Saturday, July 28th, 2:25pm-
The guests were seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin, a soft string quartet was playing music as everyone settled and quieted. The garden was decorated with row after row of white chairs, decorated with purple and blue ribbons. The aisle was a small brick path, covered with a linen runner that led the way toward a white arbor, also decorated with ribbons and flowers. The garden was in full bloom, and the air smelled of lilacs, azaleas, and lilies as the gentle summer breeze drifted through the crowd. Attention was brought to the aisle as the music seemed to swell slightly, and Hodgins and Angela made their way down the aisle toward their seats in the front row. Hodgins was taking the day in stride, proud of his son for finding his one true love, and elated that it was someone that they already considered to be part of their family, someone they loved and cherished as their own. Angela, was dressed in a deep blue dress. She matched the décor, but one might also say that the color was chosen because of its intense shade matched the eyes of the bride, a little girl that Angela had known and loved since she first heard of her existence. The child of a woman that she thought of as her sister in spirit, and a little girl whom her one and only son would follow to the ends of the earth if given that task.
The chatter seemed to quiet as the quartet began another song, a bit slower, and more swinging, as Temperance was slowly escorted down the aisle on the arm of Parker. She was radiant in her dark purple dress, her eyes focused on the details of the garden, and trying desperately to compartmentalize the deep, heavy feeling in her chest as she quietly wished her mother or father could be here to see this day. She thought of her baby girl, the tiny being that once was nearly small enough to hold her entire self in the palm of your hand, and how she had grown and flourished, how she had blossomed into a smart, beautiful, willful little girl, only to be stronger, and more willful as the years went by. She could feel the tightness in her throat as she thought of the conversations that she and Booth had been having about their girls growing up, and how irrational and silly it was to believe that this day wouldn't come, and they'd stay tiny and sweet forever.
Parker was dressed in a traditional suit, his tie matching the ribbons on the chairs and at the arbor, his eyes holding a shine of fierce pride. On his mind was a picture of a tiny baby that was once placed in his arms, a little girl that was born in a fit of stress and anxiety, that grew to adore him as only a little sister would. He thought of how they almost lost her, and how broken he was then, only to gain back his own pride when he realized that she held no ill feelings toward him, and would always crave his attention and protection, no matter where the road would lead. He may be her half brother in blood, but she was in possession of his whole heart, in truth.
Parker walked with Temperance, stepping down the aisle to the front row, where he led her to her seat between Angela, and the empty seat where his father would sit. When she sat, she took her friend's hand in her own. He watched Temperance's eyes meet his, and she smiled just slightly as she nodded, knowing that he had another responsibility for the ceremony to take care of. She reached for his hand and he smiled as he took it, squeezing it lightly as he leaned down and kissed her cheek tenderly. "You're doing great, Bones." He whispered, watching her smile slyly at him as he stood up and released her hand, turning to return to the back of the garden.
The officiant was standing at the arbor, looking out toward the large crowd of people, he smiled across at the family and friends that had gathered, and could feel the emotion and happiness for the couple, and smiled as he watched Jack Hodgins and his best man walk proudly toward the arbor, his energy wasn't nervous, but almost childlike as he glanced back toward the building where his bride would be entering from, whispering to his best man slightly as he smiled.
Jack reached the front row, his jacket having been straightened sixteen times by his mother before she finally said he 'looked perfect'. He had seen the tears in her eyes and smiled knowingly to his mother. He had chuckled a bit, her hand moving through his curls for a moment as she looked into his blue eyes, kissing his cheek tenderly before she turned toward his father, and they had made their way down the aisle. He now turned at the arbor, his eyes immediately meeting with his mother's and he thought for a moment that she was going to burst into tears. He then saw Temperance's hand in hers, squeezing her hand gently, almost in time with a heartbeat. Angela lifted her other hand, softly blowing her son a kiss through the air, sending his smile into full wattage. That smile only succeeded in making Angela smile, and for a moment, everything seemed more perfect.
His eyes focused on Temperance, the mother of his one true love, and the model of beauty that he knew his bride would become. She was only feet from the arbor, and Jack's eyes met hers, a smile on his face that could only be described as mischievous sparkled back at her, one they shared very often. "Mr. Hodgins." She said, watching his smile brighten at their little game, she winked at him, watching a slight blush move up his cheeks to his ears.
Attention was then pulled away once more, as the ushers and bridesmaids made their way down the aisle, the string quartet peacefully sending them down the long aisle toward their destinations. The girls wore light blue dresses. They weren't extravagant or gaudy, but almost summer dresses, comfortable and elegant as they each carried a small bouquet of flowers. The gentlemen held the arm of the ladies strongly, confidently, and smiled toward their friend at the end of the aisle.
There was a slight pause in the procession, when the next person didn't immediately come through the doors. Eyes were on the doors as Hodgins glanced toward Temperance, who shrugged. The struggle on the other side of the doors, however was bordering on a complete meltdown, when suddenly the door opened and Antonia burst through, her arms full with a little girl dressed all in purple, her face red from her sobs as tears rolled down her cheeks, and she sniffled into Antonia's shoulder, hiding her face from the crowd of people. Antonia held her close as she rubbed her back. In one of Melody's hands, she held Antonia's bouquet, the other held the shoulder of Antonia's dress tightly. Antonia shook her head and smiled as she looked down the aisle at JV, expecting to see a look of surprise, but was only greeted with a grin and a shrug. She could feel her face burning slightly as she walked down the aisle with the little girl, her sniffles and tears buried into her neck, as she finally looked up at Antonia. She lifted her eyebrow at Melody, who turned and looked around at the crowd of unfamiliar people, her eyes wide as she swiped at a tear. Antonia simply winked at her and continued her procession. There was a slight chorus of 'aww', as she wiggled her way down, taking Antonia's hand, still holding the bouquet in her hand, she took Antonia's hand and walked the rest of the way down the aisle with her. Antonia's eyes caught with her mother's gaze, expecting to see a look of annoyance or concern, but instead found a prideful smile. "I love you both." She signed to her daughter, watching as her daughter's dark eyes lightened, feeling a bit watery.
"I love you, Mom." She signed back, taking her position at the arbor, pulling Melody in front of her as the little girl looked out at the crowd of people, some of which were watching her with smiles, while others turned their attention back to the building doors. Antonia looked over at JV, a smirk on his face as he shook his head. She shrugged her shoulders and he let out a laugh, as they turned their attention back to the doors as they opened once again. Through the door came the two ring bearers, Nate and Luke, each holding onto a silk pillow with a ring attached. Dressed in tuxedos, with matching grins, they walked together with Parker holding each of their other hands. As they stepped down the aisle, they giggled and greeted people, pausing once or twice, only to be 'encouraged' by their father to keep moving. They spotted Jack at the end of the aisle, and tried to break free from their father's grasp, but Parker held fast to the two of them, as they looked up at his stern glance, and continued down the aisle. When they reached the arbor, Parker released them to Jack and the ushers to stand with the wedding party, and took two steps back toward the chair that was saved for him. It was just far enough to not be in the wedding party, but just close enough to grab the boys if they decided to get rowdy.
With the flower girl already at the arbor, clinging tightly with one hand to Antonia's dress, and the other to her bouquet, everyone expected that next would be the bride. What they didn't expect, was the door to be opened, and a six foot four-inch-tall man to be pushed through the doorway holding a flower basket in his hand, and the door close behind him. Aiden glanced back to the door, and down the aisle, and back to the door. The door opened, and Booth appeared, pointing down the aisle toward the arbor. The crowd watched the interaction and let out a laugh, as Aiden and Booth argued at the door for a second, before he pushed him, and closed the door, leaving Aiden standing at the door. He took a deep breath and sighed, taking a step or two, before dropping a few petals. He looked down the aisle, his ears bright red as he looked into Antonia's eyes. She had such a smile on her lips, that his momentary embarrassment was erased, and all he saw was her, as he glanced to Jack, who was laughing so hard, he was nearly doubled over.
Aiden shook his head and continued down the aisle, dropping rose petals as he walked, listening to the playful snickers of those in the crowd that he did know, as well as some giggles. He had taken nearly five steps before he saw the little girl at the arbor gasp, breaking free from Antonia's hold, as she ran as quickly as could toward Aiden. Everyone was chuckling as Melody held her arms up to Aiden, who lifted her effortlessly. She pulled the basket from his hands as he kissed her cheek. "Show me." He signed to her, watching her look down the aisle at Antonia as she laughed joyfully at the two of them standing in the aisle, holding up the wedding.
"Walk, Bean." She signed as he rolled his eyes and started walking slowly, as Melody pulled rose petals from the basket and dropped them to the pathway, bravely facing the fear of having so many eyes on her, now that she had her protector close by.
Aiden reached the end with Melody, swinging her to the ground, he kissed Antonia's cheek and patted Melody's head as he turned to find his seat, when suddenly he felt a hand reach out for his wrist. He looked up to see Jack looking into his eyes. "Stand with me?" He asked, watching Aiden's eyebrow lift as he nodded his head toward the other men who were standing up with him on this day. "Please?"
"Sure." Aiden said with a nod. "I'd be honored." He smiled. He took a place along the line of Jack's friends, looking down as Nate and Luke moved down to stand in front of him, looking up at him as he placed his hand on each of their heads, smiling at their giggles. He hadn't been offended or hurt when he wasn't asked to be in the wedding party initially, as he had only known Grace and Jack a short time, but he could feel the warmth and love in that moment, being asked to stand by him on his important day. Aiden looked across toward Antonia at that moment, as she waited patiently for him to look up at her, and as the music and march of the bride began, their eyes were locked in a loving stare.
The crowd stood in that moment, as the doors to the building opened, and other than the soft melodic sway of the wedding march, there was silence. Grace was a beautiful bride, petite and floating on a cloud of white, as her father's strong arm held her tightly. Booth's stance was strong and straight, his chest puffed out in pride as he looked down the aisle toward their destination. "You're sure you want to do this?" He whispered into her ear, watching her blue eyes turn toward him, looking at him with such love and affection, that he felt his heart clench in his chest.
"Daddy." She whispered, with the smile that always melted him, the smile that looked so much like her mother's that it always took his breath away. "We talked about this." She whispered.
"I know." He winked, nodding down the aisle as they continued their slow walk. "I just wanted to let you know that it wasn't too late." He whispered, hearing her giggle.
Grace's eyes were suddenly focused on her destination, and the young man who was standing at the end of that aisle, his blue eyes focused on her, and only her. At that very moment, all of the doubts, fears, and worries that she had in the past few hours were inextricably erased. She watched his head tilt just slightly, a narrowing of his eyes as she did the same right back to him, a challenge of sorts. His smile became brighter, his eyes wider, and she watched as the silly boy that she had known since forever, turned into the man that she would spend eternity with. She tried to remember when it had happened, when that switch had finally clicked, but it would be impossible to figure out. He was always there, and always for her, and she was always there for him.
Booth could feel her pace start to pick up when he noticed their eyes lock, and he smiled as she nearly raced to be by his side. He tried to slow her down, and she let out a grunt of frustration, and a slight laugh as she gave her father a slight elbow to his rib.
"Not cool, kid." He mumbled, as he heard her gentle laugh.
They reached the end of the aisle, standing before the officiant, Booth looked into the man's eyes and turned his gaze toward Jack. The boy held no fear or worry, only love for his daughter. There was no second guessing or concern, and as his eyes moved toward Grace, he noted the exact look in her eyes as well.
"Who gives this woman, to be married to this man?" The officiant asked, watching as Booth straightened his posture just a bit more.
"Her mother and I do." Booth replied, leaning over to kiss Grace on the cheek. "I love you." He whispered, as he then turned and stepped toward his seat, leaving Grace to step forward and take Jack's hands, feeling the warmth and electricity in their touch. She barely heard the officiant speaking.
"I require, and charge you both, that if either of you know any impediment, why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you confess it now." The officiant stated. Grace and Jack simply stared into one another's eyes, losing themselves for a moment.
"This is the day you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment, and loyalty, marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience and respect, the love and affection, which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship. We, who are witnessing your marriage, hope that despite the stresses inevitable in any life, your Love, Respect for each other, and your trust and understanding of each other will increase your contentment, and heighten your joy in living."
The officiant turned to Jack.
"Jack Stanley Hodgins, do you take Grace Keenan Booth to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you love, honor, comfort and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only her, for as long as you both shall live?"
Jack's voice was barely above a whisper, his breath had been taken away by the tender way that Grace looked back at him, a smile on her face that would rival the Mona Lisa with its mystery. "I do." He whispered, watching her eyes light up like a thousand candles.
The officiant then turned to Grace. "Grace Keenan Booth, do you take Jack Stanley Hodgins to be your lawful wedded husband? Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only him, for as long as you both shall live?"
Grace's breath was taken away by the dreamy look in Jack's eyes, the way he was watching her was absolutely riveting. It took her a moment, but a puff of air escaped her lips as a smile found its way onto them as well. "I do." She whispered.
As Booth and Brennan watched their youngest daughter marry her best friend, they held tightly onto one another's hand, remembering in a peaceful quiet the day their littlest was born, the joy and happiness they felt when they could finally bring her home, and the shy and quiet little girl she started as, only to become the strong, stubborn, beautiful young lady before them.
Booth leaned over to his wife, feeling her head drop onto his shoulder as she tried desperately to keep her emotions in check. "Do you remember what those two did to us at our wedding?" He asked her, listening to the soft, throaty giggle that was bubbling up. "What do you say we take off right before the end? See if anyone tries to catch us. Do you think they'd send Toni after us?" He asked, as her giggle turned into an all out laugh.
Suddenly, the attention was on Booth and Temperance, her face turning a bright shade of red as Jack and Grace looked to her parents with an amused expression. Booth suddenly snorted, trying to hold in his laughter, and it was at that moment when Temperance completely lost control of herself, sending them both into gales of laughter.
Grace glanced to Antonia, who was biting her lip as she tried to hold in her laughter as well, and then over to Hodgins and Angela, who were now also lost in a fit of giggles. She glanced to the officiant, her smile was one of complete amusement as she turned to the crowd.
"Please give our parents a moment, it appears they've finally lost it." She said, as everyone let out a chuckle, and Booth and Temperance took deep breaths in an attempt to control themselves.
"Sorry about that." Booth said, trying not to let out another laugh, as he felt Temperance grab his hand. "I think… I think we're all okay now." He said, wiping a tear from his eye as he put his arm around his wife. "We're okay. Go on… carry on. Go back to what you were doing." He said, glancing to Hodgins and Angela as they struggled with their own laughter.
"Thanks." Grace said, shaking her head at both sets of parents, as she turned back to the officiant. "Okay, ignore them. We were in the middle of something here." She said, smiling at Jack as the officiant continued.