When they finally realized they were supposed to look at the minister and not at one another, the Reverend began. After a brief welcome, Williams pointed out that Rebecca and Charlie represented the possibilities for peace, for resolution of the conflict that had taken so much from them, and the triumph of the power of love, even in times of great conflict. Then the simple, beautiful words of the wedding service flowed from him.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church: which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of Saint Paul to be honorable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace."
Reverend Williams waited the long pause that traditionally was allowed for anyone who wished to object to speak up. Charlie felt a bead of sweat slide down his temple; his ingrained fear of disclosure once more raised its head and the little voice taunted him. What if someone comes forward and tells them what you really are. It would serve you right.
Rebecca looked into his eyes, trying to put all of her love and faith in him and in them into her expression. All is well my love. We are going to be together forever. She took a deep breath and focused on the silence around them. If Mrs. Williams opens her mouth, I will slap her silly.
But no one objected, and Reverend Williams continued.
"I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful Day of Judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that if any persons are joined together other than as God's Word doth allow, their marriage is not lawful."
If he knew, he would end this. If any of them knew, they would end it. You are no man, Charlie, and the church does not sanction marriage between two women. Charlie stood silent. In all ways, for most of his life, Charlie had been a man. He loved Rebecca as a man loves a woman.
Rebecca smiled at him, trying to reassure him with the devotion in her eyes.
"Charles, wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"
Charlie swallowed hard, then answered clearly, "I will."
"Rebecca, wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor, obey and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"
Rebecca only nodded. The slight giggles from the front row made her realize she needed to speak her answer. "I will." She managed to get out quietly.
"Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?"
Mr. Cooper stepped up and declared clearly, "In the name of her dear, departed father, I do." With that, Mr. Cooper took Rebecca’s right hand and lifted it.
Reverend Williams took her hand from Mr. Cooper and laid it in Charlie’s right hand, laying his own hand over their joined fingers in blessing. He turned to Charlie and said, "repeat after me."
"I, Charles, take thee Rebecca, to be my wedded Wife and with all my worldly goods do thee endow, 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 us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth." One phrase at a time, Charlie declared his oath in firm, ringing tones.
Charlie loosened his grip on Rebecca’s hand; she then cradled his large hand in her own for her vows.
"I, Rebecca, take thee Charles, to be my wedded Husband and with all my worldly goods do thee endow, 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 us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth." With each phrase, Rebecca’s voice grew stronger and clearer, until her last line rang through the church.
Reverend Williams then asked, "Where are the rings?" as he looked expectantly at Richard. Richard fumbled slightly as he drew the two rings from his vest pocket and laid Rebecca’s gently in the center of the prayer book that the Reverend was holding. The Reverend blessed the ring, saying, "Bless, O Lord, this Ring, that he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in thy peace, and continue in thy favor, unto their life's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." He turned to Charlie and said, "Take this ring and place it on Rebecca’s finger, saying the following words: ‘‘With this Ring I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.’"
Charlie took the ring and very gently placed it on Rebecca’s hand. His voice was husky with emotion as he declared his vow to her. With this action, he was claiming Rebecca as his very own.
Richard then offered the second ring, an action that was not common but accepted. Reverend Williams blessed the ring for Charlie.
Rebecca took the ring, with a very shaky hand, afraid for a brief second she would drop it. She licked her lips as she slid the ring on Charlie's finger and repeated the words she barely heard, because she was far too busy smiling at Charlie.
Reverend Williams’ voice broke into the moment, "let us pray."
The entire congregation stood and repeated the Lord’s Prayer; all except Charlie and Rebecca, who were too busy looking at one another to really be aware of what anyone else was doing.
Reverend Williams added the benediction for married couples. "O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessings upon these thy servants, Charles and Rebecca, whom we bless in thy Name; that they, living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof these rings given and received are a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
He joined their right hands together again and said, "those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
Charlie felt a great weight lift from his soul. The wedding was over; no matter what, Rebecca was his wife.
Rebecca could not help herself as she let the tears slip down her cheeks, she was so happy finally to be Charlie's wife.
The Reverend continued: "Forasmuch as Charles and Rebecca have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving Rings, and by joining hands; I pronounce that they are Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
The two of them knelt for the final blessing.
"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen."