The Constable's Child

The Wedding Day

The next morning, both Ichabod and Katrina were as excited and as nervous as could be; it was the day of their wedding. The day itself seemed perfect; it was the beginning of spring and there were only a few white clouds and no rain. Ichabod stood tall at the altar of the New York chapel, nervously waiting for his bride's arrival; Masbeth was standing beside him and the burgomaster was reluctantly presiding over the ceremony.

Finally, the music started and the ceremony was about to begin. Katrina entered the chapel in her gorgeous new dress, a bouquet of flowers held in her hands; Ichabod gaped at the vision of beauty that had just arrived. Katrina climbed the steps, standing practically nose to nose with Ichabod. After exchanging a loving look, they turned to face the elder burgomaster.

"Dearly beloved, ladies and gentlemen..." The burgomaster declared. "We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. These two standing before you have shown that their love can withstand anything, even in the face of doubt, mortal danger... or even certain death."

Katrina and Ichabod smiled and winked at each other.

"Do you, Ichabod Crane, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" The burgomaster recited, facing the constable.

"I do." Ichabod nodded.

"And do you, Katrina Van Tassel, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" The burgomaster recited, facing the young bride.

"I do." Katrina blushed.

Young Masbeth brought forth the rings, resting on a velvet pillow and the couple each took one ring. Katrina placing one ring onto Ichabod's finger and Ichabod slipping the other onto Katrina's finger.

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The burgomaster declared. "You may now kiss the bride."

The couple embraced in a long, sweet kiss as the crowd cheered loudly. Ichabod and Katrina led the assembled group of people out of the chapel and out to the town square, where the reception began.

As was the custom, Ichabod and Katrina made the first cut of the wedding cake. They fed each other the first two slices, getting a fair amount of frosting on their faces, to everyone's amusement.

After the cake came the dancing. As the music played and the lights flared, Ichabod spun and dipped his new bride, before pulling her in close.

"Perfect..." Ichabod whispered.

"What's perfect?" Katrina asked.

"Everything..."

All too soon, the celebrations wound down. Ichabod and Katrina headed for the carriage that would take them to their honeymoon destination, Boston Massachusetts. Before climbing into the carriage, Katrina closed her eyes and hurled her bouquet over her head and into the air. A large fraction of women were screaming and fighting to grab the bouquet, but they were at a loss since a young lady with short brown hair and green eyes caught it. The woman smiled at the bride before she and her groom climbed into their waiting carriage.

"Congratulations, sir, ma'am. Have a great time on your honeymoon." Masbeth said as he approached the newlyweds with a big grin on his face.

"Thank you, young Masbeth." Ichabod said with a warm smile.

"Yes, thank you very much." Katrina beamed before giving the boy a quick hug.

And with that, the door closed and the couple rode off with the guests waving goodbye before the carriage vanished from view.

In the carriage, Katrina was nuzzling against Ichabod as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She gave him a kiss on the cheek before resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. Ichabod smiled as his eyes slowly shut; this was the best day ever.

After the honeymoon, Ichabod and Katrina were finally back home and they were warmly greeted by young Masbeth who patiently waited for them to return. But after one short year, things were about to change for the couple.