Chapter 25- Tears and Rose Petals
Haley was getting ready fro the wedding. She had her hair and nails done early this morning with the rest of the girls.
Earlier that day…
"Mommy, I want my nails pink," Jenny shrieked running over to Peyton.
"Sure, we all are getting our nails done pink," Peyton smiled at Jenny. Haley smiled at how Peyton was just like a mom to Jenny without actually being her mom. Haley looked over at Vivian. Ashley and Cassie were fighting over who should get their nails done first. Jenny, Ashley and Cassie were all flower girls. Taylor was Haley's maid of honor, because she had been there for her for the past five years, and everyone totally understood that. Vivian, Quinn, Brooke, Peyton. Erica, Bevin, and Theresa were all her bridesmaids. They all cluttered up the small nail boutique. Only four at a time could get their nails done, but they were calling in everyone who was out that day to come in. Haley had tried to convince her it wasn't necessary, that they had time, but the owner wouldn't listen.
Ashley started dancing around the boutique, happy that Vivian had said she could get her nails done first, and Cassie was talking to Jenny, making a new friend. Apparently, they were all bored, having to wait, but they had to go last because they could easily mess up their nails.
Nathan sat in his tux in the room with all the guys. They had spent the whole morning playing ball.
Earlier that morning…
"Okay, teams, six per team, um let's see, me, Lucas, Luke, Nate, Nick, and I guess Matt. Tim, Junk, Skills, Fergie, Mouth, Chris and Jake, you are the other team, let's play," Nathan said, looking at the group of guys, dividing them up. He got to pick the teams because he was getting married. Surprisingly to him, those little kids were good. Nathan's team won easily, even with five-year-olds taking up over 60 of the team. They made remarks to each other and laughed it off.
"Haley, you ready? You know you could still leave out the back and escape back to New York, I'll come with you," Taylor said, jokingly.
"I'm ready, I want to do this, I just hope you and Chris stop dancing around the issue and think about something serious."
"Ha, him be tied down to anything, you have got to be kidding me, and me not being able to just pack up and leave, little sis, I thought you knew me better."
Haley laughed, "Okay, whatever, it's my day, and I don't want to fight, I want to see the gorgeous flower girls, Jenny, Cassie, Ashley!"
The three girls walked over, all in matching pink dresses, their brunette hair up in a bun, with little ringlets hanging down the back. Thy each had a little white basket with pink rose petals. Haley's eyes started to tear at the sight of them.
"They're so adorable, and they all look the same, except for the height issue. Well, Ashley can walk in front, then Cassie, and then Jenny, shortest to tallest, youngest to oldest, whatever, it will work," Haley smiled. They looked so cute.
Nathan was having trouble with his tie, "You know, Haley usually does this for me."
"Or Brooke, or Peyton, Nathan, learn to tie your own tie," Lucas sighed.
"What, Haley tied your ties, too."
"Oh, quite contraire, little brother, because I can tie my own ties, observe," Lucas said as he tied his own tie.
"Yea, whatever."
"Dude, just give it here," Lucas said holding his hand out for Nathan's tie. Nathan took it off and handed it to Lucas, who stuck it around his own nick and tied it, then handed it back to Nathan, "there, okay, finish getting ready, we have to get out there."
"Yea, okay, I gotcha. Hey, where's Nate?"
"Um, with the rest of the ring bearers, I assume."
"Okay, cause if Nate is not in the wedding, Haley will kill me, can you just make sure he's ready?"
"Yea, sure, and I need to find Luke, I will be a dead man walking if anything happens to Brooke's child."
"Isn't he yours too?"
"Um, when he's really bad."
"Ouch dude."
"Get used to it, Haley will probably do the same thing to you."
"Naw, dude, that's where your wrong, Haley wouldn't do something like that."
Brooke walked in, "Broody, where is my darling little boy, I need to inspect him, you guys don't know anything about clothes," Brooke smiled.
"Hey Cheery, you look awesome, I was just about to go and get him, he's with Nate, and Nick, and Matt."
"Oh, my poor baby, I'm the only one who's supposed to corrupt him."
"What's wrong with Nate, Nick and Matt."
"Well, Nate is Nathan's son, and Tutor Girl's son, so he's sounding smart saying something stupid, and Nick is Nate's brother, so he is stupid, no offense Nathan, and Matt, who is Matt?"
"Matt is Nate's cousin, Haley's nephew, Vivian's son," Luke sighed.
"Vivian has a son, no wonder those two little girls are traumatized."
"Brooke, you do know you're not supposed to be in here," Nathan said, looking at her.
"Yea, has that ever stopped me before?"
"No, but jut take the boys and get out please."
"Okay, okay, I'm going, I'm going," Brooke said herding the boys out of the room and turned to Luke, "I'll see you later," she winked and left.
The music started playing in the church. Nathan and his groomsmen were at the altar waiting. The flower girls came in, just as planned. Ashley, Cassie, Jenny, and they all dumped petals on the aisle and took their place at the font of the church and watched Nick and Nate carry one ring on a pillow and Matt and Luke have the other. It was so cute. After them came the bridesmaids, then the maid of honor, Taylor. She looked great. From her usual tight jeans and low tops that show everything, to a long pink gown that just hangs off her shoulders, and covers her feet. Her hair up and a softer tough to her make-up. She saw Chris and smiled. Anyone who looked at him could tell that he was shocked at the way she looked. Next and finally came Haley, by herself, looking better than Taylor, her simple beauty is what did it, he elegance and grace, and the happiness in her face. She was all out stunning. Nathan looked amazed. She was so beautiful. Haley walked slowly down the aisle, smiling.
She arrive at the altar and faced Nathan. The priest began.
"Nathan and Haley have chosen traditional vows as a hope that you all who are married will remember the happiness of your wedding day.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.
"Through marriage, Nathan Scott and Haley James make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures. Nathan Scott and Haley James will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.
"We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of Nathan Scott and Haley James. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.
"Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?" The minister had a loud voice, heard throughout the church.
"Her family and friends gathered here today do," Lucas spoke up, since Haley's father couldn't be there, and he was her best friend.
"This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship – the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives.
"By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Nathan Scott and Haley James from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for "what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.
"This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.
"Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is amoral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last." The minister was a great speaker, the audience was captivated.
The minister turned to Nathan, "Do you Nathan Scott take Haley James to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
Nathan looked deeply into Haley's eyes, "I do."
The minister turned to Haley, "Do you Haley James take Nathan Scott to be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Haley said, tearing up."
The minister looked at the four boys who carried the rings in, they were obviously not that interested, "What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand?
"May this/these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May this/these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts."
The minister handed the ring to Nathan, "Nathan, in placing this ring on Haley's finger, repeat after me: Haley you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed."
Nathan slipped the ring on Haley's finger and repeated after the minister, "Haley you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed." Haley started crying even more, and Nathan smiled.
"Haley, in placing this ring on Nathan's finger, repeat after me: Nathan, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed."
Haley placed the ring on Nathan's finger and repeated what the minister said, "Nathan, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed."
"May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness.
"In as much as Nathan Scott and Haley James have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.
"You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend.
"What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.
"And so, by the power vested in me by the State of North Carolina and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Nathan leaned in and kissed Haley and everyone cheered. They walked out of the church together and into the Tree Hill sunshine. It was a beautiful day for a wedding, and the reception would be at TRIC, where only the imaginable will take place.
And now, I must say, I bring Five Years to a close with a good 25 chapters. Yeay. Now be sure to look for in a couple weeks I guess for Ten Years Hot. I will start that now that I have finished this one. I had a request to have the wedding in Tree Hill, I know, shocked some people, but I just had to. I also did some research on traditional vows, and that is what is in there. I thank all of my loyal readers for pushing me and nagging me to do this, even when I'm sick or want to give up, I thank you, because just look at the long way I've come. Yeay. Okay um, I still need names for the agent and his wife, so you can keep submitting them, I will read.
Um, lets see, what else needs to be added. Oh yes, should Nick stay with Nathan and Haley? Like for more than the planned year. That thought struck me, maybe Nathan and Haley could raise Nick as their own, like Nate.
What else, what else, I have enjoyed writing this, and I've let my creative juices flow with this, some cliffies and the sequel will start up right with some action, I promise. There were other things I wanted to include, but I couldn't fit them in anywhere, so maybe I can stick them in the sequel.
Again, I thank you, and I hope I get the same support for my sequel.