Finally, it was here. Here. And Rose was…actually quite happy, truth be told.
The two months since that horrible day when she had lost their baby had seemed to fly at breakneck speed, and finally, it was the day of their wedding. Her wedding day.
True, she was still scarred from the loss, and forever would be, and still had intense moments of sadness…as well as Cal…but…she was still able to forget. At least for a day.
And she did have reason to be happy, as well as the right to. Didn't she?
Shaking her head to get the horrible memories out of her head, she instead concentrated on her reflection. She smiled, and her reflection smiled back.
Yes. She did have the right to be happy again. And so did Cal.
Standing in the tiny room at the church, she couldn't help her smile from growing as maids made final finishing touches on her veil.
And this time, on this day, she was happy.
Her hair was in crimson waves down her back, and one white lily was in her hair. Her wedding gown was a beautiful, yet simple, long floor-length gown with long lace sleeves, adorned with gentle flower designs. Her shoes were simple white heels. She had fallen in love with her gown the moment she had seen it, and it fit like a dream…
It was so different from her last gown…too extravagant and poufy and horrid…
Her veil as well had flower stitching on it, and was long and traditional.
Her cheeks had been lightly brushed with blush, and a pale pink color adorned her lips. Just the slightest touch of perfume completed her.
"You look beautiful, darling," Ruth breathed, moisture coming to her eyes. She softly embraced her.
"You do look very beautiful, Rose!" Elizabeth Cooper said, unable to contain her awe, one of Rose's bridesmaids, aged fifteen.
"And are most fortunate!" breathed another girl, and Rose couldn't help smiling at how the other bridesmaids emphatically nodded.
"Thank you. You all look beautiful as well," she said. The bridesmaids were all adorned in elegant gowns of a pink color today, as pink was Ruth's favorite color. It certainly was not her own, but on this day, she did not mind.
Ruth brushed one final curl away from Rose's face.
"You really will be the most beautiful bride of this season," she said softly.
"Though your dress is simpler than what I would have chosen…it still is most agreeable for you."
Rose smirked a little. "Thank you, Mother."
Typical Ruth DeWitt Bukater.
Finally at long last, she was standing, waiting to walk down the aisle. Nervous butterflies flew dizzying circles in her stomach. But mostly, they were ones of excitement.
All of Philadelphia's finest society had turned out on this beautiful twenty-eighth day of March 1913, one of the biggest events of the season, and though she of course was acutely conscious of the size of the crowd, (and most nervous) she still was more than excited to finally see Cal…
Heart beating a little faster, she again grew a little nervous. Rose hoped he at least would find her beautiful…approve of her gown, and how simply she had wanted her hair done…
Yet she knew she was being silly. He would approve…
Closing her eyes, thinking of him, suddenly, she wanted to run down the aisle, she was so utterly and complete impatient…Goodness she wanted him, and to become his wife, forever and always, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, as soon as humanly possible.
Finally, at long last, the organ sounded.
Rose breathed in deep, and, finally, stifled her nerves.
They had elected to have the ceremony outside today, as it was so warm, and every single seat in the park was occupied. The decorators had simply outdone themselves, and beautiful flowers were what seemed everywhere. The soaring cake was on a table, large and opulent, and the stream behind the minister was clear as glass. Everything was simply beautiful, she had to admit, though a good deal more extravagant than she would have chosen… and she had no regrets about the location.
Yet…none of this mattered, as all else faded away. She caught sight of Cal, up beside the minister, and her heart stopped.
The bridesmaids slowly walked in front of her down the aisle…
Cal's eyes finally met hers, and he smiled. He looked so very handsome in his black tuxedo, white flower to match her bouquet adorning it…
Now, oh now she wanted to run down the aisle and kiss him…and to hell with all the snobby older ladies here who would think her uncivilized, flighty and a whore and not approve…
Finally, she slowly glided down the aisle, smiling at Cal the whole time. The awe and happiness on his face was apparent, and again, as before, all else faded away…the millions and millions of eyes on her…the people here she did not like, and there were many…the surroundings…the warm springtime breeze…everything faded except him…
Her heart pounded. And, finally, she was beside him, and took his warm arm. He winked at her and leaned in close to her.
"You're beautiful," he said softly, and she smiled.
"So are you," she said in jest, and he laughed softly.
And, finally, as the minister performed the ceremony, she could only smile stupidly at Cal, and he at her…
Finally, with heart stopping clarity, the minister asked the sacred questions.
"Do you, Caledon Nathan Hockley, take this woman, Rose DeWitt Bukater, to be your lawfully wedded wife, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
He smiled, the sight unspeakably beautiful to her.
"I do."
"And do you, Rose Elizabeth DeWitt Bukater, take this man, Cal Hockley, to be your lawfully wedded husband, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
Rose smiled. "I do."
Finally, his warm hands were on hers, sliding the white-gold wedding band onto her finger, and then she was sliding his wedding band onto his finger…
The minister smiled. "Then, by the holy power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your wife!"
A gentle breeze tousled Cal's hair. Smiling radiantly, finally, he drew Rose close against him and kissed her.
The sensation was like flying, above all else, and even all the applause and annoying coos of delight from the ladies were all blocked out…
To her shock, he leaned her back, deepening the kiss, and Rose had no regrets, though she knew, of course, that lots of women in the audience, her mother included, would consider it absolutely scandalous…
Breathlessly, Rose smiled as he released her, and could not help the red flush from staining her cheeks.
Breathing in the sweet fragrance of the flowers, she knew true happiness as she and Cal elegantly walked down the aisle, the knowledge she was finally Mrs. Hockley…for the rest of her life…fresh in her mind.
That evening, as Rose leaned into Cal's embrace as they slowly twirled to the sounds of the live string quartet playing for the reception, she couldn't help yawning.
"Tired already, darling? That doesn't bode well for me later," he said, winking softly, smiling.
She smiled a little. "Oh goodness…I feel fine. There's just simply so many people we had to meet with…and so many photographs we had to take…and so many presents…but here, being with you right now…this wakes me up."
He smiled, kissing her. "This is the happiest day of my life, Rose," he said softly. Cal caressed her cheek.
Rose smiled. "I am just as happy as you, today, Cal."
Leaning in conspiratorially, he said, "But how badly did you want to laugh during the ceremony at all the women crying in the audience?"
Throwing her head back, she said, "Oh goodness I thought it was just me!"
He laughed softly, and she couldn't help joining in again.
"You are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen in my life," Cal said softly, smoothing a curl away from her face.
She smiled. "And you are the most handsome groom ever to get married," she said, mussing his hair up a little, thankfully free of horrible gel.
Cal kissed her again, bringing her close against him, and she smiled when he pulled back.
"So, Mrs. Hockley, are we excited for Germany next week?"
Rose's eyes lit up, as the delightful reminder jogged her memory…
"Oh goodness yes! I cannot wait." Here Rose kissed him on the cheek.
Pulling back, Cal softly said, "I love you, Rose."
Rose smiled back. "And I love you, Cal."
Staring at each other, the moment was broken when the photographer, the man elegantly dressed in a black suit as well, came forward.
"I'm sorry to disturb you both but just a few more photographs and we shall be done…And of course let's not forget the cutting of the cake…"
Rolling her eyes warily, Rose took Cal's hand and smiled as they were led away…