Chapter 18 The Grand Marriage
"Ladies and gentlemen… thank you for coming today. As many of you know, for the past year, we've had two new residents in the Village and now the city. It was with their help that we defeated Robotnik, got the Queen and myself back, and started rebuilding the former Kingdom. On the request of them, we have been asked to perform the ceremonies of marriage that will join them together in perpetual matrimony." King Acorn proudly said. The doors at the far end of the temporary chapel opened and in the doorway were standing Aaron and Samantha. Sonic and Sally led them down the aisle. As they slowly walked down the aisle, Rotor played the traditional wedding marches on the organ. When they reached the end of the aisle, they were standing before the King and Queen.
"Aaron Brandt… Samantha Collen… we have gathered here today to join Mr. Brandt and Miss Collen in perpetual matrimony. Before we go any further… is there anyone who thinks these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace." No one spoke after the King.
"The ring please." Sonic brought the ring forward and handed it to Aaron. "On this day, we have gathered here to bear witness to the marriage of Mister Aaron Brandt and Miss Samantha Collen." The Queen brought forward a large book and handed it to the King. "Contained within this book are the names of everyone who had gotten married within the palace walls. Unfortunately… over the years the book has changed hands many times and has lost much of its significance." The King explained.
"Once you two are married, we shall be able to continue the tradition. It had been done this way for hundreds of years and thus it shall be done in the years to come." Queen Alicia added. The King took a step forward and then continued the ceremony.
"Aaron… do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife… to have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse for richer or for poorer in sickness and in health till death do you apart?" King Acorn asked. Aaron could feel all the eyes in the room watching him.
"Yes… I do." Aaron nervously stuttered. The Queen repeated the vows to Samantha.
"Samantha… do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband… to have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse for richer or for poorer in sickness and in health till death do you apart?" Queen Alicia asked. Samantha looked deep into Aaron's eyes before she answered.
"… Yes, I do." Samantha slowly answered. King Max and Queen Alicia then said in unison,
"By the power vested in us by the Royal Decree of Acorns, we pronounce you… husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Aaron took Samantha's hands and looked deep into her eyes and they remained that way for a few seconds before finally kissing. As Sally watched them kiss, she felt tears come to her eyes. Sonic wanted to reach over and offer his touch to comfort her, but he was worried that she might reject his comfort. After kissing for what seemed like an eternity, Samantha broke off the kiss and, taking Aaron's hand, went running down the aisle. Before she reached the doors, she turned around and threw the bouquet into the air. It landed right in Sally's lap. She cried out in surprise and looked up in time to see Samantha slip out the doors with Aaron in tow. Sonic reached over and took Sally's hand. She looked over and met Sonic's warm friendly gaze and immediately hugged him.
The rest of the night was spent in celebration. At about two in the morning, the party finally started to die down. Finally, at about three thirty that morning, everyone had headed home. Aaron and Sam went back to their newly finished hut and sleepily crawled into bed. Aaron fell asleep almost instantly, while Sam lay awake thinking about what they had gone through to get to this point. As dawn approached, she drifted off to sleep.
(End of Chapter 18)