GEN III: Chapter 5

It's wedding day!

Daphne made sure she slept in a different room than Charlie did the prior night, and waited in that room until he had gone to work. Then she came out and went straight to the garden. Hayden helped her install the new fountain that she wanted. She tended the plants, and even learned more about them. Pretty soon she would be planting her own in this garden. After she was finished, she showered and ate brunch. Charlie would be due home soon, and she had to get ready.

She went to the lot they were to have the wedding, and got everything prepared there. Even herself. After she was ready, she waited there.

Charlie stopped at the salon after work and bought himself a tux. When he came in the house Hayden and Isabel were already standing there waiting for him. Isabel saw him and made a small sob, then leaned on Hayden for support. Her babies were growing up before her eyes, and she was very happy for them, but she couldn't help but be sad to see them start their own lives and not need her so much.

Everyone met where the wedding ceremony was to be held and sat in their seats. The whole family came, and also close friends. There were only four chairs up front, but that was enough for Cedric, James, Hayden and Isabel. The others stood around them watching.

When everyone was all settled, and Charlie was standing where he should, Daphne came out.




Charlie took in a big breath as he watched his soon to be wife walking up to him. He was not nervous about anything until now. For some reason seeing her in that dress, which was very lovely on her, made him feel a little scared.

He had no doubts that he was going to marry her, and wasn't sure why he should feel this way. Mentally, he counted to three while he let this feeling ebb away. It worked, and he stopped shaking so much.

Daphne didn't breath while she walked up the isle. She also didn't remember the walk being so long. When she caught sight of Charlie, she smiled. He was so handsome in his tux, she was also glad he didn't change his hair. She liked it that way. Finally, after what seemed like a mile walk, she reached his side and let out the breath. For a moment it felt like she would pass out, maybe she held that breath a little to long.

Charlie smiled back at Daphne and took her hands. "Hi." he said.

"Hi back, glad you showed up." Daphne said, it was too low for anyone else to hear, but Charlie smiled at her.

"Of course, nothing could keep me away."

"Ready to do this?" Daphne asked, knowing his answer.

To answer her question, since actions speak louder than words, Charlie dropped her right hand but held the left. He pulled out her wedding band.

"When I give you this ring, I give you my promise that from this day forward you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home. May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are. With this ring, I give you my heart. I have no greater gift to give. I promise I shall do my best. I shall always try."

Daphne had to take a deep breath to stay the tears in her eyes as he slid the ring on her finger. She knew it was her turn now, and wondered if what she had planned to say would measure up to his words.

"Charlie, I bring myself to you this day to share my life with you. You can trust my love, for it is real. I promise to be faithful, and to unfailingly share and support your hopes, dreams, and goals. I vow to be there for you always. When you fall, I will catch you. When you cry, I will comfort you. When you laugh, I will share your joy. Everything I am, and everything I have is yours, from this moment forth, and for eternity."

As she placed the ring on his finger one of the tears she had been holding back fell when she blinked. Daphne kept her head down for a moment to keep herself composed. She had promised herself she wouldn't cry.

Charlie put his free hand on top of hers, when Daphne looked up she saw Charlie's smile and felt more at ease.

After a moment Charlie whispered, "You gonna kiss me or what?"

Daphne broke into a huge smile, leaned into Charlie and kissed his lips. Then, it was over. They were married. Daphne looked at Charlie for a moment then jumped into his arms laughing. She was so happy to have made it final, with witnesses. She belonged to him now, and him to her. Daphne didn't think there could be a happier woman anywhere.

The two of them had been so involved in each other, they forgot about everyone else that was there. When the applauding and laughter started, they were brought out of their own little world. Charlie and Daphne smiled at everyone and said "Thank you."

With that part of the ceremony over, it was time to eat. Isabel had brought a lite Autumn salad for everyone and she set it out on the table.

The newlyweds were to involved in one another to think about food. They sat on a bench while everyone enjoyed the meal, and just cuddled each other.

"Are you happy?" Charlie asked his new wife.

"More than ever." She said, and he kissed her.



Just then James came up to Charlie. Daphne excused herself and told Charlie that she would wait in the car for him, it was time to go home.

James hugged his brother and congratulated him. "I hear Cedric is next! Maybe I'll find my girl one day.", he said.

"Oh bro, of course you will. Your a catch. You'll see."

Charlie said goodbye and got in the car. There would be no honeymoon just yet, maybe soon. Right now it was home for the two of them.

Charlie and Daphne went to the house to find it empty. They assumed that Cedric, Isabel and Hayden stayed at the party to give them some time together. They took full advantage of that.

Charlie and Daphne consummated their vows, and marriage. Being as happy and excited as they were, they did not take as much care in protecting themselves during these activities. After they were worn out completely, they fell asleep. Daphen held on to Charlie like she was never going to let him go, and she wasn't.

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