Helena watched nervously out the window. The sun cast its rays across the newly bloomed flowers that lined Melissa ‘s garden. Their colors of yellow, pink and red were vivid and bright. In the distance, Helena could see a ribbon covered gazebo, Melissa’s idea. When the Thompson women had first discussed a place to hold the ceremony, Susan had suggested Melissa’s garden. Mel had wholeheartedly agreed. Within a week, she had hired a contractor to build a gazebo down by the pier. When Helena had protested such a grandiose gesture, Melissa had assured her with a wink that she and Alan would put it to good use after the ceremony. The huge white structure now sat ribbon covered and waiting... waiting for her and John to renew their vows.
“John, where are you?” She whispered.
The guests had started arriving fifteen minutes earlier and Helena watched as her nephews, with the help their grandmother, ushered people to their seats. The seats were white folding chairs provided by the caterer that Melissa had adorned with lavender bows. Susan had insisted on arranging them a circular pattern around the gazebo. This pattern according to her mother would provide everyone with an unobstructed view of the ceremony.
Helena watched Geoff escort Sandra Benes and her husband Peter to their seats. Sandra leaned over and kissed Geoff on the cheek. Geoff’s face went red with embarrassment as he turned quickly away from the couple and headed back toward the house. Despite her nervousness, Helena had to smile at his reaction. Next Helena saw David Kano and his wife. He was graying now, they all were.
The door behind her opened and her twin stepped inside. She was wearing her lavender floor length bridesmaid’s dress.
“Hi” Melissa said softly. She could sense that Helena was nervous.
“Is John here yet?” Helena fidgeted.
“He’ll be here. He promised.” Melissa crossed the room taking her hand. “You look very beautiful, Cake. I love this dress. It’s so understated.”
“It’s yours. I wore it on Alpha ten years ago.” Helena said quietly.
“Well, it still looks great. And you look beautiful.”
Smiling weakly, Helena moved away from her sister and back to the window. “He’s not coming is he?”
“Of course, he’s coming. Wild horses could keep him away from you.”
Helena laughed lightly, “Wild horses, maybe. The moon on the other hand is a different story.” She looked at her sister. Alan and John had left to bring the moon back to earth’s orbit weeks ago. John had promised her he’d be back in time to renew their vows. Now with only fifteen minutes until the ceremony and with no word from John or Alan, she was beginning to have her doubts.
Melissa was also beginning to have her doubts. Alan had promised her he would have John back hours ago. She left her sister alone, sensing her need for privacy. At the Cape, Alan was landing their superswift with expert precision. As soon as the craft touched down, he and John were out of their harnesses and leaving the craft. They took the first travel tube into the space center and ran to the parking lot carrying their dress uniforms.
“I hope Robert left your car!” Alan shouted as they exited the building and headed toward secured parking.
“He’d better.” John returned.
They spotted the black GTO covered with dust. John opened the driver’s door and tossed his uniform into the back seat.
“It’s a good thing we are getting married at your house, it’s closer than mine.” John said to Alan as he fired up the GTO.
“Maybe we should call.” Alan suggested.
“Can’t, my cell phone is dead and besides that we’ve no time. I’m not going to disappoint her, Alan. And I’m not going to be late to my own wedding.”
They raced out of the parking lot, squealing the tires of the muscle car and throwing up a cloud of dust and gravel.
Helena pulled back the curtain and peered into the garden. There was still no John. A tapping on the door drew Helena away from the window. Outside the door stood eight year old Sammy. He was dressed in a tux and from the look on his face she could tell he was very uncomfortable. “Mom? Is Daddy here yet?”
“No sweetheart, he’s not here. Where’s Tori?”
“Right here Mama.” Tori stepped from behind the door. She was dressed in Lavender like her aunt but her dress was a tea length as opposed Melissa’s floor length gown.
“Tori, you looked very beautiful.”
Tori moved to hug her mother, “Not nearly as beautiful as you.”
“Mama, what if Daddy doesn’t come?” Sammy closed the door.
“He’s going to come!” Tori said angrily at her brother. “Daddy always keeps his promises!”
“In case you didn’t notice, Tori, Daddy’s not here.” Sam retorted smartly.
Sensing an argument in the making, Helena stepped between her children. “Okay, Okay. Let’s not argue shall we?”
The children stopped yelling and stared up at their mother. “If for some reason Daddy doesn’t make it, then I’ll guess we’ll have a big old party anyway.” Her voice cracked as she spoke and she turned away from her children.
Downstairs, Melissa was waiting with her parents. “Daddy, what time is it?”
“It’s three minutes later than the last time you asked.” Robert grumbled. “They’re not coming! Damn it!”
“Robert!” Susan scolded him.
“Don’t scold me woman. I knew this would happen, can’t count on those fly boys for anything.”
No sooner than the words had left Robert’s tongue, the front door burst open and Alan and John ran inside. They were breathless.
“Alan!” Melissa held out her arms and Alan rushed over to hug her.
“It’s about time.” Robert said to John as they stood face to face.
“Helena?” He looked past Robert to Susan.
“She’s upstairs.” Susan led her son in law over to the staircase. “But it’s bad luck to see her before the ceremony, you know.”
Robert huffed, “Good God woman, they’ve been married for ten years, it’s not like it’s going to matter now.”
Susan rolled her eyes and John gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “I’ll try and stay away from her. But I can’t promise you anything.” He whispered in her ear.
Susan reached up and stroked his cheek. “Go to her. She’s worried sick.”
John moved past Susan to Melissa. “I need to change.”
Melissa grabbed his hand. “Come on, I think the boys room is empty.” They ascended the staircase together, The door to the Mel’s bedroom opened and Tori and Sam walked on to the landing. Melissa stopped them and held her finger to her lips. She motioned for them to close the door. The children looked behind her and saw their father.
Quietly, they called in unison, “Daddy.” John fell to his knees and hugging both at the same time.
“Go wait with Grammy and Grandpa.” He whispered. He hugged them again and watched them scamper down the staircase behind him.
“In here.” Melissa directed John into the boy’s bedroom. “We’ll see you downstairs. I’m glad you made it. She’ll be so happy.”
“Is Helena in your room.” John started tugging at his shirt.
“Yes. She thinks you’re not coming.” Melissa eased out of the room and closed the door.
John changed into his dress uniform quickly. He cracked the door and looked out into the hallway. It was empty. He noticed a vase of fresh flowers on a table and pulled out a white rose.
From inside the room, Helena watched her sister move gracefully though the crowd, one minute until time for the ceremony. There was still no John. She trusted that Mel would come up with a good excuse for their guests. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, as she saw Geoff walk his grandmother to her seat. Helena heard the door behind her open and exhaled slowly. Thinking it was her father; she did not turn around.
When John entered the room, she was standing with her back to him. She was holding her bouquet loosely in her right hand. Her head was bowed.
“You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” A voice sounded from behind her.
Helena turned quickly around to find her husband standing just inside the bedroom. Without delay, she rushed toward him throwing herself into his arms. He held her tightly and kissed her shoulder. “Oh God how I missed you.”
From over his shoulder she spoke, “Oh I missed you too.” She kissed him passionately. When they broke apart she said, “I didn’t think you’d make it.”
“Have I ever broken a promise to you?”
“No.” She whispered.
“Well, after ten years I don’t intent to start.” He kissed her again.
“John?” Alan called as he climbed the stairs.
“Yea?”
“I hope you are not in there with Helena. Melissa and Susan will kill me. The best man isn’t suppose to let the groom see the bride, you know.” Alan stopped on landing.
“Be right there.” John called as he released Helena. “Alan’s discreet way of allowing us to disengage.” John chuckled.
“Well hurry up, people are waiting. ” Alan called when he overheard John’s statement.
All three laughed. They heard Alan as he went back downstairs.
John pulled Helena into the middle of the room. He knelt down on one knee and took her hand. “Helena Thompson, Will you marry me--for the third time?”
“Oh John.” Once again, a grin spread across her face.
He reached into the pocket of his coat and removed a small black box. He looked up at as he reached for her hand, “Helena, I’ll need your wedding ring for the ceremony and you need mine.”
She nodded in agreement holding out her hand and allowing John to remove her wedding rings. She watched as he opened the box and placed her rings inside. Then he stood and slipped off his ring. Taking her hand, he gently laid his ring in her palm.
“Hold this for me.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I think your father’s downstairs waiting to walk you down the aisle.”
“I love you.” She said as he handed her the bouquet.
A huge grin spread across his face as he escorted her to the staircase. “Ditto.” He said. “I’ll see you outside. I’ll be the one with a goofy grin on my face.” He kissed her again then disappeared down the staircase.
As Helena waited with her father, John took his position standing next to Alan, Sam and the minister; a minister, chosen by her father. Robert had proclaimed that this time a member of the clergy would bless their union. He had gone out and found this minister on his own and to everyone’s surprise, he had selected a woman. Because in his words, “I like her, Damn it.”
Helena and her father watched as Tori walked down the aisle first. She smiled to the guests as she passed them and when she reached her father she stood up on her tiptoes and bussed him on the cheek before moving to her spot.
Melissa followed her niece up the aisle when she reached the top step of the gazebo she winked at her husband, who smiled in return.
The music changed as Helena and her father approached the aisle. “Ready Cupcake?” Robert wrapped Helena’s arm through his and gently patted her hand.
She leaned over and kissed him, smiling. “I’m ready.”
They walked to the aisle together. Robert Thompson’s smile told his wife that he was thrilled with the opportunity to walk with his daughter. Helena only looked at John. He was smiling broadly and his smile made her relax. When they reached the end of the aisle, John walked down the steps of the gazebo and stood waiting as Robert kissed Helena. Robert reached for John’s hand and joined it with Helena’s. He looked at both of them then at the minister. “Ma’am, I give my daughter Helena to be reunited with his man, her husband and my son.” Helena and John looked at her father complete surprised. Robert had never referred to John as his son-always as his son-in-law. Helena leaned over and kissed her father’s cheek. “Thank you, Daddy.” She said softly. Robert looked at both of them, nodded. Before he moved away, he walked up on the gazebo and kissed Melissa and Tori. Then he settled down beside a teary Susan. Grasping her hand as he watched John and Helena ascend the stairs up to the gazebo.
“I love you.” Susan whispered. Robert just squeezed her hand in silent affirmation.
As they stopped in front of the minister, Helena handed her bouquet to Melissa and turned to face John. His bright shinning eyes conveyed to her his love and support. The minister began “On behalf of John and Helena, it is my honor to welcome you to this celebration of love, faith, hope and joy. We are gathered here at this hour to once again unite John and Helena in Holy Matrimony."*
“Your past experiences are the blessings that have brought you here to this celebration. Consider the miracle of this moment...finding each other after years of searching, having the courage and trust to risk opening your hearts. There are millions of little things that have lead you here in front of all your family and friends, before God and these guests to be rejoined in Holy Matrimony.
“Today, you will renew your commitment to each other and once again voluntarily surrender your individual lives in the interest of a deeper and wider future. I ask that all those in attendance listen carefully to their words of commitment. I would also request that you continue to support and love John and Helena as they go through this ceremony.
“John, do you wish to be rejoined in your totality to Helena?”
“Yes.” John’s voice was loud and strong.
“Helena do you wish to rejoin in your totality with John?”
“Yes.”
John and Helena turned toward each other and joined hands.
“John, repeat after me: With love in my heart and soul, I once again take you, Helena, to be my partner. I pledge to continue sharing my life and dreams openly with you. I promise to continue loving, honoring and respecting you until we are parted by death.”
John looked deeply into Helena’s eyes as he repeated every word.
“Helena repeat after me: With love in my heart and soul, I once again take you, John, to be my partner. I pledge to continue sharing my life and dreams openly with you. I promise to continue loving, honoring and respecting you until we are parted by death. “
Helena looked deeply into John’s eyes as she repeated every word.
The Minster spoke, “May I have your rings?”
Without taking his eyes off Helena, John reached into his pocket and removed three boxes. The Minister opened each box, carefully placing the rings onto a white satin pillow. Holding the pillow into the air, she said, “These rings are the very public symbol of your inward commitment to one another. I understand these are the same rings from your ceremony 10 years ago. They symbolize the beginning of the long journey you have traveled together thus far as a couple and as a family. A journey with many pages yet to be filled. A Journey already filled with discoveries, surprises, children, laughter and celebrations. While there may have been some tears or disappointments, these rings symbolize your commitment to each other and you ability to work through the tough times. Love will always be your answer. These rings are the shared symbol into which you entered ten years ago and into which you enter now together as partners...as lovers and as friends.”
“John, take Helena’s left hand and repeat after me. Helena, I reaffirm my love and commitment to you and give you this ring in celebration of our love. “
John repeated the words as he slowly slide Helena’s wedding band onto her finger.
The minister took John’s gold wedding band off the pillow and placed it into Helena’s hand.
“Helena, take John’s left hand and repeat after me. John, I reaffirm my love and commitment to you and give you this ring in celebration of our love. “
Helena repeated the words as she slowly slid John’s wedding band onto his finger.
“Friends….” The minister started but was stopped by John.
He smiled at her. “Ah, there’s another one.” John reached for the pillow and removed an additional band. Turning to Helena he said, “I know the rings we are exchanging today are the same ones from our first wedding. However, I thought you deserved a new ring.” John held up the diamond covered anniversary band. He reached for Helena’s right hand and stopped before sliding the ring onto her fourth finger. “Ten years of wedded bliss should not go without acknowledgement. So today, not only do I once again take you as my wife, I acknowledge all the things, good and bad, that we’ve been through these last ten years. Two of the very best things are standing with us today. “ John looked over at his children.
“As a matter of fact, why don’t we do this as a family. Victoria…Sam, come here. Please.”
Helena and John watched their two offspring move with reluctance from their spots on the gazebo. They stopped and looked at their father.
“Tori, you stand on my left and Sam, you on the right. Now put you fingers around mine and together we’ll place the ring on mom’s finger.” The children did as they were told; each placed their fingers over their father’s. John looked up to the minister. “Okay, do your stuff.”
This impromptu act had completely caught the minister by surprised. She hadn’t prepared any word of wisdom. Finally, she smiled and said, “repeat after me. With this ring, we thee wed”
Laughter echoed out from the assembled crowd. The children looked at their father for direction and he smiled and nodded. Together, John and his children repeated the minister’s words to the delight of Helena and all those in attendance. When they had finished, Sammy stood up on his tiptoes and kissed his mother’s cheek.
“Wait son, she didn’t say we could kiss the bride,” John smiled down at Sam.
The minister laughed lightly, “It’s okay, Sam. But I’ll say it just to make if official.” Sam smiled beamed his approval.
“Mr. Koenig…and children…” The minister winked at Sam. “You may now kiss the bride.”
A delighted Helena leaned down and both children kissed her. John waited patiently as Helena hugged each child. Behind Helena, Melissa motioned to the children for them to step back to their spots. John kissed each of his children then stepped up to his wife. He pulled her to him and kissed her slowly and sweetly, once again sealing their union. As they separated the minister asked all those in attendance to bow their heads for a renewal blessing.
“May your love be like the sea, may it feel life as the tide ebbs and flows, as the sun rises and sets, as stars come out nightly to the sky. May your love continue to represent peace, beauty and serenity. May you continue to trust each other and share an inner truth. May you always believe in these vows that you affirmed today. And may your marriage be a life long celebration of love.”
The minister stopped and looked down at the couple. “And now, by the authority granted to me by the State of Florida and the Holy Spirit above, it is my pleasure and joy to rejoin you and pronounce you Husband and Wife.
The minister directed John and Helena to turn and face their guests. “Family and friends, please embrace with your love and support our newly remarried couple, John and Helena Koenig.”
“And kids.” Sam interjected to everyone’s delight.
“And kids,” The minister acknowledged with a smile.
The wedding march began to play as John kissed Helena once more. Melissa reached around her sister, handing her the bouquet. As they started down the steps the guests began applauding and whistling. When they reached the last step, John and Helena stopped and motioned for their children to join them. Helena turned around and tossed the bouquet to her niece. She held out her free hand to Sam and he eagerly accepted it. Victoria smiled up at her father as she took her his free hand. All together they walked down the aisle and away from the gazebo with the applause and shouts of their friends and family echoing in their ears.
Hours later with the reception still in full swing, Helena noticed John standing by the pier looking at his watch. She watched Alan join him and motion to his watch.
Helena turned around and saw Melissa standing by her parents. She managed to catch her sister’s eye. Melissa excused herself from her parents and joined her sister. “I swear sometimes Daddy can talk your ear off.” Mel said as she stood next to her sister.
Helena acknowledger her sister with a smile. “Yes, he can.”
Melissa noticed John and Alan standing together by the pier. “What are those two up to?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing. John seems to be full of surprises today. I wonder what else he has up his sleeve?”
“Yes, he has been full of surprises today. Whatever it is, Alan is right in the middle of it.”
“I’ll say.” Melissa and Helena watched as their husbands talked quietly in the shadows.
“Hey, it’s getting dark. You don’ t think he’s ready to go do you? I mean the party is just beginning.” Melissa said.
“I’m not sure. Alan hasn’t mentioned anything has he?”
“No. But if he does, I’ll let you know.” Melissa looked around. Hardly any of the guests had left, choosing to stay and say goodbye to John and Helena as departed on their honeymoon. “Here comes Daddy, I’d better go and light the lanterns so that all your guests aren’t talking to each other in the dark.” Melissa slipped off from her sister quickly before her father walked up.
Helena accepted her father’s hug. “Where’s Missy going?” he inquired.
“She’s going to light the lanterns, it’s getting dark.”
“Yes, It is getting dark, isn’t it.”
Helena looked at her father closely; he had an expression of complete joy on his face. A single tear slipped down her face as she recalled her father’s referring to John as his son. “Dad?” She asked softly.
Robert looked down slightly alarmed to see the tear trail down Helena’s cheek. “What’s wrong Cupcake?”
Helena reached up and cupped his face with her hand. “Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s perfect. Dad, thank you for what you did today…calling John your son meant a lot to both of us.”
Robert turned his head and gently kissed her palm. “I meant it. You know Cupcake, your grandfather hated me his entire life and I swore if you and your sister ever got married I would not treat your husbands like he treated me.”
Helena raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything,
Her gesture was not lost on Robert. “I know in the past I may have repeated some of that old geezer’s actions…you know…I walked some miles in his shoes…but all that still doesn’t make his actions right. So, little girl, I made up my mind to look at both John and Alan in a different light. And you know what I discovered?”
“What?” Helena asked, amazed that her father had once again surprised her.
“I discovered that I love those boys, almost as much as I love you girls. They’ve been good to you and your sister and they’ve given me five very beautiful grandchildren.”
“Oh daddy,” Helena hugged her father tightly.
“Now don’t go gettin’ all mushy on me. And don’t tell your mother. I’ll never heard the end of it.” He teased. “Now, now straighten up and stopped crying. If your mother thinks I made you cry and ruin your makeup, she’ll have my hide.” Robert pulled a linen handkerchief from his pocket.
Helena allowed him to wipe her tears. “One more thing, Helena. I can’t remember the last time I told you this, but I’m proud of you. You’ve turned out to be a fine doctor, wife and mother.”
Helena’s tears started anew. “Now stop that. You don’t want me to get in trouble with your mother do you?”
He wiped her tears and hugged her tightly. “You will always be my cupcake. Your mother and I love you very much.”
Helena pulled back from her father and noticed John standing behind him. He held out his hand for her to join him. Helena kissed her father again and Robert nodded for her to join her husband. Robert turned to walk back to Susan but stopped when he heard John call his name.
“Don’t go yet. There’s something I want to share with everyone.”
With that said, John turned to his guests. “Everyone…everyone can I have your attention.”
The guests stopped their conversations and moved toward John and Helena. Through the crowd, Alan pulled Melissa with him and together they joined John and Helena. Someone handed John a microphone so he didn’t have to yell out his remarks.
“First, Helena and I would like to thank each of you for joining us today. You helped make this day very special to us.”
There was a round of applause and cheers. John glanced at Alan who pointed to his watch. John held up his hands and the crowd quieted down.
“Three months ago, I was approached by some old friends with a project that most people would have considered to be unrealistic, even crazy.”
John smiled to the crowd. “And three months ago, with the support of our families, Alan and I left to work on this project.” John turned to Helena, who stood wondering exactly what it was John had up his sleeve.
“The day I left, I promised Helena I would be back in time to marry her. It was close but I made it.” He winked in her direction.
“Then yesterday, it occurred to me that I hadn’t gotten Helena a wedding gift. “
A smattering of boo’s when around the crowd until John held up his hands.
“Yes, I know…” John smiled and hung his head. “However!” He looked up quickly winking at Alan. “Some friends of mine agreed to help me out with a little surprise for my wife. They promised me they’d have it here in about 30 seconds.”
Helena looked at John with a curious smile.
“So folks, if you’ll direct your attention right over there to the East. We’ll see if my friends keep their promise.”
All eyes looked up into the clear night sky. Alan glanced over at John and pointed to his watch. “Here we go, ten seconds and counting…nine…eight…seven…six…”
“Here it comes.” John called.
Helena looked carefully up at the sky, she inhaled as she saw a golden globe rise over the mangroves on Merritt Island. Melissa’s back yard had a beautiful view of the wide Banana River and the wildlife preserve and spaceport beyond. Alan pulled Melissa next to him and held her firmly. A sigh of awe swept though the crowd as the lighted object grew closer.
“John, the Moon!” Helena shouted.
There were murmurs of surprise and delight through the crowd.
Melissa turned to her husband. “Well, there wasn’t any of the trauma we felt when the moon left.”
Alan shook his head. “We put it right back where it belongs.”
John was watching Helena. Her eyes were shining with unshed tears.
“Helena, a long time ago, I told you that I would do anything you asked. I also promised you the moon. And here it is.” Everyone around them were looking at the moonrise with awe, including their two children, who looked with amazement at a sight they had never seen before. “But I think you’ll have to share it,” he added quietly.
She smiled at her husband, who after all this time, never failed to amaze her. “With pleasure,” she replied, reaching up to kiss him.
Maureen J. Long
2000
*Maureen wrote this story almost
2 years ago. She found the words for the vows online. Unfortuanately, she is
unable to locate the website. If the site is located, we will add the link.
No infringement is intended.