Chapter Thirty-Five ~ Pacey's P.O.V.
I'm standing in front of our family and friends, trying not to look nervous, but really now that the ceremony is starting I am terrified, my heart is beating wildly in my chest and I can hear the blood rushing in my ears. The music starts and I watch as Jen emerges from the house and gracefully make her way up the aisle taking her place opposite Jack. She looks up at me and smiles warmly, letting me know that everything is fine. When the music changes to the wedding march begins I look back towards the end of the aisle and suddenly forget how to breathe as I stare at her. Bodie is leading her towards me and I can see that he is whispering something to her. Joey's absolutely breath-taking in her elegant gown, her eyes are shining brightly with her love for me. Before I have time to fully appreciate her she has reached the alter and I feel myself step forward as the minister begins to speak.
"Dearly Beloved: We are gathered here, in the presence of God and of this company, that Pacey John Witter and Josephine Lillian Potter may be united in holy matrimony. We are here to celebrate and share in the glorious act that God is about to perform, the act by which he converts their love for one another into the holy and sacred estate of marriage. This relationship is an honorable and sacred one, established by our Creator for the welfare and happiness of mankind, and approved by the Apostle Paul as honorable among all men. It is designed to unite two sympathies and hopes into one; and it rests upon the mutual confidence and devotion of husband, and wife."
"May it be in extreme thoughtfulness and reverence, and in dependence upon divine guidance, that you enter now into this holy relationship."
Looking towards Bessie and Bodie he continues. "Being assured that your love and your choice of each other as lifelong companions are in God's will and that you have your families' blessings. I now ask. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
Bodie stands tall as he speaks proudly; his voice full of love, "Her sister and I do." He then places her hand in mine and takes his seat beside Bessie.
The minister continues as we turn to face him. "The apostle Paul compared the relationship between husband, and wife to that between Christ and the church. Marriage is a decision of two individuals to share the same type of pure, Christian love described by Paul."
"Cor 13:4-8, 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."
"This kind of love enriches each part of life and marriage enriches love. Two lives, shared with this kind of love, can hold more fulfillment and happiness than either life alone."
"Pacey are you ready to enter into this marriage with Josephine, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?" He asks me.
"I am." I respond, staring deep into Joeys eyes.
"Josephine, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Pacey, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?"
"I am." She replies just as whole-heartedly.
The minister continues on to the next part. "Pacey do you take Josephine to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in holy matrimony? Do you promise to love her, to honor and cherish her, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be to her in all things a good and faithful husband as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." I say smiling.
"Josephine do you take Pacey to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in holy matrimony? Do you promise to love him, to honor and cherish him, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be to him in all things a good and faithful wife as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." she says her voice cracking a little, I can see the tears of joy in her eyes and once again marvel at how much she really does love me.
The minister then turns his attention back to me, asking me to repeat after him. Speaking clearly I recite the words that I have memorized and longed to say for so long.
"I, Pacey, take thee, Josephine, to be my wedded 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, till death do us part. According to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge thee my faith." Her faces lights up as I recite the vows perfectly.
It is now Joeys turn to repeat these vows to me and my heart skips a few beats as she says them.
"I, Josephine, take thee, Pacey, to be my wedded 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, till death do us part. According to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge thee my faith."
The minister smiles warmly at both of us as we recite our vows; he clears his throat before beginning the next part of the ceremony.
"Father in heaven, you ordained marriage for your children, and you gave us love. We present to you Pacey and Josephine, who come this day to be married. May the covenant of love they make be blessed with true devotion and spiritual commitment. We ask that You, God, will give them the ability to keep the covenant they have made. When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity; when mistrust is a temptation, give moral strength; when there is misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness; if suffering becomes a part of their lives, give them a strong faith and an abiding love. Amen."
He motions to Jack for the rings, and he reaches into his pocket and holds them out to the minister in the palm of his hand. Taking them from Jack he thanks him quietly before turning back towards us.
"It is a Christian custom to exchange rings as a symbol of love. As the rings have no end so your love should have no end. As the rings are made of gold symbolizing purity, so should your marriage have purity. As often as either of you see them, you will be reminded of this moment and the endless love you promised."
"Pacey, what token do you give that you will perform your vows? He asks handing her delicate ring to me.
"Josephine, do you receive this ring in token of the same?" He asks her.
"I do." She says smiling.
"Joey, with this ring I give to you in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love." I recite the words the minister tells me to, and as I push the ring onto her finger the tears in her eyes spill over and roll down her cheeks.
It is now Joeys turn to repeat these words and actions.
"Josephine, what token do you give that you will perform your vows?" He asks placing my ring in her delicate hand.
"Pacey, do you receive this ring in token of the same?" she asks.
"I do." I say swallowing the lump in my throat.
"Pacey, with this ring I give to you in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love." By now her voice is shaking and she is openly crying, but they are not tears of sadness because she is smiling widely and I know that I have never seen her look so happy before in my entire life.
As we decided when we chose our vows, we are now going to light a unity candle before signing the license.
"The candle represents the joining together of two individuals, to live together as one in spirit, Pacey and Josephine, the candle yet to be lit, represents the new family which is being created today. Pacey and Josephine are leaving their families to make a new life together."
Stepping forward we each remove one of the smaller candles located beside the bigger one in the centre and together we light it. Taking Joey's arm I lead her to the podium that has been placed beside that alter, we then sign the license and step back as Jack and Jen witness our signatures.
Returning to our places in front of the alter the minister turns to address our guests, "Let us pray: O thou eternal God, who art our Father and our Friend, as you have heard these words of promise just spoken, may the Holy Spirit deepen in the mind of this man and this woman the sense of the sacred and binding power of their vows. And as in Thy Name these words were spoken to make these lives one, may your rich blessing be added. Give them your grace and guidance that they may loyally fulfill the vows they have taken. May your joy abide with them always, that thus they may be a blessing to each other, and to those about them, finding in the blessedness of the home life on earth a sample of the happiness of Thine eternal home. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
I take Joeys right hand in my own and wink at her as the minister continues.
"What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as Pacey and Josephine have consented together in holy matrimony, and have witnessed the same before God and this company and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other, and have declared the same by the joining and the giving of rings, I, therefore, by the authority of the state, pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
The minister turns to me, and smiles before saying encouragingly "The Groom may now kiss the Bride." I reach up and with shaking hands raise the veil that has been covering her lovely face, gently I wipe away the tears that are once again flowing down her face, before lowering my lips to her and capturing them in a sweet kiss, our first as husband and wife. I can hear all of our friends and family applauding loudly, and I know that they are truly happy for us. After a few lingering moments I pull away and smile at her.
The minister then smiling announces to the crowd "I now present to you Mr and Mrs Pacey Witter." The music starts to play and as everyone cheers we all make our way back up the aisle.
Jack and Jen are the first to congratulate us, hugging us both tightly as they do. Soon Bessie, Bodie and Alex join us.
"Aunty Joey, you look pretty." Alex says from his place in his fathers arms.
"Thank you Alex, did I do okay?" Joey asks her nephew.
"Uh huh, but I asked mommy why you were crying earlier, cause you should be happy today."
"Well little man, your Aunt was crying because she was very happy." I explain ruffling his hair.
"Really?"
"Yes, Alex. Today was the happiest day of my life." She says, leaning over and kisses me. I wrap my arms around her and pull her in close, getting lost in the feeling of having my wife in my arms.
"Ewww!" Alex says giggling.
"Yeah, Ewww." Bessie says smiling. "Come on you two, everyones waiting to congratulate you."
"Mmm, what do you say Mrs. Witter?" I ask, resting my forehead against hers.
"I guess it wouldn't be proper for me to ravish you right here in front of everyone, so let's get this over with Mr. Witter." She whispers between soft kisses. We stand in line receiving our guests, shaking their hands and hugging them as they wish us all the best, finally when that is over the photographer takes over. A couple of hours later we are finished with the formal pictures the rest will be taken at the reception and the dance later.
"Hey Pace?" Joey asks softly as we walk hand in hand towards our dock.
"Yeah Babe?"
"In case I haven't said so already today, thank-you for making all my dreams come true. I love you." She stops and wraps her arms around my neck and leans in for a kiss.
"I love you too Josephine Witter." I say breaking the kiss and brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes.
"Joey Witter, I love how that sounds." She says.
"Me too, but I still get to call you Potter right?" I ask.
"Nope, it's not my name anymore Pace, it wouldn't be right." She teases sticking her tongue out at me.
"Witter!" I warn, trying it out as a nickname. I don't like it so decide that I'll stick with Potter, mostly because I know that it will annoy her. "Come on let's go join the party." I say pulling her back towards the tent.
"There you guys are!" Jen exclaims as we walk back into the tent. "I was about to send out search parties, it's time to get started."
"Where did you think we were?" I ask raising an eyebrow at her.
"You know damn well, where I thought you were."
"Sorry to disappoint you Lindley but we weren't there." I say.
"Whatever! Now come on." She says leading the way to the head table.
Jack stands up and taps his knife on his water goblet to get everyones attention. Soon fifty pairs of eyes are all looking our direction.
"Okay everyone, settle down." He says, waiting for everyone to be quite so he can continue. "For those of you who don't know me I'm Jack McPhee, the best man. I have a couple of announcements so if everyone could please find their seats as dinner is about to be served. The bar will remain open through out the evening, and as you can see we have a few of Capeside's finest among us tonight who don't want to spend their evening working, so please no drinking and driving. We'd like to remember today as a day of celebration, not loss. Now since this is a wedding if any of you want to see Joey and Pacey kiss at any point through out the evening, not that it'll take much, they ask that instead of clinking glasses the table must stand and sing a verse from of song that contain the word love. Thanks and enjoy yourselves." Jack takes his seat and the caterers take over serving everyone, starting with the head table.
The meal progresses with only a couple of tables being brave enough to stand and sing, we of course ablidge them. After the meal Jack, and Jen stand and toast us, Bessie and Bodie welcome me into the family, and finally Joey and I stand to thank everyone for coming. Around 9:00 the DJ requests that we make our way to the small dance floor for our first dance. Stepping to the centre I pull Joey into my arms as the music starts to play, and we sway back and forth gently, kissing tenderly oblivious to everyone and everything except each other.
Been running from these feelings for so long
Telling my heart I didn't need you
Pretending I was better off alone
But I know that its just a lie
So afraid to take a chance again
So afraid of what I feel inside
Oh I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
Oh I, Oh I
I need to share every breath with you
Share every breath with you
Oh I, Oh I
I need to know I can see your smile each morning
Look into your eyes each night
For the rest of my life
Here with you, near with you
Oh I, I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
Right here with you is right where I belong
I loose my mind if I cant see you
Without you theres nothing in this life
That would make mine worth living for
I cant bear the thought of you not there
I cant fight what I feel anymore
Oh I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
Oh I, Oh I
I need to share every breath with you
Share every breath with you
Oh I, Oh I
I need to know I can see your smile each morning
Look into your eyes each night
For the rest of my life
Here with you, near with you
Oh I, I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
I need to love you for the rest of my life
For all of time
Hold you for all of my life
I need to be next to you
Oh I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
Oh I, Oh I
Oh I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
Oh I, Oh I
The song ends and Jen and Jack join in for the next one along with Bessie and Bodie, soon everyone is dancing, and before we know it its time for the garter toss, and for Joey to throw the bouquet. The DJ brings a chair to the centre of the dance floor and guides Joey into it, and calls for all the single guys to gather around before he begins to play the music that usually accompanies strippers, not that I'd know right? Joey extends her leg a little and grins at me. Slowly I slide the hem of her dress up to her leg a little before ducking my head underneath and kissing my way up the inside of her thigh, making sure to take my time and enjoy myself and torture her a little along the way. Finally I reach my destination, grazing my teeth against the sensitive flesh I grip the lace and ribbon between my teeth and just as slowly I pull it from the leg; with one last kiss to her calf I come out from under the satin and grin at all the men that have been hooting and hollering the whole time. I turn my back to the crowd and launch it over my shoulder, I turn back around just in time to see Matt turn bright red as it lands right on his head, he gives me an evil glare, like I planned for him to catch it or something.
"Now it's the ladies turn." the DJ calls for all the single ladies to gather around, while Jen goes and grabs Joeys bouquet from the table. She comes back and hands it to Joey before going and hiding at the back of the crowd of anxious women. She looks over her shoulder, and then at me, she winks. Tossing the bouquet high over her head it sails through the air towards Lindsay; seeing that she has no other choice she reaches up and catches it, laughing. Joey turns around and is happy to see that her aim was correct. The DJ then asks that Matt join her on the dance floor for the traditional dance. Taking Joey in my arms for one last dance before we leave we smile at our friends and silently I hope that their love story turns out as happily as my own.
"What do you say we get out of here?" Joey purrs in my ear.
"I'd say that sounds like a hell of a plan." I smile at her, anxious to be alone with her. Raising our linked hands to my mouth I kiss hers and start to pull her towards the entrance of the tent.
"Are you guys leaving?" Bessie asks as we pass her table.
"Yeah, were going to turn in, early flight and all." I say winking at my new sister-in-law.
"Yeah, I'm sure that's it." She says winking back.
"Okay, then well good-night." with that I pull Joey from the tent and out into the warm summer night towards the house. Lifting her into my arms I carry her through the house and quietly open the door to our room, the honeymoon suite and gently set her on her feet. The room is a glow with candles placed everywhere, beside the bed that has been sprinkled with rose petals is an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. She gasps at how beautiful the room looks.
"Wow!" I say looking around.
"I can't believe they did this!" she says.
"Who?" I ask.
"Bessie and Bodie, we do this for newlywed couples that stay here, I never expected her to do it for us."
"Well Jo we are newlyweds." I say wrapping my arms around her waist and looking into her eyes.
"I know. Now Pacey be a good husband and take me to bed." she says giving me the eyes.
"Yes dear." I say grinning at her. I turn her in my arms kissing her neck right beneath her ear, and her arm comes up to cup the back of my head as she leans closer into my embrace. Continuing to kiss her soft skin I reach one hand up to the zipper and slowly start to lower it, moving so I can kiss each new inch of skin that is exposed as I go. Her breathing is becoming labored and even though I'm not looking at them I know that her eyes have darkened to a slate color. She rocks her hips towards me and I hiss at the friction she is creating against my fevered body. I want tonight to be amazing, our first time as a married couple should be special, just like our first time together back in that ski lodge was.
"Pacey!" she begs, as I snake one hand around her waist and rock back against her. Parting the material of her dress I slide the fabric off her shoulders and down her arms, the heavy fabric falls to the floor and she turns to face me. Staring up at me, her eyes are dark and hooded with passion. My breath once again catches in my throat as I see what was concealed beneath her dress all this time. "Mrs. Witter!" I say groaning before I lower my lips to hers, kissing her roughly. My hands travel down her back to cup her firm butt and pull her against me just as roughly. I feel her hands move to the buttons on my shirt, she makes short work of them and the bow tie, pushing the shirt and my jacket from my shoulders she pulls away from me. "Pace, you're wearing way to many clothes." She breathes as her nimble fingers go to work on the zipper of my pants, before I know it I'm standing before her in just my wedding bell boxers.
"Nice!" she observes, giggling softly until she sees how turned on I am. Her hand dips into my boxers and she grips my length firmly, stroking me she guides me over to the bed, before pushing me down onto it. "Pacey." She says her eyes burning into mine as she straddles my hips, pressing her wet core against my hard shaft I can feel the dampness through both her teddy and my boxers, I lift my hips instinctively needing to be closer to her.
"Baby, we should do this slow. It should be special." I say looking up at her stroking her arms as I try and control my body.
"Pace, we've done special, and we can do it again but right now I want you to burn." Her words are accentuated with nipping kisses across my chest and throat, and she is gently rocking her hips as she makes her intentions for the night clear. Not being able to deny her anything I roll us over and push her into the mattress letting her know how much I want her. I caress her breasts through the thin lace, and watch her nipples darken and harden at my touch. Pulling the lace down her body I suckle at one while my hand teases the other, soon she is moaning and writhing beneath me begging me to make love to her. Her hands slip inside my boxers and she pushes the soft cotton over my hips. Anxious to be inside of her I lean back and pull the lace and satin of her teddy from her body, leaving her clad only in her silk stockings and garter belt. She stares up at me hungrily and smiles as she opens her legs wider inviting me inside of her. Growling I position my aching cock at her entrance before thrusting deep and hard inside of her. We both moan with pleasure at the contact.
Please she begs me to begin moving and I slowly begin to thrust, increasing my speed and depth as I go. Her legs wrap around my waist and she tilts her hips pulling me in closer. The only sounds in the room are those of our moans, and our bodies coming together in perfect synchronization. This is a rhythm we have perfected over our time together. I feel her walls tightening around me and she screams my name as she comes, I thrust a couple more times before the sensations her body is creating on mine drive me over the edge to join her. I empty myself deep inside calling out her name over and over before collapsing on top of her and kissing her softly. After a few minutes I feel the sweat on my body starting to dry and my heart beat returns to normal. I roll off her and pull her against me. Brushing the damp stands of hair away from her face I kiss her lips softly.
"I love you Mrs. Witter." I whisper.
"And I love you too Mr. Witter." She says smiling against my lips, "So what do you want to do now?" she asks.
"Well I am a little thirsty, how about you?" I ask eyeing the bucket next to the bed.
"Mmm Hmm" she purrs her fingers tracing lazy patterns on my chest.
Pouring the champagne into the glasses I hand one to her as she pulls the covers up over herself.
"A toast," I say, "to my beautiful wife. May you always be as happy and content as you are right now." I say promising her that I will do everything in my power to make all of her dreams come true. Intertwining our left hands I look at the rings on both of our fingers and smile thinking about all of the wonderful years we have ahead of us, and all of the memories we have yet to make.
THE END