It was the morning of Kat's wedding and the group was filled with excitement. Well, most everyone was excited for the reception afterwards, but there was, of course, excitement about the actual wedding ceremony as well. Even Frank and Kevin had arrived home from Afghanistan in time for the wedding. Unfortunately for Frank, that excitement had led to a fall down the stairs and a broken ankle, but at least he was home safely otherwise. Chris and Kat had opted to have an afternoon wedding that way any children in attendance would not have to worry about school the next day since the wedding was a Sunday. The majority of the tribe was only arriving at the church around noon, but the Holdens, the Andersons, and the Richardsons were there bright and early. Michael and Chris's two brothers, Jackson and Jason, were helping him prepare, while Claudia Joy, Emmalin, Jordan, Jenny, and Diane were helping Kat.
"So this is huge thing," said Emmalin finishing Jordan's makeup.
"Yeah, after twelve years, Mom is getting married again," said Jordan, "To be honest with you, I never thought she would find happiness again."
Emmalin nodded understandingly, "I don't know how you've done it Jordan? I mean, I could never imagine living without my Dad in my life, and we were both only in third grade when that happened."
Jordan sighed, "Well I wasn't really aware of everything that happened. All Mom told me was that Dad when a plane crashed into the Pentagon. I had no idea it was on deliberate until years later," she said, "And since then, I've carried this picture around with me everywhere I go," Jordan pulled a picture out of her purse. It was a little torn around the edges. The picture had Kat holding an infant, whom Emmalin assumed was Jordan, and another guy with glasses, whom she assumed was Kat's deceased husband. The three of them were all decked out in New York Giants gear.
"Nice get up," said Emmalin.
"Dad was a diehard Giants fan. We even buried him with his jersey and his dress blues," said Jordan.
"Well I'm sure you Dad is smiling down on you. All of you. Especially today," said Emmalin.
"Yeah, I think Dad would've liked Chris. Minus the whole Cowboys thing," said Jordan.
Emmalin chuckled lightly, "Should we see if your Mom is ready?"
Emmalin and Jordan made their way down to the bridal suite and knocked on the door, "Who is it?" asked Jenny from the other side.
"It's Emmalin and I Aunt Jenny," said Jordan.
Jenny opened the door and let the girls into the room, "We'll be ready to start soon. Dad will be making his way over soon."
"Okay," said Jordan and then her eyes landed on Kat. And she couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Her dress was beautiful, there were flowers and curls in her hair, and her makeup was as gorgeous as ever, "Mom you look beautiful!" said Jordan.
Kat turned to face her daughter, "You do too sweetheart."
Jordan embraced her mother and both women stayed that way for a good long time. As much as she wanted to, Kat couldn't stop the tears either, "Damn pregnancy hormones," she thought, "Everything will be alright Jordan. I love you."
"I love you too Mom," said Jordan.
David Anderson, Kat's father, knocked on the door, "Ladies?" Diane went to let her husband into the room, "Are you all ready to start."
Kat sighed, "As ready as we'll ever be," said Kat, her arm still wrapped around Jordan.
"Well I better go find my husband. Good luck," said Claudia Joy.
"Thank you mam," said Kat and Claudia Joy and Emmalin exited. Jenny and Jordan also left as well as Diane so David and Kat could be in private.
David walked over to Kat and said, "You look beautiful sweetheart. Chris is a very lucky guy."
"Thank you Daddy," she said softly.
"I can't believe I'm walking my Kitty Kat down the aisle a second time," said David.
"Oh Dad, not that nickname," said Kat, her cheeks turning red.
"Sorry," he said. The father and daughter walked to the back of the church and David kissed daughter on her temple, "I love you Katherine. I know Steve is happy for you."
"I love you too Dad," said Kat. The Wedding March began to play and the congregation stood as David and Kat entered the church. Standing at the front were Jenny and Jordan on one side and Jackson and Jason on the other. The minister and Chris were in the middle, Chris looking as handsome as ever in his Air Force dress blues. David and Kat walked down the aisle and then stopped. And from that point on, it seemed like on Chris and she were in the room.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" asked the minister.
"Her mother and I do," said David.
Chris led Kat to the alter and she gave her flowers to Jenny, "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Katherine Young and Christopher Richardson. I believe you both have prepared vows?"
Chris pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and spoke, "Katherine, I have been waiting a very long time for this moment. I think a lot longer than you have. You have always been a challenge, but that's what makes you special to me. And now, any future challenges we face: marriage, parenthood, and whatever else life throws at us, we will be facing together," he took Kat's wedding ring from Jackson and slid it onto her finger, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"Did he just say parenthood?" some of the audience thought to themselves.
Kat took her piece of paper and said, "Christopher, I never thought I could love again. And then I met you and you proved me wrong. You have changed me for the better and have shown me that life goes on even after the worst of tragedies. You love Jordan as if she is your own, and you'll love our own son or daughter as well…"
"Did you just say?" asked Jordan.
"I'll explain later," said Kat taking Chris's ring from Jenny, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"First Corinthians 13:4-8 reminds us that 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records 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. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.' Katherine, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Kat said softly with tears in her eyes.
"Christopher, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Chris stated confidently.
"By the power invested in me, God, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and by the state of South Carolina, I now pronounce you man and wife. Christopher, you may kiss your bride."
Chris and Kat both leaned in and kissed for the first time as husband and wife to the point where Chris bended Kat backwards. Kat popped up again and Kat took her flowers from Jenny. The couple took hands and said, "It is my honor to present to you for the first time as husband and wife, Colonel and Mrs. Christopher Jacob Richardson!"
Cheers and applause erupted from the audience along with some laughter as well as Chris and Kat ran to the back of the church to the U.S. Air Force theme song. Jenny, Jackson, Jordan, and Jason followed the newlywed couple and the rest of the congregation left to join the couple at the reception at the banquet hall.