Undying Love

THE WEDDING

Wedding day was finally here. All the preparations were handled, and the church looked gorgeous. Kathy was in the bride's room with the girls. Matt was in the groom's room with the guys and his dad. The photographer bounced between rooms for pictures.

It was time. The bridesmaids were escorted down the aisle by the groomsmen. Charlene walked down next with Matthew’s little hand in hers. The time had come for Kathy to walk the aisle. She took her mother’s arm. “You are stunning in that dress.”

“Aw, thank you Mom, but you’re biased.”

“I know your father’s here. He’d never miss it,” Josephine told her. “I know he would love Matt as much as I do. Promise to cherish each other every day. Ready?” Kathy nodded.

They started down the aisle. Matt hadn’t seen her dress until now. The expression on his face confirmed to her what her mother had just said. The dress was stunning with a lace sweetheart bodice with pearl strands sweeping from the side to the center and draping off the shoulder sleeves. The form fitted skirt flared at the bottom. The long train was layers of lace trimmed tulle with pearl accents.

They reached the altar. Josephine took Kathy’s hand and offered it to Matt. She kissed his cheek and whispered to him. “Never stop loving her.”

Matt replied, “I promise.”

They stood before the priest who welcomed the guests. He began with a prayer. He spoke about the importance of marriage and love. The time came for their vows. They wrote their own.

Matt went first. “Kathy, I stand before you and God to proclaim my vows to you." He cleared his throat. "After the accident happened, and I found out you were gone, I questioned God as to why he would save me only for me to lose you. Then I was blessed to find you, and not just you but a son as well. I promise to love you forever. I will be your rock when you need me to be. I will care for you until death parts us.”

The priest asked Kathy, “Do you accept his vows?”

“I do.” Kathy had a tear running down her cheek. Matt gently wiped it away. The mothers were also teary-eyed. She took a deep breath. “Matthew, my love, my lover, my partner, I stand here before God, eternally grateful that he spared you and brought us back together. I promise to love, cherish, and honor you.” She paused. “And I thank you for our children. I vow to love, please you, and care for you as long as I live.” She looked down and put her hand on her belly.

Before Matt could process what she said, the priest asked the same. “Do you accept her vows?”

“I do,” he answered as it hit him. “Children?” He mouthed to her. “Are you?” She nodded. He pulled her up to him and gave her an intense, passionate kiss.

The priest stated, “Well then, by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

At this point, the parents and Charlene figured out she was pregnant again. Matt swept her off her feet and carried her down the aisle. The bridal party followed. Then the parents as well.

Matt carried her into the bride’s room and closed the door. “Are you serious?” he asked. He sat down still holding her.

“Are you upset?” she asked.

“Absolutely not. I’m ecstatic,” he replied. “How are you with it?”

She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her lips to his. “I'm fine, I love you.”

“Oh babe, I love you so much.” He asked, "So it wasn't the flu then?" She shook her head.

There was a knock at the door. “Come in,” Kathy said.

The door opened slightly. Josephine peeked her head in and asked, “Everything alright?”

“Never better Mom,” Matt said. “You guys can come in.”

The moms went into the room. Char, their dad, and Jeff were right behind them.

Josephine went over to Kathy and hugged her. “My baby’s having another baby.” She gave Matt a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations Dad. I didn’t get to say that to you last time.”

“Oh my how exciting,” Carol said. “Another precious bundle of joy.”

“Let me guess, this one wasn’t planned either,” Charlene laughed.

“Char,” Jeff said.

“What? We’re trying, and nothing. He looks at her, and poof, she's pregnant.”

“Are you two really trying?” Carol asked.

“Yes Mom.”

“Good Lord, my children seem to do things their own way anymore.”

“I think it’s wonderful,” Kathy said.

“Yeah, easy for you to say. Got any pointers?”

Matt couldn’t resist. “Yeah, Jeff needs to shag you every day.”

Carol said, “Matthew, you’re in the house of God.”

“What?” He chuckled. “She asked.”

Kathy hit him, “Stop.”

“Well on that note, how about we head on over to the reception?” Josephine said. “The bridal party is waiting out in the hall.”