Chapter 62
Elizabeth made her way down the steps on shaky feet. The shakiness was not due to nerves, she was anxious. She could not wait to marry Jason. Emily led the way through the Livingroom and stopped at the back door. They heard the music beginning to play and Emily turned back to Elizabeth one last time, winked and headed out the door. Elizabeth had chosen to walk down the aisle herself. She had thought about asking Audrey to give her away but felt it was not anyone's place to give her away. She was giving herself away, giving herself to Jason.
The door was opened by the coordinator and Elizabeth stepped on the patio. There was a chill in the air but as soon as she began walking toward the crowd she could feel the warmth of the heaters and fireplaces. She gripped her small bouquet of deep red roses and walked around the corner. She stopped at the end of the row of chairs as soon as Jason was in her view.
Jason stood in the front with Sonny and Cameron. He watched as his sister, smiling from ear to ear, walked down the short aisle and took her place, turning to await Elizabeth. The guests stood and turned to see Elizabeth rounding the corner and stopping in the back. She stood and locked eyes with Jason who instantly felt butterflies. He was not one to feel nervousness or anxiety but seeing her made him feel every emotion, even the ones he always repressed.
Elizabeth stood, dressed in a cream colored, strapless dress that was covered in lace. There was a white satin sash around the waist and her hair was half up, half down, curls draping over her shoulder. Even from where he was standing he could see that she was wearing the earrings he had given her.
Elizabeth slowly began her walk down the short aisle. She took in the gorgeous view of Jason waiting for her. Instead of a tuxedo he wore a simple black suit with a black tie and white dress shirt. His eyes sparkled as they were locked on hers, watching her walk toward him. With all eyes of the guests on her nobody saw Jason's lips moving, silently telling her that she was beautiful.
Elizabeth was completely unaware of who was in attendance. As she made her way down the aisle she only saw Jason and he only saw her. When she finally reached him he reached for her hand and she handed Emily her flowers. The minister spoke:
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to witness before family and friends the exchange of solemn vows between Jason and Elizabeth.
Marriage, is not by any, to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this union these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly, it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.
Through marriage, Jason and Elizabeth make a commitment together to face their disappointments, embrace their dreams, realize their hopes, and accept each other's failures. Jason and Elizabeth will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together, through mutual understanding, openness, and sensitivity to each other.
This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.
Elizabeth:
Jason, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with all my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.
Jason:
Elizabeth, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with all my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.
What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand?
May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.
Jason and Elizabeth place the rings on each others fingers.
May you always share with each other the gifts of love, be one in heart and in mind, may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts, love, generosity and kindness.
You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend.
What, therefore, God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
And so, by the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you man and wife, and may your days together be good and long upon the earth.
You may now kiss the bride.
Jason smiled, bending his head and his lips brushed against hers, kissing her ever so lightly, leaving her wanting more. Throughout the ceremony he had looked at her so intensely that it made her knees weak. The guests stood to congratulate them as Jason and Elizabeth hugged and kissed each one and slowly made their way toward the back of the crowd, toward the house.
Audrey held Jake and hugged Elizabeth and Jason, wishing them luck. One by one they greeted and were congratulated by their guests, Sonny then Emily then Monica then Jax then… Carly, who hugged and kissed Jason then cordially smiled at a relieved Elizabeth. Her biggest worry was that Carly would decide to speak and not hold her peace but she did and Elizabeth would forever be thankful that she did.
Cameron, who seemed unsure of exactly all of this meant, ran up to Elizabeth, "Mommy… you look bootyful."
Elizabeth smiled and bent down, kissing her son on the forehead, "Thank you Cam, and I think you look very handsome."
Elizabeth knew that Jason did not like crowds and he was handling it well. Soon they had made their way through each guest and before she knew it Jason was pulling her in the back door to an empty kitchen.
"You are absolutely beautiful. I love you so much, the words just don't…" before he could finish or she could reply his lips found hers. His arms wrapped around her waist as her hands moved to his face, holding him and the kiss. She sighed and he trailed kisses down her jaw line to her neck, stopping to pull her into him closer. He buried his head in her neck and stood holding her as they whispered their love to each other. Finally he pulled back and took her hand in his, grabbing the doorknob with the other. "I think we should go back outside Mrs. Morgan… before we ditch this party."
Elizabeth flashed a big smile, "Ok, lets go Mr. Morgan."
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Another short one but I wanted to post what I had so far.
Just a heads up, I do have plans, a lot more, but the wedding and reception will be ending this story... but don't worry i will be starting a sequal/continuation with the honeymoon, baby and everything else and post a link in this one. I should get that last chapter up tomorrow... hopefully!
