Today, her wedding day would be bittersweet. A day of joy and a day of anticipated sorrow. Still, she wouldn’t trade the opportunity to become his wife for all the riches in the world. She stared down at her bare ring finger. Journey relinquished the band to him last night. The next time she wore it, she would be Mrs. Reno Black.
“Journey, it’s almost time.”
Lou’s voice brought her out of her daze.
“Yes. I don’t want to be late.” By the time she finished dressing, Journey could hear the sound of the music playing in the garden. “I guess I’m ready.”
“You look beautiful. Believe me.” Lou had her camera ready. “I’m going to record the moment for posterity.”
“Thank you. I’ll cherish the remembrance.”
Myra ran on ahead while Lou walked just in front of her. This wasn’t exactly the wedding she’d always wanted, but it was definitely the one she’d always dreamed of. The lack of frills and finery meant nothing to her. What meant the world to her was the groom who waited at the end of the garden path.
“Are you okay, my son?”
“I’m chewing at the bit, Kota. My hands and feet are like ice.”
The old man chuckled. “You’d better pull yourself together, here comes your bride.”
Reno stood straight. His heart felt like it was about to beat out of his chest. For a moment, the evening rays of the sun blinded him. When he could see, he almost went to his knees. “Oh, sweet…” She looked like an angel. Even before she reached him, he held out his arms to welcome her home.
“Tradition dictates the kiss to be at the end of the ceremony,” Kota drawled, then threw up one hand. “But what the hey?”
Neither Reno nor Journey cared a bit about decorum.
After Kota cleared his throat the second time, they allowed him to proceed.
Myra and Lou looked on with pride and joy as Journey became Reno’s bride.
“My blessing today will be taken from three traditions – the Apache, the Cherokee, and…” He looked over at Myra. “What are you? Episcopalian?”
“Lutheran.”
“Ah.” Kota nodded. “And the Lutherans.”
He took both of their hands and joined them together.
“No longer will you feel the brunt of the storm, for you will be a shelter one for the other. The wind will no longer make you cold, for you will be warmth one for the other. Neither of you will ever be alone again, for you will be a helpmeet to one another. You arrived as two, you will leave as one. Your journey will be one of beauty and joy will be your companion. Your days on this earth will be long and fruitful.
“I entreat you to respect one another and remember the magic that drew you together. Make kindness and tenderness one to the other your highest priority. When troubles come, as they do to all, keep your eye on the good in your life and overlook one another’s faults. If you do these things, you will be ride out any storm life throws your way. Take responsibility for one another, putting the needs of the other first. In this way, you both will be someone’s highest priority.”
Kota held up one hand to the heavens. “Great Spirit, place your loving hand of protection upon this man and this woman. We honor your creation as they pledge their lives and hearts in marriage. We honor the Earth and ask for their union to be fruitful and grow stronger through each season. We honor Fire and ask that you keep them warm and may love glow forever in their hearts. We honor Wind and ask that you allow them to sail safely down the river of life. We honor Water and ask you to let them never thirst for love. With all the elements of spirit you created, we ask for peace and harmony as they walk the path of life together.”
“Now, Reno will repeat his vows.”
Reno smiled at Journey. A smile as bright as the sun. “I, Reno Black, take thee, Sojourner Stanton, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”
“Journey, you will say your vows.”
Journey took a deep breath, love shining from her eyes. “I, Sojourner Stanton, take thee, Reno Black, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”
“Now, the groom will place his ring on the bride's finger. Reno, what say ye?”
Taking her hand, he placed the gold band on her finger. “With this Ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.”
Kota joined their hands in his. “I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined together, let no man – nor the passage of time – put asunder. By the authority vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Reno Black. May your journey together be one of love. Reno, you may kiss your bride.”
Reno didn’t have to be reminded twice. He picked Journey up, spun her around, then kissed her until they were both breathless.
* * *
At last, after the cake and well wishes, Journey and Reno were alone.
“I’m glad your Aunt gave us this bottle of champagne; I’ve always wanted to do this.” Reno poured a tiny trail of sparkling liquid between Journey’s breasts.
As he lapped it up, she sighed. “I never
