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| Harm walked down the church aisle, taking in his surroundings. Everything was in place and people would be arriving soon. He still couldn't believe that Evelyn was getting married. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Sturgis. "Feeling nostalgic, old man?" Harm smiled. "Just trying to wrap my brain around all this. I can't believe my daughter is getting married. I'm just content at having her stay single and living at home." "We all get that way about our children. It's letting them move on. That's the greatest gift any parent could give." "You're right about that. Thanks for everything you've done for us, Sturgis. You've always been a great friend." ************** She couldn't believe it happened, in the middle of the church aisle, with tons of people watching. Serena held a hand to her mouth, holding in her laughter as she joined the wedding party. "Rena?" Evelyn said. "What happened? Why are you crying?" Mac looked up from adjusting Maddie's barrettes. "I'm not crying," Serena replied. "I'm laughing." "Why?" Christiana asked. Serena took a deep breath. I was up in the front of the church, talking to Dad. When I turned to walk back up the aisle, I slipped and fell on my butt!"* "Are you all right?" Mac asked in concern. "I'm fine," she said, still giggling. Evelyn walked over to Serena and patted her head. "My little klutz! Please don't do that during the procession." "Speaking of which," Marissa said. "It's about that time." "Where's Dad?" Just then, Harm came rushing into the room. "Right here." ************* Evelyn took a deep breath when it came time for she and Noah to step up. As the Noah repeated what the priest said, she looked into his. Tears were pooling in his bright blue orbs. Now it was her turn. "I, Evelyn Rose Rabb..." Mac quickly clasped Harm's hand in hers. He looked at her and smiled. Their daughter had grown up. She was now a woman. A woman, Harm thought. She was just a little girl. Daddy's little girl. Harm held Mac's hand a bit tighter. Why did this make his stomach hurt? He loved her very much and new this was a part of life. He remembered the day she came home from a school field trip. They had gone to the Naval Academy. She immediately knew what she wanted to do with her life. And Harm had never been more proud. "As you have consented together to be bound to one another in lawful marriage. You have made special promises to each other, which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, taking of vows and by the giving, and receiving of rings. By the authority vested in me, according to the laws of Virginia, I now pronounce you to be husband and wife. Now that the ceremony is over and the experience of living day by day is about to begin, go and meet it gladly." The priest smiled at Noah. "You may kiss your bride." He needed no further urging. "May I present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Stotler!" |
