195 - Vows
195 - Vows
The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff. ― Carl Sagan, Cosmos
Dean smiled as she listened to Clarence’s speech. She would even forgive her men and uncle for making her sit down since she had a perfect view of this. And was off her feet.
“Stupid anemia,” she muttered to her aunt as Gina handed her CJ.
“You know, most women get anemia while they’re pregnant,” Gina whispered, “not after.”
“And I have two husbands,” she said quietly. “What’s your point?”
“Shhhhh…” Sam quietly chastised.
At the altar, Clarence handed the bouquet to Jolene and pulled Helen close to kiss her cheek. “He finally found his queen.”
He guided Helen back to her groom and placed their hands together. “And what a queen she is. Reese, my friend, you are a very lucky bastard.”
“Trust me,” Reese smiled at his bride, “I know.”
“Okay, okay, I know you two. Don’t get all mushy and start making out again. You have an audience and that is not the show that they all came to see.”
Laughter echoed around the open space. CJ stirred where he was laying on his mother’s chest and Dean effortlessly soothed him. Sam handed over the blanket with a Carl Sagan quote and Dean covered the sleeping infant.
“For those who have been dazzled by the light show and forgot why we are here,” Clarence grinned, “by the way, the light show is absolutely amazing.”
“Thanks,” Reese moved to cup Helen’s cheek. “This place has a special meaning to us.”
Helen was smiling when she gave a small gasp. Reaching up, she touched the gold and diamond pin with Reese’s boutonniere. “Virgo. You remembered.”
“Of course.”
Clarence seemed to consider something for a moment. “Neither one of you are Virgos.”
“I think that’s because of me,” Tina smiled. “We came here to celebrate my engagement, and we were in the private VIP lounge under the Virgo sign. Mr. Reese came up to check on Miss Helen. On Monday, Reese sent her flowers, and, as they say, the rest is history.”
“Damn it, Reese!” Clarence threw his hands up in the air. “Can you quit being perfect? And if you can’t, can you please give lessons? We’re trying to get Chuck married and out of the house.”
“Bad news,” Reese chuckled, “you have at least twelve more years before your son is even old enough to get married.”
“Fine,” Clarence grinned. “Ladies, gentlemen and those somewhere in between, we are gathered among the stars to celebrate Helen and Owen finding a second chance at love. This relationship is built on wisdom and experience. They both recognize that it is their separate journeys that have brought them together, right here, before their loved ones.”
“Separately, they have navigated life’s complications, learned from past experiences and endured the joys and sorrows of raising children. You have each suffered both loss and divorce. Celebrated successes and triumphs. Watched your children grow and have foolishly started over at the same time that you are having grandchildren.”
“Now, you enter this marriage with open hearts and wisdom that only age and experience can bring. Today, among your large family and surrounded by the stars and your friends, you choose to commit to a future where you will support each other, grow together and create new family traditions.”
“Owen, do you…” Clarence sighed and shook his head. Raising his hands to indicate where they were. “Of course, you do.” There was a ripple of laughter through the audience. “But I still feel like I should ask. Do you take Helen to be your wife, to honor, cherish and support her for as long as your love shall last?”
Smiling at his bride, Reese nodded, “Yes, I do.”
“Yeah, thought you might.” Clarence turned his attention to Helen, “I feel as though this is also a given, but we will make sure. Helen, do you take this man to be your husband, to honor, cherish and support him for as long as your love shall last?”
“I do,” Helen smiled at the man in front of her. “With my whole heart, I do.”
“Now, the bride and groom have opted not to exchange traditional vows,” Clarence said to the surprise of everyone that was there. “Instead, they will be doing something else.” Looking up at the sun above him, he dabbed at the tears forming in his eyes. “You’re an asshole, you know that, right?”
Reese chuckled, “I’ve been told that from time to time.”
Looking at Helen, the red-haired man informed her, “You’re not much better.”
“I’ve heard that too,” Helen admitted. “Although it has been a few years since it was a constant reminder.”
“Dean, I need you and Sam to come back up here.” Clarence motioned for them to come back. “Abraham, Gabriel, if you will also come join the family. And the rest of you, if you will, please go get your children, the triplets and Cheryl, your brothers and their families.” He looked out among the faces, “Heather, oddest sentence that I have ever said at a wedding, please join your ex-husband.”
Confused, Dean moved towards the altar. The space around the bride and groom quickly became crowded as everyone shifted to make room for partners and family groups gathered on one side or the other. She watched as Helen and Reese spoke softly with Clarence and he nodded.
As everything settled down, Clarence raised his hands to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, correction, this is the strangest sentence that I have ever or will ever say at a wedding. Summer, will you and your daughter, please join her siblings and your ex-husbands ex-wife.”
Summer picked up her young daughter and carried her to the front. She was obviously uncomfortable and Dean was glad to see that both JD and Jaxon flanked her with their families. Cooper held his hands out to Jezebel, and she willingly went to her Uncle Cooper.
“Okay, you two, I’m just holding the horse’s tail from now on,” Clarence said as he moved out of the way.
Reese lifted Helen’s hands and kissed her knuckles. “Helen, my sweet mermaid, my beautiful kitten, I love you with all my heart. I promise to love you as you are, be your safe harbor and your greatest supporter. I will love your children as my own and share the joys and triumphs along with the sorrows and frustrations of parenthood. I will help you spoil our grandchildren, and when they become too much, I will drive them home.”
Among the tears and sniffles there was a soft ripple of laughter.
“You are my sun, moon and stars. You and those here with us are my everything. I love you and will love you for the rest of my days.”
“Reese,” Helen’s voice cracked and a tear slipped down her cheek. She recited similar vows, changing them at the end. “I will help you spoil our grandchildren, and when they become too much, you can drive them home, and I’ll open the wine.”