It was the night before the wedding. Marianne could barely contain her excitement. They were having an early wedding. Ceremony started at 11AM with a brunch reception. They all planned on going to bed early. They were all at Sir John's. They were standing outside leaning up against the railing of the patio looking as the tent and everything was getting its final set up. Christopher was leaning up against Marianne's back with his arms wrapped around her. Whispering words of love and chatting about how they could not wait for tomorrow. It had been a hard week for them. Marianne decided it best to stay with her Mum during the nights. Sleeping next to each other would be too tempting to them to break their packed about waiting for their wedding night.
Anne and Elinor stood together watching them. "I am so happy for them. She found a wonderful man just like you did Elinor. Christopher worships her and they are going to have a wonderful life together." Anne stated almost with tears in her eyes. "Yes they are. They both deserve this happiness." Elinor agreed. Anne turned to look at Elinor. "How are you feeling? Edward said you think you ate something that didn't agree with you?" Anne asked concerned. Elinor looked a bit flustered. "Yes, I am feeling better. Marianne asked me too. She was so sweet she was so concerned for me. I assured that I will be fine for tomorrow." She explained. Anne smiled. "Ok we just want everyone well for tomorrow." Anne agreed. Elinor nodded trying to keep her secret.
They all had a relaxing dinner together. Soon they all headed to bed. Christopher and Marianne were in the hallway. They were staying in rooms on the opposite sides of the house. They were holding hands and just looking each other in the eyes. "So, I guess the next time I see you will be when you are walking towards me down the aisle." Christopher smiled. Marianne smiled back at him. "Yes, I cannot wait for you to be my husband. Tonight is going to go by so slowly I think." She declared. Christopher giggled. "Yes, but we must try to get some sleep. We have an early day." He explained. Marianne grinned. "Yes, we also make sure we are well rested for tomorrow night after the reception." Christopher felt his heart skip at the thought. It had been torture for them not to be together. "Oh don't you worry about that darling." She laughed and they shared a kiss good night. Reluctantly heading their separate ways.
Marianne was up before the sun was up. She jumped in the shower threw on some sweats and blew dry her hair. The stylist would be there early. Elinor came in looking tired and a bit pale. But said she was fine and was ready to start the day. It was a beautiful day outside. Perfect day for a wedding.
On the other side of the house Christopher was a bundle of nerves. He was just tying his tie as Sir John and Edward came in to see how it was going. "Are you ready for the big day?" Sir John asked giving Christopher a pat on the back. "Yes, I am. I am nervous not about something happening to go wrong or Marianne changing her mind. I just cannot wait to be married to her. I also just keep thinking if I hadn't gotten drunk at your party last summer and had the nerve to kiss her, we might not be here." He said with a bit of a giggle. Both John and Edward laughed as well. "You two would have eventually found one another." Edward reassured him. Christopher nodded. "I am hoping. Then again I think what could have happened if she ended up seeing John Whilobouy." He said. John put his hand on his shoulder. "Don't think of it Christopher. That is all behind you now. Concentrate on today. You are marrying the love of your life soon." Christopher smiled and finished getting ready. He sent Marianne a text this morning telling her how much he loved her and could not wait to see her. When Marianne received it she had to try hard to hold back the tears and ruin her makeup. She responded along the same lines. It warmed Christopher's heart when he read it.
Marianne was just putting on the finishing touches. Anne was helping her fasten her necklace. She was going to wear the one that Christopher had given her from China. Marianne turned around and smiled. Anne was holding back the tears. "You look beautiful. You two are going to be so happy. Christopher is a wonderful man. Your father would love him and be so happy for you." She declared. Marianne was trying hard to hold back the tears again. "Thank you Mum. I miss Daddy and wish he was here. But I know he is here in spirit." Elinor soon came in. "It's time. Are you ready?" She asked Marianne smiling. Marianne nodded. "I am ready."
Christopher waited at the end of the aisle for his bride. Margaret came walking down first, then Elinor. Christopher could see the look of love her and Edward gave each other as she got closer. He was sure they were flashing back to their wedding day. Then the music changed and everyone stood.
Christopher felt like he was struck by lightening. Marianne was absolutely gorgeous. He believed there never was a more beautiful bride. The dress was beautiful and was completely worth the wait to see her. Anne was walking Marianne down the aisle. Marianne made eye contact with her groom. The look they shared spoke volumes to the love they had for each other. Marianne finally reached Christopher and turned to kiss her Mum on the cheek. Anne took her seat as Christopher and Marianne reached for each others hands. They kept eye contact the entire time. The minister began his service. They both exchanged "I dos" almost before the minister finished his sentence. They exchanged wedding rings. The ring matched Marianne's engagement ring perfectly. Marianne then placed his wedding band on his left hand then squeezed it.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." The minister stated to Christopher. He immediately grinned and they shared a loving kiss. The guests applauded for them. They almost lost control but pulled away grinning at each other.
They made their way down the aisle as the guests applauded them. The guests then made their way to the reception area of the garden. Marianne and Christopher made there way over to the other side for a chance to be alone briefly. They giggled when they found shade behind a tree. They immediately embraced and shared a very passionate kiss. Christopher was moving his hands up and down her back and towards her bum. He moaned as did she when she felt his hands on her. She pulled away flushed and smiled at him. "We made it. I can now call you my husband." She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He leaned down and kissed her. "Yes, my wife. You look so gorgeous. You took my breath away when I saw you." He confessed. Marianne smiled at him. "You don't look bad yourself. We should head to the reception. I am looking forward to sharing it with family and friends but I am also looking forward to you and I leaving it." She grinned. Christopher laughed. He felt the same way.
The reception went great. They danced and enjoyed the food. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Christopher and Marianne shared their first dance as a married couple. They cut the cake and Marianne enjoyed smearing it a little on Christopher's face. She did enjoy kissing his lips to clean it off as well. The reception began to wind down a bit. They continued to dance and enjoy mingling with everyone. Marianne noticed Sir John whisper something in Christopher's ear and he smiled. She knew Christopher was up to something.
Christopher and Marianne sat with the family a bit before they were going to leave. Sir John toasted Marianne and Christopher. Marianne then noticed that Elinor was drinking water and not enjoying champagne. "Elinor are you still not feeling well? You are not enjoying champagne." Marianne asked. Edward and Elinor looked at each other with a blush and a grin. They seem to be having a conversation in the span of a few seconds with their eyes. Elinor then looked back at her family and now brother in law. "Well I guess it can be one of your wedding gifts Marianne. We wanted to wait and not take attention away from your big day. You are going to have a nephew or niece at the end of November." They all gasped and smiled. Marianne jumped up and gave her a huge hug and exchanged congratulations. "This is a wonderful gift." Anne was beside herself as well as Margaret. Adele was a little tipsy from the champagne she was sampling as well. Anne was heading that way as well. Adele looked at Marianne and Christopher. "You two will have to get going so the little one can have a cousin to play with." Adele giggled. "Adele!" Sir John said trying to hold back laughter. Anne blushed and Margaret giggled. Edward and Elinor were in hysterical laughter. Marianne and Christopher blushed and smiled. They both knew it was too soon but also were looking forward to practicing when the time came to make a baby.
It was time for Christopher and Marianne to leave. Marianne hugged Elinor and thanked her for all her help. She also expressed how happy she was for her and Edward. "I should thank you for having the wedding at the right time before I was not able to fit into this dress." Elinor giggled. They hugged and then Marianne embraced Margaret and Anne. Saying goodbye.
Christopher and Marianne headed towards his car hand in hand while birdseed was thrown. Christopher helped Marianne into the car and got in himself. They waved at everyone as they drove off.