Part 33
Caitlin woke on her wedding day to find Barry's side of the bed empty. Instead of being curled up with her husband to be she was alone in bed. On his pillow she found a single red rose and a note.
See you in a few hours sweetheart. It's bad luck for the groom and bride to see each other before the wedding. I know you don't believe that stuff. But I am not taking any chances.
Love you,
Barry
Caitlin smiled in a few hours she would be married to the only man she had ever loved. She climbed out of bed and started to get ready to head to the church. She was just finishing the light breakfast that Barry left for her when there was a knock on her door. She checked who it was and opened the door to find Joe.
"Hope you don't mind but Barry asked me to give you a ride to the church." Said Joe
"No of course not. I'm just surprised that he didn't tell me."
"Well he knows that you are still uncomfortable with taking cabs so he was just trying to be helpful. Besides I am the honorary father of the bride today. So you could say it is part of my fatherly duties."
"Joe, I can't thank you enough for doing this for me."
"Listen here young lady. You never have to thank me for this. I love you as if you were my own."
Caitlin hugged the older man.
"Come on sweetheart lets get you to the church. Your mom and friends are meeting you there."
Caitlin gathered her things and Joe helped her. It took only ten minutes to arrive at the church. Joe smiled at Carla and Nora who helped Caitlin with her things. Caitlin headed in with her mom and soon to be mother in law. They went right to the bride's room to start getting ready. The rest of the girls arrived a few minutes later. Laurel was Caitlin's maid of honor, with Iris, Alex and Kara as bridesmaids. Even though they weren't part of the wedding were there to help. Caitlin and Barry had talked a lot about how many they wanted in their wedding party. They decided on four each. Barry had chosen Eddie as his best man, with Cisco, Oliver and his cousin Ray as groomsmen. Caitlin was nearly ready when her mom pulled something out of her purse. Carla walked over to her daughter and handed her a box that Caitlin knew held some kind of necklace. Caitlin opened it to find a string of pearls.
"Mom, aren't these your pearls?" asked Caitlin
"No they are yours at least they are until you have a daughter to pass them on to on her wedding day." Said Carla
"What do you mean mom?"
"This string of pearls has been passed down by mother to daughter for four generations. You are the fifth. Caitlin, I know we are still working on our relationship. But as of today these pearls are rightfully yours. I hope that when you have a daughter you will learn from my mistakes and not freeze out your daughter. Like I did with you."
"Mom, I forgave you for that. You were there to help me through one of the worst times in my life. Maybe a little late. But it was better then never."
"I don't ignore your calls any more do I?"
"No. You don't. You either take it or return it as soon as you can."
"I love you, I also always knew that you would end up with Barry."
"Love you too mom."
Carla and Caitlin hugged. Then Carla took the pearls and placed them around her daughter's neck. It wasn't long after that, that it was time to start the wedding. Joe's son Wally escorted Caitlin's mom to her seat. Joe came and offered his arm to his daughter's close friend. Caitlin took it as she watched as first Kara, then Alex, Iris and finally Laurel made their way up the aisle.
"Ready?" asked Joe
Caitlin just nodded. Taking a deep breath Caitlin and Joe started up the aisle. Barry stood at the alter watching as the walked closer. He couldn't keep the big goofy smile off his face as his beautiful bride made her way to him. Once they reached him Joe handed her off with a kiss on her cheek.
"Remember Barry, you hurt her and I will make sure they don't find your body." Said Joe
Caitlin just smiled at Barry who looked scared for a moment.
"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to join Bartholomew Henry Allen and Caitlin Danielle Snow in marriage. I may not know them well but I know this joining is right. I know it's right because of all of you. So if anyone has just cause why these two shouldn't marry speak now or forever hold your peace." Said The minister
No one spoke so the ceremony continued.
"I am told that Barry and Caitlin have written their own vows." Said the minister
Caitlin looked at Barry before speaking.
"Barry, you are my best friend. You have been a part of my life since I was ten years old. I met you when I was in a dark place. You did the one thing I never thought possible. You made me smile again. I think that I fell in love with you before I truly understood what love was. You are the only one I have ever wanted to spend my life with. I love you more than I will ever be able to tell you. Having you come into my life saved it. For that I will always love you." Said Caitlin
"Cait, I always knew that you were special from the day we met. The day that you told me that you loved me was the best day of my life. That is until you agreed to spend the rest of your life as my wife. I love you now and always." Said Barry
Both had tears falling down their faces of happiness. It was only a few minutes later they exchanged rings and were pronounced husband and wife. They kissed as their family and friends applauded.