Post Holiday Wedding

When Maureen and Tim had originally planned their wedding, they were going to have it just before Christmas.  But, Maureen was increasingly on call at the hospital, and Tim also got busy with work.  They wound up postponing until into the New Year.  Luckily, the evergreens still were somewhat fresh the day their days off finally coincided and they were able to finally greet the guests for their wedding day.

Warmly, Tim and Maureen welcomed their guests.  “Come in, everyone!  The ceremony will start shortly.”  Each took a moment to personally greet those present.

As Penny was about to enter, she took a moment to pull Maureen aside.  “I’m afraid Sed and Linda aren’t going to make it today,” she said quietly.  “Sed got called away to a fire, and the new baby is sick.  Our twins seemed to be coming down with something too, so I asked Linda to watch them.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Maureen.  “I’ll stop over later and check them out.”

Even on her wedding day, Maureen was all business when it came to taking care of the sick, especially when it was family.

They gathered in the room that was Tim and Linda’s room when they were kids.  The bedroom furniture was removed.  Chairs were available, though most people chose to mill about.  Tim and Maureen faced each other.

Tim began his vows.  “Maureen, I remember the first day I came to be a part of your family.  I had been outside playing on my bike and had hit a bump and got a really nasty scrape.  I sat there next to my bike on the curb and cried.  You came up and asked me what was wrong.  I said that I had an owie, but I didn’t have anyone to make it better any more.  You took my hand and said, ‘It’s OK, Timmy.  I’ll make it better for you.’  You helped me take the bike to the house, led me into the bathroom, and washed and bandaged my knee.  I think even then, you knew you wanted to be a doctor.

“It was that simple act of kindness that was the beginning of me falling in love with you.  You did make it better.  You healed my knee, but even more than that, you healed my heart. 

“Maureen, my heart is whole with you by my side.  I promise to be there to make it better for you when you are hurting, to be there in good times and bad.  I want to share my life with you, and be your husband.”

As soon as Tim finished, Maureen began to speak.  “Timmy, I can remember when we were in school together, we would often study together.  Even when we finally got into our own majors, each very different, we would still get together to study.  Originally it was to work together, and we made a great team.  Later, it was to encourage one another.  You have always encouraged me; to study hard, to follow my dreams.  At first, being a doctor was all I ever dreamed of.  But, as our college days were coming to an end, I found that more and more, my dreams included you.  I want to merge our lives together, and work with you every day to make all our dreams come true.  By your side as your wife is the position I seek to have for the rest of my life.”

 

Then, they exchanged rings.  As Tim put the ring on Maureen’s hand, you could see her face light up as she looked at him.  Tim smiled back, and soon his smile broadened as Maureen placed a wedding band on his finger.

There was only one thing left to do, and Tim and Maureen eagerly reached toward one another…

…and intertwined in their first kiss as man and wife.

After the ceremony, the couple invited people into the main living space of the house.  A buffet was set up, and the stereo was turned on.  Maureen danced with one of the guests while Tim talked to Penny and one of his best friends.

Paula Deen was also in attendance, and she chatted with Penny for a few moments.  Penny received a tap on her shoulder.  “Hey pretty Lady…care to dance?”

Penny smiled.  “Excuse me, Paula…I haven’t danced with this guy in ages.”

Penny hadn’t danced with her husband Bradford in ages.  In fact, this was their first time out of the house since their twins had been born.  The girls would soon be at the age where learning to walk and talk and use the potty would be the priority.  But for today, Penny was glad she and Brad were having a moment with grownups for a change.

Maureen took a moment to chat with Trey Locke.  She learned that they both were both very dedicated to their jobs.  Though he was working his way up the ladder with the local sports team, Trey gave his all to athletics just as Maureen devoted herself to medicine.

Penny even had a chance to dance with her new brother-in-law.

Soon, the party broke up.  There was one last guest still in the house.

Maureen approached her.  “You’re Tim’s friend, Samantha, correct?  I’m glad to meet you.  I hope I’ll get a chance to know you better soon.”

Samantha stayed quiet.  She gazed at Maureen steadily, and eventually, Maureen became uncomfortable with her silence.  It was a bit unsettling.

“Well…I’m…glad you were able to come, but Tim and I have things we need to do before work tomorrow.  We’ll have to get together soon…all three of us.”

Maureen turned, expecting Samantha could show herself out.  She went to the kitchen to begin cleaning up.

As she turned, a pained look crossed Samantha’s face and she looked about to cry.  Most people cry during the wedding ceremony though, so why did it look like she might cry now?

 

Advertisement