Title: Yesterday to Tomorrow: Chapter Sixty-six, Until Death Do Part
Rating: NC-17 [violence, swearing, nudity, sexual situations]

Summary: The wedding ceremony.

Previous Chapter It's Weddong Day

Current Chapter Until Death Do Part

Next Chapter Completed My Heart

His eyes went wide, focusing on Tim. Nodding Chris straightened his tie, which in fact skewed it and stepped towards the door. Brad intersected and straightened Chris's tie. Tom held out his forgotten jacket. Smiling crookedly, he slid his arms into the jacket, suddenly wondering where his son was. But Andrew stepped into the room at the proper time, gathering Nick in his arms and ushering the other two boys to join the bridal party. He gave Chris a thumbs up before disappearing from the room.

"I'm going to trip," Chris declared.

"Nah. That's Tim's job," Peter spoke up. "He's been practicing all week."

"Heh heh. Sure have," Tim agreed.

Straightening Chris's lapels and brushing his shoulders, Brad said calmly, "In an hour's time, you will be married to the most fortunate woman on this planet. Remember how much you love her, how much this is a part of your completion. And take a deep breath. Tonight will be flawless."

Chris nodded once, eyes glancing out the door, "Let's do it."

Most of the guests had already been seated, leaving few of the many chairs empty. Chris met with the Cardinal, shaking his hand. As was agreed upon, Roger wore no marks of his rank, rather a simple navy suit. He carried a personal Bible, but nothing that would point that he was the archbishop of the LA area. Next he greeted his mother, kissing her cheek. Her arm slipped into his and he escorted her down the aisle. Another quick kiss and he joined the cardinal at the end of the hall.

His eyes danced over the crowd, not paying much attention to where his bride would enter, at least not yet. He noticed many familiar faces and many that were not. People from all walks of their lives had been invited. And Chris was certain there was no way he would have the chance to thank each one personally for attending during the following reception. It was far too large of a crowd.

As he scanned the crowd, the music finally made sense to him. They weren't playing some traditional instrumental. In fact he had to smile at the musical selection. Yes, it was instrumental. But it wasn't traditional. He would know. He wrote that song. For her. Which lead to his next thought, who was playing the guitar? Eyes looking around, he found no one playing, not even up in the balcony, where children guests sat, looking down on the festivities. But he did spy speakers.

And then it hit him. That's why she had him record just instrumental versions of her favourite songs. It was Chris playing 'Sweet Euphoria' on the speakers in that moment. He really should have read the book more carefully. Certainly she had made a note of the processional music in there.

His eyes snapped to the aisle, finally noting movement down the aisle runner. With Brad already at Chris's side, Selene was escorted by Peter. A few paces behind were Tom and Judith, looking surprisingly natural with each other. Tim and Aleece were the last pair in order to make sure their boys followed directions. The couples parted a few feet in front of Chris and Roger, going to their respective sides.

The music changed to Chris's acoustic guitar version of 'Dandelion'. He knew without a doubt that was a signal for the kids to make their way down the aisle. Xavier and Quentin bounced down the aisle, each carrying a pillow, each growling. Chris's brows knitted at that, not understanding the growling, not remembering Quentin with a pillow. But as the boys neared, he noticed two lockets and a pocketwatch attached to the second pillow and he understood, grinning at the boys, who growled in return. Both received a 'good job' candy when moving to stand near their father. Not that Chris noticed this, for his own children were making their way down the aisle.

Lily came first, grinning and skipping. She casually sprinkled handfuls of rose petals with each bounce of her skip. Her curls bounced happily about her shoulders and she giggled as she neared her father, pausing a moment to hug him before going to stand with Judith. Lingering for a moment with Lily, he didn't notice Toni and Nick's antics until a soft crowd chuckle reached his ears. His two youngest children headed down the aisle hand in hand, each holding onto the flower basket. Toni was dropping petals one by one blissfully, until she would suddenly have to stop because her brother decided to pick up a handful of petals and put them back in the basket.

Halfway down the aisle, on their sixth stop, Toni declared, "Nicky, stop! Daddy and Mommy need the flowers on the floor to get wedding-ded!"

"Ohhhhh," the toddler nodded, dropping his handful.

The two finished their walk down the aisle, also stopping to embrace their father. For a moment Nick wasn't going to let go, wanting Chris to scoop him up. But he was coaxed into Peter's arms, even if the original plans had been for the kids to sit with Chris's parents after reaching the altar.

A silence fell throughout the hall. No music played for a moment, a dramatic pause surely scripted, as the gathered crowd stood. A single note on a guitar, his guitar, filled the hall. And Chris's face lit up, his grin sparking light in his eyes. The doors at the end of the hall burst open. In the warm candlelight and sparkling overhead chandeliers, she appeared like an angel from heaven. She walked with grace, her feet seemingly not touching the fabric of the runner at all. Chris couldn't quite focus on her, his eyes already watering, and the distance between them great still.

But then she reached the halfway point. And his heart burst into motion once more. Their eyes locked, their euphoric smiles matching the others. In that moment, Chris forgot about everyone else in the room. Just the two of them, that's all that mattered.

Alyssa too was stuck in the moment, pausing in her walk when the connection was made. It was Toni exclaiming, 'Come on, Mommy. It's okay!' that re-started her footsteps.

When the connection was broken and she continued towards him, Chris took the opportunity to look over his bride. She wore a long, cathedral-length veil, but none of it draped over her face. He would have to ask her the point of wearing it then later, other than perhaps the airyness it created as it drifted behind her. Her gown was... immaculate. Sleeveless and corsetted, embroidery decorated the sheer silk top layer. Every now and then he would glimpse a red toe peeking out from the bottom of the long skirt, making him wonder if she really wore red shoes under her gown. But all thoughts of such halted when she reached his side.

"Hi," she breathed, butterflies dancing in her stomach.

"You're beautiful, love," he commented softly, not noticing Andrew bring up the rear of the processional, ready to manuever about to arranged Alyssa's train when the ceremony began.

As rehearsed, Alyssa and Chris joined hands and took a few steps up to where the Cardinal stood, after Alyssa handed off her bouquet to Selene. With some difficulty, all three pivoted so that Roger's back was to the gathered guest and the couple faced them. Andrew scramble to arrange Alyssa's dress to ensure no one would trip on it before joining the other bride's attendants.

"Traditionally a wedding begins with 'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today,'" Roger began, his voice clear in the space as small microphone was clipped to his lapel. "Followed by prayer and a reading of important passage from the Bible. But this evening we are witness to the marriage of a non-traditional bride and groom, and therefore I would like to begin with something a little different."

"Marriage between a woman and a man is a very sacred thing, even more so when between two who love each other as much as these two do. Their bond transcends everything in the physical realm, everything within our power and dominion here on earth. And that, dear friends, is a very blessed event."

"This evening we are witness to the marriage of Alyssa Anne Morgan, daughter of Emilie and Howard Morgan, and Christopher John Cornell, son of Karen Cornell and Ed Boyle," Roger announced. "Only these two can marry each other. It not an act I can do. Not an act you can do. Not an act even God can do. We are merely the witnesses of the marrying of these two souls to each other."

Roger paused, glancing at Alyssa and Chris before continuing, "This is the time you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you both every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship. We who are witnessing your marriage, hope that despite the stresses inevitable in any life your love, respect for each other, your trust and understanding of each other will increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living.

"Everyday you live, learn how to receive love with as much understanding as you give it. Find things within yourself, then you can share them with each other. Do not fear this love. Have an open heart and a sincere mind. Be sincerely interested in each other's happiness. Be constant and consistent in your love. From this comes security and strength. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us on this day of your marriage. Try to commit yourselves fully and freely to each other.

Alyssa's hand left Chris's for a moment, reaching up to wipe his tears, causing him to chuckle. He mimicked her motion, catching her own escaped tear before joining both hands again.

"Before you, Alyssa and Chris, promise yourselves in marriage to the other before all these witnesses, I am to remind you the serious and binding nature of this relationship you are to enter. Marriage is sacred. Do you enter such willingingly?" Roger asked.

Both answered simulataneously, "I do."

"Love is the reason why this day was chosen by you both to begin your lives together and love is the reason why you both will give with all hearts for the good of each other. Love is the reason that together you will become one; one in hope; one in believing in life; one in sharing the coming years," the cardinal declared.

"Do you Lilian Jean, Toni, and Christopher Nicholas give your blessing to your father in his marriage to Alyssa, and do you now welcome her into your family?" he looked to the three children.

"YES!" Toni answered vocally as the other two just nodded.

"I know each of you have prepared your own vows. I was also informed that your children were to choose who would speak their vows first, correct?"

Chris nodded, his fingers wiggling slightly in Alyssa's hands.

Roger looked towards the two girls, glancing at Nick who was sucking on his thumb while focused on Alyssa, "Who should go first?"

Lily bit her bottom lip, much like Alyssa would do when faced with a hard decision, "Daddy should. He's older."

That comment elicted a chuckle from everyone.

"Toni?"

"DADA!" she announced.

Roger's eyes turned back to Chris and Alyssa, "Whenever you are ready, Chris."

He nodded, looking over to Brad. Producing a deep red rose, he held it out to Chris, who accepted it with a smile. Alyssa's brown eyes danced excitedly, not at all certain what was going on. Their eyes locked once more and Chris touched her lips gently with the silken petals of the rose.

"A wise man once claimed his love was like a red rose," Chris began, "and he could not be more correct in what love is like. It began as a little seed on a cool spring day, found in a smile only I understand. And slowly through the years, the seed worked its way to the surface, stretching to the sky. Even with its thorns, I did not notice it. Even with the first bud, I did not notice it. But with the sweet soft fragance singing a melody to only us, I discouvered this flower. So strong and powerful and gentle and beautiful is this flower, so is my love for you, Alyssa, my rose.

"Each year, on our wedding anniversary, I will give you another rose and in doing so I will renew my vow to you, to love and adore you, to hold and to let you fly, to carry you and to embrace your own explorations. All of my yesterdays lead to our tomorrows and would mean nothing if you were not here with me today. You are my strength and my weakness. I vow to you to cultivate a garden full of roses, until our ending days, each blossom as full as much love as the one before.

"I love you, Alyssa. And let this rose be a symbol of that. Every year until our dying days," Chris proclaimed, the rose slipping from his fingers to hers.

Alyssa's eyes glittered with tears. She had half-expected a song, but this was so much... better. And caught her off guard. For had he given her any indication he was doing such a thing, she would have worked on something complimentary. As it were, only her tears would water the rose at the time being, dripping onto it's garnet petals while her mind whirled to match his vows.

"Very appropriate, Chris. Roses are well known symbols of love and devotion, especially red roses," Roger smiled, pausing before turning his attention to Alyssa. "Alyssa?"

She sniffled, nodding slightly before eyes going to Chris's once more, "There are very few people who leave a lasting impression in our lives, even fewer with whom we form lasting bonds. I never expected my strongest bond to come with a grunge god from Seattle. You were everything my parents... my mother hated. And yet even from the beginning, the orbit of my life changed to revolve around the brillance of your sun. I never had need for sun in Seattle; I had you. You were my sun, the centre of my universe. And every passing year as our friendship weathered so much, that fact became so very much more founded.

"I know you better than I know myself sometimes. I cannot sleep without your soft voice wishing me sweet dreams. I cannot smile without a thought of you crossing my mind. You are the sun which my universe revolves around. No matter how many flares you send in my direction, I will not stray from my steady path. No matter how many stars there are in the sky, you are the only who has my attention.

"As I am your rose, you are my sun, Chris. And I cannot be without you. I vow to you my life, my love, our happiness, until the sky is dark and our days are ended," she breathed.

A silence hung in the air for a moment, everyone processing what words had been uttered. Chris was the first to grin, pride showing in his eyes at how well they matched each other.

Roger nodded, holding his hand out to Brad for the rings, setting them on his open, yet unread Bible. Alyssa smiled gently at Chris, not sure how to wipe the tears on her cheeks with a rose in one hand and Chris's hand in the other. He noticed this and reached to her cheek, caressing her tear away.

The cardinal blessed the couple and the rings, as agreed upon, before directing the pair without words to exchange their ring vows. As Chris had gone first with the vows, Alyssa lifted his platinum band from the Bible first, still balancing the rose in her hand.

"This ring is a symbol of the vows I make to you tonight. I promise to encourage your individuality,
because that is what makes you unique and wonderful. I promise to nurture your dreams, because through them your soul shines. I promise to help shoulder our challenges, because through them we'll emerge stronger. I promise to be your partner in all things, not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole. I promise to share with you the joys of life, because with you they will be that much sweeter.
Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust, for one lifetime with you could never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things," she proclaimed, slipping the ring onto his finger.

Chris adjusted it before reaching for her ring. Slidding it on, pausing at her knuckle, he smiled, his mind suddenly blank. The ring vows they had worked on together. And suddenly he couldn't remember them at all, his mind still circling her declaration of he being her sun.

"Chris?" she whispered, squeezing his hand slightly.

"This ring is a symbol of the vows I make to you tonight. I promise to encourage your compassion, because that is what makes you unique and wonderful. I promise to nurture your dreams, because through them your soul shines. I promise to help shoulder our challenges, for there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together. I promise to be your partner in all things, not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole. Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust, for one lifetime with you could never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things," he muttered a few breaths later, slidding the ring the remainder of her finger.

He had to reach up and wipe her tears again, smiling at her.

"Marriage is often viewed as the union of two people. However that is usually not the case, and certainly is not so this evening," Roger spoke. "This evening we join two families as well. Will Lilian Jean, Toni, and Christopher Nicholas please come forward?"

Hearing their names the girls stared blankly for a moment. Encouraged by Judith, they headed towards Alyssa and Chris. Nick was passed from Peter's arms to Chris's, a concession to the toddler's desires to be held.

"As I have promised my love and to be faithful to your father, I want to add another vow. I promise to love you, Lilian Jean, and treat you as if you were my very own daughter. I gladly accept all obligations that go along with this pledge. I love you and want you to be a part of my life for always, Lily," Alyssa proclaimed, the first locket passed to her by Andrew. "Accept this locket, a treasured photograph inside, as a symbol of my vow to love and honour you."

The six year old looked at Alyssa, blinking back tears. She lowered her head slightly, allowing Alyssa to fasten the locket about her throat. Lily grinned and embraced Alyssa before stepping back over to Judith. Speaking the same words to Toni, Alyssa knew the girl wouldn't really understand it, neither would Nick, but both would be able to look back on the videos of the day in the future and see the honours.

"YAY!" Toni exclaimed when the locket was fastened about her throat. "It's almost as bootiful as yours, Lyss-Lyss!"

When she skipped back over to Lily, wanting to compare their lockets, Alyssa turned to the toddler in Chris's arms, "I promise to love you, Christopher Nicholas, and treat you as if you were my very own son. I gladly accept all obligations that go along with this pledge. I love you and want you to be a part of my life for always, Nickie. Accept this watch, as a symbol of my vow of timeless love to you."

She pinned the watch onto his little vest, tucking it into his pocket. He murmured 'Mama' and reached for her. Embracing him for a moment, a kiss sending him back to Peter, Alyssa grinned. Nick wiggled, wanting to be back in Alyssa's arms, or in the very least Chris's, but with a wink from Alyssa he quieted.

"The wedding is nearly over, but the marriage is just begun. Not once and forever, but again and again shall the mystery of two people, together and in love, move one another and touch the world. For marriage is not something said and done, but a promise whose fulfillment is acted out in time. Truth remains elusive, death a secret, love a challenge; life goes on neither more nor less incidentally than before, but one’s hand is strengthened, one’s way brightened and one’s load, if not lightened, is made easier to bear. So for Alyssa and Chris we simply pray that the promises have a long and excellent fulfillment, that the company is good and the season joyous all along the way," Roger declared.

"Chris and Alyssa, for in as much as you have pledged yourself to one another in this affirmation of love and commitment you are now husband and wife.

"Alyssa and Chris, now that you are married, keep this covenant that you have made. Be a blessing and a comfort to each other, share each other’s joys and be consolers in each other’s sorrows. Encourage each other in whatever you set out to achieve. May you not only accept and give affection between yourselves, but also together, have affection and consideration for others. From this moment on, go your separate ways together, remembering always to be each other’s best friend.

A silent moment paused, allowing those who wished to, to mumble a prayer. Neither Chris nor Alyssa did, though their families as well as Roger did, blessing them with their silent prayers.

Roger's head rose again, looking at the couple, "When this ceremony began you, Chris, were a groom, and you, Alyssa were a bride. Now, Chris, you are a husband and you, Alyssa, are a wife. You may seal this union with a kiss."

Slowly Alyssa's hands ran over Chris's shoulders, the single rose still held in her hand. With a smile they kissed softly, tenderly. On the balcony, the children of guests were roused, their attention focused once more on the ceremony as their very important task was about to begin. When Chris pulled away from the kiss, Alyssa snuck another quick peck on his mouth, causing many to chuckle.

"Go into the world and fulfill your lives. Hold fast to your ideals. Give one another new experiences of joy. Challenge one another so that you may grow. May the love you hold for one another, now sealed in marriage, continue to mature, so your life together may be a source of strength and inspiration to the community of your family and the the wider circle of the world," Roger smiled a fatherly smile, before turning to face the gathered guests once more. "Ladies and gentleman, it is my priviledge to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Cornell."

Taking the single rose back for the moment, Chris's fingers intertwined with Alyssa's. He kissed her forehead lovingly as the hall erupted into applause. With her bouquet in one hand and her husband's hand in the other, Alyssa grinned and took the first step down the small raised altar, jolting Chris into movement.

As the wedded couple headed down the aisle, white and red rose petals and small silk hearts fluttered down from the balcony. Children giggled as they threw handful after handful, littering the hall and guests with the fragrant notes of love. Chris laughed as Beatles tunes wafted from the speakers, recognizing it instantly as 'All you need is love.'

He stopped halfway down the aisle, leaning towards her ear, "That's certainly all I need: your love."