Princess Of New York Chapter 6: I Do, Cherish You, a liberty's kids fanfic

Sybil and Joseph were putting up the candleholders along the sides of the flowers and up on the pulpit. "I have to tell you, Joseph, these candles look lovely."

"Glad you like them," he said as he srewed another candle into the white holder. N"Did you see the bow I put over the door?"

"Yes, I did, and it looks great," Sybil said. "Ok, I think we're done, the food is finishing, the cake is ready, now I thionk all we have to do is wait for the guests." She glanced near the door nervously. Joseph saw her look.

"Hey, Sybil, relax, everything's gonna go off well."

She sighed. "I hope so, Joseph. So, you better go change and wash up, just a few hours more. You ARE coming, aren't you?"

"Hey, I wouldn't miss this. I want to make SURE that they go through with this!"

"No, no, they ARE going through with this. They BETTER. We just spent three whole days putting together this whole dinner and baking this cake. Jessica s washing out the table cloth, we just spent all morning setting up this backyard, they are GOING through this, even if we have to make them!" They both smiled at one another.

"It's just that only about five years ago they were practically at each other's throats, on opposing sides, always competeing for the better story...now they're getting married! Unreal!"

"VERY real, in just a few hours! We better get going get washed and dressed, Father and I have to help my brothers and sisters into their best clothes."

"Yeah, we better get a move on!"

Abigail Adams came out of the room to be greeted by the sight of her husband grinning at her. "What?" she asked, laughing.

"You," he smiled again. "Giving her some motherly marriage advice?"

"Yes as a matter of fact."

John shook his head happily. "I think you've all but adopted her, Abigail."

"Sybil beat me to it," she said. She glanced at the door. "But if she were my daughter, she would be allowed to marry whoever she wanted to."

"If she were your daughter we would be doing this a long time ago because she would be a Patriot from the get-go and there would have never been any arguements between her and James." They nboth laughed and walked outside where the children were polishing the carriage and putting the finishing touches. "Oh, look what they did!" They had to laugh, the children had braided the maines and tails of the horses and tied them with ribbons.

"Look, Mother, Father!" Susanna said.

"Don't the horses look beautiful?" Little Abby said.

"Oh, lovely," Abigail said smiling. "Now, the carriage looks great, the horses look stunning, now all of you upstairs and start taking your baths and get into your good clothes. Come on now." she escorted the children inside the house.

Sarah heard a knock on the door as she stood in front of the mirror. "Come in, I'm just trying on my wedding dress." She turned around as the door opened and Abby came in.

"Oh, Sarah," she gasped happily. "Dear, you look so beautiful. Come, look outside, see what the children did." Sarah peeked out the curtains, and couldn't help but laugh when she saw the horses.

"Oh my," she smiled.

"The children did so much," Abby said, sitting down on the bed and gestering to Sarah to sit next to her. "You know, Sarah, I really don't need to tell you this, but that was the children's idea to do that for you. They wanted do make this day so special. It touches me to see how much you care for them. They really feel close to you. You've done so much for them. We're all so lucky to have you in our lives, and we just want to make sure that this is the happiest, most romantic day ever." Sarah smiled and they shared a huge hug.

"I thought you said they were eloping," Deborah Sampson said as she and Molly Corbin came toward the Ludington's door a few hours later.

"That's what they told me," she said. They knocked on the door. Sybil entered in her berry-colored maid-of-honor dress.

"Hello, please come in," she said as she stepped aside. "Welcome, I'm Sybil Ludington."

"I'm Molly Corbin, dear, and this is Deborah Sampson. We've come for the wedding."

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Corbin, Miss Sampson. Are you on the bride's side or the groom's?"

"Bride's, both of us," Molly said.

"Please follow me," Sybil said, leading them through the house and into the backyard "You two are the first guests." She opened the door as her father was standing outside, looking at the wedding place.

Deborah looked around her. "This is not an elopement," she said matter-of-factly.

"Welcome," Henry Ludington said, stepping forward. "I'm Henry Ludington, pleaeed to meet you."

"Molly Corbin, Deborah Samson."

"Please allow us to show you to your seats. Derek," he said as his son came forward. "Derek, please meet Molly Corbin and Deborah Sampson, escort them to the seats."

"Yes, Father," he said as he lead both women down the isle to the second row of chairs on the bride's side.

James was sitting in his room, soon to be his and Sarah;s room, finishing his own contributiion to the ceremony, a poem to Sarah. He read it over and over to himself, satisfied that he had put his whole entire heart and soul into it. He folded it up and slipped it into the pocket of the brand new jacket he had gotten. He fastened his crevat around his neck, with John Adams's help he had finally been able to purchase one that fit. Now that he could actually breathe, he looked into the mirror and liked what was looking back at him. He took out his ponytail and picked up a brush, brushing his hair until it fell down nice and straight. He reached over and put on his jacket. He grabbed his hat and put it on his head nice and straight. He looked in the mirror and saw a young man staring back at him. He smiled, thinking of Sarah and the poem for her he had slipped into his pocket. Soon they would be standing at the alter and the Reverend Witherspoon would be uniting them as husband and wife. How many more hours? Two? Just two? Amazing. If this was a dream, please God, do NOT wake him up! "James!" Henri's eager voice came up from the stairs. "Are you ready, Jabert says we have to go! Come on, you DO still want to get maried, don't you?" James laughed at that and turned quickly, coming down the stairs. The Marquet, Henri, and his family turned around to look at him.

"Ohh,la,la," his wife said, coming over to him. "James, you look tres manufique! Look, darling, does he NOT look so hansome! Mon-a-mi, you are lucky I am married!" Her husband laughed.

"Come, we must leave immidiately, then! The carriage is waiting right outside."

"Wee, Sarah is a lucky lady," Monique said happily. "Let's go!"

"You got the ring, right Henri?" James aked.

"Wee, it is good as right ere, James, safe and sound," he quickly reached into his breast pocket, took out the ring, showed it to James, and carefuly replaced it. "I swear that it wil never be out of my sight."

"Good," he said. "Let's go."

Jabert lead the way and helped James up to the spot next to him right on the top of the carriage. Henri gentilemenly opened the door and helped the women inside the carriage before getting in himself. Jabert shook the reins and they were off. On the way they passed several people who James knew, wether they were in the tavern, or near the street selling their wares. They stopped and waved, calling out things like, 'Hello, James, you look hansome!' or 'Good luck, James!' 'We'll see you soon, James!' James waved back, excited and nervous at the exact same time. In just a few hours, his entire life would change forever. Jabert took his hand.

"Do not wory, James, I was a bit nervous myself on my wedding day. Remember, Mon-a-mi, you are going to be fine. Remember, you are beginning an important jourey, and someone will be holding your hand every step of they way." James smiled at him.

"Good evening, Mr. Revere and Mr. Dawes," Sybil greeted the next guests to arrive. "Would you be on the bride's or groom's side?"

"He's on the bride's, I'm on the groom's," Paul Revere said.

"Derek," Sybil said, beckoning them to follow her brother. As she came into the living rom, she noticed Joseph looking out of the window.

"Hey, Sybil," he asked. "Remember when the President sent him those flowers?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Well..ah..don't look now, but a ruby carriage just pulled up to our walk..and I think that's him getting out!!"

Sarah stood in front of the full-length miror in the room, staring at her reflection, which smiled back at her in nervousness and anticipation. It was almost here, just a few more hours and the monent she had been waiting for all her life was finally going to come true! Of course, when she was a little girl she had never dreamed her wedding would be like this. There was no fancy church filled with many elegantly dressed people. She would not be walking down a long, carpeted isle on the arm of her father to meet the priest and her husband, possibly a soldier or nobleman. There would be no choir singing or reflecting stained glass windows. No, instead she was walking down a grassy backyard to meet the reverend and James, her true love- a newspaper writer- by a makeshift alter, under the stars. Instead of her father, Moses would be escorting her down the isle, and her dress, instead of it being made by her mother's seemstress, was homemade by her, Sybil, Mrs. Adams, and her sisters. But, looking at it now, she knew she wouldn't have it any other way. This dress was more special than anything any seamstress could make. After al, it was made by her and her friends. She glanced out the window as the sunset and stars began to peepe out. It was such a beautiful, beautiful night. 'All for us, just for us!" she thought happily. "Oh James, I love you. This isn't how I always dreamed my wedding would be, but I wouldn't want this any other way! In a few hours, my love." She turned as a knock came from the door.

"Hello?" came a familiar voice. Sarah smiled.

"Moses!" she cried. "Please come in!" The dor opened and Moses, looking splended handsome in a brand new wedding suit, complete with crevat, came in and just stared at her for a moment.

"Wow," he said. "You look beautiful, like a real princess." He smiled and hugged her. "Let me kiss the bride!" He kissed her cheek.

Sarah giggled and smiled. "And you look so handsome, Moses."

Moses smiled. "Today's a big day for me as well. It's not oftemn you get to give away a bride!" Mrs. Adams poked her head in.

"Sarah?" she smiled. "It's time."

"You ready?" Moses asked her happily.

Sarah smiled again as she touched her locket. "I'm definitely ready." She reached over and picked up her veil from the bed. "Mrs. Adams, will you help me put this on, please?"

"Of course, I would be honored to," she arranged the wreath of white roses on her red waves, fluffed out the tulle, and lifted the top short part in the air as it went over her face. Moses stared.

"Beautiful," he smiled. He reached his arm out to Sarah. "May I, Mrs. Hiller?"

Sarah blushed. "You may." He escorted her out the door and he and Mrs. Adams helped her into the carriage.

"Mr..Mr..Mr. President," Sybil gasped to herself. "Mr. Preseident..uh, welcome!"she curtseyed to the floor, beckoning to Joseph, who did the same. "Please, please come in."

"Thank you very much," he said as he stepped into the house followed by his wife. "My wife, Martha."

"Welcome, Mrs. Washington. Please follow me to the front row."

"May we see them before the ceremony?"

"Actually, they haven't arrived yet, Mr. President. They're coming from different places, in different carriages."

"Well, I hope it is alright with you, James happens to be a good friend of mine, and I would like very much to see him before the ceremony is to begin, if I may."

"Oh, of course, of course, sir," Sybil studdered quickly, not wishing to defy the President of the United States. "You can wait right here in the foyer. But, as it comes to the wedding feast," she blushed. "I'm afraid we have but little to offer, we're just por farmers."

"It's quite all right my dear, anything you might have to offer is fine."

"As a matter of fact, George and I do feel it is an honorable thing you've done. Taking it upon yourself to give them this wedding, that's something I find very respectable."

"Thank you, Mrs. Washington. Please, make yourselves at home." She curtseied and turned toward the door as the sound of a horse came to her door and a rather handsome young man with a German accent entered.

"Excuse me, pardon me," he said. "Would this be where the weding is to take place?"

"Yes," Joseph said. "But they haven't arrived yet."

"Ah, splended, that means I'm not late. My name is Gunther."

"Welcome, are you on the bride's or grooms's side?"

"Grooms, he's an old friend."

"Please follow me." Gunther followed Sybil through the house, stoping when he saw the guests in the front foyer.

"Is.."

"Yes, it is."

He quickly bowed. "Mr. President.an honor, sir," he whispered to Sybil, 'How does James know the President?'

"Reporters know a lot of famous people," she explained in a whisper. "Come on, I'll show you to your seat."

Joseph looked as another carriage pulled up and some more people got out. For something that was supposed to be an elopement..

"Hello, Thomas and Martha Jefferson, is this the right place?"

"Uh, yes, yes it is. I'm Joseph Plumb Martin, good to meet both of you. Please folow me, allow me to show both of you to your seats."

"Hello, George."

"Good to see you, Thomas."

"Quite a day, isn;t it?

"Indeed! Isn't every day you can bear witness to a wedding."

Several moments later, two dark-skinned women entered the room. "Excuse me, we're here for the James Hiller and Sarah Ludington wedding?"

"Yes, welcome," Sybil said, running over to them. "I'm Sybil Ludington."

"Ludington, Ludington..you don't really look like her or sound like her.."

"Well, we've sorrt of adopted her, it's rather a long story, but she's part of our family."

"Oh, how nice. Well, I'm Phyllis Wheatly, this is Elizabeth Freeman, we're both friends of the bride."

"Good to meet both of you, please folow me. You both will be on the bride's side."

As soon as they were seated, Sybil went back toward the doors Reverand Witherspoon pulled up in his carriage and climbed out in his best weding suit. "Good evening," he greeted Sybil.

"Good evening, Reverend, thank you for coming on such short notice. They really wanted you to be here to perform the ceremony."

"The pleaseure is completely mine, I assure you. They helped me out of a jam, now it's my turn to help them. Now, if I remember what I was told, she has changed her name, correct?"

"Yes, Reverand, it's rather a long story, but she's now Sarah Ludington. That's still alright, isn't it?"

"Yes, I believe so."

"Wonderful, please follow me, I'll lead you to the backyard, where the wedding will take place. She lead him downj into the kitchen, he folowed, swinging his Bible happily. Suddenly Mary came running in in a panic.

"Sybil, Sybil.."

"What is it, Jesica?"

Jessica lowered her voice to a whisper. "I don't think we got enough fod for al these people."

"WHAT?!"

"So many more came than we planned."

"Make some more, quick," she said in a huried whisper.

"We don't have any more."

"Make a salad, make some more greens, put together whatever you can find, and hurry, he's going to be here any minute!" Suddenly, as if she was psychic, she heared the sound of a carriage pull up and a familar French voice call out, "Ho!!" With a smile on her face and closely folowed by the Reverend, Sybil came to the front door as the Marquet pulled up with James in tow.

"What ho, behold, I bring the bridegroom forth!"

"Welcome, James," Sybnil said as she and the Reverand ran out to meet him.

"Hi, Sybil, goood evening, reverand."

"Good evening, James."

James pulled out a book from his pocket of his suit. "Reverand, I wnder if you would read a portion of this at the ceremony."

Reverand took it. "Poor Richard's Alminac, of course.. Which portion?"

"Sarah and I chose this pasage, if you would."

"Of course, my friend."

"James, welcome," The president said as he came out of the house.

"Good evening, General Washington!!"

"Let's move it, slowpoke!!" Peter called out from the bottom of the stairs. He was planning to close the tavern early and head to the Ludington's for the weding. James was a very good friend of his and he wanted to get there early before the bride came. Nothing was more embaressing than being late for a wedding, which they were now going to be thanks to Diane, who was taking forever to fix herself up. "Hey, you know you're not supposed to look better than the bride," he teased. Just then he heared a sound outside. Peeking through the window, he saw a fancy carriage passing the tavern, oh, no. PLEASE say that wasn't the Adams's carriage! They were already late! Finally Diane came downstairs, looking lovelier than she had ever been.

"I'm ready!"

"Yes, Diane, Happy New Year. We're already late, the bride is on her way, come ON! How am I gonna explain this to James?"

"Let's just sit way in the back and they'll never know we came late."

"Wagon's, HO!" Stan said, coming out the door. "Next stop the Ludington house for the wedding to end all weddings! Come one, come all!"

They were quickly making for the door when it burst open suddenly and two splendedly dressed people came in. From their style of dress and accents, they didn't belong within twenty feet of a bar, let alone walk into it.

"Excuse me, pardon me," the man said. "Can you please help us, see..we got lost."

"I KNOW we couldn't trust Anne, her and her directions," the woman said, almost in tears.

"Do either one of you know where James Hiller and Sarah Phillips are to be married?"

"You mean Ludington?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Her name is Sarah Ludington"

"No," the woman said, slightly alarmed. "Her name is Sarah PHILLIPS..unless we have the wrong place?"

"James Hiller?"

"Yes, I believe that is his name."

"Than the woman he's marrying is named Sarah Ludington now."

"We must have the wrong place, Samuel, I'm sorry," the woman said, turning away.

"Wait, wait, you don't," Peter said quickly, coming forward. "You didn't let us finish. See, hr name is Sarah Ludington NOW, but it used to be Phillips.."

"What do you mean used to be?"

"Well, she changed it."

The woman stepped back in complete surprise. "Whyever would she do that?"

"It's a long story, mostly I heared it from other sources. See, a couple of days ago one of Sybil Ludington's sisters come into the tavern talking about how her cousin comes storming into the house like a madwoman talking about how her brother's in the ground, she's disgracing the family, society won't allow this, on and on and on. She was crazy and she kept on screaming,' This is your family, this is your name, you can't marry him, he's a commonor.' She would have succeeded in draghing her kicking and screaming back on the boat if it weren't for John Adams. He told her se just had to change her name and the whole Phillips wealth and prestige would no longer be hers. So she's now Sarah Ludington. That's probably why we were a bit confused at first."

The woman's eyes balzed with fury. "Anne," she whispered.

The man took her hand gentily. "Well, do you know where the wedding is to take place?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact we were on our way there right now, you're more than welcome to follow us."

The woman smiled gratefully. "Oh, thank you, thank you so much!":

The carriage turned the last corner and headed toward the Ludington home. Sarah looked out through the transparent tulle of her veil. This was it, just a few minute later and the wedding would commence. Her mind began to wander yet again as she thought back throughout the years she had known James. Who would have thought she would end up getting married to the very man who, many years ago she had thought to be so rude and uncouth. Shr rememebered how when she first saw him she thought he was out to kidnap her and hit her with a book in a pillow. "In a way, he did," she thought. "He kidnapped me from this boring, dull life of nobility and society and he helped me see adventure and excitement the likes of which I have never experienced before. Oh James, to think when I first met you you seemed so rude and you had no knowledge of grammar..you still don't," she thought mischieveously. "But I'll be here to help you, my love. I never thought I would ever marry someone the likes of you..but now I can't imagine myself with anyone but. My eyes were truly opened in the war, in more ways than one! You're not rude..you're a gentilemen. You're not uncouth, you're sweet and tender. You're not poor, your heart is made of pure gold. James, I'm not turning my back on wealth. I'm going to become the richest woman in the world! If I could fortell the future, I still would not have believed this..yet I wouldn't change a thing! I love you, James Hiller, always, now and forever." Slowly the carriage pulled up in front as Sybil came walking up with a huge smile on her face to meet her. Moses turned to her and squeesed her hand tenderly. "Well, Sarah, here we go. "

Mrs. Adams helped lift the train of Sarah's dress. "All right, Dear, take your time." Sybil opened the carriage and stepped out of the way as Moses got out of the door and held out his hand for Sarah. She stepped out as Sybil and Mrs. Adams helped get the train out of the carriage. Sarah took a deep breath and looked at the house.

"I can't wait to see you, my Love."

Sybil gestured to Joseph, who was looking out the window. He nodded toward James who was sitting on the couch talking seriously with General Washington. He was giving James some marriage advice. James quickly stood up and nearly fell over. Washington laughed and caught his arm. "Just relax now, James."

"She's here," he said to himself, almost in a whisper. "She's here, she's really here! It's really time!"

"That it is," he smiled and stood up, patting his arm. "Best of luck, my friend. Now, you better get yourself outside before she comes in." He quickly nodded and began to dash out the back door, nearly colliding with Henri in the process.

"Ey, watch it," he cried out protestingly. "I ave to live, otherwise you don't get your ring!" he laughed. " Did someone say Sarah's ere?"

"Indeed she is," Washington said, gesturing toward the window. Henri peeked out.

"She's ere, she's ere, were gonna ave the wedding, we're gonna ave the wedding!" he cried out, running toward the door. Washington laughed.

Joseph ran into the room. "But Moses told me he's getting his brother to bring over the musicians from the tavern!" Just then he heard music coming from the other direction. "There they are!" he glanced at out the window. "And here she comes! Make haste everyone! Make haste, the bride has come already! Make haste, I say, make haste, she's here!"

The musicians quickly, under the instruction of Cato, set themselves up to the right of the alter. James watched from the back door and smiled at Moses. "How in the world did you manage to get Cato here from Canada?"

Moses smiled. "I could get him out of the Towr Of London if I had to. I know it meant a lot to the two of you to have him here. "

"Thanks for all you, Sybil, and Joseph have done for us."

"We just want this day to be the most romantic day of your lives."

"Thanks again."

Moses smiled again. "Now, you best get yourself outside, they can't start without you."

"Where's Henri?" He asked, looking around quickly.

"Henri?" Moses called.

"Right here!" he said, coming forward.

James opened the back door quickly. "Let's go." He and Henri slowly made their way up the white carpet, nodding to the people they knew, finally reaching the front of the pulpet, where the Reverand was waiting with a smile.

"Good evening, James. Henri."

"Good evening, Reverand."

"James, are you ready to begin?"

"I'm ready, Reverand."

" I am ready to be the best man," Henri said.

"Good," he smiled and nodded to the musicians, who began to play 'Abide With Me.'

"Well, everything looks ready," Mrs. Adams said happily.

"Well..almost," Sybil said, blushing a bit. "Actually, we do have a small problem."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, we're not too sure we have enough food for all these people. See, we didn't know there would be so many and we sort of underestimated.."

Mrs. Adams held up her hand. "We've got that covered," she said. She turned around. "Bring it in, John!"

Quickly the door opened and Jpohn came in bringing with him a large honey-glazed suckling pig. It was so huge he almost had difficulty bringing it in. Sybil gasped. "Oh, Mrs. Adams, thank you, that's JUST what we need! Come, put it right here, right next to the turkey!" she pointed to where it would go on the table. And John set it down. "Thank you."

"You're quite welcome.We figured we'd plan for everything!"

"Are there quite a lot of people here, Sybil?"

Sybil smiled. "Look out the window, Sarah." Sarah did so and gasped at the many people who were sitting in the backyard waiting for the processional.

"Oh my," she said.

Sybil smiled and put her arm on Sarah's "A lot of people are here supporting you tonight, Sarah. You and James touched a lot of people."

"Isn't that the truth," Moses said happily. He picked up a bouquet of flowers from the table. "You're gonna need your bouquet." Sarah smiled with tears in her eyes and embraced him.

Sybil smiled and took her own bouquet as the bridal party began to line up in the order in which they would proceed. "Well, Sarah, this is it. Are you excitied, a bit nervous?" Sarah smiled at her. Sybil laughed. "Me too." she quickly glanced at the front doorway one last time. Seeing no one she breathed a sigh of relief. "It's time."

The musicians were playing 'Abide With Me' on their violins as the guests quickly quieted down. The President and Martha proceeded up the isle ad sat down on one of the front row of seats. They were followed by John and Abigail Adams. The Marquet De Lafayette follwed escorting his wife. His daughters came after them, holding flowers, one on the arm of Matthew, the other on the arm of Joseph . Henry Ludington followed them, escorting Jessica. They separated as they came up the isle. Derek followed escorting Mary afterward. Steve then escorted Kate down after. The littlest girl came after, tossing rose petals down the isle. Finally Sybil herself came right down the isle, smiling at James. Soon the musicians's violins became louder as the door opened and Moses came out, holding his arm to Sarah. The guests all rose to their feet as Sarah, illuminated by the light of the many candles, came slowly down the isle. There were a few raised eyebrows as she came down on the arm of Moses, but most of the people were whispering how very lovely she looked. James stared at the vision of loveliness that was his bride come down to him. He felt like the luckiest man in the world. She was so beautiful, she looked like the purest angel with her halo of white roses and surrounded by the sparkle of the stars and the soft candlelight around them. Sarah met his gaze, he was so handsome. She had never seen him without his ponytail before. It made him look more rugged, more strong, much older. She felt like her heart would burst right out of her body, it was beating so hard, so full of love. Finally she reached the end of the isle. James walked down to meet her. Moses quickly took off Sarah's veil, kissed her cheek, replaced her veil, and gave her a hug. He shook James's hand and gave him a hug as well. He put Sarah's hand into his. "Take care of each other," he whispered to them before sitting in the front row.

Sarah stared at him happily. "We've been waiting for this moment all our lives," she whispered. "What are you thinking?"

"I can't believe how beautiful you look," he answered.

"You look so handsome," Sarah answered him before they both rememberred where they were and went up the top steps to the pulpet. The Reverend cleared his throat.

"Dearly beloved," he began as the guests sat back down. "We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses, to celebrate the joyous union of James and Sarah. Let us pray.."

Sybil bowed her head, but at the same time she kept one eye open, staring at the entrence to the backyard. The stars were up in the sky, shining like tiny jewels against the ebony background. The candles bought at soft, sweet light and made the atmosphere almost holy. The beauty of the ceremony was almost cruel in light of the fact that any moment it might be ruined. The Reverand had just finished the opening prayer and was now reading a story from the Bible that seemed like the longest story Syil had ever heared. "Just get on with it, Reverand!" she wanted to scream out. She wished he would just skip over all that other stuff and get to the part where he said ," I now pronounce you man and wife.

"Please, please, don't let anyone from her family show up!" she prayed. "Don't spoil this moment for them! They've gone through to much to loose each other now, please don't let them show up!"

Alexander Hamilton quietly walked into the backyard, ready to kick himself for being late. But he was relieved to find that the Opening Prayer was just ending and he didn't miss much. After all, James was a god friend of his and he wanted to be there on this most important day. He stood quietly in the back until he could find a seat, the entire backyard was packed! So many people had been touched by these two! Out of the corner of his eye he was able to see Sybil standing at her position as maid-of-honor. She looked quickly at him and gave him a small, nervous smile, not very angry for his being late, just relieved that he had made it. He gave a small wave and stood back to see this. He noticed a small shadow that seemed to be standing near him, another latecomer. He looked over and raised his eyebrows. A young woman was standing right next to him, but she really didn't look like she belonged there, not to a small quiet ceremony such as this! Her dress was long and rather fancy, her hair was in tight brown curls, but there was a huge angry flash in her eyes. She looked more like a woman of nobility and prestige than a commonor. He looked over at Sybil and saw her gasp to herself. He followed her frightened gaze to this woman. She looked lie she was about to proceed up this isle, but from the angry stare in those eyes, he didn't think she was going to offer a blessing. He looked at Sybil and he saw one word escape from her lips, "Anne." He remembered the story that Sybil had told him when he had run into her before. How this Anne woman, her cousin, had shown up and her thrown a fit, calling her a disgrace to her family, how she was forbidding Sarah to marry James, how this was not recogninzed by society, how her brother was in the ground, killed by the likes of him. THIS was that woman?! He stared as she began to make her slow way up the isle.She looked like she would have yet ANOTHER fit, right here, in the middle of the most important moment of his dear friend's life?! He didn't think so. Quickly he looked around and saw a white post, holding a bouquet of flowers, standing near him. Quickly he picked it up and walked beside her, pretending to look around him.

"You know," he said aloud. "I think this would look good right HERE!" With those words he swung the basket..getting her right in the head. Anne passed out in a faint. Sybil breathed a sigh of relief and her eyes thanked him as he dragged Anne into a bedroom inside the house, pushing a door in front of it so there was no way out. Satisfied that his job was done, he went outside to find a seat, not even noticeing the two carriages that were pulling up right outside.

" Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?" The Reverend asked.

Moses stood up proudly. "I do," he said, ignoring the somewhat shocked look that some of the people in the chairs were giving him.

"The bride and groom have asked me to read a portion of Poor Richard's Alminac, in remembrance of our dear friend, who unfortunately is part of the World of Eternity and could not be here physicaly with us, but we know his love is shining down upon us, and especially upon both of you today." He began to read. Sybil smiled as she saw Alexander Hamilton come up and find himself a seat. She thanked him with her eyes for what he did. He smiled and took a seat near the middle. She could see more shadows suddenly appear from the back and suddenly bega to grow nervous all over again. Not more, PLEASE!

"Marriage is a holy and sacreed estate instituted by God the Almighty Father, and therefore should not be entered into unadvisedly, or lightly. It is a blessed coming together of a man and a woman who have decided to take this miraculous journey of life together and should be entered reverently, descreetly, advisedly, in the FEAR of God." The Washingtons nodded knowingly. "Into this Holy estate, these two people present come now to be joined." As the Reverand was talking, Mr. And Mrs. Adams smiled at one another, taking one another's hand as they were reminded of when they were there, at that alter, saying those sacred words so many years ago. The Jeffesons followed suit as memories were brought back.

Sybil watched out of the corner of her eye as the two shadows she had noticed earlier slowly came forward. They quietly took a couple of seats near the back. One actually took out what looked like a handkerchief and it looked like it was dabbing its eyes. There was something about those shadows Sybil didn't like. "Hurry up! Hurry up!" She felt herself break into a sweat, and she knew it wasn't because of a hot July night. The Reverand then stretched his hand toward James.

"James Hiller, will thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife? To live together under God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will thou love her, honor her, cherish and keep her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, through good times and through bad? And forsaking all others to keep thee only onto her for as long as you may live?"

"I will," James said, looking upon his bride with tenderness and love.

The Reverend smiled and extended his arm to Sarah. "Sarah Lucretia Ludington, will thou have this man to be thy wedded husband? To live together under God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will thou love him, honor him, cherish and keep him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, through good times and through bad? And forsaking all others to keep thee only onto him for as long as you may live?"

Sarah blinked back tears of joy. "I will," she answered.

The Reverend smiled. "Now is the time to receive blessings from your family, friends, all who love you. The basis for any marriage, first and foremost, is love. Unconditional, complete love. As I look out upon all present, I know there is much love in this place. First of al the love you are promising to one another. The love of your family, the love of all your friends, everyone here. The love of dear people who have loved you, but who are now part of the World Of Eternity. But their love is shining, rediating upon you today. As you are exchanging vows before these witnesses, may their love add joy to your hearts in times of happiness and support intimes of sorrow." He waved his hands over the crowd. "If there is anyone present who can give just cause as to why these two young people may NOT be joined together, let him now speak, or hearafter forever hold his peace."

Silence, and more silence.

"Yes, I'd like to say something," came a voice from the back of the room.

Everyone quickly turned around at the sound of the of the voice. Sybil closed her eye, praying that what she had ben afraid of did NOT just happen. But as she opened her eyes, and he shock and horrer of the people on the chairs came into focus as the two shadows in the back made themselves visible, she knew it was real. One terrified word escaped Sarah's lips, "Father!"

"Father?!" Joseph said.

"Father?!" Cried Alexander Hamilton, standing up.Her parents came into full view of everyone in elegantly dressed clothes. Sam's whiskers were neatly combed, Elizabeth's hair was done up very nicely. They didn't look cross, only concerned. Elizabeth's eyes were a bit teary, though. Abigail then stood in their way.

"Hello," Elizabeth said carefuly.

"Good evening," she said coldly. "May we help you?"

"Well, I'd like to see my daughter."

"Why? So you can kick her the way that niece of yours did?"

Elizabeth bowed her head in shame., she knew someone would bring that up. "This is her wedding day, she doesn't need this, especially not from you," Abigail continued.

James had bowed his head and had moved away fro,m Sarah quietlyl, accepting defeat. He couldn't fight against her own parents, not a chance, he could never win. Him,, an orphan, no titles, no prestige, no money, with a princess like HER?! He knew it was too god to be true. But Sarah never let go of his hand, she held it tightly to her like a lifeline. No ONE was going to separate her from him, not now, not after al they had been through to get to this very place, not even her parents.

Elizabeth looked up. "Please, do not judge me by what Anne has done."

"Why not, she's your niece."

"And Sarah is our DAUGHTER," Sam said, coming to his wife's rescue. He took her hand. "We did NOT come here to stop this wedding, we came to offer our blessings." he turned to James. "Forgive me please, James. But believe us, James, Sarah, we did not come here to stop you, we came to accept you." He turned to the people. "All we want to do is give them our parental blessing. Please, this is our daughter's most special day and us being here.her parents..we just have a ned to be with her right now. So, if it does not sound too crazy, we just want to speak with her alone. We just would like to talk with her. And James, we can also speak with you as well when we finish with Sarah."

"I'm sorry, please," Elizabeth said quietly.

Sarah stepped forward, unable to believe what she had heared. 'Mother? Father? You..you give us your blessing?"

Elizabeth smiled. "Indeed we do, Dear. We just want to speak with you alone."

Sybil stepped forward. "You can use our living room in our house to.talk." She looked at then uncertainly, but Sarah gave her a reassuring smile from beneath her veil.

Elizabeth sat down on one of the chairs while Sarah sat down upon the sofa, arranging the skirts of her wedding dress. Elizabeth took a deep breath as Samuel came over to her and held her hand tightly. "Sarah," she began. "I'm so sorry we stopped your wedding, but..well..there were just some things that I've always wanted to tell you when you got married, and I..I just wanted to tell you them now. Honey, why didn't you tel us of this?"

Sarah looked down at her clasped hands. "I..I didn't think you'd fully understand, Mother. I know Anne didn't. It's not that I've forgotten Tom, because I haven't and never will, but James didn't have anything to do with it. I love James, Mother. He's a part of me, he's my true soul-mate. He's the only one who has ever fully understood me, the onl;y one who knows what I truly love to do and be. He's the only one I want to be with."

Elizabeth smiled and took her hand. "Dear, I've been maried for 23 years. I believe I know what's it's like to be in love!"

"It's just that..I didn't think you would..because.."

"Because he's poor," Samuel finished up for her. Sarah nodded. "Dear, you should have just told us about this. Believe me, we would have ben more understanding than you think. For us not to accept this marriage, we ourselves would be hyppicrites. Sarah..listen, there's something we need to tell you."

"Let me tel her," Elizabeth said. "Sarah, there's something about myself that I never, ever told you. I've kept this from you ever sonce you were born..and that's wrong. I should have just ben honest with you from the start. The truth is, Dear..I myself was poor." Sarah's eyes widened at this truth. "My Dear, when I first met your father, he was on leave from the service, and I was just seling flowers on a stret corner to help my family make ends meet."

"And she was so beautiful I couldn't take my eyes of of her." He said. "I made up more and more excuses for stopping by her flower shop.

"He became my best customer," she said making Sarah laugh.

"Sarah, I just knew she was my true- soul mate, like you know James is yours. When I had to go back into the service.even tought I knew I shouldn't, I gave her my address, where I would be. We secretly wrote letters every single day. Finaly I couldn't stand behing away from her one minute more and I begged her to come to see me when I got back to my home. My parents were to throw me a welcome-home party. I knew my family wouldn't accept her the way she was, so what I did was meet her secretly a few weeks before the party, and help to groom her up. I helped her to speak properly and picked out aproproate dresses for her. I groomed her in manners and dress and took her to see my parents."

"I loved the society dinners and all the gala that came with it." Elizabeth explained. "We saw each other every day, he took me to society dinners and fancy benefits. I just knew that was were I belonged."

"We were married a few years later, and one year later, there you were."

"I wanted you to have the best of everything, my Dear, and I took you to all the galas and parlament meetings, and all the special dinners I went to. I wanted you to have that as well, but in doing so, I completely forgot about what YOU yourself might want..and it was so wrong fro nthe both of us. To not tell you the truth because of what people might think, and to expect you to love what we did. I hope you can forgive me my Dear. I love you, Honey, and all I want is for you to be happy."

"I AM happy, Mother. I'm happy with James. But, YOU were por?!"

"Yes, it's the truth." she smiled back at her. "So, now you know."

Sarah had to laugh. "Oh, Mother, Father! I love you!" she hugged them both happily.

They hugged her back happily. "I love you, too, Dear," Elizabeth whispered. "I always have," she swallowed hard. "Sarah, Dear, I ..I wanted to tell you..I've wanted to say this to you when you got married...I do remember when you were born..and the doctor laid you in my arms...I remember what a sweet baby you were, how beautiful you looked when you stared back at me for the first time. I remember how you just fitted into my arms..and I want you to know, Honey..that no matter what happens..you will still be that perfect baby..and you will always be in my arms..I'll always love you." She hugged Sarah tightly as happy tears poured down her face."I..I can't believe this day has finally come."

Samuel gentily pried her off Sarah. "Sarah, this little talk had made your mother very happy." He joked, making Sarah laugh. "Sarah, I just want to say that..you've always been my little girl, and you always will be no matter what. You've always made your Mother and I proud of you, and I know you'll continue to do so. I'm very proud of you today, especially. Ever since you were born you've been a source of pleasure and pride to your mother and I. Even though you're getting married, we want you to know that we're still your parents and we will always be here for you no matter what. We love you very much."

"I love you, too," Sarah said tearfully.

"Honey, can you please get James now and ask him to come in, we'd like to speak with him as well." Sarah nodded and left the room. A few minutes later James nervously came in and Elizabeth smiled warmly at him. "Come in, James, sit down."

He gave them a small smile and sat down on the sofa.

Samuel smiled. "Hello, James, are you well?"

"Uh..quite well, sir," he said nervously.

"Don't worry, James, we're not mad or angry," Elizabeth assured him. "And we don't want to lecture you or anything. . We just would like to speak with you, that's all. "

"We know you love Sarah very, very much, we can see it every time you look at her," Samuel said. "And we want you to know that she does feel exactly the same way about you. Today she looked happier than we have seen her in a long, long time. You truly bring life into her."

"I could tell she thought you were special every time she talked about you," Elizabeth continued. "And if you're special to her, you're special to this family."

"You haven't a family to speak of, have you, James?" Samuel asked him slowly.

James looked down at his hands. "No, Sir."

"Samuel," he corrected, smiling. "If you're going to marry our daughter, you needn't be so formal with us anymore. You may call me Samuel and you may call my wife Elisabeth. We want you to know that as far as we're concerned, you are now a part of this family. Elizabeth and I would be proud to call you Son."

"We don't care about formal titles, I myself was born without one," Elizabeth explained, telling Jmaes the entire story again. "So, you see, Samule and I don't care about titles or money. You love Sarah, and she loves youl, and that's all that matters."

"You both have so much in common, your love of adventure, your writing talents, your dedication, to this newspaper," Samuel added. "We just know that both of you will have a long and wonderful life together, full of love and peace." He smiled and took James's hand. "Welcome to our family, Son," he added.

Elizabeth reached over and kissed him on the cheek. "You wil always be welcome in our home, and you will always have a family with us."

James smiled back. "Thank you, Lady....Elizabeth," he said. "Thank you, Samuel."

Samuel stood up. "So, what do you say we get married?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I do believe we are keeping our new son from the biggest momet of his life. We have a wedding to attend." They al walked back into the yard. "Thank you, thank you everyone for your patience."

"So, I may continue?" The Reverand asked.

"By all means," Samuel said. The Adams's quicklystood up and gave them their seats as they stood on the side.

The Reverend then cleared his throat. "Well now, I ask the bride and groom to face one another and join their right hands." They did so. "James, please look into Sarah's eyes and repeat after me. I, James,"

"I, James,"

" in the presence of God and these witnesses,"

"In the presence of God and these witnesses,"

" take thee Sarah,"

"Take thee, Sarah,"

" to be my wedded wife."

"I will be true and faithful husband."

" I will be a true and faithful husband."

"I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

" I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

"Sarah, please look into James's eyes and repeat after me. I, Sarah,"

"I, Sarah,"

"In the presence of God and these witnesses,"

"Take thee, James,"

"To be my wedded husband."

"I will be a true and faithful wife."

"I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

"At this time James would like to pledge his love to Sarah, with a poem written by his own hand." James smiled nervously and pulled out the peice of paper folded in his pocket. He cleared his throat and unfolded it.

"You are my sweet princess,

You are my one love.

You are the truest angel,

Sent from the Lord above.

All that I am right now today,

You have helped me to be,

My cockiness was but a peice of armor,

Which only you have held the key.

In all we've been through together,

My love for you has grown,

You are the loveiest, purest,

Honest angel I have ever known.

My dearest, my soul-mate, my one true love,

Half of all I am is you.

I vow with all my heart and soul,

To you my heart and life are true.

You alone I truly need.

As pure as the whitest dove,

For you are my very best friend of all,

My soul-mate, my one true love.

I love you, Sarah," James finished up, refolding the poem and replacing it. A tear rolled down Sarah's cheek at the beautiful words. A few young women in the chairs were dabbing their eyes, even some men were. The reverend smiled even wider.

He then proceeded with the Communion service of the ceremony and a prayer to the Virgin Mary to watch over the marriage. "We now come to the ring ceremony," he began. "The ring is a symbol of everlasting, perfect love, never beginning, never ending. Who has the ring that will be given from the groom to the bride?"

"I do," Henri said, reaching into his pocket with a small wink at James and held out the ring. The Reverend stretched out his hand and blessed it. He took it from Henri and gave it to James.

"James, please place this ring on the third finger of Sarah's left hand, look into her eyes, and repeat after me. "As God is my witness,"

"As God is my witness,"

"I give you my promise,"

" I give you my promise."

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow."

" I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow."

" And with all that I am,"

"And with all that I am,"

"And all that I have,"

"I honor you."

" I honor you."

"In the name of the Father,"

" In the name of the Father,"

"And of the Son,"

"And of the Holy Ghost,"

"Amen."

" Amen."

"James, do you give this ring as a symbol of your deep faith and abiding love?"

"I do."

"Sarah, do you receive this ring as a symbol of your deep faith and abiding love?"

"I do."

"Now that James and Sarah have by solumn vows given themselves to each other, before us and before God as witness, by the power vested in me through God and the state of New York, I now pronounce you man and wife. James, you may kiss your bride!" Beaming, James lifted Sarah's veil, took her in his arms, and kissed her with such a deep love it seemed to fill the backyard with it's sweetness. People immidiately started clapping and standing up, Elizabeth covered her face as the tears poured down her face. "Be happy together," The Reverend said happily. "Congradulations!" The newlyweds turned and walked happily down the isle.