The Wedding
Charlie and Emily were in their own world as they walked to the church. Since it was the middle of the afternoon there were a lot of people who noticed them. But they hardly noticed them. Neither saw their smiles or heard their comments about their clothes.
Father Martin, who was waiting in front of the church, saw them in the distance. And when the couple saw him they picked up their pace a bit.
Father Martin acknowledged them with a smile and a comment.
"Charlie, I expected you to be in your dress uniform. Emily, you look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine. Your dress is a perfect bride's dress."
"I thought so too. We're both ready to marry."
"We need to go to the office first. I see you didn't bring your cane, Charlie."
"I really don't need it anymore. Besides, I have Emily right beside me."
When they arrived at the office, Father Martin held the door open for both of them to enter.
"Carol Ann, are the documents on my desk?"
"They are, Father."
"Father, I also have the Navy's paperwork which both Emily and I have signed."
"I'm glad you brought it; some couples forget it's needed. Let's get everything signed and then I'll review the ceremony with you."
The couple had no questions so the signing of all the documents concluded rather quickly. Father Martin went on to explain.
"I arranged for my organist to play for your wedding. Emily, she told me her selection for you to walk down the aisle has a definite beat. She's sure you will hear it and easily walk to it.
"Charlie, you and I will enter the church through the side door near the altar while she plays a prelude. You'll have a full view of Emily coming down the aisle.
After a short introduction to the marriage ceremony, I must begin with that familiar question."
"We know Father. We're sure there will be no one in attendance who doesn't approve of us marrying."
"Next, I move on to the ceremony itself. I will ask each of you to declare your consent to be married for as long as you both shall live."
"And we answer. I will."
"That's correct, Emily."
"I will then ask everyone to sit. I will read a few short verses of scripture and my homily will be the reading of the Love chapter from First Corinthians.
"Then I will ask you to stand and face each other. In turn, beginning with you Charlie, I will ask you to take your vow of marriage. Just repeat each phrase after me.
"Before I pronounce you husband and wife, I will ask you to kneel on the Wedding Kneeler for my final blessing.
"After you stand, I will turn to your guests and say. You may now affirm their marriage with your applause. Do you have any questions?"
"No Father, we're ready to marry."
"Okay, Charlie you stay here while I walk Emily around front; she can wait in the Bride's Room. We'll enter through the side door."
Charlie watched Father Martin lead Emily away. He whispered a quiet prayer. "God, I thank you for Emily. You, of course, always knew we were destined to be married."
Charlie's smile couldn't have been broader. In a few minutes, Father Martin returned to the office.
"Charlie, I saw a long line of navy men approaching the church. They were right behind your parents and Emily's mother."
"She and my mom and dad have already become good friends. All three of them are very pleased we are marrying."
"That's wonderful."
This group the priest had seen consisted of Bus, Admiral Jessup, Captains Harry Spaulding and Marvin Ellender. And also with them were Admiral Hoyle, Chief Petty Officer Paul Adams and the young Ensign who had filmed Charlie on the beach, Robert Bilson.
They were now waiting outside the church door which was already open. It was now about three-forty-five. Bus waited until he heard the organist began to play the first of two selections for the prelude before he allowed them to enter. Charlie's parents and Emily's mom enter first. Then all the navy men entered. Everyone took a seat in the very front pews.
Emily was pacing in this small room. She couldn't wait to say her marriage vows and become Mrs. Emily Madison. The room wasn't sound proof; she had heard the prelude music. She knew the organist was now playing her second selection.
Emily took a deep breath and opened the door. She heard the finale of Sheep May Safely Graze, a favorite musical selection of brides everywhere.
Emily knew it was time to leave the room and stand at the end of aisle. She saw Father Martin lead Charlie to the front of the church. And then Emily heard three musical triplet notes of another familiar piece of music, Trumpet Voluntary which she had heard at her cousin Molly's wedding. She easily walked to its beat. She didn't shy away from looking at Charlie; he was looking at her.
Emily had stopped in front of the altar steps; Charlie took a couple of steps to stand beside her.
Father Martin held a broad smile before he spoke. "The congregation may be seated."
In a few seconds he continued.
"When Commander Cummings spoke to me about his friend and girlfriend wanting to marry when they arrived in America, I was skeptical. I thought it was a very unusual request. And even more unusual was Charlie's mission on Omaha Beach and that he had been wounded.
"All my negative thoughts were set aside the day I met Charlie and Emily. I found them to already be committed to each other; it was almost as if they were already married.
"Today they stand here ready to take their vows and to receive God's blessing on their marriage. Emily's mother and Charlie's mom and dad along with their navy family have gathered here to witness their joining into Holy Matrimony.
"In the first book of the Old Testament, Genesis, we read about God creating two humans, a man and a woman. This was the very first marriage. And our Lord Jesus Christ affirmed the same at a wedding in Cana.
"It's required by the church for me to ask. Is there anyone here who knows of any reason they should not wed; speak now or not ever."
The church was silent.
"Charlie and Emily are either of you hiding a reason you should not marry?"
The couple responded with a loud, "no!"
Father Martin smiled as he continued.
"Since those present and Charlie and Emily have responded either by their silence or a resounding no, I shall continue with their Declarations of Consent."
His head turned slightly and his eyes looked at Emily.
"Emily, will you have this man to be your husband; to live in the covenant of marriage; to love, comfort, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful one to him as long as you both shall live?"
Emily responded loudly. "I will."
Father Martin now looked at Charlie.
"Charlie, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live in the covenant of marriage; to love, comfort, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful one to her as long as you both shall live?"
Charlie's response was just as loud. "I will."
After a slight pause, he looked at those in attendance.
"Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?"
A loud acclamation filled the church. "We will."
"Charlie and Emily, you may sit for the scripture readings."
They sat in chairs which had been placed on either side the steps to the altar."
Father Martin read the scripture readings from the altar floor.
His first reading was from the Song of Solomon. The last verse he read remained with the couple. My lover belongs to me and I to him. We come to meet as the shadows lengthen and the day cools. Arise my beloved, my beautiful one and come to me.
And then from Paul's Letter to the Ephesians they heard. I pray that through faith God will make his home in your hearts. And will come to understand how broad and long, how high and deep is Christ's love for you. May you do your best to know his love that you may be filled with the true nature of God.
"Here ends the readings from scripture."
He placed the book of readings on the altar and picked up a piece of paper.
"I told Charlie and Emily my homily will be short. It's actually a paraphrase of the chapter from First Corinthians, known as the Love Chapter which I use when I teach a First Communion class to explain God's love to them. They always enjoy it. I think you will too.
"Love waits without complaining.
Love is always kind to others.
Love doesn't want other people's toys or money or clothes.
Love never brags about what it has or what it can do.
Love doesn't think it is better than other people.
Love uses its best manners, always and with everyone.
Love says 'you first' instead of 'me first.'
Love doesn't throw fits.
Love doesn't tattle, nor does it laugh when others are sad.
Love doesn't think it's fun or funny to break the rules.
Love never, ever lies.
Love always hopes in God. Love believes that God is good, no matter what happens.
Love is a true friend, no matter what happens.
Love lasts forever and ever.
"May this reading of the Love Chapter bring joy to your hearts and smiles to your faces. We have arrived at the place where the couple takes their vows.
"Charlie and Emily come and stand in front of me and face each other."
They did as he requested.
"Charlie, take hold of Emily's right hand and repeat after me."
Those in attendance barely hear Father Martin; they only heard Charlie.
"In the name of God, I Charlie take you Emily be be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
Now it was Emily's turn. "Emily, take hold of Charlie's right hand and repeat after me."
Now those in attendance only heard Emily.
"In the name of God, I Emily take you Charlie be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
"Charlie and Emily, please knell on the Wedding Kneeler in front of the altar."
Charlie took Emily's hand to mount the few stair steps to the altar and knelt as a couple on the kneeler. Father Martin stood facing them and those in attendance.
He had taken the long length of white cloth with crosses sewn on each end from around his neck. He whispered. "Please hold hands."
Father Martin now wrapped their hands in his stole and prayed. "God I ask you to bless, preserve and keep Charlie and Emily. May You find favor in their love for one another. Now may the Lord fill you with spiritual benediction and grace; living faithfully your lives together. Amen.
"Everyone, please stand. Charlie and Emily, you may face your guests.
"I pronounce that they are husband and wife. May they so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace.
"You may show them your acknowledgment they are now husband and wife with your applause."
Charlie and Emily happily accepted the applause of their guests. But they were surprised when Father Martin said this.
"Please join the newly wed couple for a reception the ladies of the church have prepared. Everyone follow me and I will lead you there."
The organist now played a peppy piece known as Ode to Joy as they left the church. Father Martin led them to the house next to the church whose front room had been prepared for a wedding reception.
Father Martin and the newlyweds stood by the door and introduced him to all their guests as they entered. They thanked each one for their words of congratulations.
This wasn't an elaborate reception. One table had a punch bowl full of a bubbly fruit drink. There were trays of small sandwiches, bowls of nuts and small chocolate candy pieces.
There was music from a phonograph. The man in charge of it was playing records from famous American bands and a few vocal selections from singers Maryann told them were popular singers in America. Names like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Dinah Shore and Jo Stafford meant nothing to Emily.
Maryann told her son. "Charlie, you need to show Emily you can dance. You need to dance together as husband and wife."
And the phonograph man said. "I have the perfect song. Here's Bing Crosby singing, I Love You."
"Mrs. Madison, are you ready to dance?"
"That sounds so nice, I am Charlie."
The tempo of the music was slow and mellow; a good cheek to cheek song. The words, I love you, were repeated often. It spoke about love in April breezes in the hills among the daffodils. And then about spring time coming and birds seem to chirp the notes of an old melody which is the melody of the song of songs, I love you. And the verse concluded with the phase it all belongs to you and me.
Charlie moved Emily easily to the slow tempo; the words spoke to their hearts. They kissed their first kiss, as a married couple, after the verses were repeated. And then Emily whispered.
"You need to dance with your mom."
"Your Mom too."
And Emily danced with all the men present. Admiral Jessup was last. He told her. "You and Charlie are perfect for each other. I knew Charlie was attracted to you the night of the party. I saw him gaze at you multiple times."
"Thank you, sir. Do I hear a bell ringing?"
"I believe that's a signal for you and Charlie to cut your cake."
And it was. A beautiful two tier wedding cake had been placed on a nearby table. Charlie was standing by it. Emily hurried to join him.
One of the church ladies stood there with the wedding knife in her hand. The couple knew exactly what to do. Charlie took the knife from her.
He held its handle and Emily folded her hand over his; together they made the first cut in the cake. They released their hands so the ladies could finish cutting them a slice and placing it on a plate with two forks.
They both knew to take their fork and cut a small piece. Now with their hands entwined they fed the other the small piece of cake.
After that first bite, they stepped away to eat the rest. And the ladies cut slices for all their guests. And the reception was concluded with toasts from all of the guests. They clicked flutes filled with Champagne as each was spoken.
And a very happy couple exited to the car. An assigned Petty Officer drove them to the hotel. They wasted no time leaving the car and then hurried inside the hotel to the elevator. Charlie took the key from his pocket and opened door. He heard Emily.
"Don't you dare try to carry me over the threshold. You could break open your wound."
"I knew better. But I am in a hurry to be close. We both need to get out of wedding clothes."
"Yes, we do. Will you lower the zipper on my dress part way?"
"Of course I will and then I'll get out of my uniform. Turn around."
Charlie easily found the small piece of metal of the zipper to pull on. "It's down part way, Emily."
"Thank you, I'll go into the bathroom to change."
Charlie watched his bride take a bag from her suitcase and then enter the bathroom. He had no idea what was in it.
Emily was in a hurry to be close with her husband. Charlie felt the same. He draped his uniform over a chair along with his shirt and tie. He made it easy for them to be close. He was wearing only a robe when Emily came from the bathroom.
He was really surprised to see her wearing this beautiful Peignoir set. "Emily, when did you have time to buy your robe and gown?"
"I didn't buy it. It was in your room in London among all the other clothes."
"I forgot I had bought it for one of the drivers. She eloped and never picked it up. I'm glad you found it."
"And I suspect you have made it easy for us to be close."
"I have Emily. Let me take off your robe. Then we will be both ready to be close."
"I love my husband's plan."
The walls of this room soon recorded their marital activity. They lay together waiting for their hearts to stop beating so fast. Charlie broke their silence.
"Now, I really do hope you get pregnant."
"And I will be delighted if I do. I know you're going to be a wonderful daddy."
They then snuggled close and slept for over an hour. It was hunger which woke them. While Emily got the sleep from her eyes, Charlie got up and went to the bathroom. He put on pajamas.
When Emily took her turn, she put her Peignoir gown and robe back on. Charlie had called room service and ordered them dinner.
Once again they sat by the window. It was dark but they saw all the lights of the city.
"Emily, I was like everyone else when the ban of using lights at night was lifted. It seemed to give the people hope that the war in Europe would be over soon."
"In London we had the same ban. During the height of the blitz many people would go to the shelters before the bombs began to fall. At least there they would actually get some sleep. Still I was very glad when Hitler stopped bombing us. Do you know when it's expected for the war in Europe to be over?"
"I suspect Hitler has one last battle plan to carry out. He was probably furious D-Day was a success."
"This may sound awful. I will shout for joy when he's dead."
"Everyone will Emily. It's late. We should get some sleep."
Charlies wheeled the cart into the hall and returned to bed to snuggle close to Emily.
There were no sounds to wake them in the morning. It was later than yesterday morning when they woke. Their first activity after using the bathroom wasn't breakfast; it was marital activity.
When Charlie did order room service, he ordered brunch. The kitchen supplied them with more than enough food to fill them. After eating they played Bridge until the sun started to fade beneath the horizon.
Charlie requested the meal they had had at the Terrace Restaurant for lunch. Tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich were perfect for their dinner. They also had a fruit trifle with hot tea.
They sat and talked about all that happened since they met. Charlie added.
"Tomorrow we begin a new chapter in our lives. After the Navy Cross ceremony, I need to find us a place to live."
"What time is the ceremony?"
"I know it's in the morning. I'm sure Bus told my parents the time. We should be dressed by nine o'clock."
"I'm looking forward to you receiving recognition for doing your duty. We should probably set the alarm clock to wake us."
Charlie did and their marital activity once again put them asleep.