A/N: I am so excited to post this chapter. It was both a pleasure and challenge to write this version of what Helena's and Myka's vows might be. Writing dialogue for them is one thing, but writing words they would express to each other - is daunting.
So many writers have written about their wedding and vows and done an amazing job. This is just my version.
Thank you to CdB55 for her insights and to all of you who have journeyed this far.
Love is Patient and Kind (1 Corinthians 13:4–8a)
Helena and Myka got dressed, they ate breakfast and spent the rest of the morning preparing for their honeymoon and taking care of last minute things. Bags were packed for their trip and ready to go. Then the two sat next to one another on the couch, waiting for the Berings to arrive. When Helena broached the subject of Irene's suggestion for the sleeping arrangements that night, Myka put down the paper, looked at Helena, and said she understood exactly where Irene was coming from.
"You do?" Helena asked, surprised.
"Yes," Myka said.
"Oh," Helena said, disappointed.
"And the answer is no," Myka said, going back to her paper.
"No?" Helene asked, as if it wasn't the exact thing she thought.
Myka put the paper down and turned to her fiancée. "Helena, I don't sleep well when you're not right next to me. It makes no sense for us not to get a good night's sleep before one of the most important days of our lives," the lawyer explained.
"Indeed. Foolish suggestion really," Helena agreed, kissing Myka for the umpteenth time that day.
And so, after having lunch with the Berings, and dining alone at home, after several phone calls from Myka's relatives and work, the two settled in for the night. As they had done from the beginning – side by side – in each others arms.
On Saturday, the City was abuzz with excitement for the early afternoon ceremony in Central Park and the reception at the Waldorf Astoria. As far as the honeymoon, what the press did know was that Helena and Myka were taking the private jet to London and then onto Paris. There would be news crews at every stop. The crowds had descended upon Central Park. Many of them had woken up at the crack of dawn to get their spot near where the ceremony was going to take place.
At the townhouse, the noise of the Berings arriving confirmed that it was time for Helena and Myka to descend. Sitting together on the bed, after having a light breakfast that Leena brought in on a tray, Helena leaned into Myka.
"The next time I see you, I will be waiting for you to walk down the aisle," Helena said softly as her forehead touched Myka's.
"The next time I see you, I will have trouble not running down that aisle to get to you," Myka responded.
When Myka shared her childhood fantasy about her wedding, she said she thought she would be married in her local church. So, when Helena designed the temporary structure, it was done in the shape of one – steeple and all. The pews were curved so that everyone had a good view of the ceremony. One thing that Helena insisted on was that she be already standing in the front. Helena wanted Myka to walk down the aisle with her father – as she had described in her fantasy wedding. Helena would be waiting for her.
After greeting her future in-laws that morning, Helena left the townhouse. She waved to the crowds and made her way to the car so that Pete could drive her over to the edifice inside the park. There, she went inside the adjoining room where Irene was waiting for her to help her get dressed. Eileen and Claudia were already there. Helena smiled to think what an adorable couple the two made. Jane was there coordinating the outside security. Helena stopped, noticing that it was the first time she ever saw Pete comfortable in a tux. Helena wasn't aware of feeling nervous, but upon seeing Irene – she felt a surprising, but welcomed, calmness.
Back at the townhouse, calmness was not prevailing. Jeannie and Tracy were helping Myka, both giving directions on what she should do. "Too much eyeliner." "A little more shadow." "Not shadow!" "Mother!" rattled back and forth. And then Myka looked up and smiled. There was the only person besides Helena who could handle this chaos. Bridget was there!
"Oh my, that is a low cut dress," Jeannie said of the tall, well-endowed woman's attire.
"I know!" Bridget said, as if she was upset. "I can't wait to get my hands on the woman who designed this." The interns may have sewn them, but the design was all Sarah. She turned to Myka and said - "No, really, I can't wait to get my hands on her….," Bridget said softer to Myka who laughed.
Bridget was exactly what Myka needed to balance out the Bering intensity. The friend assessed correctly what was going on and immediately suggested Tracy and Jeannie help one another get dressed and that she would help Myka. They were on the other side of the bedroom door before they could answer.
Across the street – as soft music played in the larger room, Helena made sure all the last minute details were attended to. Then she went into the small room off to the side where everyone was waiting for her. Eileen was in her cocktail length black and white dress, and Claudia was in her white pants, white blouse, and black jacket ensemble. The matron-of-honor was also dressed and waiting. Helena's entrance was met with hugs and kisses and then her dress was brought out. Irene asked everyone to wait outside while she helped Helena get dressed.
"Sleep well?" Irene asked, as the dress was taken out of the garment bag.
"Yes, I did," Helena said, smiling.
"It was only a suggestion," Irene said of her thought.
"Not a very good one," Helena said, but Irene dismissed her remark and smiled. Then Irene helped Helena get ready.
When Helena put on her long white dress, Irene was silent, choking back tears at how stunning Helena looked. Her dark locks flowed over her shoulders and back that was completely exposed to her waist. The sleeveless dress had a low-cut bodice with lace-filled areas on the sides on the dress. It had a lace broidered neck line that capped at her shoulders. There was a single brocade down her back to her waist. The tight fitting gown hugged her hips and then flowed outward at the knee.
"Helena," Irene finally said, and her eyes began to water. "I have never seen you look more beautiful."
"Thank you, Irene," Helena said, handing her the earrings the woman had so graciously lent her. "Would you help me with these?"
Helena could feel Irene's hands shaking just the slightest when she helped her put the earrings on. "Remember, Helena, this is your day with Myka. Enjoy every moment so that it remains among your sweetest memories," Irene said tenderly.
"Was yours?" Helena asked, looking into the woman's soft brown eyes.
Irene stopped what she was doing and looked at Helena. "It was," she said with a twinkle in her eyes. "It really was."
The bridal party came back in and when they saw Helena there, Eileen started to cry and had to have her makeup reapplied. Pete rushed in all set, decked out in his tuxedo and latest gadgets that would help him be in touch with Steve and the rest of the Security Team. As Helena's official social date for some time, he had seen her dressed to the nines before, but even he stopped walking when he saw her.
"Cheese and crackers, boss! You look …wow!" was what came out to express his feelings.
"Thank you, Mr. Lattimer," Helena said sincerely.
When he got the text that Myka was on her way, Pete went back outside. "Ready everyone," Irene said and she and Eileen went to the door.
Claudia had planned on saying what was in her heart to Helena, but the words just didn't seem to come. Finally, she was afraid her moment would pass.
"Boss," the techie said, and when Helena raised one eyebrow, she added, "Helena. Yeah, that's not sounding good. Anyway, boss, I just want to say - you know – thank you for everything. And I'm really happy for you and Myka, boss," Claudia said – and her voice cracked. She pursed her lips, having broken her promise to herself that she wouldn't get all 'mushy'.
Helena had a special bond with Claudia. Have plucked her from near homelessness, she was the one who understood the youth's overzealous pride in everything. Helena hadn't just recognized Claudia's genius; she had seen her aloneness in the world. Helena understood Claudia and how, in spite of being happy for her now, she worried about changes.
"Thank you, Claudia," Helena said, leaning in to hug her protégé. "This changes nothing for us," she whispered because she knew the techie needed that assurance. When things have been taken from you, Helena understood, you always need that. It was one of the few times Helena didn't mind repeating herself.
Claudia broke the embrace gently and looked into Helena's eyes. "Thank you," she said and turned away before the tears spilled more.
The music started to play and Irene looked at Helena. "Are you ready, my dear?" she asked and Helena nodded.
Then Eileen and Claudia joined Pete on the dais. The Mayor stood there with his hands clasped in front of him, beaming. Irene opened the door and people stood up as Helena made her way to the place where she and Myka would stand.
And then it was time.
The music played the wedding march and the back doors opened. Much to everyone's surprise, the first person to enter was none other than …Bandit – who obediently carried a basket in his mouth that overflowed with rose petals. As he walked diligently down the aisle towards Irene, whose eyes were locked on him, the petals fell on the white runner.
"You made him the flower girl?" Pete moaned and slapped his forehead.
The crowd loved it and the fact that the dog never strayed from his course, was a testament to his trainer. It was a tough act to follow, but Tracy did her best as she walked the length of the walkway.
Bridget turned to Myka, waiting her turn. "Listen to me, kiddo. This is yours and Helena's day. No one else's. So enjoy every moment. She's very fortunate, Myka," the friend said, squeezing Myka's hand. Then the investment banker, with the largest zest for life that Myka had ever seen, walked quietly down the aisle.
"Honey," Mr. Bering said, facing his daughter. "I couldn't be happier for you."
The music swelled to indicate Myka's approach and the doors reopened. When Helena first caught a glimpse of Myka starting to walk down the aisle, it hit her how beautiful Myka looked. Myka's hair was swept up with a loose curl hanging here and there. Her white dress was a traditional full lace skirt with a satin bodice that had lace capped sleeves at the shoulder.
"Oh my God," Helena let out and Irene chuckled. "She's absolutely beautiful," the Brit spoke what her heart thought.
"She is indeed," Irene whispered.
Flashes went off as Myka passed by, holding onto her father's arm. Helena stepped off the platform to join them. Warren kissed Myka and then turned to kiss Helena as well.
"Thank you, Daddy," Myka said.
It took Helena a minute, and with a cough from the Mayor, before she could break the gaze she had on Myka. She couldn't stop looking at her.
"I am honored, to be here today, as a friend to the most wonderful couple I know," the Mayor began. The couple didn't know it, but Irene had gone over what he was allowed to say and what he wasn't. His compliance to what the formidable woman wanted was second only to Bandit's.
"We are gathered here today to join this couple in matrimony," the Mayor continued.
Helena and Myka couldn't really hear him. Facing one another, their eyes locked, little else occupied their minds.
"And now the couple will exchange the vows they have written," the Mayor announced. Pete stepped forward and handed Myka the ring. Myka had asked Helena if she could go first. Now she took a deep breath and exhaled. Holding the ring on Helena's finger, she said;
"Helena, I have always known the type of person I wanted to spend my life with. I knew I needed to be with someone who, when they look at me across a crowded room, would cause my heart to beat faster. I hoped for someone who, when they spoke, their words would make me melt inside. I wished for someone who, when they touched me, there would be no doubt; I was the person they wanted to be with. I prayed that this person, when they whispered my name in my ear, would be the one I desired to follow body and soul to the ends of the earth. I have found all of that, and more, in you. You are my want, my need, my hope, my wish and prayer answered, Helena. You are my lover, my companion in all I do, my friend, my One. I promise I will cherish and honor you always. Through sorrow and success, through changes good and bad, I will hold your hand and walk beside you. Wherever our journey leads us, Helena, I promise to be there." And with that, Myka gently pushed the wedding band the rest of the way on Helena's finger.
Mr. and Mrs. Bering both cried. Tracy wished she had thought to write her own vows. Kevin wished Myka had written theirs. Bridget, holding onto Myka's bouquet, pinched her own hand not to cry. She knew there was more to come. Pete stepped forward again, and handed the second wedding band to Helena. She took it, turned to Myka, and took her hand.
"Myka, my darling," the writer started, as she held Myka's hand. "Few people realize the immensity of vacancy in which the dust of the material universe swims."
Most of the attendees frowned a bit and looked at one another. Jane pointed to Officer Bell who googled the words. Helena's opening remark seemed to confuse them. Except Myka …and Mr. Bering. Even he recognized it as a line from the famous H.G. Wells novel he used to read to Myka when she was young. In the moment of silence, the two exchanged knowing smiles. It was Helena's confirmation that indeed – Myka was marrying the H.G. Wells she had known all her life.
"…But my love for you could fill that space and more. Not a day goes by, that I do not give thanks that you came into my life. I am grateful for Time allowing me to travel to be here with you. You are my best friend, my lover, and confidant. You are my raison d'etre and my first thought in all I do. Myka, I promise to always be there for you, to grow along with you, to give you the best of myself, even in the worst of times. I will do this, not only in words, but in my deeds. Our Oneness has been written by the heavens. In all that I do, I will love you, honour your good name, and cherish your companionship. In this world and the next." Helena gently slipped the ring on Myka's finger.
For a moment, Myka simply stared at the lips that spoke those words that filled her heart. And Helena's breathing slowed as she fell deeply into the jade pools that gazed back at her. The only sounds you could hear was the clicking of cameras and people blowing their noses and wiping tears from their eyes.
"Do you, Myka Ophelia Bering, take Helena George Wells to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the Mayor asked.
"Oh God, yes, I do," Myka responded and people softly laughed at her enthusiastic response.
"And do you, Helena George Wells, take Myka Ophelia Bering to be your lawfully wedded wife?" he asked.
"With all my heart, I do," Helena responded.
"And now, as a couple dedicated to one another for the rest of your lives, supported and loved by all the witnesses here, and always hand in hand and heart to heart with one another, go forth and live each day to the fullest," the Mayor said. "You may now kiss the bride," he added, beaming.
Leena automatically reached for Gerald's hand, not only out of affection, but to brace herself. She anticipated what was about to happen.
In that moment, when Helena leaned in to kiss Myka, and Myka responded, a near invisible white light enveloped the couple, and rose to the ceiling like a column. Perhaps it was the energy, the anticipation, the love that filled the room that sent out a vibe throughout the space, touching everyone in it.
Or perhaps it was the Universe's way of acknowledging that what it had declared to be was in fact happening as it should.
Thunderous applause rose up within the Wells designed structure. Myka and Helena turned to face their family and friends. Helena never looked more radiant; Myka never looked happier.
Pete never cried so much in his life. "I can't help it," he said.
"Bell, tissue please," the detective said to her young protégé who was there on official business. Right now, it was handing Jane all the tissues she needed …..for Pete.
Eileen beamed as she watched the couple she always knew were meant to be together, holding hands and smiling at the crowd. Claudia coughed her emotions back, but when Eileen squeezed her hand, the techie couldn't hold back anymore and tears streamed down her face. Even Artie blew his nose loudly just so he could use his handkerchief to wipe away a tear.
"Did you see that, Mrs. F?" Pete leaned forward and asked.
"I'm sorry?" Irene whispered.
"The …..," Pete said, and made the sound of the light saber from Star Wars as he motioned his hands up to the ceiling. "Did you see that?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," the matron-of-honor said. Then she turned to Eileen, who had also seen it, and winked.
"I swear….," Pete murmured to himself.
The newly married couple walked hand in hand down the aisle as the organist and violinist played. In the lobby, the interns were waiting with the couples' long white coats, so that they could emerge into the winter air and greet the well-wishers. The crowd had been waiting for hours and as soon as the doors opened, they broke out in a singular cheer. The newlyweds emerged, holding hands and waving. Then Myka and Helena gave them what they were waiting for – they kissed. It was a sea of cell phones and cameras. Then separating – each walked to the barricade with two Wells Security team members. Pete watched the people who reached out to the women, making sure everyone was safe. Small children handed Helena and Myka flowers and were personally thanked. People handed them homemade cards which were graciously accepted.
"Will this change you?" someone shouted to Helena.
"Oh, I do hope so," she smiled back.
Right on time, Myka and Helena returned to the front of the structure, joining one another. Again, they kissed and waved to the crowd of the adoring public and news crews. Their wedding was on every channel and social media site.
They joined their family and friends back in the hall. Congratulations were offered and hugs exchanged. After a short time, Helena and Myka went to the white Rolls Royce. While their guests made their way to the brunch, the brides made their way through the streets of Manhattan, waving to the well-wishers that lined the streets. Then they went to different locations around the city for their professional photo shoot. Finally, they arrived at the Waldorf Astoria where the reception was being held. Myka hadn't let go of Helena's hand practically the whole time. Helena took every opportunity she could to kiss Myka's lips.
The family and friends were in the Skylight Ballroom awaiting the guests of honor. When the music announced their arrival, family and friends stood as the couple entered. Then the spotlight shone on them and their song; "How Long Will I Love You," played. Helena put her hands on Myka's hips, Myka put her hands around Helena's neck as the two closed the space between them and danced to the music slowly.
"How long will I love you?
As long as stars are above you
And longer, if I can.
How long will I need you?
As long as the seasons need to
Follow their plan.
How long will I be with you?
As long as the sea is bound to
Wash upon the sand.
How long will I want you?
As long as you want me to
And longer by far.
How long will I hold you?
As long as your father told you,
As long as you can.
How long will I give to you?
As long as I live through you
However long you say.
How long will I love you?
As long as stars are above you
And longer, if I may.
We're all traveling through time together
Every day of our lives.
All we can do is do our best
To relish this remarkable ride."
The only sound above the singer's lyrics and the music was one person crying loudly. Jane nudged her assistant who immediately provided the required tissue. "Here you go, honey," Jane said to Pete.
The song ended, the applause subsided, and the couple sat down to join their guests in dinner. "You explained everything to your parents?" Helena leaned over and whispered.
"Oh yes," Myka said.
"Good," Helena said, squeezing Myka's hand.
While the brides were enjoying their dinner, Helena heard the noise again. The incessant clinking of utensil on glass. "I do not understand this custom at all," Helena said, as Myka leaned in to kiss her. "I do not need prompting to kiss you." One glare in Irene's direction and the crowd was asked to stop.
The evening was filled with dancing and laughter among the friends. "I knew from the very beginning these two would be together," Eileen said.
"Yes, you did, my little Miss Clairvoyant. What else do you see in the future?" a slightly inebriated Claudia asked.
Eileen smiled back warmly. "I see wonderful things."
The friends were all seated at one table together. Steve and Jack raised their glasses to Eileen and Claudia, saying they should be next. The suggestion brought a blush to both of their faces, but Claudia reached under the table and held Eileen's hand.
"I'm usually not like this," Pete said following his latest crying jag. "They're just so wonderful together."
"I know, honey, I know. Even I have to admit they're perfect for each other," Jane added, thanking Officer Bell for having an endless supply of tissues.
Helena and Myka were about to leave when Helena scanned the room and waved to Irene. "Please do me a favor," she asked.
"Of course," Irene said.
"Check in on Ms. Cummings in our absence," Helena whispered. "Tomorrow."
"Ms. Cummings?" Irene asked. Of all the people Helena would ask her to check in on, that was the last name she expected to hear.
"Yes. I am concerned that Ms. Cummings and Ms. Styles are on two different wavelengths. I think that's going to become an issue very soon," Helena said, glancing over at her wife's friend.
"Now don't you worry," Irene tried to assure Helena.
"I am not worried. I am incredibly perceptive," Helena clarified.
"I'm glad to see marriage hasn't changed you," Irene laughed and quickly added, "Yet."
While the entire room was up dancing and enjoying themselves, the brides – who had said their heartfelt thanks and goodbyes, left the hotel. The press was waiting in the cold night air for them. The brides pulled the hoods of their white wedding coats over their heads and went straight to the cars. After a brief stop at the townhouse, where they changed into more comfortable outfits, they emerged and went to the airport. All the time, the press snapped picture after picture of the women whose faces were now concealed by their hats and scarves. It was a very cold night.
The private jet waited for them at JFK airport. Security rushed them through and the two finally made it to their seats. Within a short time, they departed for their first destination – London.
It had all gone off without a problem. As Mrs. Frederic pushed off her higher than usual heels in her home in Queens, she sipped on a warm cup of tea. Her eyes widened when she looked at the end of the recliner chair to see Bandit there, holding her slippers.
"Mr. Bandit," she said, smiling. "I believe this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Then she glanced over at the picture window of her living room and up at the night sky. "Safe travels," she whispered.
Helena sat next to Myka in the private plane. "Well, Mrs. Bering-Wells, in a short time, we will begin our honeymoon."
"I don't think I can wait that long," Myka confessed in a whisper.
"Oh? What do you propose then?" Helena asked devilishly.
"Well," Myka said, looking around to make sure none of the crew could hear her. "I was hoping to …..," she said, whispering her intentions in Helena's ear.
The Brit listened, unfastened her seatbelt, and shot to the front of the plane where the crew was. Within seconds she returned. "What was that all about?" Myla asked.
"I reminded them that we are on our honeymoon and wish to be left alone," Helena smiled.
"Oh good," Myka said, slowly running her hand up the front of Helena's blouse.
"And I told them you simply could not keep your hands off me," Helena teased.
"Well, that's actually true," Myka said, nibbling on Helena's ear, making it hard to think.
"And …I assured them…..if they heard moaning of any kind…," Helena gasped as Myka pushed her hand down Helena's thigh. "…..they were not to come in here."
"Oh Helena, you should have said screaming," Myka said slowly. "Because, Helena, there will be screaming."
The crew did as they were instructed and tried to pretend that they didn't hear the loud moans and gasps as the cabin erupted into expressions of pleasure.
Hours later, when the plane touched down, the exhausted couple made their way to their final destination. In the early hours of the morning, they were finally alone.
"I love you, Helena. I always have," Myka said, as they lay together.
"And I love you, Myka. I always will," Helena said, resting her head on Myka's chest and listing to her heartbeat. "In this world and the next."
And with that, the newlyweds gave into the slumber that whispered their names. The cool breeze off the waters outside surrounded their bed and lulled them into sleep.
"In this world and the next," Myka repeated softly.
Ellie Goulding's "How Long Will I Love You"
Thank you for reading along.