Page 55 of Rekindled Prophecy

It was a bittersweet moment for Greylyn, as she knew she would never experience a love like that. If she had during her human lifetime, she had no memories to cling to. She had long ago accepted that truth, but sometimes it still haunted her lonely heart. Like an invisible hole that desperately yearned to heal. Seeing them so happy though, she could not help but smile. There was no purpose in dwelling on things that could not be changed anyway. Instead, she rejoiced for them.

Almost as if in defiance of the rain, the bride shone brilliantly in an ivory chiffon dress with an empire waist to hide the budding baby belly. Her lovely, light auburn hair was held back from her glowing face by a matching hair band covered in pearls. Apparently, Kelly had won the argument to avoid the up-do and her hair brushed her shoulders in natural wavy cascades. A simple pearl necklace and pearl-drop earrings were her only adornments.

Kelly’s short journey from the main house to the gazebo ended, and she now stood face- to-face with her expectant groom. So enraptured by the beautiful couple, it took the sound of Kael clearing his throat to signal that it was Greylyn’s turn to speak. Giving him an appreciative half-grin, she proceeded.

“Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today, in the sight of God, to witness the joining together of this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted in the necessities of our being, and dedicated to the happiness of mankind; an estate not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly, and in all sincerity. To be true, this outward form must be a symbol of that which is inner and real, a sacred personal union, which a church may solemnize, and a state make legal, but which only love can create and mutually fulfill.”

Shifting her eyes to Kelly’s father, she asked, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

Mr. Calendar, with tears streaming down his face, answered, “Her mother and I do.” Slightly trembling, he presented Kelly’s hand to Matthew and with some hesitation took a step back to join his wife.

Greylyn continued, “I would like to commence this ceremony with a marriage prayer to bless this union of Matthew and Kelly.” As everyone in attendance bowed their heads for the prayer, she glanced sidelong at Kael to witness his reaction. Surprisingly, he nodded in affirmation and bowed his head.

Well, he is certainly full of surprises.

“Father in Heaven, You ordained marriage for your children, and you gave us love. We present to You, Matthew and Kelly, who come this day to be married. May the covenant of love they make be blessed with true devotion and spiritual commitment. We ask that You, God, will give them the ability to keep the covenant they have made. When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity; when mistrust is a temptation, give moral strength; when there is misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness; if suffering becomes a part of their lives, give them a strong faith and an abiding love. Amen.”

Everyone, including Kael, reiterated, “Amen” and took their seats in the white plastic patio chairs provided, except for the couple who turned their rapt faces to Greylyn.

Even though she had not explicitly informed the couple that the ceremony would follow full Christian rites, in contrast to the demon-possessed elderly magistrate’s approach, neither appeared offended as she continued.

Of course, since they were so attuned to each other, she could have said, “Yabba Dabba Do” and they would not have noticed.

“Matthew and Kelly, our God of love has established marriage as the symbol of Christ’s perfect relationship to His Body, the Church. We have come to bring you as one before Him.”

She cast a quick glance at them both to see if they were taken aback by the religious ceremony. Both were smiling, practically beaming. With a cleansing breath, she continued. “God will lead you into such situations as will bless you and develop your characters as you walk together. He will give you enough tears to keep you tender, enough hurts to keep you compassionate, enough failure to keep your hands clenched tightly in His, and enough success to make sure you walk with Him. May you never take each other’s love for granted, but always experience that wonder that exclaims, ‘Out of all this world you have chosen me.’ When life is done, may you be found then as now, hand in hand, still thanking God for each other. May you ever serve Him happily, faithfully, together until you return to glory or until at last one shall lay the other into His arms.”

So far, so good.

Before resuming the ceremony, she hazarded a glimpse of Kael, who was standing just off to the side with his camera snapping photographs. He caught her look and lowered his camera for a second, gave her a wicked wink, and raised the camera to take a picture of her. Assured, she continued. Tomorrow she would consider why she found Kael’s presence a comfort.

Raindrops pinged on the metallic roof of the gazebo as vows were exchanged. “Matthew, will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together in the sacred estate of marriage. Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, and be faithful to her, as long as you both shall live?”

Matthew turned to his blushing bride and readily replied with the requisite “I will.” She giggled lightly in response.

After Greylyn reiterated the question to Kelly, the bride enthusiastically responded, “I will.” Her chin quivered as her voice trembled. A single teardrop slid down her radiant face.

As the couple, each in turn, repeated his and her “to have and to hold” vows, neither could hold back their happy tears. Matthew lifted his hand to stroke away a stray tear as it ran down her cheek, followed by another.

There was not a dry eye under the gazebo either as evidenced by several sobs. Tears were threatening to fall from Greylyn’s eyes as well as an intense unfamiliar emotion brimmed within her chest. Being around for so many years, she had witnessed many weddings. Never once had a tear escaped her eyes. Somehow, this wedding was different.

There were no songs to be sung or poems to be read so the ceremony proceeded rather quickly.

“Inasmuch as Matthew and Kelly have consented together in marriage, and have witnessed the same before you, and thereto have pledged their faith to each other, and have declared the same by joining hands and giving and receiving of rings, I, by the authority invested in me by God and by the Commonwealth of Virginia, pronounce that they are husband and wife.”

With a raspy breath, tears brimming in her own eyes, she added, “May the grace of Christ attend you; the love of God surround you, and the Holy Spirit keep you that you may grow in love, find delight in each other always, and remain faithful until your life’s end. Go now in great joy, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Greylyn ended with, “Matthew, you may now kiss your lovely bride.”

No one had to tell him twice. As they embraced and kissed, the wedding guests cheered. With a sigh of relief, she closed her bible, congratulated the newlyweds, and then quickly made way for the rest of the wedding guests to give their best wishes to the couple as well.

Someone turned the music back on and “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain and Bryan White played in the background.

Kael busily snapped pictures. She took a moment to just watch him work, mesmerized by how easily he solicited genuine smiles from each person. Even the toddler cooperated with him – a small miracle in itself.

Not realizing she was staring, Greylyn suddenly found herself embroiled by dark eyes locked with her own as Kael lowered his camera. Shaking herself out of her stupor, she retreated to her suite.

The ceremony had taken an enormous emotional toll on her. There was no reason for it, but Greylyn felt it just the same as if she had just been party to a wedding for a close relative whose happiness in and of itself meant everything to her. Relief mixed with a bittersweet sense of something she could see, could not fathom, and would never experience herself.

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