Connie stood before the large wooden doors and took a deep breath.
A church full of people was waiting for her behind that brick wall in front of her, and soon, all eyes would be on her as she walked down the red carpeted aisle towards her soon to be husband.
The handles were turned and the iron hinges swung open, while the room fell silent as the beautiful bride was revealed.
Suddenly, the butterflies in Connie's stomach intensified, swarming round and round making her feel sick with nerves.
The soft chords of the piano began to float around the church. It was her cue to begin the journey to the alter.
Hesitantly, Connie took a step forward, planting her left foot delicately onto the carpeted aisle. She paused before following it with her other foot, then proceeded to advance towards the alter.
Familiar faces beamed at her as she glided between the pews, their medical scrubs replaced with smart attire.
With every step forward, the butterflies only intensified and the nausea became more prominent.
She was halfway there, but she didn't think she could make it.
The nausea was overwhelming, it was taking over her body...
Connie turned on her heel and rushed back towards the doors, disappearing out of sight of the bewildered guests.
Jacob's stomach dropped.
Where was she going? Why had she failed to make it down the aisle?
Jacob leaned in close to Charlie.
"Is everything alright?" Jacob whispered nervously.
"As far as I know, yes." Charlie frowned.
He had spoken to Connie only minutes earlier, and everything appeared fine.
Silence filled the church as everyone wondered where the bride had gone.
Jacob dropped his head in shame.
What if she had changed her mind?
A long, painful 5 minutes passed.
Everyone was restless, patiently waiting for any news on the bride's whereabouts.
A slim figure dressed in white reappeared at the doorway.
The church quietened once again.
Connie carefully held up her dress as she quickly made her way towards the alter, this time advancing beyond the half way point and finally reaching her destination of the alter.
"Are we ready to proceed?" the vicar asked politely.
Connie nodded and took her place beside Jacob, who gave her a questioning look.
"You're not having erm, doubts, are you?" He asked quietly.
Connie shook her head firmly.
Jacob raised an eyebrow inquisitively, he wasn't convinced. It wasn't normal for a bride to run back down the aisle.
Connie bit her bottom lip and placed a hand on her stomach.
"Nausea. Morning sickness..."
She sheepishly smiled up at Jacob.
It took a moment for Jacob to understand, but suddenly, a wide grin spread across his face and his eyes lit up.
"We're having a baby." Jacob whispered excitedly with wide eyes.
"We're having a baby." he repeated, but louder this time, announcing the news to their guests who had been patiently waiting in their seats.
Connie smiled as the guests erupted into a orchestra of clapping and congratulations.
Jacob placed a hand on top of hers.
"Welcome to the family, little one." he whispered.
The noise died down and the vicar coughed nervously in attempt to direct the couple's attention back to the event in hand.
"Sorry" Jacob apologised sheepishly.
The exchange of vows began.
"Jacob, do you take Constance to be your wife?
Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." beamed Jacob, without hesitation.
"Constance, do you take Jacob to be your husband?
Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
Connie looked into Jacob's eyes and nodded.
"I do."
"Jacob and Constance, I now invite you to join hands and make your vows."
Jacob took Connie's hand in his and squeezed it gently.
"I, Jacob Masters, take you, Constance Beauchamp, 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,
till death us do part."
Jacob loosened his grip of Connie's hand and allowed her to take his right hand delicately in hers.
"I, Constance Beauchamp, take you, Jacob Masters, 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,
till death us do part."
The exchange of rings followed the exchange of vows, and each of them carefully placed the ring on the other's finger.
"I therefore proclaim you husband and wife."
The words everyone had been waiting for rang in their ears.
A smile simultaneously spread across their faces and Connie swung her arms around Jacob's neck, reaching up to press her lips against his.
This was just the beginning of their future together, as Mr and Mrs Masters.
