Only the Beginning Chapter 6, Page 35
Spring was presenting itself with more flowers and blossoming apple trees and forsythia bushes. The lilac bushes had buds and the gladiolas and peonies stalks were growing taller. The farmers were out tilling the soil. Grass needed to be cut and birds were busy finding just the right places to make their nests. Farm babies were arriving and farmers had to help some with their birthing. Ducks and geese couples were nesting and everything was stirring and coming back to life.
With the advent of summer just around the corner, the spirit was joyful. Mayor Fiona had called another town meeting. There was so much activity starting up she was extremely busy having all the heads of committees join her to report what they have planned or were already doing.
Lee spoke first about the shortage of workers to keep up with the new construction and the renovations coming. He had Rosemary put an ad in the Valley Voice, and in local newspapers seeking help. Lee needed to hire another architect, more men to work under Joseph and he had promoted Bob Landoch to assistant foreman. Matthew was now the foreman out at the sites where he had to oversee the lumberjacks. They needed plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. The trouble was every local town needed the same workers. He informed the town would have to rely more on Bill Avery for any business matters with Billees with his extra load of work. He announced that Rick O'Neill was now employed for the Lumber Company and Maggie Lipinski was helping Sam at Billees. Rosemary was still more than willing to be the social event planner for Billees, and continue as editor of Valley Voice.
Henry spoke up next, his oil business were starting to get back to work digging pipelines now that the ground was thawing out and he was making plans to get a refinery up so that too would require more workers.
Which again meant that the mercantile needed expansion, as well as the church, school, and just about every business in town. David Lipinski advised that his committee was working round the clock to build a new Catholic Church. They had received money from the Diocese and purchased land but the actual building hadn't started quite yet. He had talked to several people in town and outlying farms who were very happy this was happening and excited to help. Molly Sullivan, Florence Yost, the O'Neills, the Landochs, and Emily Grant had put their support behind this venture. Pastor Joseph announced that other denominations were looking to build not necessarily in Hope Valley, but for local communities.
Fiona brought up again that they needed to hire a dentist, a nurse, retail help, a filling station manager, banking and loan assistant, and good news was that Rosaleen had just filled the position of the librarian for the library.
The future looked bright and spring time was very appropriate for the town's atmosphere. At the meeting it was mentioned that they wanted Hope Valley to remain the close knit community that they all cherished and loved. Fiona agreed and mentioned that there was a committee already drawing up a draft of the mission of Hope Valley as a welcoming town and remaining with the spirit of closeness and trust, and always full of HOPE!
The next day, Fiona picked up Christy, dropped off Timi Anne to Mary, and brought her to Dottie's to get her wedding dress fitting. Christy was so thrilled to see the progress as her wedding was coming up that weekend! When she tried it on, Dottie was quite pleased with her handiwork.
"That dress looks so divine on you Christy!" Fiona complimented both Dottie and Rosemary.
"The design is so flattering!" Christy exclaimed.
"Honey, you have a lovely figure, the dress just accents it!" Fiona smiled.
"Just a little bit of adjustment, and it'll be good to go!" Dottie grinned.
Christy twirled around in front of the mirror. "Oh, I can't wait!" her eyes danced with delight.
Fiona reminded her that she had a spa day coming on Saturday morning before the wedding. It was her gift to Christy.
"That'll make you feel like a princess!" Dottie laughed. "Let's get you heels to match shall we?"
Do you have jewelry?" both Fiona and Dottie asked.
"I'm wearing the pearl earrings my mom wore when she married my dad, for something old. The medal necklace my mother gave me for something new," Christy nodded, "Plus I have something new and blue when mom gave me a blue lace handkerchief at the shower." Christy shared.
"Hmm, something borrowed..." Dottie was thinking.
"Not to worry," Fiona smiled, "I have a delicate bracelet for you to borrow. I'll show it to you and if you like it, it's yours for the day."
"Thank you Fiona!" Christy hugged her maid of honor. "I should be giving you something!"
"You already have, your friendship! Now, let's go over to Nichols and Dimes and get busy with some customers. You my dear, are needed now more than ever!"
Only the Beginning Chapter 6, Page 36
Little Michael was growing and becoming quite active, learning to roll over in his crib. He was finally sleeping through the night and Clara too was getting accustomed to waking up not as early, so she was finally getting back to normal. She and Jesse were beginning to feel like a family which was a good thing now that Jesse was working full time for Henry. Clara was able to help out in the morning in the Cafe once Michael was dressed and fed. He still played in the buggy but now that he could turn over, she had setup the playpen so he could watch his mommy and she was able to keep an eye on him. When she was lucky, he would take a cat nap for a little while in the morning, but after lunch she would take him upstairs, and napped when Michael took his longer nap in the afternoon. If she woke up before he did, which she often did, she could get some housework done or wash his diapers. Life with a baby always takes some getting used to, but Emily reminded her that this time of life would go quickly, and she should cherish every minute of it. Minnie confirmed that life with babies seems like it will last forever but is gone in an instant.
Emily was still helping out at the Cafe for the breakfast crowd and would go home for a nap in the afternoon too. Sometimes, she stayed to meet with the Chickadees, but not for long. Once home she would let the dogs out, have a cup of tea with her feet up and fall asleep like clockwork in her rocker. Once awake, she was back in her favorite place, the kitchen. She'd tend to her baking orders and prepare dinner. Any time of the day, if someone walked by they could smell the sweet aroma coming from her delicious breads, cookies, and desserts. Ladies would stop by and place an order as they walked by and even the men would surprise their wives and families with her German recipes of of Bee Sting Cake, Kaiserschmarrer, Apple strudel, honey cookies, and more. Emily's schedule was working out well for her, but at the Cafe, Minnie would often times be alone for lunch.
When Fiona stopped by at the Cafe one day, she suggested to Minnie that she ask Maggie Lipinski to help out in the afternoons.
"You know Minnie, Maggie is working at Billees, but that's part time and mainly for dinners and special occasions on weekends. Perhaps she would be willing to help you out here too." Fiona suggested.
"That's an idea. Do you think she would be interested? In the summer, Angela helps me, but when she's in school, I am alone and although I try to cook up the luncheon entree ahead of time, it gets very busy for me."
"I'm afraid, for your sake, that it's only going to get busier. So, why not ask Maggie now and maybe when school starts up again, maybe Clara will be free to work in the afternoons." Fiona was thinking out loud. "What would be great, is if Elizabeth or Dee could help you in the summer once in awhile. They both are basically off for the summer, so they might pitch in too."
"I don't want to make them feel obligated, especially Dee being pregnant." Minnie cautioned.
"She's pregnant, for heaven's sake, not sick," Fiona tried to encourage Minnie to just ask.
"Let's see what the Chickadees suggest first," Minnie smiled. "they might have an idea."
Rosaleen was over at the library organizing the fiction books by the authors' last names, and in different genres Mystery, Fiction, and Short Stories for the Adults. The non-fiction was separated by the dewey decimal system into biographies, religion, science, geography, history and so forth. Now that she had the adult books on one side of the bookcases, she started the same pattern for the Juvenile books. It was going to take her quite some time to write down the names and authors of all the books and give them a number. Little by little she would have a list typed up and then develop a check out system. When her mom, Molly, stopped by, she'd take her home for lunch and they'd talk about how fascinated Rosaleen was with organizing the library.
"Do you think Fiona will have any monies to purchase books?" Rosaleen asked.
"Now, that's a great question. Lucas Bouchard and Mrs. Thornton supplied the books that are here now, but Mr. Bouchard left town." Molly sighed.
"I think we should ask every family to donate a new book and I could inscribe their name inside the cover as a donation from the family." Rosaleen suggested.
"Now, that's good thinking Rosaleen! Maybe this summer we can sponsor a fund raiser to buy more books. The children can always use books for school research and if Mrs. Thornton has the same idea as last summer, she will give each student a book to read over the summer and have a report ready for the first day of school in the fall next school year." Molly nodded. "Let's run this by Fiona."
Fiona was in the Nichols and Dimes shop teaching Christy about styling hair. When the Molly and Rosaleen walked in, she asked them to sit down so she could have Christy practice what she just learned.
"Oh, how I love it when someone brushes my hair!" Rosaleen was the first to hop in the chair. "Have at it Christy!"
While Christy went to work on Rosaleen's hair, Molly talked to Fiona about the library situation.
Fiona was already aware of the need for books as Rosemary had complained before about not finding what she needed. "Let me think some more about this. I like the idea of donations, but we need to make sure we have a good well-rounded offering of books. So, we will work on some kind of fund raiser for this summer. I like that."
"All right then ladies," Molly smiled, "I will leave you to continue to create a new style for Rosaleen, have fun!" and excused herself as she had to go back to the infirmary.
Only the Beginning Chapter 6, Page 37
Rick was very excited. He had been working for Coulter Lumber Company all week and answering to Bob Landoch proved to be easy working with him. Joseph was great with his teaching skills and Rick was a quick learner. He was enthusiastic in learning the carpentry trade and felt confident in his newly discovered ability. Rick wanted to be able to provide for his new family and he knew he was on the right track.
At home, Rick's dad, talked to him man to man. They discussed the sorrow of losing Timothy, Rick's older brother, who would have been home from the war only to be succumbed with the Spanish flu first. This was undeniably extremely hard for the whole family. Yet, Sean had felt so bad for not sending Timothy off to war without showing some of his deep emotional sadness, but instead had told him to tough it up. The guilt he carried had almost destroyed the relationship with his wife and Rick. He apologized yet again for neglecting Rick and not thinking that his son was suffering too from the loss of his brother.
"Rick, I must admit, I was wrong. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'll never leave you or your mother out of my feelings ever again. I lost one son, I don't want to lose another." Sean spoke with tears welling in his eyes.
"Dad, yes, it hurt, it hurt bad to feel like my life didn't matter. That only Timothy's life mattered. Mom and I knew you were hurting. You couldn't handle the loss," Rick continued, "but now that I am a daddy to Timi Anne, I am realizing how devastating losing a child would be."
"Son, I want you to always remember this, you will be the man of the house, but that doesn't mean you have to carry all the burdens yourself. I didn't allow that for your mom when we lost Timothy. Like your mother is for me, Christy is deserving of being your equal partner. God made woman from his side, she is equal and you must love her as such. I want you to learn from my mistakes."
"Dad, you know I don't hold that against you. You were struggling, and I know mom feels the same. I'm just glad she was able to stand up to you and get you to, as she said, "stop having a pity party'. Rick hoped his dad would accept what he just said.
Sean nodded in agreement with a smile. "Son, Timi Anne is truly a blessing! If it wasn't for her, I wonder if we would be talking like this right now. She has brought so much joy back in our lives, and when she holds my little finger, I can't help but have a rush of love ready to burst out of me." Sean was chuckling. "God knew what we needed!" With Rick laughing too, the seriousness of their conversation took a lighter tone for just a minute.
"Dad, I'm so anxious to be married and have both Christy and Timi Anne move into the house. I just want our new life to be good for all."
"You'll do fine. You've got a good head on your shoulders, and a big heart. Just remember to keep God in your life. He is the way." Sean hugged his son and they both shed a few tears.
"What am I going to wear to the wedding? I don't have a suit to my name." Rick said all of a sudden. "I don't have rings either."
"I'm going to take you to the Apparel shop and buy you a new suit for you. A handsome lad like you needs to look as spiffy as possible for his wedding. I won't let any son of mine go without!" he laughed.
Just then Mary knew it was safe to come in when she heard the laughter. She handed him a box. Rick looked at her with a puzzled look, then he opened it up and inside were two polished wedding bands. Rick was startled and looked questioningly at his mom.
"When your grandparents passed, I saved their rings. Those were your grandparents. My mother and father would want you to have them. So, now they're Christy's and yours." Mary couldn't help but cry as she told Rick.
"Aww, Mom, thank you. They look almost new." he thanked her with a tender hug.
"I polished them up and they're nice and shiny now." Mary smiled. "Rick, I just want to tell you how proud we are of you. You have taken on your responsibility just like we knew you would. You have a precious daughter and a lovely bride. Treat Christy with love. Be sensitive to her needs. She may be feeling overwhelmed at times so try to be patient."
"I will. I couldn't of dreamed that she would be my bride, but for some reason she fell in love with me too." Rick grinned.
"Dad contacted Fr. Ricardo, and he will be coming to town to help co-celebrate with Pastor Joseph at your wedding, just as you and Christy asked. Pastor Joseph was pleased to accommodate. There will be no mass, but he will be there." Mary assured Rick.
"Time to get you all snazzy for your wedding, ready to go to town?" Sean asked.
Rick was relieved to be going to town with his dad to get a suit for his wedding. Upstairs in the new men's apparel, Dottie had a few suits that Henry had advised her to have on hand. Rick would have looked dashing in any of them, but they settled on the one that fit him the best. There were just minor alterations so it would be ready for the wedding. With a new shirt they were ready to go.
"Now, let's stop over at Nichols and Dimes and get ourselves a haircut." Sean said as he tapped Rick's shoulder.
Fiona was there after taking Christy home. "I was wondering if you were coming for a haircut," Fiona smiled. "I have to pick up my maid of honor dress at Dottie's, so you're lucky to be at my service now, Mr. Rick!" she teased. "You two Mr. O'Neill."
"Mayor, just call me Sean." he laughed.
"If you call me Fiona!" she grinned.
Only the Beginning Chapter 5, Page 38
It was a special time for Christy. Fiona picked her up for her own spa day!
"While the men are moving your clothes and Timi Anne's to the O'Neill's house, you my dear, are going to have a delightful day to relax." Fiona was so happy to treat her young friend. "I told you at your shower, that this day is on me. Being your maid of honor, I insist that you just allow me to pamper you!" Fiona giggled.
Christy was looking forward to a morning just for her. Being a young mother and soon to be bride, she hadn't a moment to herself. She was so grateful for everything Hope Valley was doing for her that she felt eternally grateful. Dottie and Rosemary were finishing up the wedding dress they had sewn just for her. Dee, Emily, Elizabeth, Molly, Flo, Minnie, Clara, Marie Landoch, and the Chickadees, all had made her feel so welcome and accepted. Their gifts were so generous and Christy had an idea she was pondering about, but now wasn't the time or place to think about it.
It felt great to be at Nichols and Dimes as a customer. Fiona put the closed sign up and got to work. Christy was in for a treat! Fiona wasted no time, wrapped Christy's long hair up in a towel and made up a paste she applied on Christy's face. While the mask was cleaning out her pores, she drew up warm water in a small tub with some soap so Christy could soak her feet.
"What do I smell?" Christy asked wiggling her nose.
"Cucumber. Doesn't it smell fresh? I'm going to put slices on both of your eyes, to help them to clear up! So you'll need to close them" Fiona explained.
After the mask did it's magic, Fiona wrung out a towel that had been soaking in another bowl of hot water. She gently draped it across Christy's face.
"Ahh, that feels so refreshing!" Christy smiled. "Can I wipe the mask off now?"
"Of course, we need to give you a facial." Fiona grinned.
"What does that do?" Christy asked as she never heard of a facial before.
"Just lay your head back and let my fingers massage your face. I think you just might like it." she laughed. "First, I'm going to warm up my hands with scented lotion."
As Fiona rubbed gently across Christy's face all the hard times she had gone through alone at the hunter's cabin began drifting away. Her body relaxed as she allowed her mind to cast off the hurt, the fear, the loneliness, she had endured. Now, she felt loved.
After a little while, Fiona stopped and poured both of them a glass of lemonade. That really hit the spot, as they talked about the wedding and how excited Christy and Rick were, but Fiona wasn't done with Christy's spa treatment.
Next Fiona, sat on a stool, picked up one of Christy's wet feet and used some sugar to rub down her foot from heel to toe. As her heel shed it's calluses she grabbed some more lotion and massaged her foot rubbing the lotion into her skin.
"Oh, I must tell Rick about this!" Christy grinned, "this is heaven!"
"You might want to show him." Fiona winked and Christy giggled.
After massaging both feet, she put on pretty pink nail polish on her nails while Christy was soaking her hands in warm soapy water.
Fiona did the same with her hands, rubbing them with sugar and massaging them with lotion. Then she shaped her fingernails and polished them with the pretty pink polish to match.
"How do you feel honey?" Fiona asked.
"Amazing! Oh Fiona, this is such a treat!" Christy was in awe.
"Well, you deserve it little mama, I am so happy for you. If I ever had enough time I would do spa treatments for the ladies here in Hope Valley, but as you know I can barely keep up with my mayor duties after working here. So, that's why I'm hoping I can count on you for a few hours a week." Fiona said.
"Of course, I want to learn this, all of this!" Christy exclaimed.
"All right Christy, I hate to tell you, but we are done for today, but when I pick you up in the morning, I'll wash your hair and style it with the floral headpiece for your big day! You can dress at my place if you'd like so you have room." Fiona suggested.
"Really? Oh that would be wonderful, not to have to work around my siblings. They'll be getting their best Sunday clothes on. I could ask Mrs. O'Neill to watch Timi Anne for me. I hope she won't mind." Christy was thinking out loud.
Just then Rosemary knocked on the door. Fiona knew she would be coming, so she unlocked the door and let her in.
"Good morning you two!" Rosemary said as she glided in the beauty shop.
"Hello Mrs. Coulter!" Christy greeted her.
"I didn't say a word to Christy, so you'll have her full attention." Fiona nodded to Rosemary.
"Wonderful! Christy dear, Mr. Coulter and I would like you and Rick to have the master suite upstairs in Billees after your reception." Rosemary was beaming.
"What? You are already hosting our reception and that is truly more than we could ever expect. You don't need to do this too." Christy was overwhelmed.
"It's already taken care of, Mr. Coulter is talking to Rick about this as we speak. So, it's just a night, but it's just for you two!" Rosemary confirmed.
Fiona spoke up, "Enjoy it while you can, it'll be back to work for Rick and diapers for you in no time."
Christy ran to Rosemary and couldn't stop herself from giving her a hug. "Thank you. Thank you both!"
"Your welcome Christy. Now, let's get you some lunch before we head back to your parent's house." Fiona grinned. "Coming Rosemary?"
Only the Beginning Chapter 5, Page 39
When Christy returned to her parent's home with Timi Anne after her spa day, she was feeling like a princess. Her younger sisters all rushed to see her nail polished hands and toes. Maggie was busy at Billees setting up for Rick's bachelor party.
"Let's see Christy," Regina asked. "Pink looks so pretty!"
Titania asked if she could have her nails prettied up too, and Alicia wanted to paint her dolls' nails.
"Oh my!" Anne's smile took up her whole face. "I can't wait to see how Fiona does your hair tomorrow."
"Mom, do you want Fiona to do your hair too?"
"I won't have time, I'll be getting your brothers and sisters ready!" she sighed as it would have been so nice she thought.
David walked inside the house to see his daughter. "You are the prettiest flower in the field!" as he walked over and kissed her on the forehead.
"Thanks Dad." Christy smiled.
"Christy please come outside with me for a minute." David nodded to the door.
"All right." she said as she followed him outside. "What is it?"
"Christy, I know that you are a brave girl, I mean woman. You proved it when you took care of yourself alone in the cabin. When I think of that, it tears me apart. I let my pride get in the way of my love for you."
"Dad, you don't..."
"Yes, yes I do, I have to tell you again and again just how sorry I am. I truly don't know what got into me. I am a weak man. I realize I need my faith in God to be stronger." David confessed.
"Dad, you and mom have always been faithful to God. We always prayed to Him and said the rosary together as a family every night. Mom often read us stories from the family Bible. I don't understand what you are saying?" Christy was confused.
"Honey, it's hard to explain. When we first arrived here from Poland the old country was all we knew. Back there, were beautiful churches and cathedrals and our faith was not just for Sundays, it was our lifestyle, especially when our government was oppressing us. When we came here, our faith was very important in Quebec and Montreal, but they were big eastern cities. As we traveled west it was harder and harder to practice our religion." Dave sighed.
"Dad, we know that. You and mom taught us well. We all love Jesus!" Christy was still puzzled.
"Now, unfortunately, we only have visiting priests from time to time to baptize, hear confessions, say Mass in barns, confirm, anoint the sick, and marry people. I wasn't being supported in my faith enough. With not knowing when we'd have a priest available for our precious sacraments or counsel, I learned to be self-sufficient, but that obviously wasn't right. I cast you out of our home. Your mother tried to stop me. Later, tried to search for you, but never found you." David had tears falling down his cheeks.
Christy moved in closer to her dad and held his hand. "You did?"
"I thank God every night that your guardian angel was right beside you and our good Lord brought you and Timi Anne home. I made a vow to God to never make a decision out of anger again. It nearly destroyed me and our family." David swallowed hard and then continued, "Pastor Joseph, being the good man that he is, helped me back to my senses. We've been talking from time to time and your mother and his wife, have become friends. It was him who suggested that I contact as many of my Catholic friends about having a Church built. We have the funding approved and I think the land we want to purchase is almost a closed deal. Judge Avery is looking into the paperwork for us now."
"That's wonderful Dad! I'm so happy for you. Do the O'Neills know?" Christy asked.
"Yes, and Sean is on the committee as well as other farmers, ranchers, and Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Yost, Mr. and Mrs. Landoch, and Mrs. Emily Grant. This has helped your mother to meet more ladies, and for her and Mary O'Neill to become friends. They go together to join in with the Chickadees for Mrs. Canfield's Bible Study. So, Timi Anne has brought us together. She is the answer to our prayers!" David and Christy hugged as they both had tears trickling down their cheeks.
After a pause, David began again, "I am so happy to give you away to this wonderful young man, Rick. I know he is responsible and he loves and cherishes you and Timi Anne very much. Your mother and I are very proud of you and we want you to know we will miss you being here, but we support you both."
"Dad, I love you."
"I love you too honey! Very much!" David looked deep into his daughter's eyes.
Meanwhile, Rick was talking to Nathan about the wedding over at Billees. The night was young, and most of the men gathered about for his bachelor party. Lee was on his best behavior and promised he would never fall out of a cake again. Bill was far from pulling any stunts and just did the cooking. Hickam, Sam, Kevin, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Bob, Henry, Joseph and Ned all came. The music was lively, the games were fun, the food was good, and for once this bachelor party had no surprises.
Only the Beginning Chapter 6, Page 40
The bright sunshine wouldn't allow Rick to sleep in. Not that he could, especially after his bachelor party last night. He felt dizzy with excitement! Finally the day had arrived when he could have all his family under the same roof.
The very first thing he needed to do before he would get ready was to drive out with his folks to Timothy's grave. He knew he not only had to do this, but he wanted to talk to his brother. His mom and dad were up and having a cup of coffee when he walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning!" Rick cheerfully greeted them.
"How did you sleep last night?" his mom asked.
"Sleep? Ha-Ha!" Rick laughed.
"There's some eggs and bacon hot on the stove Rick. Help yourself." his mom suggested.
"Grab yourself a cup of coffee son to wash them down with, we already said grace" David nodded. "Your mom has a bouquet of flowers to place at Timothy's grave. We'll head out there when you finish."
"We don't want this to spoil your day Rick." Mary put her hand on Rick's shoulder as she got up to clean the dishes.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Rick assured them. "Neither would Timothy."
Over at the Lipinski's home the bright morning sun had everyone up and scurrying around. Anne had made a big platter of scrambled eggs, sausages, and a plate of toast. They all sat down at one point, said grace, and passed the food. That morning there were ten of them eating and one baby breastfeeding.
"It's a good thing we have plenty of chickens laying eggs!" Ronny laughed.
"That's why you go out to the hen house every morning." David winked.
"Make sure you express some extra milk today Christy. We're going to need a few bottles. How are you feeling?" Anne smiled over at her daughter.
"Very, very excited!" Christy answered as her happiness radiated inside her. Anne walked over to her and bent down to the chair Christy was sitting in and kissed her head, grabbed Timi Anne's little hand, and told them both, "you've got a wonderful daddy, little girl, and your mommy is the best mommy ever!"
Just then there was a knock on the door. "Who in the world is coming here at this hour?" Anne questioned.
"Probably Father Ricardo," David called out as he got up to open the door. "Oh, Fiona!" Come on in."
"Good morning David! How's the family doing this happy day?" she greeted as she looked around.
"Are you here to pick up Christy?" Anne inquired.
"Yes, but not yet. I'm here by request of Christy to give you a hairdo for the wedding!" Fiona announced.
Anne was flabbergasted. "Me? I have to get the children ready, I can't possibly..."
"Oh yes you can mom." Maggie spoke up. "Christy asked Fiona to help you look even more beautiful, so Dad and Ronny are going to help Jim and Jerry get ready, and Regina and I will take care of Tatiana and Alicia."
"Well it's a good thing I already bathed." she smiled widely and told Fiona, "I have to be the first one you know, or I'd never get any time. Coffee?"
Afterwards, when Christy left with Fiona for Fiona's house to get ready, they saw Rick and his family leaving the cemetery. Christy didn't want Rick to see her the day of the wedding, so they waited until after they left to go in. Christy saw the bouquet of flowers that Rick's family had left on Timothy's grave. As she held Timi Anne in her arms, she tenderly stroked her little head and told her, "Some day daddy and I will tell you all about your wonderful Uncle Timothy. He was a brave and good man. Daddy and I loved him, so we named you after him. You know what? I bet he's smiling down on us right now," Christy said wiping a tear in her eye looking heavenward.
Fiona took such good care of Christy and she looked stunning! The floral headpiece and the dress that Dottie and Rosemary created, highlighted her now womanly figure. As she twirled in it watching herself in the mirror, she felt like her feet barely touched the ground. She had the beautiful pearl earrings her mother wore when she married her father, for her something old, the lovely silver cross necklace with the guardian angel medal her mother bought her, for something new, Fiona's bracelet for something borrowed, and the blue lace handkerchief for something blue.
"You look like an angel Christy!" Fiona admired how charming she was.''
"Fiona, look at you too! Your dress is elegant! I couldn't have asked for a prettier maid of honor. Thank you for everything!" Christy blew her a kiss.
Rick was a dashing figure up front with Nathan waiting for the bride. Any lady in the church could melt from the looks of the handsome duo. Dee was gushing with pride to see her man all dapper and couldn't wipe the smile off her face.
When Christy peeked, she was taken aback by her handsome groom and happiness washed over her. Maggie had taken little Timi Anne with her and sat next to her mom and siblings. David was in the back and a bit nervous, but anxious to show off his lovely daughter as they walked down the aisle after Fiona.
Molly was playing the piano, but neither Christy or Rick heard the music, they only had eyes for eachother. Nathan smiled warmly as Fiona took his arm and both walked to their places. David took Christy in his arms one last time and tenderly gave her a kiss as he gently placed Christy's hand in Rick's. They stepped up together and faced Pastor Joseph and Father Ricardo.
After a greeting, Fiona went to the ambo and read from the Song of Songs:
My beloved lifts up his voice,
he says to me,
'Come then, my love,
my lovely one, come.
For see, winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on earth.
The season of glad songs has come,
the cooing of the turtledove is heard
in our land.
The fig tree is forming its first figs
and the blossoming vines give out their fragrance.
Come then, my love,
my lovely one, come.
My dove, hiding in the clefts of the rock.
In the covert of the cliff,
Show me your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is beautiful.'
My beloved is mine and I am his.
Next, Nathan went up and read from St. Paul to the Corinthians:
Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end.
Then, Fr. Ricardo read the Gospel of Mark:
Jesus said: "From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate."
Pastor Joseph gave the homily wherein he talked about the couple and how they came to the altar already blessed with Timi Anne, who gave a squeal in response. He talked about forgiveness and healing and including God in their future life as one. Anne, David, Mary and Sean all had tears shimmering in their eyes.
Father Ricardo officiated with the vows and exchange of rings. He repeated from the Book of Sirach:
A loving partner is a safe shelter, whoever finds one has found a rare treasure. A loving partner is something beyond price, there is no measuring their worth. A loving partner is a life-saving remedy, and those who respect their Lord find true love. For as a person is, so is their loved one.
Christy and Rick pledged their vows to one another and their hearts throbbed with happiness. Rick's grandparents' rings were exchanged once more between their new love. Father Ricardo blessed them, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Go in Peace. Amen."
As they turned to face the congregation they saw so much support and love among the happy faces and they treasured every moment.
"Everyone I proudly give you Mr. and Mrs. Richard O'Neill!" Pastor Joseph boomed. While everyone clapped, Rick and Christy melted into eachother and savored their first kiss as husband and wife!