Roger's eyes were on Blake as she began her slow, measured walk down the aisle to piano accompaniment that sounded vaguely familiar to him without him knowing why. Jake McKinnon, Paulina standing near him, and the photographer Rachel had gotten, inconspicuously began filming the proceedings with their respective cameras.
Then a female vocalist began to sing, and Roger recognized the song, Beatles fan that he was: it had been written by John Lennon. But this version was unlike anything he had heard before, slow, more beautiful, and the song had always reminded him of Holly because Roger knew that the first two lines were from a poem by Robert Browning.
"Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be
When our time has come
We will be as one
God bless our love
God bless our love"
Blake's eyes were filled with tears of joy, and she beamed happily and proudly at her father. A quick look to her right revealed Kevin and Jason, pacifiers in their mouths, sleeping snuggled up to each other in their stroller facing Rachel, Frankie, and Cass, all three veteran parents (and grandmother, in Rachel's case) ready to attend to anything either baby might need during the ceremony. Then she focused on her father once again, marveling at how joyful he looked. If ever any man had been said to be glowing, Roger was at that moment, lit from within with happiness and with confidence in himself and Holly and their love in immeasurable depths.
Blake reached her place before Reverend Watson and surreptitiously swiped at her eyes, not wanting her view of her parents' wedding to be blurred even by her own happy tears, and she caught Roger's eye and smiled more brightly and widely at him. He returned the smile, and then turned to face the doorway, so Blake did too.
Then Holly appeared in the doorway, radiating joy, love, and certainty, and she only had eyes for Roger. Their gazes locked, and Blake was right: Holly did indeed take Roger's breath away. Holly saw Roger gasp when he saw her, saw the love and happiness and excitement in his eyes, and saw him start to breathe again. He looked so handsome and dashing in his new tuxedo, his hands clasped in front of him, waiting for her. She had thought her smile couldn't grow any wider, but it did.
Holly was so focused on Roger that she didn't notice that Donna stood up, and that the others (except, of course, for Kevin and Jason) followed suit and remained standing, watching as she made her way down the aisle to Roger.
"Grow old along with me
Two branches of one tree
Face the setting sun
When the day is done
God bless our love
God bless our love"
When Holly was halfway down the aisle, Roger couldn't wait any longer. She had said that if she wasn't wearing heels, she would run down the aisle to him. It occurred to Roger that he wasn't wearing heels. He quickly and surely walked up the aisle to meet Holly. She looked surprised for the briefest of microseconds, but then she silently chuckled when she realized what he was doing.
They both stopped in the middle of the aisle, facing each other as Blake and Reverend Watson and their friends looked on, smiling and exchanging looks. Roger reached for Holly's hand, threading his fingers through hers, then moved to stand beside her. "Let's go for a walk," Roger said so only Holly could hear him.
"Yes, let's," she replied so only he could hear her, and they walked the rest of the way down the aisle together, hand in hand, looking at each other with palpable love and jubilance as they made their way to where Reverend Watson, Blake, and Michael were waiting.
"Spending our lives together
Man and wife together
World without end
World without end"
The words of the song reached Roger and Holly then and had a visible effect on them both, the love they felt for one another, and the elation they each felt over their impending nuptials, fortified by the depth of the realization that they were going to do exactly that: spend their lives together as man and wife, world without end, for even if the world did end, they would be all right, because they had each other now, and they always would.
Blake, Michael, Donna, Rachel, Frankie, Cass, Sharlene, John, and Reverend Watson watched Roger and Holly walk down the aisle together, each one of them happy in their own way for the couple and pleased to be a part of this moment.
Roger and Holly reached their places. Roger stepped up on the large step first and helped Holly up. Then he caught her eye and looked over Reverend Watson's shoulder out the window. Holly followed his gaze and her mouth dropped open when she saw the boats in the bay all decked out in lights and Christmas finery. She saw in Roger's smile and his eyes that he had known about this boat parade before now, and she realized this must have been one reason he wanted them to get married at The Harbor Club.
The song concluded as Holly watched the boats, enthralled, and Roger watched Holly watching the boats, enthralled.
"Grow old along with me
Whatever fate decrees
We will see it through
For our love is true
God bless our love
God bless our love
God bless our love
God bless our love"
When the song had ended and the final notes had faded away, Reverend Watson motioned to the guests to be seated and opened the Bible in his hands. Then he began speaking.
"We have come together tonight in the presence of God to witness the marriage of Holly Margaret Lindsey and Roger Adam Thorpe, to ask God's blessing on them, and to share in their joy. Our Lord Jesus Christ was himself a guest at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and through his Spirit he is with us now.
"The Scriptures teach us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and a means of his grace, a holy mystery, in which this man and this woman become one flesh. It is God's purpose that, as a husband and a wife give themselves to each other in love throughout their lives, they shall be united in that love as Christ is united with the Church.
"Marriage is given that husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and in joy. It is given, that with delight and tenderness you may know each other in love, and through the joy of your union may strengthen the union of your hearts and lives. It is given, that they may have children and be blessed in caring for them and bringing them up in accordance with God's will, to his praise and glory."
Here Roger and Holly both looked at Blake to find her watching them raptly, intently, and with an unabashed joy. The trio turned their full attention back to Reverend Watson as he continued with the ceremony.
"We are gathered here tonight in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments. We are here to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words that will unite Holly and Roger in holy matrimony.
"Holly and Roger, marriage is the most important of all earthly relationships. It should be entered into reverently, thoughtfully, and with full understanding of its sacred nature. Your marriage must stand by the strength of your love and the power of your faith in each other and in God. Just as two threads woven in opposite directions form a beautiful tapestry, so your two lives when merged together will make a beautiful marriage.
"In marriage husband and wife belong to one another, and begin a new life together in the community. It is a way of life that all should honor; and it must not be undertaken carelessly, lightly, or selfishly, but reverently, responsibly, and after serious thought.
"This is the way of life, created and hallowed by God, that you, Holly, and you, Roger, are now to begin."
Then came the part of the ceremony that, unbeknownst to Holly and Roger, Blake had asked Reverend Watson to add.
Reverend Watson looked out over everyone assembled there, including Blake and Michael standing beside Holly and Roger, and asked them, "Will you who are present here today, surround this couple in love, offering them the joys of your friendship? Will you support this couple in their relationship? At times of conflict will you offer them the strength of your wisest counsel and the comfort of your thoughtful concern? At times of joy, will you celebrate with them, nourishing their love for one another?"
Blake, Michael, and all of the adult guests responded in unison, "We will."
Holly and Roger looked quickly over their shoulders at their smiling friends before returning their gazes to the front, to Reverend Watson, who smiled at them before continuing.
"In the Bible, First Corinthians chapter 13, verses four through eight, tells us, 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.'
"From 'Foundations of Marriage,' by Regina Hill." This was the part that Holly had asked be added to the ceremony, and she squeezed Roger's hand, knowing this must be the reading that Reverend Watson had chosen after she had talked to him.
"'Love, trust, and forgiveness are the foundations of marriage. In marriage, many days will bring happiness, while other days may be sad. But together, two hearts can overcome everything...In marriage, all of the moments won't be exciting or romantic, and sometimes worries and anxiety will be overwhelming. But together, two hearts that accept will find comfort together. Recollections of past joys, pains, and shared feelings will be the glue that holds everything together during even the worst and most insecure moments. Reaching out to each other as a friend, and becoming the confidant and companion that the other one needs, is the true magic and beauty of any two people together. It's inspiring in each other a dream or a feeling, and having faith in each other and not giving up...even when all the odds say to quit. It's allowing each other to be vulnerable, to be himself or herself, even when the opinions or thoughts aren't in total agreement or exactly what you'd like them to be. It's getting involved and showing interest in each other, really listening and being available, the way any best friend should be. Exactly three things need to be remembered in a marriage if it is to be a mutual bond of sharing, caring, and loving throughout life: love, trust, and forgiveness.'"
Cass and Frankie exchanged a look then, and Cass slipped his arm around Frankie's shoulders. She rested her palm against his chest for a moment.
John and Sharlene were holding hands, and John lifted Sharlene's hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, while she brushed her other hand down the back of his head.
Donna caught Michael's eye and placed one hand to her heart, and Michael mirrored her action for a few seconds before returning his attention to the wedding ceremony.
Rachel didn't try to stem the bittersweet flow of memories of her life with Mac that Roger and Holly's wedding ceremony was evoking in her.
And Blake thought of Ross for the first time all day, wondering how he was doing and hoping that when she got home, he would open up to her and let her console him about Dinah.
Next came the part of the ceremony that Roger had asked for, unbeknownst to Holly.
"Holly, please hold Roger's hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you," Reverend Watson said.
Holly looked at Reverend Watson, puzzled, but then looked at Roger and saw him smiling at her the way he did when she saw the boats in the bay. She turned and handed her bouquet to Blake, then turned back to face Roger and took his hands, holding them palms up as Reverend Watson had told her to do. Reverend Watson continued speaking then.
"These are the hands of your best friend, strong and vibrant with love, that are holdings yours on your wedding day as he promises to love you all the days of his life.
"These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.
"These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
"These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
"These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wrack your mind.
"These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you."
Holly's eyes were teary by the time Reverend Watson had finished, because standing there, holding Roger's hands, looking into his eyes and seeing, feeling, him looking into hers, she knew that Roger's hands would do everything that Reverend Watson had just said they would. She really wanted to pull him into her arms and kiss him then, to hold him and feel him holding her, but she knew she had to wait for the end of the ceremony to do that.
Luckily Reverend Watson continued with the ceremony then and her attention was brought back to his words.
"Roger," Reverend Watson directed, "please hold Holly's hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you."
When Roger was holding Holly's hands, palms up, Reverend Watson went on.
"These are the hands of your best friend, steadfast and gentle, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.
"These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
"These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, and console you when you are grieving.
"These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
"These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized."
After Holly had lowered her hands, Roger bent his head and planted a quick kiss on the back of first one of her hands and then the other. He knew that Holly's hands really would do everything Reverend Watson had just said they would for the rest of their lives, and that knowledge made his insides surge with a joy he had never known before.
"Let us pray," Reverend Watson intoned. Holly took hold of both of Roger's hands in hers and everyone bowed their heads for the prayer.
"God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May Roger and Holly see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name. Amen."
When everyone had raised their heads and opened their eyes, Reverend Watson again addressed the bride and groom directly.
"Holly and Roger, the vows that you are about to make are a way to share your love and commitment to each other in your own words. These vows are your way of openly declaring your promise to one another as well as to all of those who are here in attendance today. Holly?"
Holly took a deep breath, focused on Roger, and spoke what was in her heart.
"You are the love of my life, Roger. And today, I join my life to yours forever. I will be by your side for the rest of our lives, through whatever comes our way. When we argue...and we will, because it's us...I won't walk out on you. I will stay and fight it out, and I will always fight for you, and for us. I will never again run from my love for you, because I don't want to spend one more day, one more moment, without loving you and knowing that you love me. I accept you as you are, unconditionally, your faults and fears and your heart, and I trust you with my heart and with my life. I will love and cherish you beyond forever, because you are the best and the most precious blessing I have ever been given, and I will never again forget that or take it for granted, and I will always be honest with you and take care of you and of our relationship, and I will be faithful to you and on your side for all time. Everything I want and everything I need is right here with you, and that's where I'm going to be from now on: right here with you."
"Roger?" Reverend Watson asked a few beats later.
Roger gently squeezed Holly's hands as he held her gaze. "The future is supposed to be this big, scary thing, filled with uncertainty. But my future isn't uncertain anymore, because you are my future, Holly. I'm sure of you and sure of your love, and I'm sure of us. You are my joy, my love, my heart, my best friend... You're everything to me. I will never put anyone or anything above our relationship again...and if I'm ever stupid and misguided enough to start to do that again, I want you to do whatever it takes to make me realize it so that I can stop doing that and then make it up to you. I will never keep any secrets from you, unless it's what your birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day, or anniversary present is." Roger had tears in his eyes now, and Holly had tears in her eyes as well, and his voice was thicker as he concluded, "I will love you and cherish you and trust you beyond forever, and I will always be by your side, and I will do everything I can to be the best husband I can be. You're the answer to every prayer I ever prayed, and marrying you is every wish I ever made come true, and I give to you now all of myself, everything I am and everything I will ever be, and I accept from you now all of yourself, everything you are and everything you will ever be, unconditionally. I will be honest with you and faithful to you and I'll do everything I can to make you as happy as you make me. Grow old along with me, Holly. The best is yet to be."
"Roger," Reverend Watson said, "do you take Holly to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish, to respect, trust, and care for, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Roger replied firmly.
"Holly," Reverend Watson said, "do you take Roger to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish, to respect, trust, and care for, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Holly replied firmly, happily.
"May I have the rings, please?" Reverend Watson asked. Michael and Blake stepped forward and laid the rings on Reverend Watson's Bible.
"The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love," Reverend Watson said. "Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken."
Reverend Watson extended the Bible to Holly and Roger, and Roger picked up Holly's ring. Then he took her left hand in his, and as he put the ring on her finger, he said, "Holly, I give you this ring as an eternal symbol of my constant faith and abiding love."
Then Holly picked up Roger's ring, took his left hand in hers, and put the ring on his finger as she said, "Roger, I give you this ring as an eternal symbol of my constant faith and abiding love."
Reverend Watson said a prayer over Roger and Holly then, as they stood there holding each other's hands and looking deeply into each other's eyes.
"Bless Holly and Roger's marriage, O God, as they begin their journey down the road of life together. We don't know what lies ahead, for the road turns and bends. But help them to make the best of whatever comes their way.
"Help them to continue to enjoy each other. Help them to realize that nothing and no one is perfect, and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves.
"Help them to respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears, even though they may not always understand them.
"Help them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
"Help them to realize that no matter what happens to them they will hold on to each other, and to know that things have a way of working out for the good.
"But most of all, dear God, help them to keep lit the torch of love that they now share so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and to their children's children forever. Amen."
Then Reverend Watson laid his hand on Roger and Holly's joined hands.
"In the presence of God, and before these people, you have given your consent and made your marriage vows to each other. You have declared your marriage by the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore, by the power vested in me by the state of Illinois, I pronounce that you are husband and wife. You may now-"
At the words 'husband and wife,' Holly and Roger reached for each other and met in a long, loving kiss in which they happily and thoroughly lost themselves.
"-go on kissing the bride," Reverend Watson proclaimed.
No one was sure exactly how long Roger and Holly kissed, but Michael and Cass both looked at their watches after a while, Michael without drawing much attention to himself, and Cass earning an elbow in the ribs from Frankie and a shake of her head from Rachel.
When Roger and Holly broke the kiss, they rested their foreheads against each other, and Roger cradled Holly's face in his hands as she rested one hand on his heart and her other hand, now adorned with a platinum wedding ring matching the one Roger wore, on his face, as they caught their breath.
"Those whom God has joined together, let no one and nothing put asunder," Reverend Watson said. "I now introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Roger and Holly Thorpe."
The song that served as the processional was Mary Chapin-Carpenter's version of "Grow Old With Me," which was written by John Lennon.