Authors Note : Alright, so this was originally supposed to be the last chapter…'Follow Me Home' had 23 chapters, so it seemed right to finish 'Some Kind of Bliss' with 23 chapters…but gosh darn it, it seems as though you guys really want a wedding chapter :p
So as a thank you to everyone who has stuck with me since 'Follow Me Home', to everyone who reads and enjoys my stories, and to my faithful reviewers who, chapter after chapter take the time to post your thoughts…this chapter is dedicated to you guys for your love and support.
So, this is our last but one chapter. I still have one more to write to complete the story. Lyrics are from 'From This Moment' by Shania Twain. Please read and review, and as ever…I disclaim !
"From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on"
"For once in your life Trish," Lisa growled, folding her arms across her chest as she glared at her friend across the room, "couldn't you look fat in something?"
All at once, the collected women in the bride's preparation room broke into sustained giggles, with Trish having to rest her hand on the full length mirror in front of her for support. Clutching at her waist, she quickly dabbed at her eyes to stop the tears from smearing her eye make-up. Regaining her own composure, Lisa crossed the room to the smiling Stratus, landing a soft kiss on her friend's cheek.
"You look beautiful Trish. Really." Lisa smiled at Trish's reflection in the mirror. Following her friends eyes, Trish once again looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes still captivated by the beautiful gown that covered her tiny form. Gently running her hands down her torso, Trish's eyes travelled the length, unable to keep the smile down which curved her mouth into a beaming smile.
The dress, which everyone agreed, was one of them most beautiful wedding gowns ever created. The fully rouched strapless bodice was made of silk taffeta in flawless white, hugging to every curve and round of Trish's exquisite body. The multi-tiered French tulle skirt fell down over Trish legs in delicate waves, spreading out to give the appearance of a ball gown. In was a modern take on a classical look, which seemed to only enhance Trish's infinite beauty.
The golden lengths of her blonde hair were pulled delicately back into a French twist, held in place at the front with a glittering diamond encrusted tiara. At the back of her hair, silk butterflies with sparkling diamonds were clipped into her hair, giving Trish an almost ethereal elegance.
Looking at her completed gown in the mirror, Trish realised how worth it all the planning and worrying had been. She had painstakingly thought out the venue, the colours, the clothes, the food the guests…to a point where it had nearly driven Trish insane. She had dropped everything to return to the ring, for one final match for the richest prize in the business. Trish had failed to capture the belt, but she felt like a winner none the less.
In the past year and a half she had learned so much about herself, not only as a competitor but as a woman. In what could be described as a serious of beautiful disasters, she had met and fallen for the most amazing man she had ever known. No-one could say she had Randy had had an easy relationship. They were two opposite, fiery human beings, who found it difficult to be with one another. Yet somehow, they fought through all the challenges that had been presented to them, and they had done it together. In reality, all the trials and tribulations had led them to this point. Their wedding day.
Trish Stratus was at her wedding. And she was the bride. All the wishes and fantasies her younger self had ever made for a fairytale wedding and meeting her Prince Charming had suddenly come to life before her very eyes. Trish Stratus was in love, and she was about to vow to make that love last for the rest of her life. One small walk down a aisle, and that was it. She would give up her name to take on his. A small part of her rebelled against the idea of giving up her name, but it was quickly quieted.
After all, what girl wouldn't want to be Mrs. Randy Orton?
"Penny for your thoughts?" Trish looked up from her reflection into the smiling face of her father. His gentle eyes regarded Trish with such pride, that Trish couldn't help the colour creeping into her cheeks.
"Just thinking," Trish sighed, linking her arm into her fathers, "how funny it is when life just works itself out, y'know?"
John Stratigias nodded his head, understanding more than Trish realised. "I hope you're ready. It's time."
Trish stopped suddenly. Of course she knew this was her wedding and that she'd have to walk down the aisle at some point. But now it was upon her, she really didn't know what she was expected to do. From behind, her mother fussed with her hair, gently placing the veil down across her face, as Lisa handed Trish the bouquet of white roses. Looking back and forth between her family and friends, Trish felt more panicked than she had ever in life.
Luckily enough, her father was there to guide her, to show her where she needed to be. For a moment longer at least, Trish was happy to be a daughter. Standing before the large white doors, Trish could hear the wedding march beginning, and the faint shuffle of everyone in their seats turning to face the entrance and face the bride.
"From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on."
Painfully slowly, the double doors opened, revealing the bridal party. Randy's brow furrowed slightly as he couldn't see Trish through the procession. Trish and Randy's younger cousins came first, sprinkling pink rose petals as they walked forward, giggling shyly at the admiring guests.
Following the flower girls came Trish's bridesmaids. Randy smiled, recognising Lisa, Amy, Melina and Lillian as the walked forward, with his and Trish sisters following the Divas down the aisle. Licking his lips nervously, Randy raised his eyes to the entrance.
All at once, his breath was stolen away from his lungs. The words vision in white didn't seem to describe Trish as she walked forward into the chapel, seemingly glowing from the golden lighting filtering in behind her. As ever, Trish could only giggle as she took in the admiring glances from all around, floating across the ground in her beautiful gown. Fighting back the urge to break down and cry right there at the sight of his soon-to-be wife, Randy settled for a discreet sniff as his jaw hung loose.
Finally, as the music ended, Trish stood next to Randy, instinctively grabbing his hand, giving it a tender squeeze. Offering him a smile, Randy grinned uncontrollably as he faced he faced Father Malorey along with Trish.
"Dearly beloved," the white haired Irishman seemed to rumble as he talked, his hair seemingly dancing wildly around his head, "we are gathered here today in the presence of dearest friends and much loved family, and the everlasting Lord Almighty, to bare witness to the union of these two children in Holy Matrimony."
Trish licked her bottom lips as the father continued, rambling into a reading from the Bible which she wasn't paying attention to. Trish didn't seem to have the ability to take her eyes away from Randy, who continually smiled at her. She had seen him in tuxedos before, but his groomsman outfit made Trish want to do things she knew she shouldn't be thinking in a Church of all places.
"…and so, these two young people, very much in love, wish to express their deepest love for one another before you their friends and family. Who, may I ask, gives this woman away to be married."
"Her father." Trish father added, causing Trish to smile as he nodded, stepping back to leave Trish and Randy alone on the altar before Father Mallory.
"Very good. And the rings." As the Father uttered the words, Randy's younger brother stepped forward, holding a silk pillow with two rings resting on top, "I am told that you have memorised your vows. Randall, would you like to begin?"
Inhaling a deep breath, Randy turned to Trish, taking her hands between his own, his crystal blue eyes clouding with tears as he looked into her soft brown eyes.
"I, Randall Keith Orton, take you, Patricia Anne Stratigias, to be my lawfully wedded wife, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my true love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honour and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to love, cherish and hold you. And with this ring, I pledge my undying love for you, and take you to be my wife for as long as we both shall live."
A sob echoed somewhere in the amongst the guests at Randy's tender words, as he slipped the gold band over Trish's finger. Breathing a sigh of relief, Randy was pleased he managed to keep it together to get through his vows. If he could make it through Trish's, it would be nothing short of a miracle. Choking back her own tears, Trish only nodded as she was motioned to begin her own vows.
"I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you"
"I, Patricia Anne Stratigias take you, Randall Keith Orton, to be my lawfully wedded husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my true love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honour and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to love, cherish and hold you. And with this ring, I pledge my undying love for you, and take you to be my husband for as long as we both shall live."
"From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on"
With a shaking hand, Trish made no effort to brush the tear that glistened on her cheek as she slid the wedding ring over Randy's extended finger.
"And with that said, is there anyone here who can show just cause why these two should not be held together in Holy Matrimony? Let him speak now…or forever hold his peace." Trish felt her stomach churn at the words, for some reason petrified that someone would interrupt the wedding. She didn't know where the feeling came from, but it would be a fitting addition to their relationship for someone to get involved.
However, Father Mallory's voice silenced her fears once more. "Very well. By the power vested in me by the Church and Holy God, I know pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride"
"You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you"
Randy's grinned unashamedly as his fingers gripped the hem of Trish's veil, carefully pulling back over head, exposing her beautiful smile in its fullest. Resting his hand on her cheek, this thumb brushed away the single tear that Trish had shed, before softly melting his lips against hers. Lost in the sensation of Randy's lips, Trish was barely aware of the explosion of cheers and applause from the collected guests at their kiss.
What happened next was a total blur to Trish, one which was only cleared when she watched the wedding video back. Randy took her hand and led her back down the aisle and out through the chapel doors to the waiting car, in a brisk jog, running through the outstretched arms and cheers from everyone around them. Showered in confetti as they made their exit, the couple hurried into the back of the car, waving at the gathered guests before they were driven away to their hotel to make preparations for the wedding reception.
Relaxing back into Randy's embrace, Trish giggled as she struggled to move the layers of dress away so he could see Trish clearly.
"We did it." Randy pointed out, finally breaking free of the material.
"We did." Trish agreed giggling, locking her fingers with Randy's.
"So, how does it feel being Mrs. Orton?" Randy grinned, before looking perplexed at Trish's expression.
"Don't you mean how it feels being Mr. Stratus?" Trish giggled at Randy's expression as he leaned across the seat to reach Trish, his hand disappearing up beneath her wedding dress.
"Mrs. Orton." he whispered, kissing at her neck.
"Mr. Stratus." she giggled, tracing her fingers up and down the length of his back.
"Mrs. Orton." Randy asserted, cutting Trish off with another kiss. Feeling the need to be stubborn drain from her, Trish giggled into Randy's mouth. She would let him win this round…for now anyway.
"From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on"
