safest place.
As long as I am with you, as long as I can feel you, that's all
I need to keep me going on and on, I want to believe that I can
save the world and make it right, but I'm only human, and you've
got a heroes' face, and right here in your arms is the safest
place."
Cole held Phoebe tighter and couldn't stem the tears. He remembered the words he's spoken once to her on earth right before he had undertaken a dangerous mission that had almost threatened to separate them forever. He'd informed her that the safest place he knew was with her. He had meant it then and he meant them for always. The best thing of all is that from this moment on they both would be safe with each other for eternity.