Adieu

Chapter 21

(A:N/: This ones a little short, so I'm posting this one and the next one. Thanks for reading!)

Adieu: Chapter Twenty-One

William's heart leaped ten feet when the string quartet began playing Pachelbel's Cannon, and his breath caught just as the large doors were opened.

"Breathe Will," Kenneth, his best man and only groomsman breathed. "There's absolutely nothing to worry about, it's just Josephine."

"What about the vows?" He breathed back.

"Easy, just say what he tells you to," he murmured.

William took a deep breath and nodded discreetly just as Destiny appeared.

She held a single rose in her hands and walked slowly, as if to a silent routine. Her dress flowed around her delicately, as if it too were part of it.

When she was about halfway down the long red isle the insanely adorable Aimée followed in the same fashion, tossing flower petals everywhere with a large grin on her face.

Destiny cleared the Isle and climbed the stairs, blowing a handless kiss as she passed her husband, and winking when she passed William, to stand in her set position.

When Aimeé cleared the isle she did the same, only grinning instead of winking or kissing, and standing next to the best man.

And then everyone stood when Wagner's Bridal march filled rang through the air. His eyes automaically strained to see his fiancé and Kenneth patted his shoulder.

When Josephine finally waltzed into the room escorted by her father, the music disappeared, the crowd vanished, and all William could see was her.

She walked gracefully, keeping her beautiful emerald eyes locked with his chocolate ones, just like they had when he first met her The dress accented her beauty in every possible way, even while in movement. Her thick mahogany curls seemed to sparkle in the fading lights of the day, and her skin glowed right along with it.

It wasn't until he heard Gustavo begin to talk that he remembered that it was, in fact, a wedding, and he couldn't simply stare at her for hours.

"William Hope Smyth," he said clearly, climbing the stairs with Jose's hand in his own. "It didn't take me these hectic two weeks to see what a wonderul man you are. Two minutes at most, and I immediately could see, that you truly do love my daughter, and you truly will stick with her until the end. So, on that note, I proudly give of you my blessing and my Josephine." As he finished Gustavo gently placed her soft hand in William's warm one.

"Thank you Gustavo," he said sincerely with a nod, as the music stopped.

William winked at the beauty the moment she stepped in front of him, causing a wide grin to illuminate her features.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, on this happy and joyous occasion, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony," the clear, strong voice spoke from between them.

"You're beautiful," William mouthed, resisting the nearly over powering urge to kiss her right then.

She blushed slightly. "Thank you," she mouthed back.

"Marriage is a solemn institution to be held in honor by all, it is the cornerstone of the family and of the community. It requires of those who undertake it a complete and unreserved giving of one's self. It is not to be entered into lightly, as marriage is a sincere and mutual commitment to love one another. This commitment symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives and still enhances the individuality of each of you," he continued seriously, nodding at both of them.

William nodded slightly to himself. He knew exactly what he was doing.

"Groom, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife?"

"I do," He said clearly.

"Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

William frowned slightly. He didn't like the term 'as long as you both shall live.' He would love her far longer than that. "Forever," he said.

He frowned into his book for a moment before looking back up at William. "Er... Please say I do."

William sighed. "I do. I'll love her forever, even after death," he explained, causing a deep blush to illuminate Josephine's features and the small crowd to go off in a serious of awe's.

He shrugged and turned to Josephine. "Bride, do you take this man to be your wedded husband?"

Josephine nodded. "I do."

"Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to him as long as you both shall live?" He questioned.

She paused for a moment before answering. "I do. Forever."

Apparently he was used to this answer now, so he moved on. "May I have the rings?"

On Que, Aimée walked over to him, her grin still plastered on her face.

"Repeat after me please, and remember, your promising her," he continued as he handed the smaller one to William. "I, William Hope Smyth."

"I, William Hope Smyth," he repeated, not breaking eye contact with his love.

"Take you, Josephine Love Evette," he read.

"Take you, Josephine love Evette."

"To be my Lawfully wedded wife."

"To be my lawfully we- wedded, w-wife," he repeated, while he fought to keep the tears from falling.

"To have and to hold from this day forward," he continued.

"To have and to hold from this day forward," William repeated.

"for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulnes," He finished, looking up at him.

William took a deep breath, recalling every last word. "For better or for worse. For richer or for poorer. In sickness or in health. To love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness." he finished clearly, a lone tear tickling his cheeck.

"Please put the ring onto her ring finger."

William did as instructed, noticing her engagement ring still in place as he did so.

He nodded in response and turned to Josephine.