A Starling's Awakening

The Big Day

Helen made a nice breakfast.

"Helen, I'm sorry. I can't eat. I'm too nervous."

"It's fine, and that is totally understandable. I couldn't eat on the morning of my wedding day, either." When we left, I was already wearing my dress, and my shoes. I was carrying my tiara.

Upon arriving at the arboretum, we were escorted to a special room. I was so nervous that Raina had to help me with my hair, and makeup.

"Why, Princess Elise, I thought you'd already be wearing your crown." Funny girl. She gave me my diamond earrings. "Forget something?" I quickly put them in my ears.

As we proceeded down the path toward the sequoias, I could see how many people had turned out. Bret had aunts, uncles, and cousins, but there were also quite a few of our friends from school. There had to be at least thirty people. Talk about a range of emotions.

When we were still about fifty feet away, someone started the music on a portable stereo – Wagner's Wedding Processional, aka Here Comes The Bride. And then I spotted him. Bret was wearing a dark-gray suit with a white shirt and a pale gray tie. My heart skipped a beat. My tears started.

Brian was wearing a gray suit as well. Kylee was in a tastefully understated, ice-blue gown.

Robert offered me his arm. I took it, and he walked me down the path, which was as good as any aisle, in any church, anywhere.

"Who gives away the bride?"

Robert replied, "I do."

Bret and I joined hands. Our eyes were fixed on each-others.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the sight of almighty God, to join Bret and Elise in the bonds of holy matrimony."

Mark talked about the spiritual connection part of marriage. I was so focused on Bret, I have no clue what Mark actually said.

"If there is anyone here who has good reason why these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace." He looked around for about five seconds. "May we see the rings?"

Brian produced a black silk bag from his pocket. Raina held out a sterling silver tray. Brian carefully removed the rings from the bag, and set them on the tray. Taking the tray from Raina, he moved next to Mark, and held the tray out to us.

Bret picked up my ring. He was so nervous he was trembling. He slid my ring onto my finger.

"I, Bret Whitaker, do take you, Elise Torgason, to be my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, to love, to honor, and to cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others for as long as I live."

I wanted so badly for him to have and to hold me right then and there. I picked up his ring, and slid it onto his finger. I took a deep breath. "Wow. Okay," I whispered. I took one more deep breath. I forced myself to focus. I fixed my gaze on Bret's eyes.

"I, Elise Torgason, do take you, Bret Whitaker, to be my husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, to love, to honor, and to cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others for as long as I live." Now can we kiss?

Mark said, "So, with the authority vested in me, and with the blessing of the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Bret and Elise Whitaker!" There was applause. I looked at Mark expectantly. "Mr. Whitaker, I believe you know what to do." It was the greatest kiss yet.

The person with the portable stereo played Mendelssohn's Wedding March as Bret and I walked away hand-in-hand.

There was a small reception held in the event hall. There were no gifts to speak of, because we hadn't registered anywhere, or even made a list. There was a fancy sheet cake, provided by Charles and Audrey. It was chocolate, with white icing. "Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Whitaker" was stenciled in royal blue.

We had to delay our official honeymoon until after graduation. The parents of one of our friends offered to let us spend our wedding night in their RV, which was parked behind their barn. We accepted.

Back at Barney and Ruby's, I moved into Bret's bedroom. He already had a queen sized bed, which he said was appropriate since I'm his queen.