Chapter 465: The Calm That Brings The Storm To Rest
For the ceremony, Tristan acted as the emcee. His voice rang through the lavender garden, calm yet filled with excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our handsome groom and lovely bride, Mr. Nathaniel Faulkner and Miss Elsie Winslow, accompanied by their beloved daughter, Lorianne."
The soft chords of the wedding march resonated in the spring air, carried by the sea breeze from the ocean below.
A hush fell over the guests as they turned their heads toward the flower arch at the beginning of the aisle. Three figures stood there, framed against the sunlight.
Nathaniel and Elsie were the picture perfect match made in heaven. Between them, little Lorianne held both their hands, her dress fluttering as she took her first steps down the aisle.
Gasps and sighs of admiration rippled through the crowd. Most guests smiled, while Andrea and Diane wiped away happy tears.
Lariette watched the family of three walking down the aisle, her heart swelling at the sight. She still remembered when Ruediger told her why Nathaniel and Elsie were separated years ago.
Fortunately, now, they were walking toward a forever they had been denied once.
Ruediger stood at the altar, not far from Tristan. Tall and composed, a faint smile tugging his lips as he looked at Lariette. She, Madeline and the other bridesmaids formed two rows behind the family of three.
The aisle was lined with lavender and rose bushes, the scent mingling with the salty air. Petals fell softly under Lorianne’s small shoes as she walked with her parents.
When they reached the end of the aisle, Nathaniel paused. He bent down to adjust his little princess’ flower crown. Elsie’s veil brushed against his shoulder as she leaned close, whispering something that made him smile.
The officiant, a kind elderly man, stepped forward to welcome the bride and groom.
Nathaniel helped Elsie to step onto the altar, his hand steady on hers. Lorianne stood between them, clutching her mother’s flowy skirt. Her wide eyes were full of wonder at all the people watching.
As Nathaniel and Elsie stood side by side, Tristan spoke through the microphone, "Before we begin, the couple wishes to honor the families who showered them with love and faith. Let us begin with the parents’ blessings."
Leonard was invited to speak first. His voice trembled, but was full of warmth. Then, it was Diane.
They thanked Nathaniel for returning to Elsie’s life, for bringing her happiness again, and for giving her such a beautiful family.
Russell and Andre also gave their speech, including wishing the bride and groom well. They reminded Nathaniel and Elsie that marriage required not only love, but also commitment and consideration from both parties.
After a moment of applause from the guests, Tristan glanced in a direction with a wide grin, "And now, a few words from the best man, Mr. Ruediger Alvord. As the groom’s best friend for over ten years, maybe we’ll get to hear some juicy gossip?"
Laughter erupted, breaking the solemn air as Ruediger stepped forward. While holding a microphone, his calm and smooth voice rang through the garden.
"When Nate asked me to be his best man, I said yes right away. Well, I wanted to see if he’d actually go through with it or not. Alas, here we are. The groom didn’t chicken out."
More laughter rang out. Nathaniel threw him a mock glare while Elsie giggled.
"I’ve known Nate for over a decade," Ruediger continued, "Our first meeting wasn’t exactly... conventional. Our second meeting too."
Nathaniel silently rolled his eyes, knowing what the crimson-haired man wanted to say.
"Most people meet through friends or business. The second time I met him..." Ruediger deliberately paused, one brow lifting, "He was chasing bad guys on his superbike."
Gasps echoed from the guests, then laughter.
Ruediger went on, "I thought, which maniac was this? Well, his heroic act wasn’t in vain. I still remember the police thanked him for helping them. But what did he do? He simply nodded with that icy face of his."
Even the officiant chuckled, while Elsie laughed softly. Nathaniel gave her a meaningful glance.
"But beyond everything, Nate has one of the most loyal hearts I’ve ever known. He’ll fight storms for the people he loves. And Elsie..." Ruediger turned his gaze toward her, his voice softened, "You’re the calm that brings the storm to rest. I wish you both lifelong happiness."
The crowd applauded at his words. Nathaniel strode forward, giving Ruediger a hug. The two men, despite not sharing even a drop of blood, were closer than even blood brothers.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for, the vows.
Nathaniel took Elsie’s hands, his thumb brushing over her ring finger. His steady voice rang softly.
"Elsie, our story began almost twenty years ago, and the five years apart felt like a lifetime. You’ve been my light through everything dark. I promise to cherish you, to protect the family we built, and to love you with every breath I have."
Elsie’s eyes shimmered as she took a shaky breath. Even after decades, both of them still remembered that time in the orphanage, and then the years they were apart.
"Niel... I’ve never stopped loving you. You’ve shown me that love can survive even time and distance. I promise to stand beside you, to live, to laugh, and to grow old with you."
The officiant smiled warmly, "I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Applause burst through the garden as Nathaniel kissed Elsie softly after exchanging rings. Then, he carried Lorianne up, pressing a kiss to her forehead before Elsie did the same. The guests cooed and cheered loudly.
The family of three stood on the altar, framed by lavender and sunlight. The photographers and videographers captured every moment for them to last a lifetime.
Then, Tristan called for the bouquet toss, urging the ladies to step forward, whether single or married. Even the elderly relatives joined in the fun. Lariette and Madeline laughed, following the other bridesmaids.
Elsie laughed as she handed Lorianne to Nathaniel, "Darling, watch this."
Elsie stood with her back facing the crowd. She lifted her bouquet of purple lavender and white roses high, "Ready?"
"Ready!"
"Elsie! Don’t throw too far!"
"Hahaha!"
Elsie chuckled, her heart thumping with excitement. She began counting, "Ready! Three... two... one!"
The bouquet soared high into the air, then curved downward in an almost comical arc. Gasps rippled through the crowd as they saw in whose hands it had landed.
A dumbfounded Ruediger held the bouquet.
For a heartbeat, everyone was quiet. Then merry laughter erupted like a wave.