Ch 51

The garden was absolutely beautiful. Hundreds of flowers were blooming everywhere she looked. Across the garden there was a small pond, with a waterfall gently splashing water into it from a nearby brook. In front of the pond stood Jareth, and once she saw him, Sarah couldn't take her eyes off him. He possessed an ethereal beauty, and her heart swelled as she thought she was about to take this amazing man as her husband.

Jareth had turned when he heard the doors open, and he could only gaze at Sarah in awe. Never before had he seen such a beautiful vision. She was perfect, flawless, radiating with an inner beauty that he loved as much as her outer beauty. He was so focused on the sight of his bride-to-be that he didn't even notice Merelinda slipping through the doors after her.

Slowly, Sarah walked through the flowers until she was standing next to Jareth. Her heart was pounding, and she looked at him with glistening eyes. His eyes were just as emotional as he gently took her hand and raised it to his lips. "My love, you look…" he was unable to think of words appropriate enough to describe her glowing beauty. She smiled at him. "You, too."

Sarah had hardly noticed Julie, until she came and stood by her side, radiant in a shimmering blue gown. Julie gave her a grin and a thumbs-up sign. Bayron, who had taken his place in front of them, asked, "Are you both ready?" They nodded.

Sarah looked over to her family, and her father and Karen smiled at her. Toby was sitting there looking slightly bored, no doubt wishing he was somewhere more exciting for a ten-year-old boy. Sarah smiled at them with shining eyes, then turned back to Jareth.

"Jareth and Sarah," Bayron began. "I don't think I have ever known two people who are a more perfect match. It was truly a blessing that the fates saw fit to bring you together again, because I know how deeply you love one another. It is an honor to bring together such wonderful people. You both are able to warm any room with the love you share, and that is plain to see for anyone. I wish you both nothing but eternal happiness."

By now, Sarah had silent tears streaming down her face. She repeated the vows Bayron recited to her, and Jareth did the same. Bayron handed them the rings they would exchange, shining bands of white gold dotted with diamonds. With a shaking hand, Sarah placed the ring on Jareth's finger. After he did the same with her, they looked into each others eyes as Bayron declared them husband and wife, bound together for all eternity.

Jareth pulled her close to him and she melted into a warm, soft kiss. They stood like that for several moments, locked together, and there wasn't a single person in the audience who had a dry eye.

When they broke the kiss, Jareth said simply, "I love you, Sarah. I promise I will love you and cherish you forever, with all of my heart." She smiled at him as more silent tears of happiness fell. "I love you, too, Jareth, I have given you my entire heart, and I swear to love you always." They smiled at each other, and joined hands as they turned to their wedding guests.

Sarah's parents ran over to her and hugged her tight. "I'm so happy for you, sweetheart," her father whispered. She hugged him tighter, loving him for being so wonderful. Karen was next, and she said softly, "I'm glad you followed your heart."

Sarah looked around for Toby, and saw him playing in the far corner of the garden with a goblin she recognized as Hebert, who was Herma's son. She smiled at the sight of them, glad Toby had made a friend.

Someone grabbed Sarah's hand, and she turned to see Julie's smiling face. Julie grabbed her and hugged her tight. "Oh my god, Sarah, I'm so happy for you. This was such a beautiful wedding, and you look gorgeous! Your dress is amazing, and your hair! Wow!" Sarah laughed at her friends enthusiasm, realizing she had missed her, ans she silently vowed to see Julie as often as possible.

Sarah glanced around to see Jareth talking with a regal-looking couple who she guessed were his parents. She was surprised she hadn't noticed them earlier, but then, she had only had eyes for Jareth. My husband. The words made her grin, and she made her way over to Jareth.

Jareth smiled at her as she approached, and put his arm around her waist. "Sarah, these are my parents, Sharine and Roan. Mother, Father, I'd like you to meet my wife, Sarah." Sarah smiled at both of them as they greeted her.

"I'm sorry we couldn't meet you before the wedding, but we've just been so busy lately!" Sharine said to Sarah. Sharine instinctively liked this woman; she could tell she had a good heart, and Sharine was glad her son had chosen such a fine woman for his wife and Queen.

Sarah and Jareth chatted with his parents for a while, then Sarah motioned for her parents to come over. This should be interesting, she thought wryly. But surprisingly, the two sets of parents got along quite well, and before long they were all engrossed in conversation. Jareth and Sarah slipped away and sat on a bench in the garden, not talking, just holding each other close and giving each other gentle kisses. They were truly the picture of newlyweds, with thoughts of only their love for each other.

After awhile, they noticed that the garden had emptied. Sarah looked around curiously, but Jareth smiled and said, "They all went inside for dinner, and I don't think anyone wanted to interrupt us." She smiled, and stood up. "Well, come on, we can't miss our own wedding dinner, can we?"

He grinned back at her. "I suppose not." He took her hand and began leading her to the dining room.