A Mothers Love
Chapter 1
The Wedding
The day was sunny and bright. It was the perfect day for a wedding. Rebecca adjusted her veil as her mother and attendants fussed over her. She smiled when she thought about becoming Mrs. Jennings in the next half-hour. Mitch was the man of her dreams and this was about to be the fairy tale wedding that her mother used to tell her she would one day have. Everything was carefully planned out, right down to the tiniest of details.
Oh darling, I am so happy for you. I know you and Mitch will have a wonderful life together. Are you nervous?
Yes Mama, a little. I hope Daddy remembers to keep an eye on the clock. I dont want to be late.
Now, dont you fret. Your Daddy has never been late a day in his life. He prides himself on that. I swear he was more on the ball than his drill sergeant was. Besides, we are all at the church and they cant very well start without you.
Rebecca hugged her mother and a tear fell from her eye. Oh Mama, I guess I am not going to be your little girl anymore. By tonight Mitch and I will be leaving for Brazil and I will have a whole new life when we get back.
Dont let your father hear you talking like that. You will always be our baby no matter how old you get. One day you will know what I mean. Now before you get too weepy eyed I want to give you something. She pulled out a small velvet pouch and pulled out its contents. These earrings were given to me by my mother on my wedding day and the necklace was from your great grandmother. Strong, beautiful women wore them. Now they are yours and you will pass them on a long time from now. She put the necklace on her daughter and waited as Rebecca put the earrings on. Rebecca turned to look at her mother and hugged her again. As she stepped back there was a knock at the door.
This is your father. Requesting permission to enter, maam.
Daddy! Of course you can come in. I was worried we would be late but Mama said not to worry at all. I should know better, shouldnt I? She beamed at her father as he entered the room.
Baby girl, you take my breath away. You are just a vision and I know that groom of yours will feel the same. Hes waiting for you. Are you ready?
Yes Daddy I am. Are you ready to give me away?
Ill never be ready to give you away my dear. But if I had to choose one man to hand you to I would choose Mitch. I know he will take good care of you and cherish you almost as much as I do. No matter how much he loves you, I dont think anyone could love you as much as I do and always will. Now my princess, lets go meet your prince. He kissed his daughter and her mother pulled her veil down. After a last embrace the mother was escorted to her seat.
After the long procession of 2 flower girls, 8 bridesmaids and the matron of honor Rebecca and her father began their walk down the aisle. Mitch looked at his bride and was taken aback at her beauty. As they reached the bottom of the step to the altar Rebeccas father lifted the veil to reveal his daughters face. Looking at her he saw ever moment of her life from birth up until now. He leaned over and gently kissed her forehead.
Good-bye Miss Rebecca Hastings. Ill see you soon as Mrs. Jennings. Be happy baby girl. Rebecca hugged her father and took her grooms arm as they approached the altar together. They faced each other as the ceremony began.
Dearly beloved, we are all gathered here today to witness the blessed union of two people we have known and loved all their lives. Now, these two people will testify and confirm their love in front of all of us. I have known Mitch and Rebecca since their baptisms and I believe that no two people belong together as much as they do. They come from the same family values, they grew up together and have been childhood sweethearts since grade school.
Mitch and Rebecca is it your intention to enter into marriage with a pure and unconditional love?
It is. The couple replied together.
Is it your intention to stay together in marriage through jubilation as well as turmoil?
It is. They again replied.
Is it your intention to work together through financial hardships and to share in times of plenty?
It is. They replied.
And is it your intention to stay with one another through health as well as sickness?
It is. They answered.
I understand you have written your own vows. I now ask you to share them with one another.
Becca, Ill never forget the day I first fell in love with you. We were in the playground and you were on the swing. The sun was directly behind you; and watching you on the swing with the sun reflecting off of your golden hair was like looking at an angel. I swore then that I would love you forever. Of course we were only 6 and forever for me was until lunch or so. Now here we are with all of our family and friends. And in front of them all I make this promise to you. I swear I will be loyal and true to only you. I will comfort you when you are hurting and always keep you in my heart, not only as my wife but also as my very best friend. I love you always.
Rebecca wiped a tear from her eye and looked into Mitchs eyes. She took a shaky breath and began. My darling Mitch, I feel like you are the other half of me, like we share the same breath. I knew I had found my soul mate when our paths first crossed. I know you were sent from Heaven to be mine. I will love you and cherish you for all of eternity. Until the end of time I belong to you. I will be your rock when you need strength and a shoulder to cry on when you need one. From this day forward you will be my husband and best friend. I love you always too.
May I have the rings please? The minister asked. The ring bearer approached the altar and handed the minister the pillow that the rings were attached too. As he untied the rings he blessed them. Mitch and Rebecca, you have selected these rings as a symbol of your marriage. These bands are a circle; they have no beginning and no end. Your marriage will have many cycles. Your marriage is beginning today and with a lot of hard work, commitment and love it should have no end either. Mitch, take Rebeccas left hand in yours and place the band on her ring finger repeating after me.
Mitch took Rebeccas hand and looked into her eyes. Repeating the ministers words he said, I Mitch, take you Rebecca to be my lawfully wedded wife; to cherish, honor and love from this day forward. By placing this ring on your finger I will be true to you and only you, forsaking all others. He then finished by completing to put the ring on her finger.
Rebecca, take Mitchs left hand and place the band on his ring finger repeating after me.
Rebecca took Mitchs hand and looked into his eyes and repeated the same words to her husband, committing herself to him for always. As she finished putting the ring on her finger the held hands for a few moments and smiled at each other as they gazed into one anothers eyes.
Now I know there isnt a person here who will object to this union, is there? The minister laughed followed by laughter from everyone else in the church. I didnt think so. Therefore, by the power invested in me by the church I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.
As Mitch and Rebecca shared their first tender moment as a married couple the minister addressed the guests. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great honor that I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Jennings. The church thundered with whistles, applause and cheers as Mitch and Rebecca made their way back down the aisle.
With Mitchs father, Rebeccas parents and all the attendants the couple formed the receiving line. Many well wishers stopped to hug and kiss everyone in the line. There were many comments on the beautiful ceremony, how beautiful Rebecca was as a bride, how handsome Mitch looked, best wishes, congratulations and good lucks. After the last guest gave her last kiss Mitch and Rebecca walked to their carriage. It was drawn by 8 white horses. Mitch held out his hand and Rebecca took it as he helped her into the carriage and to her seat. Once he was seated the horses pulled the carriage on a short ride around the business district and then to the garden where the bridal party waited to be photographed. Some family members were waiting also. Mitch helped his bride down and the photographer posed them all in positions and with the proper backdrops. He used many flowers and trees as props and there was a beautiful fountain he had the ladies sit along while the men kneeled in front of them. There were humorous photos as well as sentimental ones. Most were very traditional. As the photographer was bagging his equipment and getting ready to get to the reception at the country club Mitch approached him.
I know when we first hired you we wanted to all go to the country club next but would you just follow the carriage first, there is someplace we are going to now that we didnt plan on going when we hired you. Some unforeseen circumstances have changed though and this would mean a lot to me, I will be happy to pay you extra.
The photographer just smiled and nodded, there was always one other place couples wanted to go, usually the scene of some very personal and special spot that no one else knew about. He headed to his car and followed the carriage. He was quite surprised to see where the carriage had stopped and the couple got out.
Mr. Jennings, is this where you wanted to have some pictures taken? He asked and looked around at the somber settings of a cemetery.
Yes, you see my mother passed away a few weeks ago. She had cancer and although she tried to hold on for the wedding she just wasnt strong enough. She had dreamed of this day for years so Rebecca and I would like a few photos of us by her grave. Just one or two, maybe placing flowers or saying a little prayer. Just something tasteful so my mother can be a part of this day like she wanted to.
I am sorry for your loss. Your mother was the one to contact me about the wedding and I respected her a great deal. I think I have a few ideas we can work with. He took a photo of the couple placing a wreath at the grave together, one of them holding hands and saying a prayer and one of them placing a hand affectionately on the headstone as they said good-bye. Then he left the couple alone so they could have some privacy here and waited in the car. After this he felt a little surprise would be nice for the couple.
Im so sorry your mother didnt get to see the wedding, Darling. I know how close the two of you were and I adored her. She was a wonderful, strong and very beautiful woman. Im going to miss having her here to talk to. I know she would have had the biggest smile on her face today. Somewhere out there I am sure she does.
Im sorry too, as much as I miss her I am more sorry she didnt see how beautiful you are in this gown and with your hair pulled up. But you are right, I know Mother and she is definitely smiling down on us right now and I am sure she saw the wedding also. She adored you also, she always said that of all the women in the world she knew you were the only one meant for me. Well my love, shall we head back to the party? Mother would say this is a happy day and not one meant for sad tears. We can come back another day.
Mitch was surprised the see the photographer leaning against the hood of his car. He walked up to him and asked why he was still there.
Well, you surprised me with this, so to get you two back to a happier time before you go back to your family and friends, I want you to pick a place that most symbolizes the tow of you. Well go there and I will get a few pictures. My gift to you.
Mitch smiled and patted the photographers shoulder. Thank you, Ill just tell the driver where to go when my wife and I pick a place and you can follow us. He went to the carriage and was about to get in.
Mitch, I just need a minute. I just want to go back to the gravesite for a minute. Rebecca said as she stepped down.
Ok, do you want me to go too?
No, I just feel I should say a special thanks to your mom for giving me you. Ill only be a few minutes.
Mitch smiled and pulled his bride into his arms. He kissed her head and let her go. As she walked back to the grave he thought about how special she was and knew the perfect spot for the photograph, he went to the photographers car and gave him directions and said they would be along in a minute.
Rebecca sadly looked at the headstone and the fresh earth that lay in front of it. She wiped a tear away from her cheek. Mama Jennings, how I wish I could call you that to your face. Its just not right or fair that you were taken from us so soon. The only thing I find comfort in is knowing you arent in pain anymore. Thank you so very much for giving me such a wonderful husband and best friend. I only hope that the children Mitch and I will one day have will be raised so well. You set such a wonderful example for me to follow. Thank you again. I love you and miss you so much. Well keep you in our hearts and well be back after the honeymoon. Rebecca kissed her palm and gently touched the headstone. With a deep breath to help compose herself she returned to her husband.
All set, love? Mitch asked as he stepped down to help her into the carriage. She smiled and nodded at him. Good, our photographer has decided to surprise us with a special gift shot of us in a special place. I gave him the directions to the most meaningful spot I could think of. I think youll agree when we get there.
You arent going to tell me now? She said with a smile and a light laugh. He shook his head and told the driver they were ready to go. Minutes later Rebecca beamed when she realized where the spot was. As the carriage pulled up to the grade school they attended as children she patted her husbands hand.
Was I right? Is this the spot you would have chosen as well? He asked as he looked into his wifes eyes.
Oh darling, it is absolutely the perfect spot. What place could be more special than where it all began? They kissed passionately and stepped out of the carriage. Holding hands, they walked over to the playground and Mitch guided Rebecca to the swing.
Sit here a moment. I want to see you again as I saw you back then. He walked a few feet away from her and turned and gazed affectionately at Rebecca.
Oh, one minute. I want to take my shoes off. She kicked her heels off and began to swing back and forth. Tilting her head back to feel the wind rush through her hair. Mitch laughed at the sight of his bride enjoying the swing as a child would. But that was Rebecca. She would always have that inner child eager to emerge at any opportunity. As she sat upright Mitch was delighted by the image he saw. The sunlight was directly behind her.
Oblivious to the happy couple, the photographer began to take pictures. Once again, he was taken aback at the request to come to a schoolyard playground. But watching the couple he could see why Mitch had chosen this place. It was a place of innocence and first love.
Rebecca began to giggle. Uh oh Mitch, watch out, here I come, she squealed and suddenly let go of the chains and jumped into her husbands arms. With a smile she looked up. You caught me.
I sure did, and I am glad. You are the only catch I ever wanted to make. I will always be here to catch you. He smiled back down at his bride and kissed her passionately. Again one more moment was captured forever by the photographer. Silently he slipped back to his car to set up at the reception.
Twenty minutes after the photographer arrived the best man took a microphone from the stage and called the guests to attention. Dear family and friends, may I please have your attention. It is my greatest honor as best man to announce the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Jennings. The couple entered the room and applause roared throughout.
Not only am I best man, but I am also the co-master of ceremonies. My beautiful partner this evening is the brides sister Tara. Tara walked on to the stage and looked happily at her sister.
No two people have worked so hard or so long to get to their wedding day. You have beaten the odds and my wish for you is a lifetime of happiness. Id like to ask everyone now to please take their seats. As the guests sat in their designated seats a podium was wheeled to sit beside the head table. The best man and Tara walked over to it.
After the bride and groom sat down, the best man picked up a glass of champagne. Good evening everyone. As I said a few minutes ago I am the best man. My name is Robert and I have known this couple ever since grade school. Mitch was my best friend and when he told me he was in love with Rebecca at such a young age I thought he was crazy. Truth is, I think every boy was. She was beautiful, smart and the nicest person you could hope to know. Mitch was awkward looking, a smart aleck and the meanest kid on the block. So, opposites really do attract. Im just kidding though. They were a perfect match from day one and were just meant to be. I couldnt be happier for Mitch and Rebecca. No two other people deserve this day as much as you guys do. To Mitch and Rebecca, may you live a long and happy life together and be blessed with many children.
To Mitch and Rebecca. The crowed chorused and drank to the couple. Then Tara spoke.
If we could all just bow our heads our beloved minister will say grace. She smiled and handed him the microphone.
First, I would like to say how deeply moved I am that I was invited to be here. Usually I just perform the ceremony and that is it. Dear Lord, thank you for this blessed day and allowing us all to share in the love between Mitch and Rebecca. Thank you for the wonderful food that has been provided to us. May you always be as gracious with us all as you have been. Amen. Lets eat. He laughed and went to his seat.
After the meal and many toasts to the happy couple the dishes were cleared away. The lights dimmed and the DJ cued up a song. Alright ladies and gentlemen. May I please have your attention? Would the bride and her father please come to the dance floor? Rebecca took her fathers extended arm as he escorted her to the dance floor. She smiled as the song he would sing to her as a child played over the speakers. Halfway through the song as a symbol of passage Mitch took his bride in his arms and they danced slowly to the music. As the song ended they kissed and walked back to the table.
Throughout the night there were a lot of tender kisses and slow dances. The night seemed to go by almost too fast but both Mitch and Rebecca were looking forward to their first night alone together as husband and wife. They were feeling so much anticipation. As midnight approached Mitch leaned close to Rebeccas ear.
Darling, do you think it would be rude if we left now? I just want to be alone with you right now?
Rebecca smiled at Mitch and told the disc jockey they were ready to leave. He announced to the remaining guests that the bride and groom would be leaving and to form two lines with someone so that an arch of arms could be passed through by the couple. As the guests lined up to bid fond farewells Rebecca and Mitch made their way to the door. Receiving hugs as they went Rebecca stopped in front of her mother and held her tight.
Oh Mama, I am so nervous.
Dont be honey. Tonight will be as magical and beautiful as today was. You both have waited so long for this, I know it will very special. I love you dear.
I love you too Mama. Ill talk to you when we get back.
Ok dear, you have fun now and dont worry about anything. Always remember, you are a strong and beautiful woman.
Rebecca turned around and hugged her father. She felt a few tears on her neck and smiled.
Oh Daddy, dont cry. You know I will always be your little girl and now you have a son too.
He squeezed her tight and said, Baby girl, you sure were one beautiful bride today and a beautiful woman always. You enjoy your trip and we will see you soon. Be careful though and stay safe over there.
I will Daddy, dont worry about a thing. Well see you soon.
When Mitch and Rebecca got to the door they turned and waved at everyone. Rebecca blew a kiss to all of them and they turned and left. The carriage was lit up with white Christmas lights and Rebecca couldnt remember ever seeing anything so beautiful. The photographer took one last picture of them in the carriage and shook their hands.
It was a beautiful ceremony and one day I will never forget. Ill have the pictures ready for you to look at when you get back.
Its ok, I know you did a wonderful job. Well take them all. Mitch said. Thank you and we will stop by your studio to pick them up.
The photographer waved at them as the carriage pulled away. Rebecca sighed and leaned on Mitchs shoulder. He draped his arm over her and the cuddled for the rest of the ride.
As the carriage pulled up to the quaint bed and breakfast Mitch squeezed Rebeccas shoulder and smiled. With a wink he hopped down and extended his arm to help her down. The waved to the driver and thanked him for the lovely ride. Mitch handed him an envelope that held the payment and a generous tip and they strolled to the entrance. At the desk Rebecca smiled as she filled out the registration forms. It was the first time she had signed as Mr. and Mrs. Jennings.
Mitch smiled at this as he knew what she was thinking and made a mental note to ask if he could get a photocopy of the registration. When they were finished at the desk the clerk showed them to their room. Robert had brought their luggage by earlier in the day. Sweeping Rebecca up in his strong arms he carried her across the threshold. After Mitch tipped the clerk he turned to look at his bride.
Well sweetheart, were here. What do you think?
Oh Mitch, it is absolutely beautiful. It is the perfect end to a perfect day.
Well love, who said it has to be the end? As far as I am concerned this day will never end, even when the sun rises tomorrow. Each and every day will always be our wedding day to me.
Rebecca walked over to Mitch and embraced him. She felt so lucky to be married to Mitch. He was the perfect man to her. He was sensitive, caring and so compassionate. He had this spontaneity about him and he loved to surprise her. When she let go she walked over to the overnight bag she packed especially for this night. Picking it up she started towards the bathroom.
Ill be back in a moment darling. As much as I love wearing this gown there is something I feel would be much more suited for here. She blew Mitch a kiss and closed the door.
While she was in there Mitch had some staff members come in to help him create the perfect honeymoon suite. Within minutes the room was transformed and the staff left as quietly as they had entered with a smile on their faces. Rebecca opened the door and was amazed, but not surprised to see what waited for her. The bed was covered in rose petals and some were scattered around it, a bucket chilling champagne and surrounded by strawberries sat on the bed side table, soft instrumental music played on a small CD player and the room was dark except for the soft light given off by one hundred lit candles.
This is so beautiful. Rebecca said as she walked over to the bed where Mitch was lying.
No, you are beautiful. Mitch said as he took her in his arms. As he held her back for one moment he drank in her beauty. Her long, golden hair fell across her shoulders and down her back. Her cornflower blue eyes sparkled in the candlelight. The white satin negligee gleamed against her soft, milk white skin and flowed down to her thighs. He kissed each of her hands and pulled her close.
He reached over and grabbed the two crystal glasses of champagne he had just poured before she came out and handed her one. With arms intertwined they sipped it slowly. He held a strawberry close to her lips as she bit into it and leaned closer to kiss her. It was passionate and lingering.
Are you ok? He asked.
Yes. She whispered back. I may have been nervous earlier but Im not anymore. We have waited for this for so long and built up so much anticipation. I love you more than life itself and I will cherish this moment as long as I live.
They kissed again, this time with more fervor and all the years of unspent desires were unleashed. With each caress unbridled passion enveloped the couple. The moment was intense and beautiful. It was so much more than either of them could have dreamed and when it was over they lied spent in each others arms.
Mitch grinned, I think this is where we would have a cigarette if we smoked. Was it like you thought it would be? He asked playfully as he winked at his wife.
Oh you silly, wonderful man. No, it wasnt. It was better. When I would think of it I would get nervous and a little scared but so excited. This was like an intoxicating dream. I dont ever want to wake from it. She said and then sighed happily.
He nuzzled his face into her hair as he held her. Well my love, you will never have to. Our lives will always be like this and each day I know I will love you more and more.
They made love again and drifted off into a blissful sleep. Both of them anticipating the fun and excitement of their lives together and the trip to Brazil they both had looked forward to for years. Neither of them really knew the heartbreak and turmoil that was about to be unleashed once they arrived.
Written by Aymee Thomas
Copyright 2001 |
