Lucky to be loving you

Chapter 21

Page 61

The Community Church bells were beckoning all to come to the wedding of Fiona and James. When Robert and Ruth arrived at the church, they were impressed to see how busy the church was.

As they pulled up, Nathan was directing traffic for those who were family and guided them to a parking spot close to the doors of the church. Opening Ruth's door, he helped her out when greeting her. Shaking Robert's hand, he then offered his arm to escort Ruth up the stairs and inside. From there, her son, Carl was waiting for her with a corsage which he promptly pinned on her dress, then escorted her to the right front pew with Robert following. Once they were seated, he left to join James waiting in the Pastor's office.

Augustus Landis was playing the piano while the people began arriving. The sanctuary was decorated with flower swags hanging on the outside of the pews and with floral bouquets in vases on the altar, next to the candles. In front of the altar on the left was the lectern holding the Bible which was opened to the first reading.

Following right after the Scholls, were Fiona's brothers who managed to clean up pretty well and had survived their headaches. They were dressed up in their best suits catching the eyes of the young 'Hopeful' ladies as they sat in the first pew on the left. Joining them in the pew directly behind, was Christy's husband, Rick with their two little ones and Sean and Mary O'Neill.

Little by little the church began filling up with as many folks as could fit. It was going to be a tight fit, but Fiona and James had found it hard not to include everyone they wanted to attend. The rest of their friends and family would be included in the reception. Being married in Hope Valley meant everything to them and even though they could've found a larger church in a city, they made the best of the situation and hoped everyone understood.

Seeing that Rick arrived, meant that Christy was too. She and Fiona were in the front vestibule of the church with Fiona's father. Ronald Miller could hardly believe how much his daughter reminded him of his late wife, Fiona's mother. Fiona's beautiful brown eyes, the freckles across her nose, and the smile that lit up her face were just how he remembered his sweet wife, Rosa. Now, standing next to him he gazed through tears at his daughter. He knew how much James loved her and he was so happy for them both. Knowing Fiona would be under James' care assured him that it would be all right to give his daughter away to him in a few minutes.

"Daddy, are you all right?" Fiona smiled up at him, "you look distant."

"Honey, I'm perfectly fine. It's just that you remind me so much of your mother that it takes my breath away."

Fiona tiptoed up and kissed the tear falling down her father's cheek, "Aw, Daddy, I love you!"

"I love you too so much sweetheart and it's hard for me to admit it, but I know another man who loves you just as much as me. Are you ready?" he asked.

When Fiona smiled and put her arm through her father's Christy walked over to the entrance door inside of the church and nodded at Augustus to play "The Bridal Chorus."

With that James and Carl stepped out of the Pastor's office with Pastor Joseph and walked to the altar. The groom was handsome and debonair watching for his bride. When his eyes fell on Fiona it brought strong feelings of desire and love and took his breath away. The two locked eyes and couldn't stop as if a magnet was drawing them closer. Ronald Miller shook James' hand and handed his daughter to James with a warm handshake and a wink.

"You are so beautiful!" James whispered as they both turned to face Pastor Joseph.

"Welcome everyone to this glorious day as we gather here to celebrate the union of love between Fiona and James. Surely, God has opened the skies and brought forth the sun to shine on our lovely couple who are standing here before Him and us to witness to their love," Pastor Joseph began following with an opening prayer.

Christy was invited to read a passage from Scripture in Genesis:

So, the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.

The LORD God then built the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman. When he brought her to the man,

the man said:

"This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called 'woman,' for out of man this one has been taken.

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one.

Carl followed going up to the pulpit and reading from 1 Corinthians:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Pastor Joseph spoke to the couple, "You have heard what God has said about how important the covenant of marriage is and it is my hope that it is written in your heart. Remember Marriage takes three; you, your soon-to-be spouse, and God. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage."

With that Joseph looked sincerely at the couple standing in front of him and said, "You both will now give your vows to each other, starting with James. James, please repeat after me:

"I, James, take thee, Fiona, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and to that I pledge myself to you."

With that James placed the wedding band on Fiona's finger and squeezed her hand as he was gazing deeply into her eyes.

Fiona followed with her vow of love to James and placed the wedding band on his finger, returning the squeeze with an ecstatic smile.

Pastor Joseph smiling broadly with the couple raised his hands over their heads and gave them a blessing, "May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom be glory now and evermore. Amen."

The congregation answered in unison, "Amen!"

"Now, one and all, I am proud and happy to announce Mr. and Mrs. James Scholl! You, sir, may now kiss your bride!" Joseph boomed as the crowd came to their feet and applauded the couple.

As James nearly swept Fiona off her feet with a heart-racing kiss, Augustus Landis began playing, "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" prompting the couple to start processing back down the aisle holding hands and beaming with love!

Page 62

With huge smiles, the new bride and groom, Fiona and James, flurried down the church aisle to the narthex of the church followed by Christy and Carl. The Sholl family, Robert and Ruth followed arm in arm, with Robert sporting a proper pleased smile and Ruth joyfully grinning. Fiona's father, Ronald Miller, and his sons were right behind with the young ladies eyeing the young men carefully.

The driver held the door of the Rolls Royce for Fiona, being careful that her dress was properly inside before closing her door, and then he walked around to the other side to accommodate James. Fiona's brothers had tied empty tin cans to the back of the classy automobile with a sign, "Just hitched!" much to James' father's chagrin. Fiona and James enjoyed her brother's sense of humor.

The sun was just as bright as it was earlier in the morning when the rays woke Fiona up, as the ride to the Benson Hills Inn was glorious, especially for the new husband and wife who couldn't stop laughing and kissing.

When they arrived, James escorted Fiona inside and had both of their coats checked into the coat room. Holding hands they entered the Grand Ballroom. It was elegantly perfect for the large reception. As they looked around the room, the orchestra that had been waiting for them began the song, "Moonglow."

Shortly, the families joined them in the greeting line. All the chatting of the folks from Hope Valley and those family and friends of the Scholls who had stayed overnight joined together in the line of guests waiting to congratulate the newlywed couple.

From the welcome line, the couples were escorted to their tables by their server. The chatting, laughter, and music could be heard all around the room. Finally, Fiona and James were asked to have a seat at the head table.

With all seated, Pastor Joseph stood, "May I have your attention please?" he asked while looking around the room, "I know the appetizers are being brought out now as I speak. Please, before we eat let us bow our heads in thanksgiving, asking our Lord to bless our food, but more importantly, our special couple, Fiona and James, for a long life together blessed with His love. Amen."

"Amen!" the folks confirmed loudly.

"It's nice to be rubbing elbows with the Pastor who celebrated this couple's union," Father Ricardo chuckled when Joseph sat down. The two men enjoyed a true camaraderie between them, not only as men of the Word but as great friends.

Their table included the Romanos and the Morettis who when they started to mix up their Italian with their English, Joseph and Minnie, asked Fr. Ricardo to explain what they were saying. The more excited they were, the faster their Italian sneaked in.

Molly and Bill sat with Dee, Nathan, Rosemary, and Lee. As usual, they were the life of the party with their laughter carrying across the room. The ladies looked lovely. Rosemary and Dee had been doing sit-ups to work off their baby tummies and actually fit into their gowns without struggle. Dee was proud of her accomplishment, especially after having two babies barely a year apart.

Nathan hadn't complained, in fact, he would tell Dee with a twinkle in his eye, "I must admit, Dee I really admire your curves."

Dee responded to Nathan with a cautionary look from time to time, as if to say, 'Look, but don't touch'. As much as she truly loved this man of hers, she needed a breather, but there were times when she couldn't help but melt in his arms. Their love was so strong and so true that whatever God planned for them, she knew they would be just fine.

Rosemary was chatting away as to what she would write for the Valley Voice about the wedding of the year! It was quite fancy doings with the shower, bachelor party, and now the gourmet dinner in the Grand Ballroom of the Benson Hills Inn.

"After we finish eating, I must go around and introduce myself to all the guests from Hamilton. I'm sure they will recognize me from show business," she giggled, "but I want to obtain some stories about the Scholls, especially James."

"Now, Rosie, don't be snooping. You don't want to embarrass James," Lee warned.

"Lee, it's not snooping, if I'm reporting," she countered.

The waiters were bringing out bowls of French Onion Soup and warm slices of French bread. Over at Dottie and Henry's table sat Mike Hickam and Kevin Townsend along with Faith and Carson. Dottie listened carefully, hoping the bachelors wouldn't be slurping their soup, but the orchestra was playing and kept the slurping sounds hidden.

"I love this soup with the melted cheese and bread cubes!" Faith remarked.

"It definitely hits the spot," added Mike.

Flo, Ned, Rosaleen, Debra, Elizabeth, and Will could smell the aroma of the entree and were each guessing what it was. Will was right when the servers brought out the plates of beef tenderloin, creamy mashed potatoes, and green beans with sliced almonds. The tenderloins were still sizzling hot off the grill and filled the room with their tempting aroma.

"I haven't had a tenderloin in quite some time," Rosaleen smiled.

"Me either, not on a college budget," Debra laughed.

The bachelor table of Matthew, Mark, Luke, Andy, Kenny, and Gunther never left a single bite on their plates. Enjoying all the scrumptious food and allowing a few burps to make room, they were ready for dessert.

"I wonder what's for dessert," Andy asked.

"Wedding cake, silly!" Gunther answered.

"That's not all, here comes dishes of something fancy!" Luke announced pleased.

There were three tables filled with Chickadees. They were thrilled when the brownie parfaits arrived!

"Will you look at this!" Carol exclaimed.

"Oh boy, there sits five pounds," Rita shrugged.

"Not if we dance it off!" Jane smiled while grabbing her spoon.

Janice added, "Why do they bring this when we're stuffed?"

"Oh, Janice, there's always room for parfaits!" Mary countered.

"If you don't want yours, Janice, I'll take it," Joyce offered.

"You'll have to dance more then," Marge scolded Joyce.

"Don't forget, they'll serve cake later," Maryann reminded all.

"Well, I always need coffee with my dessert," Luciana said as she looked for their waiter.

"Oh, it looks like they're bringing out bottles of champagne!" Theresa laughed as their waiter poured each lady a glass.

Just then, Carl Scholl stood up and clanged his glass, "May I have your attention please!"

It took a while for the bachelors to quiet down, but after a few 'shhs' Carl began, "James has been not only the best big brother a man could ask for, but also my best friend. His quiet and polite demeanor next to my loud and raucous behavior caused teachers to wonder if we were really brothers," he laughed. "Yet, James was always someone I looked up to and admired. I still say I want to be just like him when I grow up."

After the crowd stopped laughing, he continued, "Now, I know that he is very, very lucky to have this gorgeous and sweet lady, Fiona, for his wife, and I know no one who deserves such a delightful woman more than he. Here's to my brother and best friend, James, and his new bride, Fiona! May they live a long and happy life!"

"Cheers! Cheers!" the audience added.

When Carl sat down, Christy stood up, "Fiona is not just a wonderful friend, but she's like a sister to me. When my life seemed at my worst, she took me in, gave me a home, and taught me a trade. I couldn't ask for a sweeter guardian angel. Fiona, I am honored to have you in my life and I am thrilled that you have such an honorable and dedicated man in your life to be with you throughout many years to come! God bless you both!"

Again, the guests broke into applause as they lifted their glasses to toast the newlyweds.

Fiona and James stood up and kissed, and then they said together, "Thank you all! Enjoy the night!"

With that, the servers cleared the tables, and the orchestra began playing again.

Soon, the music beckoned James and Fiona to the floor. There they were in each other's arms with Fiona laying her head on James' shoulder and closing her eyes. Was this real she asked herself. Am I finally married to my Prince Charming?

James closed his eyes and took in the perfume that his bride was wearing. She felt so delicate in his arms and he was consumed with the warmth of her snuggled close to his neck. Was this real he asked himself. Am I finally married to my Princess?

A new song began which was planned as the daddy-daughter dance. This was Ronald's cue to ask his daughter for a dance. Fiona accepted her father's hand and walked onto the floor with him. As he held his daughter in his arms, he told her about the first time he held her as a newborn.

"I looked at those big brown eyes of yours and fell immediately in love. I always wanted to protect you and felt so proud of you! I never thought you could make me any prouder, but I have to admit, you never cease to amaze me, sweetheart. Your mother would be beaming right now if we could see her. I know she's watching and I also know she loves you as much as I do."

Fiona buried her head in her father's chest, "I love you so much, Daddy!"

Slowly but surely the guests went out on the floor and joined in.

"Who's going to dance with me?" Jane asked looking at each Chickadee at her table.

"Oh, I definitely have to, I ate too much!" Sherri said pushing back from the table.

"Me too," Jackie added as she stood up.

"I'm going to powder my nose first, anyone else?" Debbie asked.

Page 63

"Oh, come on!" Jane prodded Teresa, "Get up and let's dance!"

Teresa laughed, "I love to dance, but I'm also ready to bust, after that delicious meal!"

"No excuses!" Marge added.

"I'm ready!" Joyce said as she got up and joined the small but growing group of people dancing.

The ballroom was hopping now with most of the couples enjoying the music. If the men didn't ask their wives, the wife would grab her husband's hand, and with a persuading plea, she would win.

James took his mother, Ruth out on the floor to a waltz. "Mom, I never dreamt that this would ever happen," he started.

"What son? A wedding?" Ruth inquired.

James chuckled, "No, actually, I was determined to make Fiona my lovely bride. What I'm saying is, as I look around, I think about how much friction Father and I went through and to see this day with him here celebrating with me, well, that's just a minor miracle to me!"

Ruth was silent for a few seconds then answered, "James, deep down inside your father is a good man, or I wouldn't have stayed married to him. He was sweet and a hard worker, but the more he worked, the more he wanted to impress the high society class."

"I know he felt pressured, but mom, he left you home alone to raise two boys who needed their father. Not that you didn't do your best, but we saw you alone and sometimes we could hear you softly cry when you went to bed. That is something I will always remember. Yet, now, I see you two here enjoying the day together, and it makes me very happy!" James said as he kissed his mother on her forehead.

Ruth pondered for a minute, then said, "If it wasn't for Fiona encouraging you to come home for Christmas the year before, who knows how it would've turned out? I thank God for your darling wife, she has brought us all back together!"

"Me too, mom. Me too." James continued waltzing with his mother while Carl took his new sister-in-law on the dance floor.

"Fiona, how did you ever teach James to dance?" Carl scoffed.

"Me? Teach him? Ha-ha, Carl, you don't know but I have two left feet. He's the dancer who taught me the different dance moves whenever we had a minute last month. It comes naturally for him, but me? I'd rather play softball or go hiking!"

"Well then, we're a good match."

Fiona's brothers were busy checking out which ladies were sitting waiting for a partner, and each brother asked a young lady to dance.

Charlie asked Rosaleen, which caught Gunther's attention and he watched eagle-eyed as they swirled around the dance floor.

Steven was right behind and asked Debra to join him and she seemed surprised but flattered and accepted. John noticed and kept his eyes peeled on them.

Soon, Adam got the nerve to go up to Ruth and ask her to dance. Now, her brother caught that, and asked his wife, Violet, to dance so he could keep an eye on his sister. Knowing her nasty past, he was super protective of her. He was shocked to see her accept the request, but Violet was very happy for her and hoped she was coming out of her shell.

When the song ended the boys who were sitting watching Fiona's brothers dancing with the ladies prompted them to immediately get up and tap the other man's shoulder.

"May I cut in?" John asked Steven as he leaned in and took Debra's hands leading her back on the floor.

"Ruth, would you like to dance?" Andy asked.

Ruth smiled, "Yes, I would." So, Adam backed away, but her brother, Jake kept watch.

"Jake!" Violet scolded her husband, "It's all right, look at Ruth's smile, she's enjoying herself. Be happy for her."

Gunther had been tapping his fingers on the table the whole time Rosaleen was dancing with Charlie. As soon as he heard the last chord of the song, he was out of his chair and practically ran to her side. Not even looking at Charlie, he held out his hand and asked Rosaleen, "May I have this dance?" Rosaleen thanked Charlie and accepted Gunther's invitation.

With that, the next song began, and the men were stunned. It was the tango! They looked at each other with a desperate look of help on their faces. Of course, none of them knew how to tango, but they weren't going to quit, they couldn't accept defeat, no way!

The ladies though were just as stunned, so when the men started with determination leading them across the floor with all seriousness etched across their faces, they dramatically led their partners in passionate and abrupt moves. No one knew what they were doing but they were trying desperately to follow those on the floor who did.

Fiona and James were watching from their table and after trying to hide a few snickers that escaped from them both, James graciously went up to the orchestra and putting the men out of their misery, requested to sing a song to his bride.

With looks of relief, the men escorted the ladies back to their seats and retreated to theirs.

Everyone watched as James conferred with the orchestra and then turning to face the guests he focused on his bride. James gazed into her eyes, singing, "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody." Fiona's loving eyes locked with James as she listened to his warm voice and enjoyed him singing just to her. When he finished his song, he walked over to her and kissed her tenderly.

Now, it was time for the orchestra to liven up the floor and begin playing dancing tunes for the craze, the Charleston. With no hesitation, Jane grabbed Luciana and the two were laughing so hard, that their merriment attracted more ladies to join them. Soon there was hardly any room left on the floor with Rosaleen, Debra, Violet, Ruth, Katie, Maggie, Alicia, Lana, Lisa, Alicia, and more Chickadees. Most of the men enjoyed watching the line of ladies dancing.

Fiona and James were walking around the room talking to all their guests. Fiona made sure Nathan and Bill understood how grateful she was for giving her assurance that the town would be safe in their hands while she and James were in Europe on their honeymoon. When they arrived at their families' tables, they spent extra time thanking them for everything while hugging and kissing goodbye. It was time for them to leave and get ready for their honeymoon.

Fiona called all the single ladies to the floor. Most of those who were dancing the Charleston stayed on the floor, while Elizabeth hesitantly joined them. Fiona turned away and threw her bouquet behind her. All the ladies jumped to catch it, so when Fiona looked to see who did, she found that Lisa had caught it and quickly looked at Walter who was grinning that his fiancé had the bouquet in her hands.

Then, it was James who took the floor and announced, "Fiona and I are so grateful that you all came to celebrate our marriage with us, and we hope you enjoyed your time as much as we did. Now, it's time for us to leave, but the orchestra will remain, so please stay and have a great time, but make sure you all have your photograph taken. Goodnight!" With that Mr. and Mrs. Scholl waved goodbye and left the ballroom to applause.