It was a perfect setting, on a perfect day, and she wasn't allowing any thoughts, feelings or apprehensions to get in the way. Her mind had mused over people she had wanted with her today, but she didn't allow the thoughts to get her down, she merely remembered the years gone by when they had been present.
There was a twinge of sadness when she looked at herself in the mirror, just about ready as Cassandra helped fix a thin silver chain about her neck. For a moment she wanted her mother and father today, but she comforted herself with a thought that they would be present in spirit. As Mark knocked on the door and asked if they were ready, she turned and gave Cassie a swift hug, before watching the young woman open the door and let out a deep breath.
"Ready" said Cassandra.
As they walked down the aisle, Sam found herself focused on him as he stood waiting for her. Marks hand was warm in hers as it curled around the crook of his arm. Cassandra stood opposite him, with a beaming smile which Sam could see out the corner of her eye, but the faces to either side of the aisle seemed like a blur as she walked slowly past towards the front of the small chapel where the priest stood waiting.
A fragrant scent from the flowers arrangements filled the air as Mark gave her a soft kiss on the cheek before letting her go and stepping to the side. Sam took her husband to be's hand gently as he offered it to her, casting her one of the familiar glances she was so used to receiving off him, one full of love and care. They managed to avert their gazes long enough to turn to the priest so he could begin the short but meaningful exchanging of vows.
I, Samantha Carter, take you Pete Shanahan, to be my husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On this special day, I affirm to you in the presence of God and these witnesses my sacred promise to stay by your side as your faithful wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.