Chapter Twenty-Eight
A carpet had been rolled out from the staircase to the front of the parlor. Michaela watched as Rebecca walked ahead of her, acting as Matron of Honor and flower girl. She sprinkled white petals upon the floor, and Michaela closed her eyes, waiting for her turn to take that first step toward matrimony. Josef chuckled silently as Marjorie began to play the beautiful wedding march.
"Open your eyes, Mike," Josef whispered. "Your groom is waiting for you." Michaela opened her eyes, and she smiled brightly as she saw Sully standing with the Reverend. He was wearing a simple suit, but he wore his black, red and white beads around his neck. He looked so handsome, and Michaela was thrilled that he'd kept a part of himself in the ceremony. His face was bright with anticipation as he watched Michaela and Josef start down the short aisle. Michaela didn't take her eyes off of Sully, so she didn't notice Elizabeth sitting beside Marjorie at the piano. It wasn't until a second chord began to play that Marjorie certainly couldn't play on her own, that Michaela looked over. Tears filled her eyes at the sight of her mother, and she nodded graciously. She even saw Harrison and Martha seated to watch the nuptials take place.
Sully was shaking, his hands quivering and his jaw shaking. He only hoped he wouldn't stumble over his vows. He hadn't had time to prepare them formally, but he already knew what he wanted to say. He'd wanted to say it forever, and it was time now. He was watching her, watching as the sunlight filtered through the lace curtains. It made her gown shimmer as she took her time with her father, relishing every moment of her wedding day.
For having only a few hours of notice, the Quinn family really knew how to put together a beautiful ceremony. Sully admired the way Elizabeth had walked in just a few minutes before, and she had given him a nod, as if to thank him for what he'd said earlier. He didn't really expect her to ever apologize for the things she'd said, and he wasn't even sure if she needed to apologize to him. She was only a mother protecting her daughter, though some of her comments had been out of line. He hoped that Michaela could build a strong relationship with her mother, but he knew that would take a long time to do.
Josef and Michaela ended their walk up the aisle, and Josef extended his hand. Sully shook it, and Josef put Michaela's arm through her groom's as he stepped aside to act as Sully's best man. Feeling their arms linked together made them feel united already. They stepped up closer to Reverend Matthews, and they let one another go. The Reverend began speaking, and neither Sully nor Michaela could hear the words. They were too busy staring into each other's eyes, and it almost felt like they could read each other's minds.
His mind was wandering to her beautiful smile and the way she laughed without a care sometimes. He loved every part about her. He loved how stubborn she was, he loved the way her nose crinkled when she smiled so brightly. Oh! He needed to save this for the vows. He needed to concentrate on remembering his words, however, and he almost jumped in surprise when the Reverend asked who was giving their daughter away. To Michaela's surprise, Elizabeth stood up near Josef.
"Her Mother and I do," Josef said as Elizabeth linked her arm through his. He chuckled a little, patted her hand and gave her a kiss upon the cheek. Michaela turned toward her parents, and she whispered 'I love you.'
"Michaela Quinn and Byron Sully have joined together today in the presence of God to share their love for one another with their family. They have come here to ask God's permission to enter the sanctity of marriage, and he has smiled upon them both. As I understand it, the bride and groom would like to say their own vows." He nodded to Sully, and Sully turned back to Michaela, taking her hands in his.
"I've been runnin' these words through my head for a long time. I've pictured sayin' all of this to you for so long. Michaela, you don't know what joy you've brought into my life since I met you. You found me when I was at the lowest point in my life. I was on the edge of death, I'd lost my parents; I'd lost everything. You found me, and you pulled me up. You gave me the chance to live again. You're the one woman who has ever captured my heart, made me laugh, made me cry and made me feel so many emotions at once. I feel right when I'm with you. You're everything to me, Michaela Quinn, and I vow to honor you for the rest of our lives. I vow to love you, cherish you and protect you forever. We've seen each other through sickness and through Hell already, so I don't know what's comin' next, but I know I want to see it through with you." Michaela's lower lip was trembling, and she felt like crying when Sully's voice began to crack. Tears were in his eyes as he continued. "You saved my life, Michaela. Lovin' you has given me a purpose. Every night before I go to sleep, I see your beautiful eyes, your smile, and I see the crinkle in your nose when you laugh. The sound of your voice and laughter fills me, and it gives me happiness I never knew before you came along. I wanna spend forever makin' you laugh and smile, and I wanna hold ya when you cry. I take you, Michaela Quinn, as my wife, now and forever." The room was silent at first, but Marjorie let out a sniffle. Sully turned to Josef, and Josef handed him the ring. Michaela stared into his eyes as he slid the band onto her ring finger to accompany her sparkling engagement ring. She felt as if new life was pouring into her at this moment. Suddenly, her vows were lost.
"Michaela?" the Reverend asked quietly. Michaela stared down at the ring on her finger, and Sully worried that perhaps she was having second thoughts. Perhaps she needed more time. He studied her carefully, and slowly, a smile spread across her face. She looked back up into his eyes with such confidence. She was sure of it. She was going to become his wife.
"I can't begin to tell you how much you mean to me. I don't think a few minutes of vows can sum up five months of growing feelings. I don't think a lifetime could sum it up. Five months doesn't seen like very long, but when you sit at home, missing the one you love when he's halfway across the country, it seems like forever. Sully, when we first met, I felt a connection to you. I felt a connection to you before you even opened your eyes. I knew you meant something to me. I'm only sorry it took me a little while to figure it out and follow my heart. I've grown with you since we met. I'm certainly more patient that I was before. I'm not afraid anymore. I'm not afraid to feel or to love. I'm not afraid to give my love to someone and for them to love me back. You are a gift to me. On this day, I vow to be your wife from this day forward, to be by your side during the good times and the bad. I vow to protect you, to honor you, to love you," she grinned, "and to patch you up along the way." Sully chuckled and reached up to brush a tear from Michaela's cheek as it cascaded down her pale cheek. "You've supported me through so much, and you've been there, even when you weren't here. You were always in my heart, Sully, and I vow to you that forever, you'll remain there. I take you, Byron Sully, as my husband, now and forever." At this moment, a tear trickled down Sully's cheek too, and Michaela brushed it away with her thumb. "I love you."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." Without the need for any more words, Sully and Michaela stepped toward one another and pulled each other into a loving kiss. Josef was dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief, and when he was finished, Elizabeth took the same one to use. Marjorie and Rebecca stood and clapped for their younger sister and her husband, and when the bride and groom pulled apart, they were officially husband and wife.
Sully and Michaela joined hands and walked out of the parlor in complete silence. Josef, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Marjorie and Reverend Matthews, Harrison and Martha followed suit. Michaela and Sully stood in the center of the foyer and congratulations were given along with hugs and kisses. When Elizabeth made her way to the bride and groom, she took Michaela's hand in hers.
"Mother, I'm so happy you…"
"Don't thank me," she said softly. "I'm your mother, and it was my duty." Michaela looked disappointed. "It was my duty not to let you down again." Her face brightened, and the tears started to flow again. Elizabeth and Michaela embraced, and Sully and Josef shared a brief hug. Elizabeth turned her attention to Sully.
"Mr. Sully…Sully," she said softly. "If you're true to your vows, I think…I know this will work. Somehow, it will work."
"I will be, Mrs. Quinn. I love your daughter more than anything in this whole world. I'll spend forever provin' it." He leaned in and gave Elizabeth a kiss upon the cheek. "I can't blame ya for bein' concerned, but just know that your daughter is a smart woman. She wouldn't even have given me a second thought if she didn't think she could trust me. She can, Mrs. Quinn. I promise."
Michaela looked around, and she realized someone…two someones were missing.
"Where are Harrison and Martha?" she asked. Martha came down the stairs with two packed bags.
"For you, Miss…Mrs.," she corrected herself. "And for your husband." Michaela turned toward her parents.
"You're kicking us out already?" she joked. Josef chuckled.
"Of course not!" Martha disappeared outside, and everyone followed. Confused, Michaela and Sully joined their family outside. Harrison sat in front of a beautiful white carriage, and two white mares were hitched to it. It was decorated with garlands and beautiful flowers. Michaela felt her eyes grow watery, and she squeezed Sully's hand. Martha loaded the trunks into the carriage, making room for the bride and groom to sit.
"We felt that you might like a week to yourselves."
"A week?"
"The hotel, Michaela. We've arranged a beautiful suite for the both of you. Now, we paid good money for this, so we don't want to see either one of you until that week is up!" Josef laughed. Michaela grinned and moved to hug her parents.
"Thank you, Father," she said softly.
"Your Mother's idea," he replied. Michaela was wide-eyed, and Elizabeth shook her head. Michaela was amazed at how well Elizabeth was adjusting. Not even twenty-four hours ago, she was spitting out vehement words and accusations about Sully, and now, she was suggesting a honeymoon suite.
"Please, don't make a fuss. I suppose it's time to start making up for lost time." Michaela hugged Elizabeth again. There was still so much to mend between them, but this certainly was a wonderful start.
The horses began to grow giddy, and Harrison settled them. Sully helped Michaela into their chariot, and he pulled himself in beside her. The wedding guests waved them off, and soon, they were leaving Beacon Hill and starting toward the downtown hotel. Sully and Michaela settled back into the seats, and Sully's hand cupped her face.
"Ya look more beautiful than I ever seen ya," he whispered.
"I can't believe I'm somebody's wife," Michaela breathed as Sully's eyes danced across her features.
"I can't believe I'm somebody's husband, though I'm glad that somebody is you." Their lips met in an unyielding kiss, their second kiss as husband and wife. They were filled with greater love, strength and desire than they had ever known. "My wife."
"My husband," she breathed against his lips.
Despite their lack of sleep, neither one of them felt tired. They felt newly energized, and eager to lay down as husband and wife. Nerves were bundling up inside of them, but they both knew this was right. This was going to happen…soon. It was no longer a someday. It was a today…a tonight.
"Thank you, Mrs. Sully," Sully whispered as his lips kissed her neck.
"What for, Mr. Sully?" Michaela purred as his tongue ignited her flesh, sending a rampant fire coursing throughout her entire body…to every nerve ending and sense.
"For bein' my life." Michaela pulled back a little and smiled.
"Don't you mean 'wife?'"
"That too," he replied. Michaela knew she would have swooned in his arms had they not been sitting down. She sighed happily as their lips met again, and the carriage took them closer to their wedding bed.
Sully unlocked the door to their suite, and when the door opened, Michaela started to go in. He held her back however, and she laughed as he put their trunks just inside the door. Then, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her over the threshold. She laughed merrily and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I've always dreamed of this moment," she admitted after he put her down.
"Have ya?"
"Mmm…"
"Well, did it live up to your expectations?"
"Yes, and then some," she replied, her cheeks blushing. Michaela yawned, and it was catching, because Sully yawned a few moments later. "I didn't feel tired in the carriage. I suppose I'm only feeling this way, because there's a bed. It looks very comfortable." Michaela blushed, and she felt very embarrassed, but Sully grinned and pulled her close.
"Don't worry. We're married now. If it was okay with me before we got married, it's more than okay now." Michaela grinned, her nose crinkling. Michaela nervously moved toward the bed, and she sat down. Sully watched her as she took off her white shoes and placed them neatly on the floor. She looked up at him, her entire body giddy and trembling. He stepped closer, and he smiled down at her. "Don't worry. We've got all night." He looked at the clock. It was only two in the afternoon, so technically they had all day too!
He sat down beside her on the bed, and followed her by taking off his own shoes. Michaela turned toward him, and she reached for him, her hands shaking. He took her hands in his.
"We don't gotta do this right now," he whispered. "If you're scared…" She felt such profound love for him. He was amazing. He wanted her to be comfortable. He was giving and giving, and not taking and taking, like she'd heard many wives say their husbands did. He removed his suit coat and his beads. He placed them aside, and Michaela's hands moved to untie his tie. He smiled as her fingers gently grazed over his Adams' Apple. She bit her lip in nervous anticipation, and when she'd loosened his tie, his hands brushed over hers and began to unbutton the buttons upon his shirt. Michaela's hands suddenly felt foreign to her. Why was she so scared to touch him now? Perhaps it was because they were married now, and they had absolutely no reason for stopping. They could go through with it, fulfill the desires they'd had for so long. She was afraid, because she wanted to please him, but she didn't know if she knew how. She'd heard that sometimes it comes naturally. She would know what to do. She hoped so. "Ya don't gotta be afraid to touch me," he said with a smile, leaning in to kiss her. His mouth traveled down her neck, exploring her sweet flesh.
"I don't know what's wrong with me," she whispered.
"Nothin'. You're perfect."
"Far from it," she laughed. "Sully, I want to make this special for you."
"It'll be special, Michaela." He smiled. "Don't you worry 'bout me."
"This is just as new to you as it is to me," she replied. Sully smiled and nodded in understanding. He scooted back on the bed and rested against the pillows.
"C'mere. Lay down with me for a little while." She smiled, eager and nervous. She scooted up on the bed and rested her head upon his chest. His arm curled around her protectively, and he kissed the top of her head. She craned her neck to look up at him, and he pressed feather-light kisses upon her forehead, her nose, her lips and her cheeks. She smiled under his kisses, loving the way he loved her. Michaela closed her eyes and rested her head against his heart. She listened to the slow and steady beating as his hand caressed her arm. They were both so very relaxed. "We got all day…all night, Michaela. There's no rush. I'll wait until you're ready."
"I am ready," she breathed. "I'm just…fighting my nerves."
"You're not the only one," Sully assured her. That made her feel better, and she felt his arms tighten around her.
"Sully?" Michaela asked softly after a few moments.
"Hmm?"
"You do still want children, don't you?" She looked up into his eyes, and Sully chuckled. "I know, that's probably a question better suited for before the wedding."
"'Course I still want children. I'd have a hundred with ya if it was possible." Michaela giggled and sighed softly.
"Good." Sully kissed the top of her head. "We could name him after my father…if we have a son." Sully nodded.
"'Course we could." They were growing more and more tired.
"I've always wanted lots of children," she admitted, closing her eyes and leaning into him.
"Well, I'll see what I can do." They laughed together tiredly, and before either of them knew it, they lost their battle against exhaustion, and they fell asleep in each other's arms.