Melting Ice

Chapter 61

Cato

I take the deepest breath I could possibly ever take when the music starts. Yes, this it it, I am finally marrying Clove. Everyone body rises as Kayla appears, stepping in time to the music, dress flowing, scattering white flower petals. Shortly after, the other four walk, following Kayla's lead until they are at the very end. They part, Kayla sits with her mum, Annie and Johanna join Finnick and Cashmere and Isabelle and Carla join Cane on the opposite side. Then, I see her. My heart quickens, my eyes widen and I gasp softly. Clovers. She looks so beautiful, her eyes shining like a million diamonds, her complexion as flawless as ever, her red lips pursed into a minor pout. I can't take my eyes off of her, she is so perfect. Every inch of her is perfect, from the bottom to the top. It's nearly impossible not to shed a tear at her beauty. Once again, I cannon believe I am marrying Clove. We've made it, through the darkest times, through grim unpleasant memories. We've done it and I smile. Not a regular smile however, no, this smile spreads across, gleaming in my eyes. My mouth won't move, as if it's stuck.
When Clove reaches half way, I begin to walk to join them. I look her strongly in the eyes and she smirks softly, bowing her head at me but when her head rises, I'm still smiling and so is she. Cloves dad places her hand into mine and gently kisses her cheek, tears appearing in his tear ducts. No doubt mine are doing the same. Before he walks away to join everyone else, he whispers into my ear, "Take good care of her Cato". I nod just before we turn to walk to the priest. A constant squeeze flows between our hands, reminding each other that this is real. I look Clove in the face and register every big or small detail of her face in my mind before reaching the priest, who waits for us, smiling. I notice the capitols cameras, zooming in on us. Typical, we get no privacy. My thoughts return and I focus on what is more important: I am alive and healthy, holding my beautiful Clovers soft hand and we are getting married.
After a while, I take a deep breath and speak, "Clove, I say this no stop to you. I say it because I need to remind myself that this beautiful girl feels the same way about me. I love you and I began to love you that day in the meadow, the sun shining on us. We picked flowers and in an instant, I knew that you were the one for me. With your chocolate brown hair, your stunning eyes and a astoundingly beautiful voice, each and every day I wanted to to tell you how I was endlessly in love with you", tears prick my eyes but I don't hold them back, "The games. All I wanted was to save you but the games meant so much more. We talked, we did some stuff that we shouldn't tell our parents", they laugh, "More importantly, we made it. You complete my entire world Clover. That's because we are forever".
"And always", we say in unison, tears flowing from everyone.
"Cato...", I listen as the tears fall onto her cheeks, "I can't even begin to explain how much you mean to me. I say that I love you every day, at least once. This is because, like you, I can't believe I ended with such a wonderful person. All the times we would meet up, sit in our tree, pretending to get married. Now, it's for real and I wouldn't be here with out you", I use my thumb to wipe her tears away, "Cato, you saved my life. Not once, but many times and I can't thank you enough". Clove squeezes my hand tighter and we look into each other's eyes.
"Do you, Cato Hadley, take Clove Kentwell as your wife. To love and to hold in sickness and in health until death do you apart?", he priest asks in a steady voice.
"I do", I say firmly .I've never been so sure of anything in my life.
"Do you, Clove Kentwell, take Cato Hadley as your husband. To love and to hold in sickness and in health until death do you apart?".
"I do". I try to stop crying. Clove smiles and I smile.
"Then I want to ask for the rings", the priest announces and Carla steps forward, carrying the pillow. I take Cloves shaking hand and hold it steady whilst I pick up the ring. I slip it on gently until it fits perfectly. She does the same.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride". I put on e hand on her cheek and one on her lower back, she arms wrap around my neck and I pull her close. Then, I lean in and kiss her.
Nothing else feels like it exists. It feels like we are floating on a cloud, just us two and no one else. Too soon, we return to reality and pull apart. Her smile warms me as we turn to our tearful audience.
I almost embarrassed by the family, sobbing into one another but then I see Cloves and realise that they are just as bad. Even Kayla, the hardcore teenager, has her hand entwined with Xander's, smiling brightly. As for Lillian, her waterproof mascara seems to be a success but as for the assistants...let's just say they aren't as smart when it comes to choosing eye makeup.
Then, the priest shouts, "I now have the greatest pleasure, for the first time ever, to present to you: Cato and Clove Hadley!".

Omg I can't believe how far I have gotten with this story! When I first started writing it, i knew that I wanted them to get married...and look where we are now! Don't worry, there is still a few more chapters x