EPILOGUE:
June 21, 2002-1:30pm: Palo Alto, CA – St. Thomas Aquinas Church
The priest looked at the young couple before him and smiled. He could practically feel the love they had for one another, it was that palpable. This was definitely one union he did not mind blessing; especially since he was privy to knowing the couple personally. Yes, Father Donovan O'Shea knew Sam and Jessica Winchester, as they were about to be pronounced.
He had met them some weeks earlier when he had been attacked. They saved his life, and that of the poor soul who had been possessed. Afterwards, they tried to deny what he saw with his own two eyes, but he would have none of it. After much discussion, they agreed and told him the truth. Once they got to know him, they had him place blessings on their new weapons or their new ammunition.
Mentally shaking his head, he continued with the ceremony. Looking at Jessica, he said, "Repeat after me, 'With this ring I thee wed; this gold and silver I thee give; with my body I thee worship; and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.'"
Jessica continued to look at Sam, repeating the words as instructed. The love she felt for Sam conveyed in her eyes as well as her actions as she took Sam's ring from the bible and placed it on his finger.
Donovan then cast the sign of the cross. "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen." He paused for a moment, looking at the crowd inside the church, then continued his blessing of the marriage, asking God to help them in the future. Bowing his head, he began to pray, "Look down with favor, O Lord, we beseech Thee, upon these Thy servants, and graciously protect this, Thine ordinance, whereby Thou hast provided for the propagation of mankind; that they who are joined together by Thy authority may be preserved by Thy help; through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Opening his eyes, Donovan looked back at the newly wedded Winchesters, "Sam, Jessica, never in my life have I ever seen anyone more in love than the two of you. It is my pleasure to tell you that; by the power vested in my by the Lord God, and the State of California, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
No sooner had the words had left Donovan's lips, Sam took Jessica into his arms, lifted her veil and kissed her lips sweetly.
Donovan chuckled, happy for his young friends. Looking at the guests, then back at Sam and Jessica, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Winchester."
As Sam and Jessica exited the church, they were surrounded by the small crowd of their friends and family. They were both eager to begin their new life together and wondered what surprises lay in store for them.
To be continued in "School Days, Hunting Nights 2: The Search Begins".