{Author's Note: Although the series Murder, She Wrote was filmed in Mendocino, California it was set in the fictional coastal town of Cabot Cove, Maine, as all fans of the show know. Through the years fans have wondered exactly where in Maine Cabot Cove was supposed to be. Based on information from various episodes there is considerable evidence that the intended Maine town was Boothbay Harbor. (See jesmaine's wonderful study on the subject titled, The Definitive Guide to "Murder, She Wrote.")
The church seen in the aerial views of Cabot Cove is actually the Presbyterian Church in Mendocino. It was dedicated in 1868.
Current day Boothbay Harbor is a charming small town set among the fiords that make up Maine's Southeast coastal region. It is still an active fishing community (especially for the most delicious lobster) but is also a major tourist destination in the summer months. In addition to the usual gift shops and water sports galore, there are lighthouses and secluded islands to enchant the visitor. Or, you can just stare off into the harbor with a glass of wine in your hand and watch as the day's light fades away over the Sea.
This chapter, as well as the previous one and the next few of the story, was written while in Boothbay Harbor, Maine in June of this year.}
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At the back of the Carpenter Gothic style Community Church in Cabot Cove there is a circular brick patio with a clear view overlooking the Sea. Low growing white, pink, and red Beach Rose bushes, which are hardy enough to thrive despite the cold Maine winters, ring the patio and it has a large arched trellis at the west end of it, nearest to the church. The graceful arch is festooned with climbing roses and, on this day, also entwined with peach and plum colored ribbons and bows. Around the periphery are several stone benches set evenly apart and currently covered with soft, plum colored cloth. Wide paved paths lead from the north and from the south sides of the church and meet in front of the trellis.
Beyond the patio is a very large, well maintained lawn that continues on until it reaches a cliff, which drops off precipitously to the water's edge. Locals favor the grassy lawn for afternoon picnics, or if they're in church for the early service at certain times of the year, to watch the sun rise over the ocean. The setting is altogether serene and awe inspiring. It is a beautiful spot whose existence is very jealously guarded by the otherwise generous locals.
A couple hundred of whom had decided that this lovely, sunny, early evening at the beginning of June was a good time to lounge about upon the grassy expanse and do nothing in particular. Although, a surprising number of them had brought along cameras; presumably to practice their photography skills on such a fine day.
Seth and his entourage gathered in the small side room at the north end of the church while they were waiting for Mort to return after dropping off Seth's car at the Dockside Restaurant, where all would gather for a small, informal dinner after the ceremony.
A similar room on the south side of the church found the Reverend Robbins speaking with Jessica and her family. "I know that you and Seth just want a simple service in church, Jessica. But it's such a lovely day that I thought we might do the ceremony outside on the patio. I just spoke with Seth, and he said it was fine with him if you'd agree."
"Oh my, yes. That would be lovely," Jessica cheerfully responded.
"Very well," the Reverend said, looking pleased. "Let's meet under the trellis at six o'clock, then. Please excuse me, I need to attend to a small detail." And with that he left them.
"You look calm, Jessie. Are you nervous at all?" asked her sister Marilyn, who was holding the small bridal bouquet of red roses and Baby's Breath settled amid greenery while Jessica checked her hair in the mirror.
"No, not at all. If anything I'm just so very, very happy," Jessica replied with a glowing smile.
"You know," inquired Martin with a twinkle in his eye, "you never mentioned how Seth managed to convince you to elope."
"It was quite simple, Martin. After I asked him to marry me, Seth asked me to elope with him," replied Jessica, watching with a barely suppressed grin for her brother's reaction. She wasn't disappointed.
"You what!?" was the general consensus of everyone in the group, except for Grady, who tried hard, but failed, to keep a great big smile from his face.
"Yes, and I'm only sorry that I didn't do it sooner," Jessica added with a giggle at the surprised faces of her family. "Speaking of time, we should be going. Donna dear, would you mind terribly if I borrowed Grady's arm for the walk?"
"Of course not, Aunt Jess," answered Donna as she gave Grady a gentle nudge.
"Well, then," chuckled Marshall while shaking is head a little, "let's get moving." And with that he took his wife's arm and led them all out the door. The cheerful group processed down the path around the church toward the patio, with her family in front and Jessica bringing up the rear on Grady's arm.
"Grady," Jessica casually mentioned, "you didn't seem surprised when I told the story about how Seth and I got together."
Oh, there's no way I'm getting into this conversation, thought Grady. "Well, Aunt Jess. I guess I'm just so very happy for the both of you," he responded as he leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek.
Thus mollified, Jessica asked no more, and they continued in comfortable silence down the path, to Grady's great relief.
At the north end of the church Mort had just returned and confirmed that Seth's car was safely parked at the restaurant as he handed him the keys. He turned around to Adele with a wink and a grin on his face.
"It's just about six o'clock. We should be going," beamed Seth. "John, would you do me honor of letting me borrow your lovely wife as we amble up the path?"
"Of course not, Seth," grinned John in return. "I'll just have to snatch up one of these other lovely ladies," he said as he wrapped Helene's arm through his.
"Well, let's get a move on," Mort encouraged as he escorted Adele through the doorway and led the small, happy bunch onto the bricked path.
As both Jessica's and Seth's groups rounded the ends of the church they heard singing, much to their collective surprise. In a few steps the tune became clear as an a cappella version of "(I) Can't Help Falling In Love With You." Everyone turned in surprise to the origin of the harmonic melody to find it being sung by The Caroliers, all standing just outside the center part of the rim of roses.
It was quite unusual to see The Caroliers at this time of the year since they were normally seen, directed by Mort, singing seasonal tunes during the winter holiday season.
Approaching the trellis, where Reverend Robbins was waiting, they also noticed the ribbons, bench covers, and hundreds of people standing on the lawn and pretending not to watch the proceedings. Not far from The Caroliers stood Loretta's Beauty Shop denizens; Eve Simpson, Phyllis Grant, Ideal Molloy, Corinne, and Loretta herself. All of them were holding pieces of peach or plum colored ribbons, bows, or cloth.
Although yards apart and out of sight of each other due to their loved ones in front, Jessica and Seth simultaneously quirked their mouths into big smiles, both deeply touched by the efforts of their friends to make their wedding day extra special.
Both parties came together in the middle, where hugs and kisses began to be exchanged by those leading the processions. Susan, with Seth on her arm, and Grady, escorting Jessica, were the last ones to join the cheerful little throng and delivered their charges in front of the adorned trellis and the waiting pastor.
After deliberately winking at each other, Susan took Seth's left hand while Grady took Jessica's right hand and they laid them one on top of the other. They paused for a moment with very self satisfied looks on their faces.
Seth and Jessica stared in wonder first at the assembled crowd, then at Susan and Grady, and finally at each other.
After exchanging kisses on the cheek, Susan and Grady stepped back and away from the engaged couple leaving them standing together, with held hands, in front of the trellis.
Jessica looked lovingly at Seth. My word, Seth looks so handsome, she thought. I'm so happy we're getting married.
Seth stared at Jessica in amazement. Good Lord, she's absolutely beautiful. This is a dream come true, he confirmed to himself.
"I love you Jess," Seth exhaled in a soft voice.
"I love you too, Seth," barely breathed Jessica.
Without a second thought they both simultaneously leaned in and shared a gentle kiss.
Much to the delight, and many a moist eye, among the onlookers.
"Ahem," voiced Reverend Robbins. "I do believe that part comes later in the ceremony."
"We were just, ah, practicing," explained Jessica, not even trying to look innocent.
"A-yuh, we want to be sure to get it right later," grinned Seth.
"Well, if you're done practicing perhaps we could get started with the ceremony. Please step forward." And with that the smiling Reverend led them the few steps under the spacious archway of the trellis.
Mort stepped up to stand at Seth's right side while Adele went over to Jessica's left and held her bouquet for her. The rest of the family seated themselves comfortably on the covered stone benches.
Once Jessica and Seth were situated side by side Reverend Robbins began the ceremony by first asking, "Jessica do you come here today of your own free will to join in holy matrimony with Seth?"
"I do," she replied looking directly at Seth.
"And do you, Seth, come here of your own free will to join in holy matrimony with Jessica?"
"I do," Seth answered, gazing back at Jessica.
Looking over to the family and the myriad of people now gathered all around the circumference of the patio, the pastor intoned, "If anyone here has cause to object to this union speak now or forever hold your peace."
At which point Mort, who was standing slightly behind Seth, blatantly put his hand to his right hip, where normally his gun would sit, and turned to look over his right shoulder at the audience with a raised eyebrow. The intended meaning was clear to everyone who saw it and eliciting a few titters from the audience.
Turning back, Mort's eyes were met by the Reverend's, who was not entirely amused with his actions. Mort gave him his very best, "Who, me?" look and smiled.
Reverend Robbins continued, "We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between Jessica and Seth, by joining them in marriage."
Raising his hands heavenward he prayed, "God, as you join us today, we ask for your blessings upon this couple as they unite in marriage. Let all their days together be happy and all their words to each other be sweet. Though their paths are intertwined, let them be aware of each other's separateness. Bless their home and allow it to be a place of joy and serenity. Remind them to nurture each other's body with mutual love, honor, and respect. Let their spirits intermingle within each other in peace. As they learn from one another, may they grow stronger as individuals and closer as a couple. And as their wedded life begins today with prayer, so may they continue it, praying for and with each other."
"Amen," replied everyone.
"I ask you to join both hands now as a symbol of the union that you are making here today. I'd like you to think about the hands that you are holding. These are the hands of your best friend holding your hands on your wedding day. Promising to love you and to work together as you build your future together."
"These are the hands that will give you strength when you need strength, tenderness when you need tenderness, and love, when you need love."
"These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow, but also tears of joy."
"These are the hands that will hold all those whom you love. These are the hands that years from now will still be searching for your hands. Still seeking the love, encouragement, and support that each of you seeks from the other."
"We are here today, to celebrate the love, which Jessica and Seth have for each other, and to give recognition to their decision to commit their lives to each other."
Directing his words to Seth, the Reverend asked, "Do you Seth, take Jessica to be your lawfully wedded wife, to share your life openly, standing with her in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and love her forever more?"
Seth, swallowing the lump in his throat, smiled at Jessica and responded, "I do."
Turning next to Jessica he said, "Do you Jessica, take Seth to be your lawfully wedded husband, to share your life openly, standing with him in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and love him forever more?"
Jessica, with slightly swimming eyes, gazed at Seth, and answered, "I do."
The pastor smiled a little and continued, "The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver." Nodding to Mort, "The ring, please."
Mort fumbled around in his right pocket for a moment. Which gained him a "You will die later if you mess this up," look from Adele before he plucked it out of his left pocket and handed it to Seth.
Addressing Seth, the Reverend said, "May this ring always remind you of the vows you have taken. Seth, as you place the ring on Jessica's finger, please repeat after me;"
Seth recast the words as he slipped the sapphire band onto Jessica's finger, "With this ring, I marry you. With my loving heart, and with my willing body, and with my eternal soul." He held onto her hand, smiling into her eyes, and only releasing it when Reverend Robbins, nodding to Adele said, "The ring please."
Adele promptly produced the band from her dress pocket and placed it into Jessica's hand with a triumphant look at Mort, who was too busy blithely grinning like an idiot to notice that he was being teased.
The Reverend addressed Jessica, "May this ring always remind you of the vows you have taken. Jessica, as you place the ring on Seth's finger, please repeat after me;"
Jessica took Seth's hand and, following the pastor's lead, said, "With this ring, I marry you. With my loving heart, and with my willing body, and with my eternal soul," as she slipped the silver toned band onto the fourth finger of his left hand. Looking at Seth, she blinked a few times to clear her eyes.
Seth brought his right hand up to clasp under hers as they gazed softly at each other with smiles on their lips.
Reverend Robbings prayed again, "May you be blessed by God. May you be touched by angels. May your hearts stay full, your spirits stay connected, and may you love long and happily in one another's arms."
"Jessica and Seth, through their words today, have joined together in holy wedlock. Because they have exchanged their vows before God and these witnesses, have pledged their commitment each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by exchanging rings, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife. Those whom God hath joined together, let no one put asunder."
Jessica was finding it hard to breath as the ceremony was finishing. Seth's heart was so full that he feared it might burst. No more words came to their ears. Their eyes never leaving each other, they both took a step in and, releasing their held hands, put their arms around each other, pressed their lips together, and kissed deeply…
Just before the pastor exclaimed, "You may now kiss the bride!"
The entire audience roared their approval amidst thunderous applause.
It was some minutes before Reverend Robbins thought it quiet enough to bother giving the newly wedded couple a polite "Ahem," to encourage them to finally separate. He then turned them to the audience and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, for those of you who have come to witness this union, it is my pleasure to present the newly married couple, Jessica and Seth Hazlitt."
The audience cheered again and the applause lasted for some minutes. As it died down, The Caroliers launched into "I Love You For Sentimental Reasons."
Jessica and Seth stood hand in hand and looked over the field of family, friends, and neighbors who had come together on such short notice just for them with amazed smiles upon their faces. Their hearts were overflowing with gratitude, and as they looked at each other, neither could speak. Nor did they need to, for the emotions they felt were very much shared between them.
The first congratulations and best wishes were offered by Mort and Adele, followed by the rest of their now united family.
"Seth," Jessica drew his attention during a lull in between the hugging and kissing of everyone within arms' reach, "let's go over and thank Eve and the girls before they leave."
"A-yuh, and The Caroliers, too. Those were fine renditions of great songs!"
They managed to greet the choral group and extended their heartfelt thanks before catching up to the Beauty Shop regulars.
"Jessica! Seth! You both look wonderful! I'm just so happy for you both!" gushed Eve giving them both big hugs.
"It was the most romantic wedding I've ever seen," sniffed Ideal while dabbing away a tear.
"Thank you all so very much for the decorations," Jessica gratefully said. "It's all so lovely."
"It was Eve's idea," commented Phyllis.
"Everyone pitched in after we found out about it," added Loretta.
"Pray tell," queried Seth with a grin and looking directly at Phyllis, the travel agent. "Just how did everyone find out about something that was supposed to be a secret?"
"Well Seth, apparently there was one person whom you forgot swear to secrecy," replied Phyllis as she turned and waved to the pastor. "Not that it would matter much in this town, anyway."
As she turned to look at the Reverend Robbins they all did the same. The pastor, noticing their attentions, wisely thought it was time to decamp and waved back as he left.
They all shared a chuckle before saying cheerful "Good-byes."
Mort and Adele walked up with the rest of the wedding party and he said, "I don't know about the two of you, but I'm starving!" His stomach rumbled on cue and Jessica noted, "Well, the evidence is conclusive! Let's go to dinner."
Everyone laughed and began walking towards the cars.
Seth, wrapping her arm around his as they started across the patio, looked over to Jessica with a glint in his eye and asked, "So, Madame Detective, Missus Hazlitt, what do you deduce will be on the special on the menu for tonight?"
Jessica looked gaily at Seth, "Well, Mister Hazlitt, that's really not hard to figure out. We live in Maine. It will be seafood," she declared with great confidence as she cast a bright smile back to Seth while they walked on past the church to Mort and Adele's car for the short trip to the restaurant and their wedding dinner.
{A/N: kudos to officianteric . com for having such a useful site on wedding vows.}
