Finding Real Love

Chapter 17

Harrison and I start walking down the aisle towards the altar and Edward, who in traditional form, hadn't turned to look yet. With every step, I was getting more and more nervous. Every step I take crushes a rose petal that Hope had dropped, who sure enough, only had eyes for her daddy, Paul Williamson, Faith's cousin/husband.

When we reach the altar, Harrison takes my hand and puts it in Edward's and says to him, "Take good care of her, or you'll have me to answer to."

Edward nods seriously and grips my hand. He looks at me with tears in his eyes, mirroring mine, and whispers, "Are you ready, love?"

"Yes." He smiles and we turn and face the archbishop presiding over our wedding.

He starts off by saying, "Dear friends and family, with great affection for Edward and Adella, we have gathered together to witness and bless their union in marriage. To this sacred moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure and a gift from God to share with one another. They bring the dreams which bind them together in an eternal commitment. They bring their gifts and talents, their unique personalities and spirits, which God will unite together into one being as they build their life together. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for creating this union of hearts, built on friendship, respect and love. 

Our Father, love has been Your richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between a man and woman which matures into marriage is one of Your most beautiful types of loves. Today we celebrate that love. May your blessing be on this wedding service. Protect, guide, and bless Edward and Adella in their marriage. Surround them and us with Your love now and always. Amen. 

Doubly blessed is the couple which comes to the marriage altar with the approval and blessings of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man?"

Harrison and Grace both step forward. "We do."

"Excellent." The Archbishop replies. "Let me charge you, Edward and Adella, both to remember that your future happiness is to be found in mutual consideration, patience, kindness, confidence, and affection. Edward James, it is your duty to love Adella Margaret as yourself, provide tender leadership, and protect her from danger. Adella Margaret, it is your duty to treat Edward James with respect, support him, and create a healthy, happy home. It is the duty of each of you to find the greatest joy in the company of the other; to remember that in both interest and affection, you are to be one and undivided."

We turn towards each other as the Archbishop continues. "Edward James, do you take Adella Margaret to be your wedded wife, and in the presence of these witnesses do you vow that you will do everything in your power to make your love for her a growing part of your life? Will you continue to strengthen it from day to day and week to week with your best resources? Will you stand by her in sickness or in health, in poverty or in wealth, and will you shun all others and keep yourself to her alone as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Said Edward unhesitantly.

"Adella Margaret, do you take Edward James to be your wedded husband, and in the presence of these witnesses do you vow that you will do everything in your power to make your love for him a growing part of your life? Will you continue to strengthen it from day to day and week to week with your best resources? Will you stand by him in sickness or in health, in poverty or in wealth, and will you shun all others and keep yourself to him alone as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," I say in a whisper.

"In the name of Jesus, I Edward James take you, Adella Margaret  to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow." Repeats Edward after the Archbishop.

"In the name of Jesus, I Adella Margaret take you, Edward James  to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow." I repeat it after the bishop too.

The Archbishop starts the exchanging of the vows right after I finish. "The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you Edward James,  may place a ring on the finger of your bride." 

"Adella Margaret, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you." Edward took a ring, in the shape of celtic knots, and slid it up my ring finger.

"By the same token, Adella Margaret, you may place a ring on the finger of your groom." The Archbishop prompts.

"Edward James, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you." I take Edward's ring, the twin of mine and slide it up Edward's ring finger.

"For as much as Edward and Adella have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and these witnesses, and thereto have pledged their faithfulness each to the other, and have pledged the same by the giving and receiving each of a ring, by the authority vested in me as a minister of the gospel, I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those that God has joined together, let no man put assunder." The Archbishop pronounced, ending the ceremony. I broke into a grin and squeezed the hand that was holding my own. "Edward, you may now kiss your Bride."

Edward leant down and kissed me. I expected it to be a chaste wedding kiss, but it wasn't. It was passionate and full of love. And it lasted for a full ten seconds. Until the Archbishop cleared his throught and said, "It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, The Prince and Princess." Edward smiled sweetly at me and we turned to face the congregation as they stood and clapped.

When the organ started playing 'I Vow My Thee My Country' I placed my hand on Edward's on arm and together we started to walk down the ailse followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. When we finally left the church we went back to the palace to change for the reception.

In the carriage, we stared at each other, I personally, was lost in his eyes, wondering what I did to deserve such a beautiful, honourable, honest man such as this Prince.

Edward looked at me and said, "I love you, Adella."

"i love you too, Edward."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Heyo!

Love this song.

Umm, sporadic updates on this as I write other stories... Check out my two Lotr fanfics! One is having sporadic updates, the other is barely started... um...

Sorry all you Gus/Faith shippers, I ain't fot nothing for you... YET

Ummm, HP fanfic? Y/N?????

Yeah... Thanks guys, for reading! Make sure to drop a comment, I read them all! (Maybe a vote?)

Luv y'all! (As people in my country DON'T say...)

lol.

~Eve <3