Chapter 8
August 20, 2000
We'll be landing back on Carmellia in only a few hours. Don and Scotter are with us and have a new group of recruits to train. Marcus has also returned with us, since the med bay is still the medical lab, at least for a little bit longer. We need to collect more bacta, since we used up our entire supply on Don and Ronon. The wonderful thing is, Phiscus and Gannon have joined forces with Marcus. Once Marcus and mom get the research written up, as well as a new supply of bacta, Phiscus will present it to the government. With Phiscus and Balus working together, the laws regarding health care will change, and the Ministry of Extermination will be 'exterminated'. Personally, I think they should blow the building up, but Balas feels that it needs to stand as a memorial to those who wrongly lost their lives there. Since his 'vessel' was one of them, his opinion means a whole lot more than mine.
Gannon is quite a talented doctor. When the laws change, he'll be able to do much more than just clean and bandage cuts and bruises. He hasn't spoken to anyone about it, but I think he's gay. I can see that spark in his eyes when he looks at Ronon. Kind of like the spark I have when I look at Don. Ronon and I have talked about it, but he's not sure he's ready to find out if it's real.
Oh, the counselor (I just love that man!) studied my face when he saw me, and he laughed this deep, hearty laugh. He took Don's hand and placed it over mine and said another prayer. Kairon translated for us and said that he was blessing the union of our bodies and the child that it has produced. How did he know? Don asked him if the child was the 'mark on the world' he had talked to him about a while ago. He nodded and gave him a good pat him on the back.
Kairon and Ronon are starting to grow into their roles as the leaders of the recruits. They learned a lot in the last week, and Don is almost comfortable leaving them alone. Scotty said that it was time for them to leave the nest and fly on their own. Scotty would have made a great father, but Don… well, he'll make a great father too, but we'll have to temper that overprotective streak he has. What did he call dad? POP? Profoundly-Over-Protective dad. I have to remember that one.
Before we left, I announced that I want to have that wedding ceremony that Dad offered us on August 24th, our first anniversary. I guess I should call it a 'renewal of vows' ceremony. I want the chance for us to write and exchange our own vows. I' hope I can have our new friends there. Balus promised that he can transport them, as long as we keep the group small. Kairon and Ronon have to be there. I'm hoping Gannon can come, and I know Phiscus wants to see the original 'bacta factories'. Balus said he would sneak the counselor on board, because he wouldn't trust leaving him alone without getting into trouble. I had to laugh at that.
August 22, 2000
The ceremony will be in two days. Balus' ship will be arriving tomorrow, and we'll have a day to finalize things. Don and I each made some plans that we're trying to keep from each other. One is the vows, and each of us has chosen a song for the ceremony. I let him choose the processional, and I chose the recessional. I warned him that I refuse to march into "Prove It All Night", and he agreed, as long as we're not walking out to "Like a Virgin." I had to agree with that one, but I think I'll try to slip it in sometime during the party. Will will be singing a song in the middle of the ceremony. He found out that one of the new recruits, a young man by the name of Zandus, who doesn't seem to be much older than Penny, has a beautiful voice and wants to do a duet. I told Will to surprise us.
Penny, Mom and I all have beautiful gowns that one of the recruits was able to steal from the palace spa. They're all made with this shimmering material that seems to twinkle and reflect whatever light hits it. I chose a deep azure blue gown, because I thought it would go well with Don's dress blues. Oh, I better remember to tell him to wear the entire outfit, sword and all! Mom is wearing a green shade that sets off her red hair. Penny would look beautiful in anything, but she thought a violet color would blend well with the blue and the green. We'll have it at the swimming hole, and I'll ask Kairon and Ronon to set-up the lights like they did before. The moons should also be full, so it should be beautiful as long as the weather holds out.
Nervous wasn't the word to describe how Don felt… 'terrified' was more like it. Renewing the vows wasn't the problem, actually writing them was. Eloquence wasn't one of his strong points, and he wasn't sure he could fully express what was in his heart. He just hoped that the right words would come to him at the right time. The formality of the whole affair also scared him a bit. The last time he wore his dress blues was when he was promoted to major, which was just before they launched. Luckily, the suit still fit, but he absolutely was not looking forward to wearing a tie.
He hoped to have another surprise in store for Judy. He had arranged with Marcus to work on his back, a little bit everyday. So far, he'd been able to hide it from Judy. He didn't want to get her hopes up in case the treatment didn't work. The moment of truth was only a few hours away.
The afternoon sun was setting on the horizon when Judy arrived at the swimming hole in the chariot with Penny and her mother. Ronon and Kairon had strung tiny lights all around the lake, and set-up the audio system for the ceremony and party. Don's favorite rock would serve as an alter table and was adorned with flowers. Pachebel's Canon in D, Penny's musical contribution, played softly in the background as Gannon, Phiscus, Balus and the Counselor seated themselves in preparation for the ceremony. John took his place near the 'altar' and Kairon and Ronon took that as their cue to place three candles on Don's rock before sitting, Kairon near Balus and Ronon near Gannon.
Don was brought out in his wheel chair in front of John by Marcus and Scotter. Will and Penny then proceeded down the pathway and stood on either side of John and Don. The soft strums of Springsteen's guitar and the song, If I Should Fall Behind, then replaced the classical music that had been playing as Judy appeared at the end of the path with Maureen and one arm, and Dr. Smith on the other. Don was mesmerized at the sight of her. Her beauty was luminescent as her mother's mantilla fluttered around her face in the breeze.
"We said we'd walk together baby come what may
That come the twilight should we lose our way
If as we're walkin a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me"
Scotter gave Don a gentle nudge and helped him stand. Marcus took the wheel chair away while Scotty put Don's sword, which had been adapted to serve as a cane, in his hand. He and Marcus took their seats.
"We swore we'd travel darlin' side by side
We'd help each other stay in stride
But each lover's steps fall so differently
But I'll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for me"
This time it was Judy's turn to be mesmerized. She froze when Don stood up, her face in shock. He winked at her as Maureen tugged at Judy's arm to continue down the path.
"Now everyone dreams of a love lasting and true
But you and I know what this world can do
So let's make our steps clear that the other may see
And I'll wait for you
If I should fall behind
Wait for me"
They reached Don, who shook Dr. Smith's hand and kissed Maureen on the cheek. Then he warmly grasped Judy's hand in his and smoothly turned to face John.
"Now there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead
There 'neath the oak's bough soon we will be wed
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
Darlin' I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me"
He leaned towards her ear and asked, "Did I do good?"
She gave him a brilliant smile, "Yes, it's beautiful."
John welcomed all to the gathering and began…
"We are here to witness the renewal of the bonding of my beautiful and caring daughter, Judy, and my stubborn," he paused to allow Judy's giggle to stop, "but courageous son-in-law, Don. Not only do we honor your commitment to each other, but we also give thanks for the miracle that you can both stand here before God, your family and friends to celebrate your love."
He clasped both hands around theirs and held them up before him. Your entwined hands are a symbol of your union… hands that protect, hands that nurture, hands that love. And with those hands we pray."
He nodded to Will who retrieved his guitar and began to sing.
"Where are you going?
Where are you going?
Can you take me with you?
For my hand is cold
And needs warmth
Where are you going?
Zandus then joined in
Far beyond where the horizon lies
Where the horizon lies
And the land sinks into mellow blueness
Oh, please, take me with you"
Don leaned towards Judy again. "Godspell?"
"Godspell," she replied.
"Let me skip the road with you
I can dare myself
I can dare myself
I'll put a pebble in my shoe
And watch me walk (watch me walk)
I can walk and walk!
(I can walk!)"
Judy leaned towards Don this time and whispered, "Do you mind the 'walking' part?"
He grinned back at her, "Nah, Will checked with me."
"I shall call the pebble Dare
I shall call the pebble Dare
We will talk together about walking
Dare share be carried
And when we both have had enough
I will take him from my shoe, singing:
"Meet your new road!"
Then I'll take your hand
Finally glad
Finally glad
That you are here
By my side
By my side
By my side
By my side"
Will and Zandus returned to their seats.
John asked Don and Judy to face each other.
"Judy… Don… you have come together to exchange what is in your hearts."
Judy's mouth curved into a brilliant smile and her eyes sparkled as she began, "Don, your car may have taken my eye when we first met, but your soul stole my heart, and I have never wanted it back. You have my heart, my soul, and my spirit… forever."
Don squeezed her hand and nervously looked at the ground. He took a deep breath and the words flowed when he gazed into her eyes. "Judy, you are my strength, my courage, and my life. I would do anything for you, even listen to Madonna, because all I want to do is make you happy… forever."
John continued. "And now for the rings."
Judy and Don looked at him in confusion. Judy whispered, "Dad, we don't have rings."
Marcus boldly stated, "Yes you do", as he and Balus each brought a ring to the altar.
Balus whispered to Judy as he placed the ring in front of the center candle, "This ring belonged to my 'vessel', whom I dearly loved."
Marcus barely held back the tears as he stammered, "This… this is mine. I want you to have it."
Don shook his head. "I can't take this from you. It's all you have of her."
Marcus smiled. "Take it… and live the life that I was denied." He placed the ring next to the other.
The strains of Elton John's Love Song filled the air.
"The words I have to say
May well be simple but they're true.
Until you give your love
There's nothing more that we can do."
John nodded for Maureen, Dr. Smith and Scotter to approach the altar.
"Love is the opening door.
Love is what we came here for.
No one could offer you more.
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?"
John and Maureen lit the taper on the left, and Dr. Smith and Scotty the taper on the right.
"You say it's very hard
To leave behind the life we knew.
But there's no other way
And now it's really up to you".
Judy and Don each picked up his and her own taper, and, together, they lit the central candle.
"Love is the key we must turn.
Truth is the flame we must burn.
Freedom the lesson we must learn.
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?"
John picked up the rings and gave the larger one to Judy, and the smaller one to Don. "Take these rings as a symbol of your love and devotion to each other."
He nodded to Don who stated, "Judy, take this ring as a symbol of my love… and our shared destiny." He slid it onto her finger, and brought her hand to his lips.
Judy pushed the ring onto Don's fourth finger and said, "Don, take this ring as a symbol of my love and our shared… eternity." She brought his palm to her lips. He shivered.
John finished the ceremony. "I now re-pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride… and groom…"
Judy threw her hands around Don's neck and pulled him close. He wrapped his left arm around her waist and kissed her gently, sweetly, lovingly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Major and Mrs. Donald West."
Judy's recessional song was a surprise to Don. Instead of hearing Madonna's Cherish, which he would have bet money on, he heard the Gin Blossoms' Soul Deep begin.
"Well darlin' I don't know much
But I know I learned so much
My life depends on your touch"
Marcus brought the wheel chair out for Don again, who sat down gratefully.
"For my love is a river running soul deep
Way down inside me it's soul deep.
Too big to hide and it can't be denied
My love is a river running soul deep.".
Don grabbed Judy around the waist and pulled her onto his lap. "The Gin Blossoms from Speed, our first movie together."
"You remembered!"
"Of course, I remembered. That was a great movie."
"I'd put myself to death for ya
Just to show I adore ya
Nothin' I wouldn't do for ya
Cause my love is a river running soul deep
Way down inside me it's soul deep
Too big to hide and it can't be denied
My love is a river running soul deep."
They kissed again and Don motored down the pathway and waited for their friends and family to congratulate them.
"All I ever really want to be
Depends on your love for me
Baby believe me
If you should leave me
I'd be nothing but an empty shell
And you know darn well I can tell though
My love is a river running soul deep"
September 1, 2000
The wedding part 2… The ceremony was beautiful, but the party was great fun. When it was time for 'our dance', I couldn't resist having them play Like a Virgin. I almost felt guilty, because Don went through so much trouble to stand up again, and he gave me this incredulous look, I know he wanted to say, 'You've got to be kidding!', but he remembered his wedding vow. We all had a good laugh at his face, but I didn't make him suffer for too long. We switched it to Crazy for You, which he was more than okay with. We didn't exactly dance, but it was wonderful just standing together and swaying to the music. He buried his head in my neck and I just wanted to cuddle him all night (which I did later). Of course, when the party was over, Ronon couldn't resist one more chorus of Prove It All Night. They all sang along, even my parents! I can't imagine being any happier.
The End