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A blessing in disguise / The wedding
Natalie's POV
I stand before my daughter with both her maid of honor, Christina and her two bridesmaids, Shauna and Marlene. They all seem to be lost in conversation at this moment. Who could blame them though, after all it feels like we have all been through hell and back to get here.
It feels like ages ago that my sweet sweet girl was just about heart broken. We spent weeks trying to coax it out of her. It wasn't until I saw Marcus becoming impatient with Beatrice, that I realized that there was more to the story than what we all knew. That was the night I waited to confront my sweet girl on my own. I knew if anyone could get her to talk, it was me. I worried that Tobias was in greater danger than we all thought. I was right, Beatrice confided in me that things had not been right at our neighbor's house. It never was. Although Tris didn't tell me all the horrific details, I didn't need to know. We hired a private investigator back in San Francisco to help find Tobias for sometime, but it wasn't a surprise that we didn't get anywhere with that.
We were very grateful for the donations that Tobias had granted to the shelter after Marcus died. We were barely making enough money to keep our doors open. Andrew and I both feared that at some point we would have to close our doors to the shelter. Everything from the plumbing, to the electrical, to simply keeping enough food on the table for our members, as it was being rationed. Although we were saddened to hear about his father's passing, more so for Tobias than for the monster that he truly was, the money couldn't have come at a better time.
Andrew and I both hated taking such a large sum of money, especially from Tobias, but we all agreed that it wasn't truly for us, as we help so many of the homeless people that come through our doors every day. At that thought, we just couldn't refuse it.
It took us months to get things to where they are now. Between the new plumbing, the electrical, a new roof and yes, we even put on an expansion to the shelter. Andrew and I were able to add on more rooms to board those that needed it. As well as a large room to hold fundraisers. So far, we have used it once, we invited all those who would come, from Doctors, to lawyers, to those in government. We hosted a night with a special dinner, entertainment, and yes, an auction to raise enough money to keep not only our doors open, but more than enough money to keep us doing well financially. We owe it all to our future son in law.
Of course, when Tris and Tobias came to us about having their wedding here in the shelter, neither I nor Andrew thought twice before agreeing. After all, we always thought of Tobias as one of our own children. We loved him equally as we did Tris and her brother Caleb. We were more than honored to help them in any way that we could. Thankfully, we had just finished the expansion of the shelter with the money that Tobias had donated to us. What better way to celebrate than to have a wedding here, no less. We were beyond delighted and honored to do it. Although Tobias wouldn't hear of us paying for the actual wedding.
At first, I thought Tris and Tobias were trying to make Andrew and I feel better for not being able to afford such an extravagant wedding. But it was later that I found out the reason behind not only the place chosen to have the wedding, but also the date, Thanksgiving. At first, I couldn't help but think about what an odd date that was. But Tris and Tobias both felt so passionately about having it on that holiday. Explaining that it was the date that they both began to live again, the date that fate rewarded them both by having them reunited. They both went on about how important it was to them to not just honor the date, but the location that it all took place in. It was why they also felt it was the right place and date to even propose to one another and what a proposal that was.
Apparently, Tris and Tobias both had the same idea at the time. Only Tobias beat Tris to the proposal before Tris had a chance to get hers out. My sweet stubborn girl…Her anger only led to a misunderstanding on Tobias' part. No one understood why she reacted so angrily. After all, they have been together since they could practically walk. Evelyn and I could barely keep those two apart on a daily basis. I saw the heartbreak that Tris experienced from those years she spent apart from Tobias. The determination wasn't just for us, but for her to find him as well…. And then the change in them both when they finally did find each other again. It was a no brainer, really. Tobias just about moved in with Tris the very night they were reunited. So why was she so angry? It wasn't until she revealed her own intentions to propose to Tobias, that it finally made sense. Of course, we all got a good laugh later on, when all was said and done. Andrew and I couldn't be prouder. Tobias has grown into such a good man, we have no doubt in our minds that he would make a good husband and one day down the line, a good father.
I sit down on a white folded chair, the closest one to the aisle and the altar. I glance around, admiring the scene before me. The very next day after last Thanksgiving, Tris and I got right to work on wedding details. Lots of arguments, contemplating and compromises went into almost every little detail, whether they were big or small. Tris and Tobias both agreed that although they wanted more of a back door wedding in the yard, it would be too cold to have the entire event outside. So, they settled with the ceremony being out back in the yard and the reception being inside in our new convention hall where we hold our fundraisers for the shelter.
The backyard was one of the thousands of things that were updated just last year. Andrew and I both agreed that it was a practical thing to do. Not only did it give the kids we were helping an area to escape and play in, but we also rented out the area to special events to help the community. Events like weddings, parties and AAA meetings have been held here ever since. The backyard is large enough to fit at least ten large plastic tables and chairs. The fence was replaced with large rocks that are embedded on top of each other to make a wall. On the far left side of the yard, we had a waterfall installed into the rocks for a more soothing effect. We also have a large cookout area with a grill and a granite countertop towards the right of the yard installed. We also installed artificial grass, instead of the real thing, thinking it would help cut costs and chores down in the future. However, we did plant a few trees and bushes. We even left some space to plant a food garden for the shelter. Once again to cut down on food costs.
For the wedding we cleared out all of the tables, leaving only the white foldable chairs behind. We added orange fabric to them, tying a beautiful bow with a few orange and yellow flowers in the back of the chairs. I have to admit when Tris first admitted to me that she wanted to use fall colors and fall decorations as the theme of her wedding... I wasn't too sure about the idea. But Tris assured me, it wouldn't be overly bright colors but deeper and darker tones. Andrew installed a dark wooden pathway just for this. He worried about Tris or our other guests wearing heels, falling and breaking an ankle. He was even more proud of himself when he built an arch for Tobias and Tris to say their wedding vows under. Tris and I spent hours just yesterday decorating it with white mesh with fall greenery, along with orange, brown and yellow flowers on it. At the last minute we added in some small pumpkins and fall leaves to hang off of it. It looks so gorgeous out here. Luckily the ceremony is taking place before sunset, so both lighting and some sort of heating will not be an issue.
I smile up towards my very soon to be son in law. I admire how handsome he looks in his tux. He is wearing black pants, a black vest and jacket, with a white button down shirt underneath, with a matching black bowtie that Andrew helped tie for him. There is an orange rose pinned on his jacket that Christina pinned on him. My, how he has grown over the years. From the small little baby who was eager to get moving and crawling, to the large, strong man standing before me today. I feel sorrow for the years we lost with him. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel the guilt in knowing that he felt like he couldn't come to either Andrew or I for help. No doubt we would have done everything in our power to protect him. The thought of how he must have suffered, and then felt like he could only turn towards my sweet Beatrice at the time. I didn't hesitate to set that right… Only days after he returned, I sat down and encouraged him to speak freely with both Andrew and I. We were, are and always will be here for him and Beatrice.
I glance behind Tobias, standing and clapping a hand on Tobias' shoulder is his best friend and best man Zeke. Zeke who complained the whole time he was being fitted into what he called his penguin suit. He matches Tobias with black pants, a black vest and jacket, with a white button down shirt underneath, with a matching black bowtie that he tied himself with reluctance of course. Zeke is the complete opposite of Tobias. He is always looking at the positive side of things and not just the negative, always making even the most serious of situations into a joke. His brother Uriah who is a groomsman and is standing beside Zeke, is also wearing the same attire, is the same way. It's obvious that the apple doesn't fall quite far from the tree there. I wonder if their parents were still alive, would they be that way too.
I stand, turning my body towards the aisle as tears fall down my face, faster than I can catch them with my handkerchief. I watch as the flower girl walks down the aisle first, followed by a young boy with the ring pillow. Both children are not related to us, but from us helping them in the shelter, they feel like they are.
The boy and girl are brother and sister, both whom we happily helped. Tris found them sleeping in a tent along with their parents in the factionless sector just a little over a year ago. It broke our hearts to see two small children suffer because their parents were struggling so much. Their father is disabled and their mother was unable to keep a roof over their heads. We knew we needed to help them, to set things right. They were in our shelter for months, until we found their mother and their father a place of employment. It took the longest time to find their father a job. Many thoughts giving a job to a man in a wheelchair and with lung issues would be a liability. But finally, we found one employer more than willing to employ him. After that, it was just a few months later that they both saved enough money for a small two bedroom apartment. We kept in touch with them, making sure all was well. Not to mention we even babysit the kids when their parents need it. We are more than happy to help them at any time. Shelly and Tommy are both delightful and the most helpful kids in the world. They remind me a lot of Beatrice and Caleb at that age. Both always wanting to help me, always having smiles on their faces and showing love to everyone that comes their way.
Shelly looks so beyond adorable in the light-yellow floral lace flower girl dress that Tris picked out. Her brother Tommy is just as adorable in a black grown up suit, with the matching yellow button-down shirt. I take a quick glance at their parents who are sitting on the other side of the aisle, both smiling proudly and are in complete awe of their children.
Christina, followed by Shauna and Marlene, walks down the aisle behind the children. They smile widely at our guests as they walk down the aisle and stop when they get to their spot. They have on burnt orange gowns with a simple, high neckline and a pleated A-line skirt that flows to the floor. Their boutiques are beautiful with burnt orange, yellow, brown and orange roses. Since I have already seen my daughter in her bridal gown, I turn my attention towards my son in law. Preferring to catch a glimpse of his face when he first catches his eye on his wife to be. I can't believe this moment has arrived. The moment that I get to see my sweet, sweet girl get married. I watch as his face focuses on the aisle waiting for Tris to make her appearance. He smiles, patiently waiting. I don't have to hear the guests around me to tell me that she has made her appearance. But yet, I know the exact moment, as I watch his face soften and hear him gasp. His mouth drops open in awe of her, his eyes water with unshed tears. I turn to watch my girl with tears running down her eyes as she grabs tighter onto her father's arm. She is careful with each step that she takes. She looks absolutely beautiful. She winks and smiles at me as she passes. I kiss my hand and blow her a kiss as she passes me by. My sweet girl is all grown up.
Andrew kisses her cheek, as he claps his hand on Tobias' shoulder. He says something in his ear, before placing our daughter's hand into Tobias'. Andrew nods as he backs up a few feet behind the happy couple, as he waits for his cue to say his line before he comes to join me.
"Good evening, everyone, please be seated!" The officiant says, gesturing for everyone to take their seats. I hear the echoing of feet shuffling, chairs moving and fabric rustling as everyone does what they are asked to do. "It was this place… that our beloved couple that stands before us reunited on just a whim. Both in search of one another…but they never gave up. As requested, we take ourselves out of the usual routines of our daily living to witness a unique moment in the lives of Beatrice and Tobias. Today they choose freely to reunite once again in the union of marriage," he continues, "with all their guests, they are happy to share this moment with you. Each and every one of you have come to know these two in some way, whether it's through hard times, the best times, through school, work, or just by chance. But be as it may, they have asked you to join them in support of their love and promise for a lifetime commitment to one another."
"May I ask who happily gives this wonderful woman to this man?" The officiant asks.
My husband proudly and loudly for all to hear, answers, "her mother and I do." The officiant nods his head to my lovely husband who then nods in return and slowly and almost reluctantly turns and sits in the chair beside me.
I glance up as the officiant continues on with the ceremony. The tears never stop nor slow down as I can't help but remember my daughter, my sweet, sweet girl, as she was once so small in my arms. I often feared that she would shatter, but she never did. She always seemed so small and fragile. I wanted to protect her, shield her from the world's cruelest monsters, but she was too strong, too level headed for that. She stood on her own, determined to never look weak. Almost the complete opposite of Tobias. Although he appeared strong and tough, he needed the most protection ever known. No one knew, no one saw it. I think that's how they fit so perfectly together. Both opposites, balancing out each other so well.
I glanced down at her dress, thinking how determined she was to find the perfect one. Not too long, but not too short. She sought out the very best for her special day. Her wedding dress is covered in white filigree lace with a silk lining underneath, with a v-neckline curving around her neck just perfectly. It has cap sleeves and an empire waist that shows off her small curves perfectly. Just to think I frowned knowing that it would show her tattoos that she was so determined to get. Three ravens, one for her father, her brother and I. Of course, she doesn't know that I know about the added raven for Tobias that is thankfully more hidden. But still I would have thought she didn't want them to be shown. But as usual I was wrong. She wears them with pride, like she does everything else. The dress falls to her feet, barely allowing for her four inch, white jeweled heels to show. She has a small train that drags behind her. She opted out on wearing a wedding veil for the occasion, but luckily, she agreed to the boutique that matches her maid of honor and her bridesmaids.
"It is at this time that Tobias and Beatrice would like to share with you their vows that they have written for one another. Beatrice, would you like to do the honors?" The officiant says, waking me from my fog, just as Beatrice nods and turns towards Tobias. They join their hands between them.
"Tobias, it was years ago that we separated under extreme circumstances. But life has brought us back together... giving us both a second chance to live, to love and to be a family together. There wasn't a day, an hour, nor a minute that went by that I didn't think about you, that I didn't yearn for you. Now that I have you back… I refuse to let you go again, to live another second, another minute, or another hour without you with me," Beatrice says. I can't see the tears that must be shedding from her eyes, but I imagine that they are there, as Tobias reaches up and wipes them away with his thumb. Of course I also promise not to hang my bras in the shower, or hog the covers at night leaving you in the cold, to never leave the toothpaste uncovered, or eat chips in bed," Tris says, I can hear the smile on her face as she says these words. The guests all join her laughing and hollering their own response. Bras in the shower? Hogging the covers? Same old Beatrice. "From this day forward, I vow to be loyal, to love and cherish you till death do us part," she says, finalizing her vows.
"Tobias?" The officiant says, gesturing for Tobia to take his turn.
"I, Tobias Eaton, take thee, Beatrice Prior to never cut the sheets in half, to always warn you prior to having guests over, to always laugh with you, to always cry with you, to share every best and terrible moment with you. Because I know what it's like to be without you. To not breathe in the air, to never sleep and dream, to never feel, because life without you is just that… Not living. Which is fine, because a life without you… is simply a life not worth living. So I stand here before you and before our loved ones… Vowing to you with my life, my love and all the days of my life to you and only you, from this day forward," Tobias says. I can see how much he means every word that he says to my sweet girl through his eyes, as he intensely gazes down at my daughter. My heart swells, happy at the thought that my daughter has found someone that loves her so much.
I glance back towards our son, Caleb, who I wish could find the same happiness in his life. His love for medicine is all he has for now. Working under a woman by the name of Jeanine Mathews seems to give him more pleasure than I could ever understand. I turn as I get a glimpse of his hatred towards the man that his sister is marrying. Caleb seems to be the only one in here that is against their marriage. But still family is family and family always shows up no matter how much they are against a decision.
"Beatrice, please repeat after me," the officiant says, as he begins and she repeats every single word. " I, Beatrice, take you, Tobias, to be my husband. I will share my life with yours. Build our dreams together, support you through times of trouble and rejoice with you in times of happiness. I promise to give you respect, love and loyalty. This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope and made new every day of our lives."
He then turns towards Tobias, asking him to repeat the words he says. " I, Tobias, take you, Beatrice, to be my wife. I will share my life with yours. Build our dreams together, support you through times of trouble and rejoice with you in times of happiness. I promise to give you respect, love and loyalty. This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope and made new every day of our lives."
"Your wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond which already unites your two hearts in love," the officiant says, glancing between both Beatrice and Tobias.
"Tobias, place the ring on the bride's finger and repeat after me." He looks towards Tobias, watching as Tobias slowly and with care slides the ring on my daughter's finger. He repeats every word, "I give you this ring. Wear it with love and joy. As this ring has no end, my love for you is eternal."
The officiant then turns towards Beatrice. Waiting for her to retrieve her ring from Christina, she turns back with shaking hands towards Tobias as she does what the officiant directs her to do. She repeats the words just as Tobias did. "I give you this ring. Wear it with love and joy. As this ring has no end, my love for you is eternal."
"May the wedding rings you exchanged today remind you always that you are surrounded by enduring love." The officiant continues, "may your life together be blessed with prosperity and good health. May you always share open and honest communication between each other. May you respect each other's individual talents and gifts and give full support to each other's professional and personal pursuits. May you cherish the home and family you will create together. May all the years to come be filled with moments to celebrate and renew your love. May your love be a life-long source of excitement, contentment, affection, respect, and devotion for one another."
"And so now by the power vested in me by the city of Chicago, it is my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife. Tobias you may now finally kiss your bride," the officiant declares." Tobias wastes no time at all. He smiles wider than I have ever seen him, as he pulls Beatrice into his arms. He must say something to her, as he caresses her face and leans in slowly claiming her lips with his. The crowd of guests all erupt in awe, cheers and clapping for the newlyweds. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to present to you the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Prior-Eaton," the officiant says, not waiting for the newlyweds to pull away from each other. The crowd gets louder, forcing Tobias and Beatrice to break apart and acknowledge their guests. Tobias swings their entwined hands up in the air, smiling at each and every one of us. My baby girl, she's married.
A/N
Nothing like a special Thanksgiving chapter for one of our favorite ongoing stories. Check back on New Year's Day to see what other crazy things may happen to our couple.
Also don't forget about our New Christmas story "A Second Chance At Christmas." It premieres on Wednesday December 1st, for our first 25 chapters of Christmas.
About: It took one tragic Christmas for Tris' world to be turned upside down, leaving her alone to raise her only niece. She is forced to turn to unconventional things to put food on the table and make ends meet. Four Christmases later she is caught red handed. Can the man that threatens what she has left, give her a second chance to love and restore her faith in Christmas.
Revised by: FDFobsessed
Like always happy reading, stay healthy, be safe, and above all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Trini