Chapter 4: Love United
The last few hours had flown by in a hectic daze for everyone involved in the wedding. But now, the guests were seated and soft music began to play as Christine, in her soft, silvery colored dress was escorted to her seat by Phillipe and Arthur's mother was escorted to her seat by her husband. The two women hugged before going up the aisle as Moniseur Page' and Raoul shook hands. Christine blew Marie a kiss as she went. Then the flower girls, Arthur's eight year old nieces went up the aisle, throwing soft pink rose petals. Next went Felix, who was the ring bearer. He looked like a little gentlemen in his black suit, his golden brown hair was brushed neatly into place behind his ears, brown eyes completely focused on his task. Then went Lizzie, who looked radiant in her mint green maid of honor dress that matched her eyes. Marie Claire watched them all go as she took a peek at the guests. Meg, was seated next to her husband Jacque, and was dressed in an soft, icy blue dress. Madame Giry sat next to them, and had abandoned her usual black in honor of the occassion, and donned a dark burgundy dress. Andre and Firmin were also there, along with a large group of Marie's friends. Her grandmother, grandfather, and Uncle Phillipe were seated in the row behind Christine. She could also see Arthur's parents and his friends and family. Then she felt a warm hand come over hers, bringing her back to reality. What a pleasant reality it was.
"Marie Claire, darling its time to go." said Raoul, gazing at his daughter with a twinkle in his blue eyes.
Marie stood up, hugging her father tightly.
"I love you papa, and thankyou for everything." she said in a loving whisper.
"I love you to my girl, and congratulations. I am so happy for you. And so proud of you." he said, kissing her forehead. " You look beautiful, like an angel. You look so much like you mother."
"Except I have your eyes." she said, smiling up at her father as she took his arm. She looked up at him, happy tears welling up in her eyes as she looked up at her father in his black tuxedo, his golden brown hair tied back in a tail with a black ribbon.
Then the music began to play, and the two winked at one another, as they walked up the aisle to where Arthur stood. Marie had a beautiful boquet of white and pink roses. The light gleamed in through the stained glass windows of the cathedral as bride and father walked up the aisle. Arthur's handsome face was lit up with a glowing smile as he watched Marie come down the aisle. His brown eyes were totally focused on her. He had never seen anyone so heavenly. Her long brown curls were were done half up half down, allowing most of them to fall down her back. Her veil fell halfway down her back, with tiny pearl beads at the end. Arthur was dressed in his black tuxedo, his curly, sandy colored hair tied back. He looked very dashing. They reached the end of the aisle and the priest spoke.
"Who gives this woman in marriage?" he asked.
"Her mother and I do." said Raoul clearly as he removed Marie Claire's veil from in front of her pretty face. He kissed her cheek and she smiled sweetly at him. He placed her hand in Arthur's, grinning at his son in law. Then he sat down next to Christine and put a warm arm around her shoulder. She took his hand in hers and held it tightly as she leaned in closely to him. Both smiled up at the altar, happy tears in their eyes. Up on the altar, Marie and Arthur gazed into each other's eyes, the sweet and passionate love very clear in them. The priest, who had known both families for years, smiled as he began the ceremony.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the blessed union of Arthur and Marie Claire. If anyone sees a reason why this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."
No one among the guests of course had any sort of objection, but there was one uninvited person in the rafters who did. Erik had hidden himself conspicuously in the rafters of the cathedral, and under his breath he whispered, "I object." But no one of course, heard him, but they could not say that a thought of him did not pass through their minds. But it was only fleeting. The ceremony continued.
A special bible verse was read before the vows, one that the couple had chosen.
"Love is patient, love is kind, it is never jealous.."
Raoul and Christine smiled fondly as they listened, marveling at how perfect the verse summed up the couple's love. They also smiled at the memories, for this verse had been read at their wedding as well. As the verse was read, Marie and Arthur lovingly held the other's hand, and Arthur moved his thumb gently across the top of Marie's hand. The priest then turned to Marie Claire.
"Do you, Marie Claire de Chagny, take this man, Arthur Richard Page', to be your lawfully wedded husband, for better or for worse, through sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." said Marie, taking the golden band from Lizzie and putting it on Arthur's finger as she whispered, "I love you." Her blue eyes sparkled like the sun does on the ocean at midday.
"And do you, Arthur Richard Page', take this woman, Marie Claire de Chagny, to be your lawfully wedded wife, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." he said, as he took the ring from his best man William's hand, and slipped it on Marie Claire's finger, whispering, "I love you to." He gently squeezed her hand.
"Then, by the power vested in me by the Catholic Church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." he said, smiling.
At these words, the couple looked into each other's eyes, each pair full of ecstacy as they became swept up in their first kiss as husband and wife. Arthur's lips met Marie's sweetly , but with passion. When they broke apart, Marie's smile glowed across her face, and Arthur's mysterious brown eyes lit up as brightly as the heaven's above. Marie took Arthur's arm as the tune of 'Ave Maria' began to play, both bride and groom's faces emanating with ultimate bliss. They were so in love, and it was showing clearly in their young faces.
They began to walk down the aisle, and Marie blew a kiss to her family, and Arthur waved at his. Once outside, they kissed again before being swept up in a hug by Raoul, Christine, Monsieur and Madame Page', Lizzie, and Felix. Then the wedding party and all the rest of the guests climbed into their carriages as the bells tolled and flowers and rice were thrown. They were on their way to the reception, which was being held at the only place that was appropriate. Why the new Opera Populaire of course! Marie and Arthur climbed into their carriage, holding each other's hand, and kissing once again. It was a glorious occassion, and it was the happiest that they had been. And as Raoul and Christine climbed into their carriage, any fears that they had about Erik seemed to dissappear for the moment, and the sun seemed to brighten, for the wedding had gone beautifully. But sadly, it was only for a little while, for as Erik watched the happy group, he was filled with determination to make his plan follow through. He was angry and filled with fury, even tough tears streamed down his cheeks. He didn't even know what to feel. He had forgotten how beautiful and full of love weddings were, he had never been shown that kind of love. But as he stalked off down the street, though feeling so desperate, lonely, and sad, he allowed his fury to take him over. If he could not be loved by choice, he would force them to love him. Wasn't that better than not being loved at all?
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A/N: So yay, the wedding! Isn't it sweet? I hope you like it, cause weddings are hard to write for some reason. The next chapter is the reception, so you get to see what Raoul and Christine's big surprise for Arthur and Marie is. I would like to thank Samantha, I am the Angel of Music, and all of my other reviewers. I really hope you like this, please read and review!