Christopher and Adam knelt at the feet of the Priest. The Father held his right hand over the two blond heads and spoke.
"In as much as Christopher Keith and Adam Joseph have exchanged vows of love and fidelity, in the presence of God and witnesses, I now pronounce them husbands for life, in a Holy Covenant, as long as they both shall live. Amen." The Father made the sign of the cross over Chris and Adam.
The Father indicated for Adam, Chris, Roman and Jason to go to the anteroom and sign the registry book. It would make Adam officially Lord Adam McMahon. It would also mean Chris and Adam could finally talk and kiss for the first time as a married couple.
Roman gently held Jason back a bit. "Give them a moment. There is something Chris has to do. This is a very special moment for them." Roman leaned in and whispered to Jason. Roman recalled how special this moment was with Seth.
Jason watched as Chris had Adam go down on one knee. In silence, Chris carefully removed the flower crown, from Adam's head. When the flowers were off, the McMahon coronet gleamed in the low light of the room.
Chris bent down and took Adam's hands in his. "Rise, Lord Adam Jericho McMahon." He helped Adam to stand. When Adam was steady on his feet, the couple kissed for the first time as husbands.
Both Roman and Jason quickly wiped the tears from their eyes. The sound of the church choir singing made the moment even more emotional.
When the kiss broke, Chris finally spoke. "You looked like an angel walking down the aisle to me. Thank God, Roman kept me on my feet. Oh how I love you, my husband." Chris gave Adam another kiss.
Adam held tight to Chris' hand. "I don't even remember walking, I only saw my handsome Lion waiting for me. Mark held me steady. I love you, my husband." He gripped Chris' hands again.
Roman stepped forward. "We'd better sign the register. Don't want to keep them waiting too long. Welcome, brother." He gave Adam a kiss on the cheek.
Jason went to Chris. "Welcome to you, brother. Take care of him please." He firmly shook Chris' hand.
Chris put a hand on Jason's shoulder as he shook his hand. "I will, I swear it, brother."
Roman signed first, then Jason. Adam signed next, then lastly Chris added his signature.
"I'm sad that I had to sign Copeland, but that was the last time. Oh… I didn't mean that how it sounded, Jay. I was anxious to sign by my new name. I will always be a Copeland." Adam didn't want Jason to feel badly.
Jason laughed. "I understood what you meant, silly. I haven't used Copeland in a long time. Then again, Reso is still a family name. Now what do we do?" He looked at Roman to guide him.
"We will go out first. I will go stand with Seth and Dean. You go back and stand with Kenny and Shane. Our newlyweds will follow after we are back in place." Roman smiled at Jason.
Roman turned to Chris. "Give a couple of minutes. When the organ swells, come out." He gave Chris a wink.
"Thanks, Roman." Chris gave his brother a quick hug.
Roman gave Chris a smile. He nodded for Jason to follow him. It left the newlyweds alone for the first time.
Chris took advantage of the moment and gave Adam a tongue talking, searing kiss. "I love you."
"I love you. Take my arm. We bow to our parents." Chris offered Adam his elbow.
Adam took Chris' elbow, just as the organ music rose in volume. The door was opened by the Priest, Father Baker. He led the couple back into the sanctuary.
Chris and Adam bowed to Vince and Eric, then turned and bowed to Judy and Mark, as they stood on the raised steps of the High Alter. Stephanie and Natalya led the little girls and Tommy down the aisle. Roman and Jason paired up and followed next. Shane and Seth followed then Dean and Kenny.
When the party were far enough ahead, Chris and Adam started up the aisle. They smiled and nodded as they passed their wedding guests. Even though he had a firm grip on Chris' arm he felt like he floated on air. It was a wonderful feeling. Adam also knew, he had made the absolute right choice in marrying Chris.
Vince walked with Judy and Eric walked with Mark. No parents could be prouder. For the first time in her life, Judy didn't feel like a servant. She was simply a very happy mother.
Maxwell stood at attention and held open the small door of the landau carriage. He gave a nod as Chris helped Adam up into the vehicle. Once Adam was settled, Chris slid into the seat. Chris immediately took Adam's hand in his. Adam grinned as their fingers laced together.
Maxwell closed the door. "We will go the long way. The others want to get back first." He relayed the message Duke Shawn had given him earlier.
"Good thinking, Maxwell." Chris put on his hat as the carriage took off. Adam and Chris waved as they drove away.
Vince and Judy waved as the newlywed's carriage went down the street. "It was a very nice wedding. Your Adam looks so handsome." Vince spoke to Judy as Adam's mother, not the cook.
Judy smiled up at Vince. "As did Christopher, Your Grace. I am very proud mother. Duke Patrick was smiling down on Christopher today."
"Thank you, Missus Calaway. I am sure he was. Ah, madame, our carriage awaits." Vince offered Judy his arm as the rented carriage pulled up.
Vince and Judy were followed by Eric and Mark. The four parents would drive back to the house together. The rest of the wedding party and the twenty-five invited guests would follow.
Eugenia and Tommy helped Mary, Victoria and Melanie into the carriage that would take them back to the orphanage. Lady Prudence was there to see them off.
"My dears, you were simply perfect. I am sure Uncles Adam and Chris were happy. Now, you be good for Miss Kelly. Cody will bring me home later. I love you, my darlings." Prudence spoke with great pride and love.
"We will, Auntie Pru. Have a good time. Please give Uncles our love. We can start working on our party for them." Eugenia spoke as they settled in.
Prudence smiled. "Good. I will tell them. No, I must fly, Cody is waiting." She hurried off to another carriage which Cody drove.
As they rode along, Adam laughed. "You know, I can't remember anything, but walking down the aisle to you. We did get married, didn't we?" He was truly confused.
Chris laughed and held up Adam's left hand. "Yes, we did. The wedding band proves it. Honestly, I don't remember much either. All I do remember is how handsome you looked… still look. Oh wait…" Chris paused and pulled his poppa Patrick's signet ring out of his pocket.
"Father gave this to poppa Patrick on their wedding day. He gave it to me this morning. Will you put in on? Like a wedding band for me." Chris held the ring out to Adam.
"How lovely. I would love to, and it is an honor." Adam took the ring and slid it on to the pinkie finger of Chris' left hand, with a love filled smile.
Chris held up his left hand. "Thank you, love. Now, I can show I am married. Oh, don't forget, put your engagement ring… no, wait, I will do it." He took Adam's right hand in his.
Adam had put his sapphire and diamond engagement ring on his right hand for the wedding. He watched as Chris slid the ring off, then took his left hand.
"I love you, Adam McMahon." Chris stated as he slid the engagement ring onto his left finger with the wedding band.
Adam admired the two rings. He smiled softly, his hazel eyes filled with emotion. "I never thought I could be this happy or love someone so very much. I guess I can tell you now… I always found you handsome. Now, I am married to you. I am the luckiest man in England." He again held fast to Chris' hand.
Chris chuckled softly. "I had my eyes on you too. I always hoped you notice me. You know, it was Bea and Reggie that brought us together. The night they were born, and we looked after them. Best night of my life. I can't wait to have our own children… and of course, our Melanie." He lifted Adam's hand and kissed it softly.
Adam ducked his head with flushed cheeks. "I want that too. Maybe we will…" He dropped his words as the flush grew deeper on his cheeks.
Chris smiled at his new husband. "Perhaps we will." He said no more, the carriage was about to pull up to the McMahon house. Their parents and siblings stood on the steps, ready to greet them.
Maxwell was glad to see Riddle as the young stable boy held fast to Highflyer's headstall. While behaved, the stallion was getting anxious.
Maxwell disembarked from the driver's set and opened the small door for their Lordships.
Chris got out first, then helped Adam. Together the couple walked up the the four steps to the porch landing. The newlyweds were swamped with hugs, kisses and handshakes. Both Chris and Adam were passed around like rag dolls.
Somehow, they all eventually made it up to the grand drawing room on the third floor. A pianist played soft music as the select group of invited guests went down the receiving line Eric had quickly arranged.
Stephanie, Natalya, Kenny, Jason, Shane, Dean, Seth, Roman, Mark, Judy, Eric, Vice, Chris and finally Adam shook hands with the guests as they moved down the line. The last ones to congratulate the newlyweds were Dukes Bret and Shawn Hart.
Bret kissed Adam on the cheek. "It's Uncle Bret now. After all, Shawn is Vince's cousin. Family is family." He smiled and shook Adam's hand firmly.
Adam returned the smile. "Thank you, Uncle Bret. It's hard to get used to all the changes." He spoke with a bit of a laugh.
"But you will. Oh Adam you look so handsome. Blessings for you and dear Christopher. The wedding was beautiful. I am now Uncle Shawn." Shawn finished with a kiss to Adam's cheek.
"Thank you, Uncle Shawn. Maybe one day I will actually remember the wedding." Adam gave a light laugh.
"You will." Shawn gave Adam a wink, then moved away.
Thankfully, Shawn was the last in the line. Eric spoke to everyone. "If I may have your attention please…" He paused and waited for everyone to settle a bit.
Eric spoke again. "Please enjoy your food and drink. We will cut the cake and toast the newlyweds in an hour or so. They need a bit of time to relax. So again, enjoy the food, drink and music." He spoke with great warmth.
Instead of a large, sit down wedding breakfast, Eric, Adam and Judy had agreed, Hors d'oeuvres would be better and easier. Formally dressed waiters from J. Lyons walked among the guests and served them. It was all done under the extremely close supervision of Damien Sandow.
Eric led Adam and Chris to two chairs and indicated for them to sit. "Now relax, catch your breath and eat." He gave both men a pat to the shoulder.
Chris grinned. "Thank you, poppa. You are the best. Please, ask Pru to join us."
"I will. Oh, Mister and Missus Schultz, it is lovely to see you. Please, enjoy yourselves." Eric smiled at the butcher and his wife.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I am sorry, we are a bit late, we walked. We are honored to have been invited." Mr. Schultz smiled with a nod. Mrs. Schultz also smiled, but didn't speak. She was a bit… starstruck.
Adam stood and hugged the Schultz's warmly. "Thank you for coming. It means so much to me. Please, meet my husband Christopher."
Chris stood and greeted the older couple. "So nice to meet you properly. Thank you so much for helping Adam with his German. He has been able to help father with some very important translations for Parliament." Chris spoke warmly, and with pride for Adam. He shook the butchers hand firmly.
Mr. Schultz beamed. "Thank you, Your Lordship. He is a good student."
Wade Barrett had his ear turned to the conversation with the butcher, as he sat with Shane. Maybe he should pay a visit to the butcher shop, fish around with some questions. He would speak to Sasha about it.
Adam and Chris had sat back down. They nibbled on some of the delicious food. Adam suddenly grinned like sunlight.
"I just realized, that was the first time I introduced you as my husband." Adam continued to glow.
Chris' brow arched. "You're right, and I liked it. I won't get tired of hearing it or saying it. Oh, Pru, please join us." Chris stood and moved a chair closer for Prudence to sit in. Adam also stood.
The three sat down. A waiter came over with glasses of the finest French champagne. Another waiter had a try of plates with dainty sandwiches. Prudence, Adam and Chris each took a glass and a plate.
After a few minutes, Chris spoke. "Pru, the girls looked so adorable and Tommy so handsome. Melanie looked like an angel." He smiled at the memory.
Prudence too, smiled. "They were perfect. I am sure they are planning your party by now. Oh by the way Christopher, things are all set and Adam don't ask." She winked at Chris. There were things Adam didn't need to know… just yet.
Chris chuckled. "Thank you so much, Pru. Love, all I will say is… you will like it very much."
Adam rolled his eyes, but with a laugh. "I know better than to ask questions. What ever it is, I am sure it will be nice if Pru is involved."
Prudence smiled happily at Adam. "It is my wedding gift to you and Chris. It is my dearest pleasure to do it." She gave Chris another wink.
Over in a corner, Cody and Paige sat together in their own little world and talked quietly. "It is strange to sit here, like… a… lady." Paige whispered, the bit into a small sandwich.
Cody leaned into Paige. "You look as beautiful as any of the ladies in the room. Are you getting along with Randal?" He too took a bite of sandwich.
Paige blushed. "Thank you, Cody. I made this dress from some material Lady Stephanie's dressmaker gave us…" She paused and took a sip of tea.
"Randal is very nice, but I miss you. He talks to Beth a lot, which is fine with me." Paige looked at Cody with a shy smile.
Cody nodded. "I miss you too, but I like helping Lady Prudence. After all, she did raise me."
Paige laughed lightly. "She did a good job. How is Morrison? A broken leg must be awful."
"He is doing fairly well. He is still on the estate in Scotland. Lady Prudence will have him sent back to London by train, as soon as the Doctor says he can. Even then, I will stay until he is on his feet. Maybe, you could ask Adam if you could come visit the orphanage with them sometime. You could help the girls make doll dresses. They would like that." Cody spoke with hope, maybe Paige could visit.
"I don't know. I might not have a day off at the same time. I won't promise, but I will see. It would be fun to help them." Paige spoke in a thought filled voice. Maybe she could visit sometime. The two continued to talk and eat.
Everyone looked when Eric tapped his glass an hour later. "Ladies and gentlemen, the wedding cake." Eric indicated to the door.
Tow of the waiters from J. Lyons carried in the four tiered wedding cake Judy and the girls had made. Adam had insisted and Eric agreed, only they could make the cake.
The guests oohed and aahed as the grand cake was carried to the large table that waited. The cake was covered with delicate piped icing that looked like white on white lace. The top layer was covered with some small, fresh flowers that cascaded down. Paige's aunt had picked the flowers that morning to keep them fresh.
Damien Sandow directed Chris and Adam to stand behind the table to cut the cake. Mark gave Damien a nod of respect and approval.
Adam looked across the table to his mother. "Ma, it is beautiful. Too beautiful to cut. Thank you, and thank you girls for helping her."
"I agree. Thank you, momma Judy and of course you girls. As beautiful ask it looks, I am sure it will taste even better." Chris added his thoughts.
Vince stepped up to speak. "It is my honor to pass the McMahon dagger to you, Chris. It has cut every McMahon wedding cake for two hundred years. May its luck pass on to you and Adam."
The dagger was sliver and honed to a deadly sharp edge. The handle was wrapped with black leather and a large sapphire was encrusted into the hilt.
Chris took the hilt of the dagger in hand. "Thank you, father. I am sure it will."
Chris smiled as Adam wrapped his left hand over Chris' right hand. Together they cut into the cake. The guests and family applauded.
Chris continued the new tradition Roman and and Seth had followed at their wedding. He held the slice of cake up to Adam's lips.
"I love you, Adam." Chris whispered as Adam took a small bite. Now was not the time to choke.
Adam took the slice of cake from Chris, and held it up for Chris to bite. "I love you, Christopher." When they finished more applause broke out.
As the guests settled, Damien himself poured champagne into the two solid gold chalices that had been in the McMahon family for the same two hundred years as the dagger.
The gold vessels bore the McMahon family crest. Like the dagger, they had last been used at Roman and Seth's wedding.
As Damien poured the glasses for the immediate family, waiters passed around glasses of champagne for the guests. It was time to toast the newlyweds.
When everyone had been served, Roman and Jason stepped up to make their toasts.
Jason was grateful to Roman. Several times over the last few days, he and Roman had practiced their toasts. Roman gave Jason a lot of advice about public speaking and Jason appreciated it very much.
As the groom's best man, Roman spoke first. "Your Graces, My Lords, Ladies and gentlemen. I raise my glass in toast to the couple. Chris, my brother, may you and Adam have a happy, love filled marriage. May God bless you." Roman raised his glass.
"To Christopher and Adam." The guests spoke in chorus. Everyone took a sip, except the couple.
Roman gave Jason a nod of confidence. Jason stepped forward. "Your Graces, My Lords, Ladies and gentlemen. I raise my glass in toast to the couple. Adam, my brother, may you and Christopher have a happy, love filled marriage. May God bless you." Jason raised his glass.
"To Adam and Christopher." The guests once again spoke, then sipped in chorus.
Chris picked up his chalice. And looked into Adam's hazel eyes. "I love you, Adam Joseph. I can't wait to live my live in love and joy with you."
Adam picked up his chalice and looked into Chris' blue eyes. "I love you, Christopher Keith. I too, can't wait to live my life in love and joy with you."
The couple linked their arms and sipped from the golden chalices. It was a special and love filled moment between Chris and Adam. Judy and Eric both swiped their eyes. Vince and Mark beamed like the proud fathers they were.
Jason stood with Roman, Seth, Dean, Stephanie and Shane, as an equal, one of the family. He too smiled with love and brotherly pride at Adam. Lady Prudence Mayfield also smiled with love and deep affection. Melanie would have a wonderful home.
After the "ceremonies" were finished, a waiter set to slicing and plating the cake, while his fellow waiters placed the plates on silver trays and served the waiting guests.
Judy waited with baited breath as Vince, Eric and Mark took their first bite of the wedding cake.
"My dearest, you have out done yourself. This is the most delicious cake you have ever made." Mark complimented his wife with enthusiasm.
Vince nodded. "I completely agree with you, Calaway. Best cake I have ever eaten."
"Absolutely. I agree as well. It looked beautiful too. The flowers were charming. Paige's aunt is a wonderful florist." Eric added his thoughts.
Judy ducked her head with a flush on her cheeks. It was where Adam got it. "Thank you, very much. I just put in all the love I have for my baby and Chris."
"Then you should call the receipt for the flavor, A Mother's Love. Be sure to save some for them to enjoy later. They won't remember eating any today." Eric gave Judy a sly wink.
Two hours later, Prudence was the last guest to leave. She spoke to Chris and Adam, who had walked her to the front door. Cody waited by Prudence's smallest carriage. He would drive them home.
"You darlings have a wonderful time. The children will have a lovely party for you when you return. I am so happy for you two boys. Melanie is going to love being part of the family. Now I must fly, my children will be most anxious to hear about the wedding." Prudence kissed both Adam and Chris on the cheek.
"Take care, Pru. Give the children our love. We can't wait to see them. Thank you again for… well you know… as will Adam, eventually. Love you, dearest Lady." Chris hugged and kissed Prudence, as did Adam. They waved as Cody drove away.
Before they could go back into the house, Maxwell pulled up, once again in the landau carriage. Jason pulled up behind as he drove a small wagon, pulled by Thunderbolt and Peppermint.
"Why is Jason driving the luggage cart?" Adam asked his husband, brow arched.
Jason laughed as he stepped out of the wagon. "To take your luggage to the train station."
Chris laughed. "He's right. Now come, love. You and I have a journey ahead of us. Train leaves in two hours." Chris led Adam into the house. Jason went to talk to Maxwell and help keep Highflyer and Locket calm while they waited.
Mark and Randal had just finished bringing down the luggage that had been packed earlier. There were two travel trunks and six smaller pieces of fine, high quality leather luggage.
Adam looked from the waiting luggage to Chris. "Alright, where are you taking me? There is enough luggage there to be gone a month, not two weeks." He was a tad salty. Adam wasn't a big fan of surprises like this.
Chris laughed loudly. "Not telling. You will find out when we get to the train station. Just know this, you will love it… at least I hope you will." He took Adam by the hand and led him upstairs. They needed to change clothes.
They went into Chris' bedroom. "Now, are you sure you want your room to be the sitting room?" Chris asked as he took off the jacket of his riding togs.
Adam nodded. "Yes, I do. With the balcony, it is better suited for a sitting room. I just wish the nursery was closer, but Melanie will be alright… won't she?" Adam tried not to notice Chris had unbuttoned his shirt. But then again, after all they were married now. Still, a flush dusted his cheeks and Adam averted his eyes.
Chris smiled at Adam's shyness, but he held off totally removing his shirt. "I agree, the balcony is better suited for a sitting room. Yes love, Melanie will be fine. Now, I am sure Orton has laid out your change of clothes. We have to leave soon." He gave Adam a kiss, then nudged him to go change.
Adam went through the door that had once been locked, that led from Chris' room to his. He smiled, Mark was there waiting for him.
"I thought your Lordship could use some help." Mark spoke as Adam entered the room.
Adam laughed. "Yes, I would. Thank you. Don't forget to return the coronet." Adam spoke as he carefully removed said coronet. He'd been surprised that it had barely put any weight on his head.
"Don't worry, son. I will take care of it. Now, don't open this till you get to where you are going. Once you read it, you will understand. Promise, or I won't give it to you." Mark pulled a plain white envelope out of his pocket and held it out to Adam.
Adam took the envelope. "I promise. Now, I'd better change. Chris said we have to hurry."
When Adam was dressed in his navy blue suit, he spoke. "It will be… alright… I mean… you know…" He just could not openly say "sex".
Mark knew what Adam meant. "Yes, son. It will be fine. You have a wonderful time. Trust me, you are going to have the most amazing trip. Now, I am sure your husband is waiting for you." He gave Adam a hug of assurance.
"Thank you, poppa Mark. I be this had to do with getting something for ma. Don't worry, I won't open it, till we get to… wherever we are going." Adam returned Mark's hug.
Chris came into the room. "You ready, love?"
"Yes, I am ready." Adam looked at Chris.
The three men went downstairs. Vince, Eric, Judy, Roman, Seth, Dean, Stephanie and Shane all waited to say goodbye to the newlyweds.
"We were going to go to the train station with you, but we decided it would be too many people. Do you mind?" Eric asked, brow arched.
Chris looked at his husband, Adam gave a slight nod. "No, we don't mind at all. We will be back in two weeks. Adam and I would like to thank you all, so very much, or giving us a wonderful wedding. We love all of you so much." He remained stoic, but his eyes and voice were filled with emotion.
Adam went and hugged his mother tight. "I love you, mummy. Thank you." He couldn't stop the tears. He'd never really been away from Judy in his life.
Judy too, let some tears fall. "You will be fine. You have a handsome, strong young Lion to protect you. Have a wonderful time. I love you." She kissed Adam on both cheeks.
Everyone hugged and kissed the newlyweds. They stood on the porch, and waved goodbye. Chris and Adam waved until they turned the corner. It was then when Adam noticed.
"Jason! You're driving." Adam had just noticed Jason drove the carriage and Maxwell followed in the luggage cart.
Jason laughed. "Good eyes their, my Lord. I wanted to be the one to drive you to the train. Maxwell didn't mind."
"Jay, take care of ma." Adam spoke with worry in his voice and etched on his face.
Jason turned in his seat to glance at his brother. "I will, Addy. Mark will too." He spoke with confidence.
"Don't worry, Jason. Adam will be safe as houses with me." Chris spoke before Jason could say it.
Jason nodded. "I know he will." He had to pay more attention. They had entered the busy London traffic.
Chris looked at Adam. "Look, we won't be able to… um… well… you know… um… consummate our vows until tomorrow, when we get where we are going. I'm sorry."
Adam smiled. "I understand, Chris. Where are we going?" He gave a slight squeeze to Chris' hand.
"Should I tell him, Jason?" Chris leaned forward a bit to speak to Jason.
"I should say no, but I know my brother. If he hears it at the train station, he will squeal like a girl. It is really embarrassing." Jason spoke with a wink to Chris as he waited for traffic to move along.
"I do not squeal like a girl." Adam huffed.
Chris chuckled at his husband. "Well alright, I will tell you. We are going to Paris. Prudence is letting us stay in her chateaux on the outskirts." He held his hands over his ears… Adam had let out a high pitched squeal of delight.
"I told you he squeals like a girl. Good thing you didn't spook the horses." Jason laughed.
Adam clung to Chris. "Oh darling! Really? Paris, Paris, France? A chateaux? Oh, Chris! Me… in Paris!" He was so excited he was barely able to speak. Adam laughed with joy.
Chris laughed because Adam was so happy. "Yes, love. Paris, France. It is a beautiful chateaux. Prudence took some of the older children there two years ago. I went along to help. Poppa Patrick was from France. So, it is a bit like having him with us. Wish could take Highflyer and Locket, it is a wonderful place to ride. We can see what is in the stable there. Oh, the staff are all former orphan's of Pru's." He explained as they neared the Victoria train station.
"It sounds wonderful. At least we both speak French. Oh thank you, darling." Adam planted a quick kiss on Chris' cheek.
"Hey, monkey butt, please bring be back some French cigarettes." Jason asked as he stopped the carriage in the vast yard of the Victoria train station.
"I will, Jason. I will bring something for everyone. After all, I can spend my husband's money now." Adam laughed even more happily than before.
Chris grunted. "I will be broke in an hour after arriving in Paris."
No more could be said. A porter had come to make sure their Lordships boarded the train safely. Maxwell and Jason saw to the loading of the newlyweds luggage.
Chris had one more surprise. They would be travelling in a first class private compartment.
Soon the couple would be Paris bound.