Chapter Thirty-Nine
The second Natalie walked through the doors John felt his breath catch in his throat. She was breathtaking, and looked absolutely gorgeous in the simple silk wedding gown. As she made her way toward him, John was filled with a sense of awe, that despite everything – all the pain he had caused her and the troubles they had endured that here they were about to be married. Just knowing that had John grinning like an idiot, but he didn't care.
Once they were standing in front of him, Rex leaned over and kissed Natalie's cheek, then gave her hand to John. But before he turned to take his seat with Roxy he muttered, "You hurt her and you're a dead man McBain," just softly enough for John and Natalie to hear.
Biting back her laugher, Natalie smiled at her brother then gave John her full attention. "Hi" she mouthed still smiling widely.
"Hey" he mouthed back.
Standing up, Joey went to stand in front of them and smiled at them before beginning.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join John McBain and Natalie Buchanan in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Joey waited for a few seconds but then smiled. "The bride's mother would like to read a passage from the bible." Vicki slowly stood up and walked to the front of the bar.
"This from Corinthians 13:1-13." Vicki began as she pulled out a faded piece of paper. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Re-folding the paper, Vicki wiped a few of the teas that had formed in her eye and sat back down as Joey once again moved forward. The rest of the ceremony went by quickly and soon came the vows.
"With this ring I, John, take you Natalie to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part." John repeated as he slipped the gold wedding band onto her finger.
Unable to stop the few tears from falling, Natalie began to do the same. "With this ring, I, Natalie, take you John to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."
"By the power vested in me by the State of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!" The words were barely out of Joey's mouth as John pulled Natalie into a passionate kiss. Not caring about the clapping or the whistles around them they continued to kiss until Joey finally announced "I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. McBain!"
It had been a few hours since the ceremony and the wedding was in full swing. Having the reception at Rodi's had worked out better then Natalie could have ever imagined as everyone was enjoying themselves listening to a mix of oldies and country and dining on simple "pub" food. Even Asa was having a good time, and this was a drastic difference from some of his weddings.
"You look beautiful, Mrs. McBain." John leaned over and whispered into Natalie's ear as she nibbled on a fry.
Natalie laughed as she moved closer to him. "That's about the hundredth time you've told me that."
"That's because it's true."
"Are you having fun?" she asked him as Jessica walked by and handed them both glassed of champagne for the upcoming speeches.
John nodded with a smile. "I love it. I didn't want to say anything, but the idea of a big thing at the Palace and having to wear a tux all night, was not appealing. But this, this is perfect."
"Very us," she added as she admired the way John looked in his trademark black suit.
"Very us." he repeated before leaning in to kiss her. The kiss started off sweet but became more passionate. Finally when they broke apart, John looked at her with lust evident in his eyes. "I think we've been here long enough, time to start the honeymoon."
"We can't leave yet, we haven't even danced or cut the cake." She laughed noticing the frustration. "Speaking of the honeymoon, don't you think it's time to tell me where we're going?"
His mind temporarily off his growing desire John shook his head. "You'll find out when we get there."
"More like when we get to the airport!" Natalie quipped, but John just laughed. "Oh didn't I tell you? We are going to be taking the Buchanan plane and the pilot is under strict orders not to reveal the location."
Natalie's eyes widened in shock. "You did not go to my grandfather on this…"
"He came to me," John admitted with a grimace remembering how Asa had showed up at the station one afternoon ready for the "If you hurt my granddaughter" talk. "He pretty much forced me into taking it."
Natalie was about to continue complaining about not knowing when Jessica and Michael started to call for everyone's attention for the speeches.
After the speeches came the dancing and then the cake cutting. By the time that was over, a few of the quests were starting to head out and Natalie spied the empty pool table. Suddenly feeling like a game, she decided to go find John and stood up from the table and picked up her untouched champagne glass figuring she would give it back to Jess, knowing how her sister couldn't get enough of the stuff. Still holding the glass of champagne Natalie walked over to where John was standing with Michael, Marcie and Eve. But just as she opened her mouth to ask if they were enjoying themselves, Michael grabbed the champagne flute from her and swallowed the bubbly liquid in one gulp.
"Michael!" Eve exclaimed in shock. "Where are your manners?"
Michael shrugged as set the glass down on a nearby table. "I didn't get any." Natalie just shook her head, slightly amused at her now brother-in-law's actions.
"I apologize for my brother; apparently he missed the kindergarten class that dealt with politeness." John said dryly as he wrapped his arm around his new bride and also shot Michael and annoyed look. "Do you want me to get you another glass?" Marcie suggested trying to be helpful.
Natalie smiled gratefully. "No thanks Marcie, I don't really like the stuff anyways."
"I'll go get you a beer." John began as he started to head toward the bar but was stopped by Michael's quick, "No!" Again the group turned to stare at Michael in confusion. Aware that all the attention was on him, he smiled. "I just saw you take those two aspirins Natalie. As I doctor I can't let you drink alcohol."
John turned toward her with look of concern, "Are you okay Natalie?"
After shooting Michael a look of annoyance and anger, Natalie smiled at John. "I'm fine, I just had a bit of a headache earlier, but it's gone now. Anyways, I wanted to know if you were up for a game of pool."
"Now?" John asked in shock.
Natalie laughed. "Why not? I know you're not much of a dancing person and pool is our thing…"
Pulling her close, John leaned over and whispered gently in her ear, "How about if we make it a little more interesting and if I win we head over to the honeymoon suite and get started on the wedding night?"
Feeling herself get excited, Natalie nodded. "You're on." She replied as she led him over to the pool table.
It was the first, and probably last, time that Natalie actually let John win.