Chris woke up in her bed the next morning feeling terrible. Her chest ached from crying, her legs were sore from gripping the horse and she was still wearing that blue, mud-splattered dress.
She got up slowly and went to the window.
Nutcracker and her new colt were prancing around the paddock. She looked so happy with her new baby and was trotting like she was showing off. Chris also noticed that Nutcracker had done an excellent job cleaning and looking after the baby.
Chris smiled. It was so like her horse to know more about being a wife than she did.
There was a gentle tap on the door and Chris's mother walked in.
'Darling, you should be getting ready.' Her mother frowned at the state of the dress. As well as being mud splattered it was crinkled and there was a tear in the bodice from Chris tossing and turning in her sleep.
'Ready for what?' Chris mumbled. She knew her mother wasn't stupid enough to think that Tc's family would want them to marry after what had happened.
'The wedding Christine...unless you've changed your mind.' Mrs Kelly put some fresh towels on Chris's bed.
Chris rolled her eyes. 'You are joking aren't you? Have you lost your mind? I'm surprised there isn't an angry mob downstairs with pitch forks ready to kill me.'
She gave her daughter a sly grin. 'Well, there is someone downstairs to see you.'
Chris sighed and flounced out of the room. No doubt it would be Cory checking up to see how she was. Or Kerry Callaway serving a warning to stay away from her family or else. Oh it would serve them right to see her in the state she was is; muddy dress, red puffy face, her hair all over the place.
Chris bounded down the stairs into the living room. Her jaw dropped when she came face to face with Tc.
'What are you doing here?' She asked.
'I came to make sure that you hadn't changed your mind.' Tc stood there with his hands behind his back looking very sweet and innocent. He was trying his best not to look at the dress although secretly glad the dress was ruined. It was pretty and all; it just did not suit her.
'You mean I'm not going to be lynched.' She said sarcastically.
'Not today.'
Chris folded her arms. 'You're an ass.'
Tc smiled. 'I know. I was an ass, a rather drunk ass to be exact. You shocked me, again. I suppose I should start getting used to it if I'm going to marry you.' He walked towards her and put his arms around her waist, holding her close. 'From the bottom of my heart Chris, I am so sorry. I feel terrible that you were embarrassed like that. But I still want to marry you, if you'll accept me as your husband.' His voice had petered down to almost a whisper. His gaze focused on her mouth and he moved closer, bowing his head so that he could reach her lips.
Just moments before she descended into the sweet passion that was her fiancé she noticed somebody lurking on the porch.
'Victor.' She said as Tc's lips brushed against her own.
'What?' Tc pulled back a bit and looked at her strangely.
Chris pushed past him and ran out the front door.
Victor saw Chris coming and bolted.
'You're going down Del Toro!' She yelled after him.
Victor ran around the side of the house. Chris sprinted after him with Tc following wondering if he was going to have to break up the fight.
Chris caught up to Victor and tackled him. They wrestled on the ground before Chris got the upper hand and dragged him to his feet, pinning him to the house by his throat.
'If you ever, EVER open your mouth again you'll have to explain to your mother why you can't give her grandchildren.' Chris said and placed a suggestive knee between his legs. 'You understand me?'
'Nice dress.' Victor laughed.
Chris dropped him on the ground. 'Well you're lucky I'm wearing it else I'd kick you butt…again.'
'Yeah, whatever.' He mumbled picking himself up off the ground.
Tc stood there with his hands on his hips. 'Are you two quite finished?'
Chris smiled sweetly at him pretending nothing had happened, then pushed Victor over when he tried to get up.
Tc just shook his head. 'Anyway, back to business. Chris, are you coming to the chapel?'
'I'll be there.' She said and walked past him on the way to the house. 'With bells on.'
+++++
Chris smoothed out the material in the skirt of her wedding dress and she looked at herself in the mirror in her bedroom. In a few minutes she would board one of the most expensive carriages on the market, drawn by the most dressed up horses she'd ever seen and she would be taken to the overly decorated chapel to get married.
She made a face. She's never been so scared in her entire life. Her palms were sweating, all the blood had drained from her face and she was shaking like a leaf.
There was a knock at the door and Cory walked in. 'How's everything coming along?' Chris turned to face her and Cory laughed. 'It's really not that bad Chris. I mean Tc is a nice guy…and that dress looks great.'
Chris wrung her hands. 'I don't know if I can do this Cory.'
'Oh, come here.' Cory gave Chris a big reassuring hug. 'You'll be fine. You love Tc and he loves you. It couldn't be more perfect.'
'What if I trip?' Nobody sane had had a say in the shoes she was wearing. The heel was huge and was already making her calves cramp.
'Walk slowly. You have to anyway for the wedding march.'
'What if I stuff up my words?' She'd been given a sheet of paper with her vows on it and had been practicing it. Chris thought she had it memorized but now she couldn't remember any of it.
'The priest will remind you and everyone else will think you're too love sick to remember.'
Chris turned back to the mirror. 'What if I faint?'
'Then the strong loving arms of your husband will catch you. Don't worry so much Chris, it will be fine.' Cory fixed up a flower in Chris's hair. 'The only thing I'd be worried about is Victor making faces at you during the ceremony.'
'Nah, I'd kick his butt and he knows it.'
'There, that's the Chris we all love to see.' Cory gave her a hug again. 'I'm so jealous. When I get married can I wear your dress?'
Chris snorted. 'You can have it as soon as I take it off this afternoon.'
Kerry, who went to Chris's house to get dressed along with the rest of the bride's party came upstairs. 'The carriage is here. Are you ready?'
'I'm ready.' Chris said and took one more painful look in the mirror before following her two bridesmaids downstairs.
+++++
Chris shook and clutched her father's arm as the music started playing. Her heart jumped into her throat as the entire congregation stood up and turned to look at her.
Joe patted his daughter's hand and gave her a warm smile. 'It's okay.' He said softly.
Chris took a deep breath and started to walk. Her poor squashed feet were screaming at her with each step she took. Her legs felt like they didn't have a bone between them and something inside her was screaming for her to ditch these horribly girly shoes and run. But at the same time she felt like she was floating.
She looked up and her gaze rested on Tc standing at the front of the church waiting for her. He looked gorgeous in his tux. She also knew he was thinking something similar about her as they previously hadn't laid eyes on each other outfits for the day.
Chris shifted her gaze to Victor who was standing up straight and tall trying to look sophisticated. It didn't work. As soon as he spotted Chris looking at him he had to stop himself from laughing.
Tc watched as Chris's face broke from a look of terror to a big grin when she looked over at Victor. At that particular moment, Tc felt like killing the guy. How dare he have such an affect on Chris! He hated the fact that Victor could make Chris laugh when he himself couldn't. He hated that he was so jealous of the two of them. He hated that the thought of Chris with someone else made him feel so sick.
He glanced over at Cory who shook her head slowly. 'They're just friends.' She mouthed to him.
He'd received the biggest tongue lashing from Cory the night before about how he'd handled Chris. She's made her point simple. 'Victor would love to be with her but she looks to him like a brother.' He'd mentioned something about his relationship with Kerry and said that there was no way he'd have every slept with her. Cory just rolled her eyes. 'When she had her mind made up about something she just does it. Victor was a pawn, nothing more.'
Tc looked at his mother who was already dabbing away tears. The Kelly's had left shortly after Chris had run away. Katherine had then burst into tears and refused to be consoled until Tc told her that he was not going to be breaking up with Chris. Then, she hugged him, kissed him and said how proud she was of him for not being superficial. Katherine had been so excited about this wedding it was like she was the one getting married.
Chris reached the front of the church and turned to face her father as she was supposed to. He lifted her veil and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
'Don't go!' She whispered.
'You'll be fine.' He patted her on the hand and went to take his seat.
Chris froze. She couldn't move despite her wanting to turn and fact Tc just to get this process over and done with. Instead she'd turned to ice, just standing there with her fists clenched so tightly they were snapping the fragile stems of the roses in her bouquet.
She tried unsuccessfully to take deep breaths in order to calm herself. Chris made a mental note never to let her mother tie her corset again...better still, don't wear a corset.
Tc watched on slightly bemused as Chris stood there gasping for air. He took a step towards her and gently slipped his hand in hers, guiding her around to face him.
Their eyes met and it made Chris's heart flutter. His gaze was so soft and warm and had ignited the butterflies in her stomach.
The music that Chris had not been keeping time to died down and the ceremony began.
'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...' the priest started, not that either Chris or Tc was listening.
Tc was involved in a love struck awe of the beautiful bride standing before him looking like a shining princess with her impeccably white gown that hugged her figure beautifully, and hair that radiated shine.
Chris was trying not to laugh. She could see Victor over Tc's shoulder and he was pulling faces at her. She was concentrating so hard on not laughing that she nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Tc say 'I do.' They're up to that part already, she thought.
'And do you Christine Marie Kelly take Wendell Terrence to be your lawfully wedded husband?'
Chris hesitated and glanced at her father who was holding his breath - probably because of her response at the rehearsal last night.
'I do.' She said then whispered, 'I think.'
The priest frowned but continued anyway. He was making Tc repeat the vows. Chris closed her eyes, listening to his voice hoping that when her turn came she'd remember what to say.
'Now Christine, if you'll repeat after me...' The priest directed her.
Chris rambled off her vows...until half way through one line when she completely got stuck. She stood there with her mouth open hoping the words would magically make there way out. They didn't.
Victor cleared his throat and she looked over at him. He mouthed the rest of her line. Chris grinned at him and continued with her vows.
'And by the power invested in me by the church, I now pronounce you husband and wife.'
Tc leaned towards her and gently brushed his lips against hers.
Chris gave him an odd look. 'Is that the best you can do?' She said, only realizing too late that she'd said it rather loudly and people were snickering.
Tc hadn't seemed to notice though. He grinned before dipping her, pressing his mouth against hers until she was sure that her lips were bruised. He righted her again. 'Better?'
'Much.' She said and the congregation applauded as Tc took his wife's hand and escorted her back down the aisle and into the carriage that would eventually take them to the reception.
+++++
The coach master cracked the whip in the air and Nutcracker let out a neigh before leading the other four horses on their way.
Inside the carriage Tc leaned closer to Chris. 'You think?' He asked with a laugh.
Chris shrugged sheepishly.
'You my dear, are mad. This wedding is going to be the talking point of the town for a long time you realize.' He tried swatting at a fly that was buzzing around.
'Well you try getting married in a corset and see how you feel.' Chris defended. 'I was nearly passing out.'
'I know.' Tc said softly, reaching up and stroking her cheek. 'But you made a beautiful bride.'
+++++
Chris, Tc and their families arrived at the reception later than all the other guests and they had to stop off for a photo session. It was rather eventful. The photographer had asked the newlyweds to pose in front of a fountain, and Tc had his reflexes tested when Chris nearly fell in. As it was she'd sunk her four inch heels into the soft ground and covered them with mud…again. Mud was her friend.
When the group arrived the reception 'hall' was packed full of guests, most of which Chris didn't know. She had no idea why Katherine referred to it as a hall. All was just a big white cloth roof held up by poles. Chris would have called it a tent filled with people wanting free food.
In one corner of the tent was a table covered in wedding gifts, next to it was the cake which was nearly taller than she was. And next to that was the buffet table piled high with food, most of which were Rosa Del Toro's creations.
Chris laughed when Victor came in wearing an apron and carrying more plates of food to the table. She decided this was not an opportunity to pass up and went over to tease him. 'How's the blushing bride?' She asked.
'You just watch out Kelly or I'll be sending this pile of jam scones down the front of that dress.'
'You wouldn't dare.'
Victor sighed. 'Actually, you're right. I wouldn't because then my family would get fired now that you are 'royalty' and everything.'
'Oh bullsh...'
'Christine, darling.' Katherine cooed. 'The festivities are about to start.' She linked arms with Chris and led her away to her seat.
Victor ditched his apron and took his spot at the bridal party's table.
First Ethan Callaway welcomed everyone and made his toast, the Chris's dad who harped on about how lucky Chris was to be married to Tc, then Teddy Callaway got up and made his toast followed by Cory. By this stage Chris was nearly falling asleep, but glad to be resting her poor feet. Those shoes were hitting the fire as soon as she got home. She didn't want to inflict them on anybody else.
Ethan stood back up again and introduced the bridal waltz.
Chris froze. Bridal waltz?! Somehow they'd forgotten to mention she'd be dancing and someone had forgotten to mention that she didn't know how to dance. The last time she'd attempted it she was five and her father was carrying her so her feet were far from the floor.
Tc rose from his seat and escorted Chris to the dance floor.
'I can't do this!' She hissed.
'Sure you can.' Was Tc's reply but after stepping on his feet six times during the first half of the dance he started to realize that maybe she was right. He held her tightly around the waist. 'Stand on my feet.'
'I thought I already had.' She looked at his shoes. The polished black leather was now scuffed.
'Just do it.'
As she climbed onto his feet he lifted her so that she was resting against him. With his free hand he moved her arms so that they were resting on his shoulders.
'Better?' He asked.
'Much.'
It also gave Chris the opportunity to rest her head on Tc's chest, close her eyes and shut out the crowd who were watching. She really didn't like being the center of attention, at least not while she was wearing a dress.
+++++
A while later after the cake had been cut and Chris had a chance to stuff herself full of food, Tc suggested that they leave.
'Why? I was just starting to have fun.' She replied so he let them stay longer.
Ethan came up to them shortly after and suggested to Tc that they head off else the road to the mountains will be too dark to travel on safely. Chris pouted and Tc informed his father that they'd be leaving for the mountains the following day.
Later, Joe Kelly came up to his daughter. 'What are you still doing here? You two should have been long gone by now. Are you trying to embarrass your entire family? Why do you have to rebel against all traditions?' This was after Chris had refused to through the bouquet. She liked the flowers and wanted to keep them.
Tc was over talking to Teddy when Chris approached him. 'Dad wants to kill me, can we go now?'
Tc nodded and Teddy yelled to the crowd. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, the bride and groom are now leaving for their honeymoon.' This started a stampede towards them and lots of little rice missiles thrown her way.
Now she understood why newly married couples ran for their carriages. It was to escape the handfuls of rice being pegged at them from all angles, most of which was coming from Victor and Teddy who were competing to get the most amount of rice down Chris's top.
As the carriage pulled away with tin cans rattling behind them Chris pulled fistfuls of rice from her dress. 'You brother is so funny.' She said sarcastically.
Tc just laughed which prompted a rice fight in the back of the carriage.
+++++
Chris was surprised to see Nutcracker and her colt grazing in the paddock next to her new house when they arrived at Tc's.
'That was quick.' She commented.
'Your father hired a bunch of guys from his factory to move your stuff while the wedding was going on.' Tc pulled the key from a chain around his neck and unlocked the door.
'He wanted to get rid of me that fast? I feel so rejected.' Chris said sarcastically and went inside.
'Aren't I supposed to carry you across the threshold?' Tc said following her in.
'No, that would be conforming to tradition which apparently I don't do. And also you'd probably end up with a sore back.' She hung up her coat on the rack.
'Your father loves you. He just wants the best for you.' Tc also hung up his coat and slipped his arms around Chris's waist.
'Does your father make all your decisions for you?'
'He used to. Now he has Kerry so I'm off the hook.' He gave Chris a kiss on the cheek before sitting down in a lounge chair and kicking off his shoes. He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes.
Chris watched him for a moment before hobbling over to him with her sore feet and standing in front of him with her hands on her hips. 'Okay, I know by now a real wife would have read your mind and gotten you like, a drink or something.'
He opened his eyes and looked at her. 'I don't want anything from you. I'm just tired.'
'Why?' She asked.
'I didn't sleep last night.'
'Again, why?'
'I was worried about you. I even went all the way over to your place before realizing you probably needed a night to cool off so I came back here and worried.'
'Oh.' Was her reply. 'Does this mean you don't need a drink?'
He shook his head.
Chris thought about it for a minute then went and sat in his lap. 'Can you undo my corset for me?'
Tc untied her and she jumped off his lap and went upstairs to change into something more comfortable and to get rid of her shoes. She wrapped her dress and shoes in paper and wrote 'Cory' on the front.
When she came back downstairs in a rather suggestive night dress she found Tc already asleep in his chair. She searched around and found a blanket which she spread over him before going upstairs to sleep.
+++++
The next week was spent 'honeymooning' in a cottage in the mountains. Chris thought the whole idea was a farce. She was quite sure couples on their honeymoons weren't still going through the 'get to know you' faze. Although she had learned more about Tc in that week than in the whole month they'd known each other before the wedding.
For example, she now knew that he got up at a horribly ungodly hour of the morning, and that he'd whisper and nudge her to see if she was awake, and that a swift kick in the shins usually made him stop.
He had also learned not to wake Chris before 9 am. In fact, he learned not to wake her at all unless he was accompanied by breakfast and a coffee.
Chris woke on the last morning of their honeymoon to find that Tc had already packed up most of the cart.
'I was hoping to get an early start to we can go to the markets back in town to get some food for the next couple of days.' Was his explanation.
Chris complied but not before running down to the nearby lake and having a swim first.
+++++
They arrived home and found Chris's mother sweeping the patio.
'I brought over some of Christine's clothes that she left behind.'
Chris rolled her eyes guessing that the clothes were the ten or so big fluffy dresses she'd had Victor sneak back into her old wardrobe.
'Thanks Mum.' She said sweetly.
'Oh, and I made you my famous roast chicken for dinner.'
Chris nearly gagged. There was nothing famous about that chicken. It was drowned in seasoning and spices and tasted horrible. 'Great.' She said.
Her mother put down the broom. 'I suppose I should leave you two alone now. I'm sure you have plenty of things to do.'
'Like what?' Dinner was cooked, the house was clean, what could she possibly need to do.
'Oh nothing.' Her mother said coyly. 'Just husband and wife stuff.'
Oh that, Chris thought. Cory had mentioned something about everyone expecting Chris to fall pregnant within the first few weeks of them being married. She found it rather unrealistic.
Her mother toddled off and Tc headed for the food.
Chris sat at the table and watched him eat.
'Aren't you hungry?' He asked.
'For that? No way!'
'What's wrong with it? Is it poisoned?' He asked.
Chris shook her head. 'Yeah by about a thousand little leaf things she puts in it.'
'They're herbs Chris.'
She just looked at him. 'They make it taste disgusting.'
He shrugged. 'I think it's good.'
+++++
She got up slowly and went to the window.
Nutcracker and her new colt were prancing around the paddock. She looked so happy with her new baby and was trotting like she was showing off. Chris also noticed that Nutcracker had done an excellent job cleaning and looking after the baby.
Chris smiled. It was so like her horse to know more about being a wife than she did.
There was a gentle tap on the door and Chris's mother walked in.
'Darling, you should be getting ready.' Her mother frowned at the state of the dress. As well as being mud splattered it was crinkled and there was a tear in the bodice from Chris tossing and turning in her sleep.
'Ready for what?' Chris mumbled. She knew her mother wasn't stupid enough to think that Tc's family would want them to marry after what had happened.
'The wedding Christine...unless you've changed your mind.' Mrs Kelly put some fresh towels on Chris's bed.
Chris rolled her eyes. 'You are joking aren't you? Have you lost your mind? I'm surprised there isn't an angry mob downstairs with pitch forks ready to kill me.'
She gave her daughter a sly grin. 'Well, there is someone downstairs to see you.'
Chris sighed and flounced out of the room. No doubt it would be Cory checking up to see how she was. Or Kerry Callaway serving a warning to stay away from her family or else. Oh it would serve them right to see her in the state she was is; muddy dress, red puffy face, her hair all over the place.
Chris bounded down the stairs into the living room. Her jaw dropped when she came face to face with Tc.
'What are you doing here?' She asked.
'I came to make sure that you hadn't changed your mind.' Tc stood there with his hands behind his back looking very sweet and innocent. He was trying his best not to look at the dress although secretly glad the dress was ruined. It was pretty and all; it just did not suit her.
'You mean I'm not going to be lynched.' She said sarcastically.
'Not today.'
Chris folded her arms. 'You're an ass.'
Tc smiled. 'I know. I was an ass, a rather drunk ass to be exact. You shocked me, again. I suppose I should start getting used to it if I'm going to marry you.' He walked towards her and put his arms around her waist, holding her close. 'From the bottom of my heart Chris, I am so sorry. I feel terrible that you were embarrassed like that. But I still want to marry you, if you'll accept me as your husband.' His voice had petered down to almost a whisper. His gaze focused on her mouth and he moved closer, bowing his head so that he could reach her lips.
Just moments before she descended into the sweet passion that was her fiancé she noticed somebody lurking on the porch.
'Victor.' She said as Tc's lips brushed against her own.
'What?' Tc pulled back a bit and looked at her strangely.
Chris pushed past him and ran out the front door.
Victor saw Chris coming and bolted.
'You're going down Del Toro!' She yelled after him.
Victor ran around the side of the house. Chris sprinted after him with Tc following wondering if he was going to have to break up the fight.
Chris caught up to Victor and tackled him. They wrestled on the ground before Chris got the upper hand and dragged him to his feet, pinning him to the house by his throat.
'If you ever, EVER open your mouth again you'll have to explain to your mother why you can't give her grandchildren.' Chris said and placed a suggestive knee between his legs. 'You understand me?'
'Nice dress.' Victor laughed.
Chris dropped him on the ground. 'Well you're lucky I'm wearing it else I'd kick you butt…again.'
'Yeah, whatever.' He mumbled picking himself up off the ground.
Tc stood there with his hands on his hips. 'Are you two quite finished?'
Chris smiled sweetly at him pretending nothing had happened, then pushed Victor over when he tried to get up.
Tc just shook his head. 'Anyway, back to business. Chris, are you coming to the chapel?'
'I'll be there.' She said and walked past him on the way to the house. 'With bells on.'
+++++
Chris smoothed out the material in the skirt of her wedding dress and she looked at herself in the mirror in her bedroom. In a few minutes she would board one of the most expensive carriages on the market, drawn by the most dressed up horses she'd ever seen and she would be taken to the overly decorated chapel to get married.
She made a face. She's never been so scared in her entire life. Her palms were sweating, all the blood had drained from her face and she was shaking like a leaf.
There was a knock at the door and Cory walked in. 'How's everything coming along?' Chris turned to face her and Cory laughed. 'It's really not that bad Chris. I mean Tc is a nice guy…and that dress looks great.'
Chris wrung her hands. 'I don't know if I can do this Cory.'
'Oh, come here.' Cory gave Chris a big reassuring hug. 'You'll be fine. You love Tc and he loves you. It couldn't be more perfect.'
'What if I trip?' Nobody sane had had a say in the shoes she was wearing. The heel was huge and was already making her calves cramp.
'Walk slowly. You have to anyway for the wedding march.'
'What if I stuff up my words?' She'd been given a sheet of paper with her vows on it and had been practicing it. Chris thought she had it memorized but now she couldn't remember any of it.
'The priest will remind you and everyone else will think you're too love sick to remember.'
Chris turned back to the mirror. 'What if I faint?'
'Then the strong loving arms of your husband will catch you. Don't worry so much Chris, it will be fine.' Cory fixed up a flower in Chris's hair. 'The only thing I'd be worried about is Victor making faces at you during the ceremony.'
'Nah, I'd kick his butt and he knows it.'
'There, that's the Chris we all love to see.' Cory gave her a hug again. 'I'm so jealous. When I get married can I wear your dress?'
Chris snorted. 'You can have it as soon as I take it off this afternoon.'
Kerry, who went to Chris's house to get dressed along with the rest of the bride's party came upstairs. 'The carriage is here. Are you ready?'
'I'm ready.' Chris said and took one more painful look in the mirror before following her two bridesmaids downstairs.
+++++
Chris shook and clutched her father's arm as the music started playing. Her heart jumped into her throat as the entire congregation stood up and turned to look at her.
Joe patted his daughter's hand and gave her a warm smile. 'It's okay.' He said softly.
Chris took a deep breath and started to walk. Her poor squashed feet were screaming at her with each step she took. Her legs felt like they didn't have a bone between them and something inside her was screaming for her to ditch these horribly girly shoes and run. But at the same time she felt like she was floating.
She looked up and her gaze rested on Tc standing at the front of the church waiting for her. He looked gorgeous in his tux. She also knew he was thinking something similar about her as they previously hadn't laid eyes on each other outfits for the day.
Chris shifted her gaze to Victor who was standing up straight and tall trying to look sophisticated. It didn't work. As soon as he spotted Chris looking at him he had to stop himself from laughing.
Tc watched as Chris's face broke from a look of terror to a big grin when she looked over at Victor. At that particular moment, Tc felt like killing the guy. How dare he have such an affect on Chris! He hated the fact that Victor could make Chris laugh when he himself couldn't. He hated that he was so jealous of the two of them. He hated that the thought of Chris with someone else made him feel so sick.
He glanced over at Cory who shook her head slowly. 'They're just friends.' She mouthed to him.
He'd received the biggest tongue lashing from Cory the night before about how he'd handled Chris. She's made her point simple. 'Victor would love to be with her but she looks to him like a brother.' He'd mentioned something about his relationship with Kerry and said that there was no way he'd have every slept with her. Cory just rolled her eyes. 'When she had her mind made up about something she just does it. Victor was a pawn, nothing more.'
Tc looked at his mother who was already dabbing away tears. The Kelly's had left shortly after Chris had run away. Katherine had then burst into tears and refused to be consoled until Tc told her that he was not going to be breaking up with Chris. Then, she hugged him, kissed him and said how proud she was of him for not being superficial. Katherine had been so excited about this wedding it was like she was the one getting married.
Chris reached the front of the church and turned to face her father as she was supposed to. He lifted her veil and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
'Don't go!' She whispered.
'You'll be fine.' He patted her on the hand and went to take his seat.
Chris froze. She couldn't move despite her wanting to turn and fact Tc just to get this process over and done with. Instead she'd turned to ice, just standing there with her fists clenched so tightly they were snapping the fragile stems of the roses in her bouquet.
She tried unsuccessfully to take deep breaths in order to calm herself. Chris made a mental note never to let her mother tie her corset again...better still, don't wear a corset.
Tc watched on slightly bemused as Chris stood there gasping for air. He took a step towards her and gently slipped his hand in hers, guiding her around to face him.
Their eyes met and it made Chris's heart flutter. His gaze was so soft and warm and had ignited the butterflies in her stomach.
The music that Chris had not been keeping time to died down and the ceremony began.
'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...' the priest started, not that either Chris or Tc was listening.
Tc was involved in a love struck awe of the beautiful bride standing before him looking like a shining princess with her impeccably white gown that hugged her figure beautifully, and hair that radiated shine.
Chris was trying not to laugh. She could see Victor over Tc's shoulder and he was pulling faces at her. She was concentrating so hard on not laughing that she nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Tc say 'I do.' They're up to that part already, she thought.
'And do you Christine Marie Kelly take Wendell Terrence to be your lawfully wedded husband?'
Chris hesitated and glanced at her father who was holding his breath - probably because of her response at the rehearsal last night.
'I do.' She said then whispered, 'I think.'
The priest frowned but continued anyway. He was making Tc repeat the vows. Chris closed her eyes, listening to his voice hoping that when her turn came she'd remember what to say.
'Now Christine, if you'll repeat after me...' The priest directed her.
Chris rambled off her vows...until half way through one line when she completely got stuck. She stood there with her mouth open hoping the words would magically make there way out. They didn't.
Victor cleared his throat and she looked over at him. He mouthed the rest of her line. Chris grinned at him and continued with her vows.
'And by the power invested in me by the church, I now pronounce you husband and wife.'
Tc leaned towards her and gently brushed his lips against hers.
Chris gave him an odd look. 'Is that the best you can do?' She said, only realizing too late that she'd said it rather loudly and people were snickering.
Tc hadn't seemed to notice though. He grinned before dipping her, pressing his mouth against hers until she was sure that her lips were bruised. He righted her again. 'Better?'
'Much.' She said and the congregation applauded as Tc took his wife's hand and escorted her back down the aisle and into the carriage that would eventually take them to the reception.
+++++
The coach master cracked the whip in the air and Nutcracker let out a neigh before leading the other four horses on their way.
Inside the carriage Tc leaned closer to Chris. 'You think?' He asked with a laugh.
Chris shrugged sheepishly.
'You my dear, are mad. This wedding is going to be the talking point of the town for a long time you realize.' He tried swatting at a fly that was buzzing around.
'Well you try getting married in a corset and see how you feel.' Chris defended. 'I was nearly passing out.'
'I know.' Tc said softly, reaching up and stroking her cheek. 'But you made a beautiful bride.'
+++++
Chris, Tc and their families arrived at the reception later than all the other guests and they had to stop off for a photo session. It was rather eventful. The photographer had asked the newlyweds to pose in front of a fountain, and Tc had his reflexes tested when Chris nearly fell in. As it was she'd sunk her four inch heels into the soft ground and covered them with mud…again. Mud was her friend.
When the group arrived the reception 'hall' was packed full of guests, most of which Chris didn't know. She had no idea why Katherine referred to it as a hall. All was just a big white cloth roof held up by poles. Chris would have called it a tent filled with people wanting free food.
In one corner of the tent was a table covered in wedding gifts, next to it was the cake which was nearly taller than she was. And next to that was the buffet table piled high with food, most of which were Rosa Del Toro's creations.
Chris laughed when Victor came in wearing an apron and carrying more plates of food to the table. She decided this was not an opportunity to pass up and went over to tease him. 'How's the blushing bride?' She asked.
'You just watch out Kelly or I'll be sending this pile of jam scones down the front of that dress.'
'You wouldn't dare.'
Victor sighed. 'Actually, you're right. I wouldn't because then my family would get fired now that you are 'royalty' and everything.'
'Oh bullsh...'
'Christine, darling.' Katherine cooed. 'The festivities are about to start.' She linked arms with Chris and led her away to her seat.
Victor ditched his apron and took his spot at the bridal party's table.
First Ethan Callaway welcomed everyone and made his toast, the Chris's dad who harped on about how lucky Chris was to be married to Tc, then Teddy Callaway got up and made his toast followed by Cory. By this stage Chris was nearly falling asleep, but glad to be resting her poor feet. Those shoes were hitting the fire as soon as she got home. She didn't want to inflict them on anybody else.
Ethan stood back up again and introduced the bridal waltz.
Chris froze. Bridal waltz?! Somehow they'd forgotten to mention she'd be dancing and someone had forgotten to mention that she didn't know how to dance. The last time she'd attempted it she was five and her father was carrying her so her feet were far from the floor.
Tc rose from his seat and escorted Chris to the dance floor.
'I can't do this!' She hissed.
'Sure you can.' Was Tc's reply but after stepping on his feet six times during the first half of the dance he started to realize that maybe she was right. He held her tightly around the waist. 'Stand on my feet.'
'I thought I already had.' She looked at his shoes. The polished black leather was now scuffed.
'Just do it.'
As she climbed onto his feet he lifted her so that she was resting against him. With his free hand he moved her arms so that they were resting on his shoulders.
'Better?' He asked.
'Much.'
It also gave Chris the opportunity to rest her head on Tc's chest, close her eyes and shut out the crowd who were watching. She really didn't like being the center of attention, at least not while she was wearing a dress.
+++++
A while later after the cake had been cut and Chris had a chance to stuff herself full of food, Tc suggested that they leave.
'Why? I was just starting to have fun.' She replied so he let them stay longer.
Ethan came up to them shortly after and suggested to Tc that they head off else the road to the mountains will be too dark to travel on safely. Chris pouted and Tc informed his father that they'd be leaving for the mountains the following day.
Later, Joe Kelly came up to his daughter. 'What are you still doing here? You two should have been long gone by now. Are you trying to embarrass your entire family? Why do you have to rebel against all traditions?' This was after Chris had refused to through the bouquet. She liked the flowers and wanted to keep them.
Tc was over talking to Teddy when Chris approached him. 'Dad wants to kill me, can we go now?'
Tc nodded and Teddy yelled to the crowd. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, the bride and groom are now leaving for their honeymoon.' This started a stampede towards them and lots of little rice missiles thrown her way.
Now she understood why newly married couples ran for their carriages. It was to escape the handfuls of rice being pegged at them from all angles, most of which was coming from Victor and Teddy who were competing to get the most amount of rice down Chris's top.
As the carriage pulled away with tin cans rattling behind them Chris pulled fistfuls of rice from her dress. 'You brother is so funny.' She said sarcastically.
Tc just laughed which prompted a rice fight in the back of the carriage.
+++++
Chris was surprised to see Nutcracker and her colt grazing in the paddock next to her new house when they arrived at Tc's.
'That was quick.' She commented.
'Your father hired a bunch of guys from his factory to move your stuff while the wedding was going on.' Tc pulled the key from a chain around his neck and unlocked the door.
'He wanted to get rid of me that fast? I feel so rejected.' Chris said sarcastically and went inside.
'Aren't I supposed to carry you across the threshold?' Tc said following her in.
'No, that would be conforming to tradition which apparently I don't do. And also you'd probably end up with a sore back.' She hung up her coat on the rack.
'Your father loves you. He just wants the best for you.' Tc also hung up his coat and slipped his arms around Chris's waist.
'Does your father make all your decisions for you?'
'He used to. Now he has Kerry so I'm off the hook.' He gave Chris a kiss on the cheek before sitting down in a lounge chair and kicking off his shoes. He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes.
Chris watched him for a moment before hobbling over to him with her sore feet and standing in front of him with her hands on her hips. 'Okay, I know by now a real wife would have read your mind and gotten you like, a drink or something.'
He opened his eyes and looked at her. 'I don't want anything from you. I'm just tired.'
'Why?' She asked.
'I didn't sleep last night.'
'Again, why?'
'I was worried about you. I even went all the way over to your place before realizing you probably needed a night to cool off so I came back here and worried.'
'Oh.' Was her reply. 'Does this mean you don't need a drink?'
He shook his head.
Chris thought about it for a minute then went and sat in his lap. 'Can you undo my corset for me?'
Tc untied her and she jumped off his lap and went upstairs to change into something more comfortable and to get rid of her shoes. She wrapped her dress and shoes in paper and wrote 'Cory' on the front.
When she came back downstairs in a rather suggestive night dress she found Tc already asleep in his chair. She searched around and found a blanket which she spread over him before going upstairs to sleep.
+++++
The next week was spent 'honeymooning' in a cottage in the mountains. Chris thought the whole idea was a farce. She was quite sure couples on their honeymoons weren't still going through the 'get to know you' faze. Although she had learned more about Tc in that week than in the whole month they'd known each other before the wedding.
For example, she now knew that he got up at a horribly ungodly hour of the morning, and that he'd whisper and nudge her to see if she was awake, and that a swift kick in the shins usually made him stop.
He had also learned not to wake Chris before 9 am. In fact, he learned not to wake her at all unless he was accompanied by breakfast and a coffee.
Chris woke on the last morning of their honeymoon to find that Tc had already packed up most of the cart.
'I was hoping to get an early start to we can go to the markets back in town to get some food for the next couple of days.' Was his explanation.
Chris complied but not before running down to the nearby lake and having a swim first.
+++++
They arrived home and found Chris's mother sweeping the patio.
'I brought over some of Christine's clothes that she left behind.'
Chris rolled her eyes guessing that the clothes were the ten or so big fluffy dresses she'd had Victor sneak back into her old wardrobe.
'Thanks Mum.' She said sweetly.
'Oh, and I made you my famous roast chicken for dinner.'
Chris nearly gagged. There was nothing famous about that chicken. It was drowned in seasoning and spices and tasted horrible. 'Great.' She said.
Her mother put down the broom. 'I suppose I should leave you two alone now. I'm sure you have plenty of things to do.'
'Like what?' Dinner was cooked, the house was clean, what could she possibly need to do.
'Oh nothing.' Her mother said coyly. 'Just husband and wife stuff.'
Oh that, Chris thought. Cory had mentioned something about everyone expecting Chris to fall pregnant within the first few weeks of them being married. She found it rather unrealistic.
Her mother toddled off and Tc headed for the food.
Chris sat at the table and watched him eat.
'Aren't you hungry?' He asked.
'For that? No way!'
'What's wrong with it? Is it poisoned?' He asked.
Chris shook her head. 'Yeah by about a thousand little leaf things she puts in it.'
'They're herbs Chris.'
She just looked at him. 'They make it taste disgusting.'
He shrugged. 'I think it's good.'
+++++