Stepping back into the church, for one final check, Jennifer was thrilled with how it had all come together. The heart-shaped candelabras at the front of the church, the areas set up for the morning delivery of the flowers, with the glass and wood arches lining the back of the church to create the aisle entry. It was more than she had hoped or dreamed.

Jonathan walked up behind her, sliding his arm around her shoulders and pulling her tight to his chest. "Hey gorgeous, this all looks fabulous."

"Thank you, kind sir," she turned in his arms to face him. "I'm so excited for tomorrow."

"Me, too, darling. Me, too." He placed his hand on her cheek and lightly kissed her lips. "Come on; we have guests waiting at dinner."

September 25.

Jennifer was beginning to think it would never arrive. And yet, today was the day! Checking the clock, she put her feet on the floor. 7 am. She would grab a quick shower, something to eat, coffee, and then make her way to the church by 8:30. That would give her two hours before the wedding to get ready for this event to play out.

Jennifer turned the shower on so it would warm up before she got in. She headed to the water closet, tossing her panties in the laundry basket as she passed it.

Max stayed at the house with her so he could drive all of the Edwards' to the church. Then he would bring her parents back when it was all over, and she and Jonathan drove off on their honeymoon.

Jonathan and Jennifer.

Husband and wife.

The very idea made her smile. She dropped her nightgown and slid into the warmth of the water.

Jonathan opened his eyes. Was it really here? After everything they had been through these last three or four months, it seemed like this day would never arrive.

The clock on the nightstand told him it was 7 am. Though he didn't have much to do to get ready, he planned on being at the church by 8:30. His goal was to be there for the last-minute issues that would crop up so Jennifer would not have to deal with anything except getting ready.

He threw back the covers and jumped out of bed. Waking up yesterday with Jennifer still in his arms taught him one thing: he much preferred waking with her than without her. After today, that would seldom be an issue.

Jonathan started the water, dropped his boxers, and checked himself out in the mirror. At 35, he was still physically fit, devastatingly handsome, and he was well aware of it. He stepped into the shower with one thought on his mind.

Jennifer.

Today he would make the most beautiful woman he had ever seen his wife. He fully intended to make sure she knew he was the luckiest man ever. He would start with his last two surprises before she became Jennifer Edwards Hart.

He was sending her to the church in a limousine. Jennifer and Suzanne would ride together in it, while Max and Stephen would pick him up at the Ritz, where he was leaving his car. The Ritz would be the reception location, and where he and Jennifer would depart from for their honeymoon.

Jennifer and Jonathan.

Wife and Husband.

The concept made him grin, ear to ear. Stepping out of the shower, he wrapped a towel around his waist and opened the door. He needed the mirror to clear so he could shave. Jonathan walked to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee while he waited.

"Good beautiful morning, my lovelies!" Jennifer sang as she walked into the kitchen, where her parents and Max already were. She was wearing the slacks and sweater she would wear as they left from the reception. Jennifer walked over to where Max had just poured her a cup of coffee. She took the cup from him, "Good morning, Max. Thank you."

"Someone is overly chipper," Stephen grunted into his coffee. Jennifer walked over to him and kissed his cheek.

"Good morning, Pa," she chuckled at him. She followed with a kiss on her mother's cheek, "Bonjour, Momma."

"Bonjour, Jenny. Are you ready for today, Chérie?"

"How about breakfast?" Max asked as Jennifer sat at the table.

"Oh, Max… I'm not fully sure I could eat. I'm a bit nervous."

"Some protein might do you some good."

"Any chance you have a hard-boiled egg?"

"Actually," he walked to the fridge and opened the door, "I do. How many?"

"Just one, thank you, Max." He pulled one from the carton, and brought it to her, just as the gate buzzed. He walked back and answered it. "Yeah."

"I'm here for Jennifer Edwards," came the response.

"Come on up," Max instructed him.

"What's this, Max?" she finished peeling the egg and took her first bite.

"Something from Mr. H."

Jennifer raised her eyebrows at her mother over the rim of her coffee cup. "Shall we go see?" she asked as she set the mug on the table and popped the last of the egg in her mouth as she stood.

"Après vous."

Opening the front door, Jennifer was shocked to see the stretch limousine pulling up the front-drive.

"Are you ready?" Suzanne asked her, sliding her arm around her daughter.

"Oui, Momma. I am ready."

The driver jumped out from behind the wheel, ran behind the car, and opened the door for the ladies. For a second time that morning, Suzanne looked at Jennifer and said, "Après vous."

Jennifer climbed into the vehicle to find a single red rose, a box, and a letter. Her hands were shaking ever so slightly, more from excitement than nerves, she thought, as she pulled the paper from the envelope.

My Darling Jennifer,

One could say this all started with a single rose. A rose on my pillow. However, I have to tell you you are the only rose I can see. Today, my love, we will become one. This thrills my heart more than you know. Your Momma said you have a new dress, old pearls, a borrowed veil, but are still missing the blue, so I am taking care of that for you. I can not wait to see them on you. Soon, Mrs. Hart, soon.

All my love, always,

Jonathan

She picked up the box and looked at her mother, "Do you know what this is?"

"No, chérie. Jonathan only said he would take care. He did not say how."

Jennifer opened the box to find a beautiful pair of sapphire teardrop earrings.

"Exquisite," Suzanne whispered.

"Are you ready?" Stephen asked his daughter. He walked into the room where she had been preparing for the last two hours. "You are stunning, Jennifer. You make me think of your mother on our wedding day. Absolutely gorgeous."

Jennifer was standing, looking in the full-length mirror at herself. A bride. "Thank you. And, yes, Pa. I've never been more ready for anything in my whole life," she smiled at him.

"And you," he turned to Suzanne, "are beautiful. Look at my two ladies! I am a lucky man."

"Merci, chérie."

He turned back to Jennifer. "I want you to know how proud I am of you. A father could not be more proud. I love you, Jennifer."

"Thank you, Pa. I love you both very much."

"OK, then. It's time. Let's go see Jonathan."

"Yes, let's go find him."

They started down the hall to the doors where Max waited for them. Jennifer's Aunt Martha and her 12-year-old twin grandsons ducked into the church just before the sounds of Pachelbel's Canon in D filled the air.

Stephen leaned into Jennifer and whispered, "I swear, Martha would be late for her funeral."

Jennifer stifled a snicker and scolded him, "Pa!"

"She gets it from my mother's side…"

Jennifer giggled, and corrected him again, "Pa!" About then, she stopped walking.

Stephen turned back to his daughter. "Everything all right?"

"Eh. My heel feels funny." She took the shoe off and looked it over, but not perceiving anything amiss; she slipped it back on. She took another step, and they heard it snap.

Jonathan and Max made their way to the front of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, stopping at the door. Max pulled Jonathan around to face him and straightened his ascot, "I'm proud of you, Mr. H. Jennifer is definitely a keeper. You two are great together."

"Thanks, Max. And thanks for standing with me." He reached out and hugged the older gentleman. "Ready?"

"Let's go."

The two made their way across the top platform and stood in front of the Reverend Harris. They exchanged greetings.

"Are you two ready?" he asked the men.

"Never more so," Jonathan answered.

They all turned and faced the back, Jonathan eagerly awaiting the appearance of his bride.

Two ushers opened the heavy church doors allowing Suzanne, the matron of honor, to begin her walk down the aisle. She walked three-quarters of the way, and then Max, the best man, stepped up to meet her and they walked to the front of the church, up the three stairs and split, Suzanne to the left, or bride's side, and Max to the right, standing beside Jonathan.

The pipe organ opened to blast the beginning of Mendelssohn's Wedding March. The familiar tones announced the arrival of Jennifer and her father.

Only it didn't.

Jennifer wasn't there. Jonathan turned to Suzanne, who could only look back, just as puzzled as he was.

Jennifer and Stephen stood in the hall, her shoe off, looking at the crack that now ran up the heel. Looking at her father, Jennifer asked, "What do I do now?" Then she heard the march begin. Her eyes grew wide. "Pa!"

"I hear it, Jennifer. I hear it." Stephen tried desperately to think of something to help her. "Oh! Wait here."

"Where are you going?"

"I'll be right back…" he called, running back down the hall.

She heard the pianist start the march a second time. It was all Jennifer could do not to panic.

Jonathan turned to Max. "Do all women miss their cue?"

Max could only shrug his shoulders. "You want I should check on her?"

"Let's give her a minute, Max. Surely she won't keep me waiting too long."

When the pianist started the march a third time, and Jennifer still didn't enter the doorway, the crowd began to mumble.

Stephen came running back down the hall, his treasure in hand.

"Tape, Pa?"

"It's all I could find, Jennifer." Stephen knelt and made quick work of putting her shoe back together. "OK, come on!"

Jennifer walked gingerly to the door. The march started a fourth time, and they stepped into the doorway. Jonathan's eyes focused on Jennifer, relieved to see her, his mouth slightly gaping. She was stunning. Jonathan could find no other word for the beauty standing in the doorway. The two figures stood still for a moment. Jennifer took a deep breath.

As they began their walk, the usher adjusted his feet, and Jennifer's three-inch heel snagged on his shoe, and the tape couldn't endure the pressure. Jennifer stumbled, despite holding her father's arm, and grazed her Aunt Martha, who had not yet found a place to sit. Aunt Martha's leg was caught on one of the twin's legs as he was leaning over the back of the back pew. She tumbled into the glass window arch to Jennifer's left. The sound of shattering glass caught everyone's attention. The usher standing behind the window rushed to Aunt Martha and helped her back up. Martha gave a weak smile, indicating she was unscathed, somehow managing to not cut anything despite all of the glass.

Jennifer turned her eyes back to and locked them on Jonathan and his mischievous grin. She took a second deep breath, kicked off both shoes, and started the march over. Once they arrived at the bottom of the front stairs, they stopped, and the Reverend began.

"Dearly Beloved, We are gathered here in the presence of God to witness and bless the exchanging of vows that will bind Jennifer Suzanne Edwards and Jonathan Charles Hart together in the covenant relationship of marriage. When this ceremony has ended, they will leave as husband and wife, having been joined together by the God of heaven. Who gives this woman in marriage?"

Stephen answered, "Her Mother and I do."

Reverend Harris began his sermon by speaking directly to Jonathan and Jennifer about the seriousness of the step they were taking. Neither of them actually heard much of what he was saying; they focused on each other's eyes. "Your marriage should be the union of two lives—two hearts that beat as one – so welded together that they walk together; they work together; they bear each other's burdens and share each other's joys. I want to remind you to be friendly, loving and tenderhearted, and forbearing of one another in love," he had said. "Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly. Rather reverently, deliberately, and following the purposes for which it was instituted by God. Into this holy union now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now or else forever hold your peace." Jennifer found herself holding her breath. She half expected Elliot to jump up and make some comments. However, there was nothing, except the Reverend as he continued. "I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you knows any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and following God's word, you do now confess it.

"Jennifer, do you take this man to be your husband; to live together in

the covenant of marriage? To love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Jonathan, do you take this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? To love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Jonathan, will you take Jennifer's right hand and repeat after me."

They turned to face each other as Jonathan took her right hand in his. He then repeated, "I, Jonathan, commit myself to you, Jennifer, as your husband to learn and grow with, to explore with, to respect you in everything as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, direction and doubt, for all the risings and settings of the sun. Today, I choose to spend the rest of my life with you in one adventure after the next. We tie these knots to symbolize our connection to one another. They represent our trust in each other and our combined strength together."

"Jennifer, will you take Jonathan's right hand and repeat after me."

They let loose their hands, and she took his right hand in hers. She also repeated the words, "Jonathan, you have taught me that two people joined together with respect, trust, and open communication can be far stronger and happier than either could be alone. You are the strength I didn't know I needed and the joy that I didn't know I lacked. Today, I choose to spend the rest of my life with you in one adventure after the next. I promise to love you for who you are and for who you are yet to become. I promise to share my whole heart with you and to remember to show you how deeply I care for you, no matter the challenges that may come our way. I promise to love you, loyally and fiercely—as long as I shall live."

"The wedding ring signifies to all the uniting of this man and woman in holy matrimony and symbolizes the never-ending nature of their love. May I have the rings, please?" Max dug her ring from his pocket and handed it to him. Suzanne pulled his ring from her finger and also gave it to the Reverend. "Jonathan, place this on Jennifer's finger and repeat after me."

Jonathan held her hand in his. He marveled at how soft it was, how long and graceful her fingers were. He looked up, into those hazel eyes, and slid the band on as he said, "Jennifer, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. This is my solemn vow. With this ring, I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

"Jennifer, place this on Jonathan's finger and repeat after me."

His hand in hers. So strong and yet so tender. Jennifer looked up into his baby blue eyes, fighting the tears in her own now, "Jonathan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. This is my solemn vow. With this ring, I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

"Almighty God, our heavenly Father, We approach Your magnificent throne in awe of Your majesty, power, and love. We recognize You as the source of all that is good in life. We thank You for giving us life and sustaining us each day with Your blessings. In the name of Jesus, our blessed Redeemer, we pray, Amen." The Reverend again spoke to the crowd. "Now that Jennifer and Jonathan have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with joining of hands and giving and receiving of a ring in the presence of this company, by the authority of the state of California and all-mighty God, I pronounce they are husband and wife. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder." He turned to Jonathan, "Jonathan, you may kiss your bride." Jonathan pulled her in close, and tenderly kissed her mouth. A cheer rang through the church before the Reverend could say, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Charles Hart.

***The End***

(Or rather the beginning…)