“If you don’t want to go through with this, or if you’re not ready, we can walk out of here right now.”
She looked around at the people who were waiting, and at the priest, who still looked perturbed by their interruption.
“I don’t care about any of that,” he said.“I only care about you.”
She held his hands.“Trent Gibson, there is nothing in the world I want more than to marry you, right here, right now, with all these wonderful people watching.”
His smile was filled with love and pride.He nodded for the priest to continue.
As she looked into his eyes, the fear dissipated.This was her choice, and she was choosing a life with him.A life filled with love and happiness.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony…”
It all faded into the background until he said, “If any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.”
She looked at Simon, but he gave no objection, only a smile.
The priest continued and eventually came to their vows.
“I, Trent Gibson, take thee, Samantha Allister, to my wedded 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, according to God’s holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.”
His eyes never left hers.His smile was filled with such happiness.And then it was her turn.
“I, Samantha Allister…”
After it was blessed, Trent slid the ring onto her finger.His hands trembled slightly, but there was no question of his conviction.
“With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee honour…”
Of that, she had no doubt.
She just wanted him to kiss her, already.But the priest droned on and on with prayer after prayer.They knelt and they stood, and they prayed some more.
But finally, the priest spoke the words she’d been waiting for.“You may now kiss your bride.”
His lips were warm and soft, but the kiss was chaste as he pressed them against hers.A perfect gentleman.
* * *
Trent couldn’t stop smiling.She was officially his wife.He had managed to steal a few more, brief kisses, but now they were surrounded by people watching them.
When they entered The Raven’s Den, it was once again set up for a celebration.This was how it had been on his first visit, only that time it was for Ash’s wedding.
The setting was casual.Everyone gathered around a long table after helping themselves to hors d'oeuvres and cake from a sideboard.A barman served drinks and they each had a glass of champagne.It felt strange to be at the head of the table, but Ash had insisted upon it.This time, Samantha sat at his right hand, and Ash at his left.
When most everyone had finished eating, Ash stood and tapped a knife against his glass to gain their attention.
“I’d like to say a few words, if you’ll all permit me to.”
Maggie clapped her hands and giggled where she sat, across the table from him.He chuckled and gave her an indulgent smile.
“Trent wasn’t given an easy start in life.But despite that, he’s grown into a young man who I am proud to call my brother.”
Samantha slipped her hand into his, offering her support.She probably knew the words would make him emotional.
“But first, I’d like to recognize Samantha.”Pink filled her cheeks.“A woman who carries more strength and courage in her little finger than I will ever possess in a lifetime.”He raised his glass.“To Samantha.”
Her name echoed around the table, and she squeezed his hand, looking for support.She didn’t like being singled out.He raised his glass with the others but brought her hand to his lips and then whispered in her ear.“He’s right, you are strong, but I’m here with you, just in case.”
