The Secret Heels

Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

     Hannah stood in front of two tall doors. On the other side was the man she was about to marry. She loved him...really...but she never wanted to get married. They had been dating but he knew she didn't believe in marriage. She didn't really have a choice though. If she didn't do this then she could be forced to testify against Luke and the heels would go down with him.

Jason gave the signal and the doors opened. Walking down the aisle Hannah saw all the smiling faces and Charlotte was crying. The girls were smiling and whispering to each other, and then there was Luke. He was faking a smile, but Hannah knew him well enough to know it was fake. They finally reached the end of the aisle and Hannah gave Jason a hug, "Thank you for everything," she whispered quickly into his ear. He nodded and Luke helped her up the three small steps.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Luke and Hannah in matrimony commended to be honorable among all; and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly and solemnly. Into this - these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Hannah held her breath and selfishly wanted someone to say something. No one did and Hannah held back the tears. She was really gonna do this.

    "Dear God, Please make of this relationship a great and holy adventure.

May their joining be a sacred space. May the two of them find rest here, a haven for their souls.

Remove from them any temptation to judge themselves or each other or to direct each other.

May they surrender to You their conflicts and their burdens.

We know You are their Answer and their rock.

Help them not forget.

Bring them together in heart and mind as well as body and guide them in the ways of holiness.

May this relationship be a burst of light.

May it be a fount of love and wisdom for them, for their family, for their community, and for their world.

May this bond be a channel for Your love and healing, a vehicle of Your grace and power.

As lessons come and challenges grow, let them not be tempted to forsake each other.

Let them always remember that in each other they have the most beautiful woman, the most beautiful man, the strongest one, the sacred one in whose arms we are repaired.

May they remain young in this relationship.

May they grow wise in this relationship.

Bring them what You desire for them.

And show them how you would have them be.

Thank You, dear God."

    Before Hannah knew it they were supposed to say their vows. Luke went first.

    "Hannah, the love of my life. You are a strong, stubborn, funny, and creative person and I not only love but also respect you for it. I can't believe that I'm about to quote a romance movie, but Hannah...I think that I would miss you even if we never met. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together no matter what because you make me the man I want to be," he confessed to her and Hannah felt the single tear come down her face as he finished. She took a deep breath before talking.