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The Locket of Love Chapter. 12 part 2 of 4
The Locket of Love
Chapter. 12 part 2 of 4
“You like?” Melody whispered in the meantime, smiling.
“You… are the most gorgeous woman in the world,” he replied softly.
Giggling, she said, “Just wait ‘til you see what I’ve got on underneath…”
Pushing the tantalizing images from his mind, Mike took Melody’s hand as they turned to face Ashley. She had finished her opening prayer and now began a short homily.
“As most of you know, I have known Mike for almost my entire life. He has always been a man of outstanding character, and my only wish was for him to find a companion that deepened and enhanced him both mentally and spiritually. Enter Melody Roberts. Though I have only known her for a little over a year, sharing her faith journey has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. She grew up in a situation that was severely lacking in faith, hope, and love, yet still matured into one of the most faithful, hopeful, and loving people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
“I remember two months ago, when she finished her studies and preparations and finally joined the Methodist Church, devoting herself to God. The smile on her face was absolutely radiant, and it was obvious to anyone present how much joy her journey had brought her. Mike and Melody are everything God wants and hopes for in all marriages. Their devotion and care for each other, as well as the world around them, is one of the most admirable things I have ever witnessed.
“Make no mistake, however, that nothing is perfect. They will encounter difficulties and challenges in their life together, as will we all. With their partnership, though, nothing could ever hope to splinter apart the home and family they will build. After meeting with them over the course of the last year, learning more about them personally, and understanding their joint goals for their marriage, I can honestly say that they are meant to be together, and the world is a much better place for it.”
Mike smiled and squeezed Melody’s hand tightly, who was close to tears. To hear such an impassioned endorsement of their marriage from Mike’s oldest friend and Melody’s most trusted confidant was the final brick solidifying their confidence; they now had no doubt that God was pleased and very happy with their union.
“Mike, Melody, if you will face each other and join hands,” Ashley said. As they did so, she addressed the congregation, saying, “Mike and Melody have chosen to write their own vows for their marriage. Mike.”
Taking a deep breath, Mike started, “Melody, you are the greatest thing to ever happen to me. You have changed my life and made it better in every conceivable way, and you deserve all the love that I have to give. I promise to love you unconditionally until the end of time, to always look into your eyes as I do today, to never take you or your love for granted, and to ensure that you are always safe and healthy.”
Beaming with her trademark megawatt smile, Melody’s voice cracked slightly as she began to speak. “Mike, you truly are… the most amazing man I’ve ever known. Already, you have shown me more love and kindness than I thought I would ever experience. I do not want to live a single day without you. I promise to be your faithful and loving wife, your partner in crime, and your unstoppable gaming partner.” The congregation and wedding party laughed as she spoke of their well-known love of video games. “But even more, I promise to be the dedicated, equal partner that you have always sought, and which you so deserve. You and me, forever.”
As they finished, Ashley took the rings from Darcy and Stuart, saying, “The rings the couple will exchange today are a symbol of their commitment to each other. The ring is infinite; it has no end and cannot be easily broken. May their union be as strong and unending as the rings they now present to each other.”
Mike took Melody’s ring in his hand, momentarily glancing at the white gold band, curved slightly to fit with her engagement ring. A small strip of diamonds accentuated the curve, covering the top third of the band. Taking her hand, Mike placed the ring on her finger, reciting, “Melody, I take you to be my wife. With this ring, I give you all that I have and all that I am. My body, mind, and soul are yours.”
Melody then took Mike’s ring, a yellow gold band with small rings of filigree on each of the edges. Placing the ring on his finger, she repeated, “Mike, I take you to be my husband. With this ring, I give you all that I have and all that I am. My body, mind, and soul are yours.”
As Maestro Spano stepped up to the music stands next to the organ, he began to sing The Lord’s Prayer. During the song, Mike and Melody stepped up to the area next to the pulpit where the Unity Candle was placed. Taking each of the single candles on the sides, they simultaneously brought them together at the large, center candle, lighting it to signify that they had formed one family together. As they stood at the candles, listening to the solo, Melody whispered, “I had no idea he could sing too!”
Chuckling, Mike replied, “The Maestro is a man of many talents. If he weren’t such a fantastic conductor, he’d probably be a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.”
After the song ended, the couple returned to the altar, facing each other. Ashley then began the conclusion of the service, addressing the congregation. “With the exchanging of vows, the giving of rings, and the lighting of the unity candle, these two have now devoted their lives to each other. Their union is now blessed and holy in the sight of God. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce them to be man and wife. Mike, you may now kiss the bride.”
Mike smiled as he lifted the veil covering Melody’s gorgeous face. Cupping her cheeks in his hand, he drew her in and felt her arms wrap around his back. Their kiss was loving, full of meaning and purpose. As they parted, Ashley stated, “Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you, Mike and Melody Braxton. No longer two, but one flesh. That which God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
As the crowd rose in applause, the organ began playing Mendelssohn’s Wedding March with Ray providing the opening fanfare on trumpet. Melody linked her arm to Mike’s as they began their exit down the aisle of the sanctuary, waving and smiling to family members as they went. Finally exiting out the back door of the sanctuary, they immediately adjourned to a nearby classroom, closing the door and locking it. Ashley, Darcy, and Stuart knew exactly their plan: to take five minutes alone so they could breathe and absorb the situation together. In the meantime, the trio helped organize the family members for group pictures once the couple returned.
Collapsing into each other’s arms in exhausted joy and laughter, Melody whispered to Mike, “We finally did it…”
“Couldn’t have gone better if I had wished for it to,” he said, kissing her forehead gently.
After a few more minutes of embracing and kissing, the newlyweds reentered the sanctuary. The photography session went quite smoothly, taking only twenty minutes to get all the family group photos that Mike and Melody wanted. Evelyn was brilliant as well, calling out directions and assignments like a drill sergeant and snapping each photo the moment the group was ready. Finally, after the last click of the camera, the remnants of the congregation exited the fellowship hall for the beginning of the reception. Once everyone was inside, Mike and Melody made their grand entrance, with Stuart and the ASO brass playing War Eagle and the Cougar Fight Song, in honor of the couple’s colleges, Auburn and Houston.
As the crowd cheered, the couple made their way to what would be the dance floor, and their first dance began. The congregation was mesmerized as they lovingly swayed to the sounds of Carrie Underwood’s Heartbeat. To Mike and Melody, though, there was no one else in the world.
“I’m glad you talked me into this song,” Mike said. “Very fitting.”
Giggling, Melody responded, “I have good ideas sometimes.”
“Yes, you do. Now… about what you said earlier… you mentioned something underneath your dress?” Mike said with his trademark smartass grin.
“Behave yourself,” Melody replied seductively, kissing him on the cheek. “Good things come to those who wait.”
When the song finally ended, the reception officially began. Some of the congregation immediately filled the dance floor, while the rest dug into the many desserts scattered around the room. By far the most popular location, however, was the large chocolate fountain in the center of the room. With a marshmallow on a long toothpick, Sasha was attempting to coat it in chocolate but found herself a bit too short to reach.
“Hang on there, girl, Lemmie help you,” Mike said, seeing her struggle. Carefully lifting her up under her armpits, he allowed Sasha to coat her treat in all the chocolate she desired while avoiding messing up her dress. As he placed her on the ground, she took a huge bite, immediately smearing chocolate all over her mouth and cheeks, eliciting laughs from both of them. After Sasha ran off to her mom, Mike heard Melody approach from behind.
“That one’s going in a frame,” she said.
“What do you mean?” Mike asked quizzically.
To be continued
Chapter. 12 part 2 of 4
“You like?” Melody whispered in the meantime, smiling.
“You… are the most gorgeous woman in the world,” he replied softly.
Giggling, she said, “Just wait ‘til you see what I’ve got on underneath…”
Pushing the tantalizing images from his mind, Mike took Melody’s hand as they turned to face Ashley. She had finished her opening prayer and now began a short homily.
“As most of you know, I have known Mike for almost my entire life. He has always been a man of outstanding character, and my only wish was for him to find a companion that deepened and enhanced him both mentally and spiritually. Enter Melody Roberts. Though I have only known her for a little over a year, sharing her faith journey has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. She grew up in a situation that was severely lacking in faith, hope, and love, yet still matured into one of the most faithful, hopeful, and loving people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
“I remember two months ago, when she finished her studies and preparations and finally joined the Methodist Church, devoting herself to God. The smile on her face was absolutely radiant, and it was obvious to anyone present how much joy her journey had brought her. Mike and Melody are everything God wants and hopes for in all marriages. Their devotion and care for each other, as well as the world around them, is one of the most admirable things I have ever witnessed.
“Make no mistake, however, that nothing is perfect. They will encounter difficulties and challenges in their life together, as will we all. With their partnership, though, nothing could ever hope to splinter apart the home and family they will build. After meeting with them over the course of the last year, learning more about them personally, and understanding their joint goals for their marriage, I can honestly say that they are meant to be together, and the world is a much better place for it.”
Mike smiled and squeezed Melody’s hand tightly, who was close to tears. To hear such an impassioned endorsement of their marriage from Mike’s oldest friend and Melody’s most trusted confidant was the final brick solidifying their confidence; they now had no doubt that God was pleased and very happy with their union.
“Mike, Melody, if you will face each other and join hands,” Ashley said. As they did so, she addressed the congregation, saying, “Mike and Melody have chosen to write their own vows for their marriage. Mike.”
Taking a deep breath, Mike started, “Melody, you are the greatest thing to ever happen to me. You have changed my life and made it better in every conceivable way, and you deserve all the love that I have to give. I promise to love you unconditionally until the end of time, to always look into your eyes as I do today, to never take you or your love for granted, and to ensure that you are always safe and healthy.”
Beaming with her trademark megawatt smile, Melody’s voice cracked slightly as she began to speak. “Mike, you truly are… the most amazing man I’ve ever known. Already, you have shown me more love and kindness than I thought I would ever experience. I do not want to live a single day without you. I promise to be your faithful and loving wife, your partner in crime, and your unstoppable gaming partner.” The congregation and wedding party laughed as she spoke of their well-known love of video games. “But even more, I promise to be the dedicated, equal partner that you have always sought, and which you so deserve. You and me, forever.”
As they finished, Ashley took the rings from Darcy and Stuart, saying, “The rings the couple will exchange today are a symbol of their commitment to each other. The ring is infinite; it has no end and cannot be easily broken. May their union be as strong and unending as the rings they now present to each other.”
Mike took Melody’s ring in his hand, momentarily glancing at the white gold band, curved slightly to fit with her engagement ring. A small strip of diamonds accentuated the curve, covering the top third of the band. Taking her hand, Mike placed the ring on her finger, reciting, “Melody, I take you to be my wife. With this ring, I give you all that I have and all that I am. My body, mind, and soul are yours.”
Melody then took Mike’s ring, a yellow gold band with small rings of filigree on each of the edges. Placing the ring on his finger, she repeated, “Mike, I take you to be my husband. With this ring, I give you all that I have and all that I am. My body, mind, and soul are yours.”
As Maestro Spano stepped up to the music stands next to the organ, he began to sing The Lord’s Prayer. During the song, Mike and Melody stepped up to the area next to the pulpit where the Unity Candle was placed. Taking each of the single candles on the sides, they simultaneously brought them together at the large, center candle, lighting it to signify that they had formed one family together. As they stood at the candles, listening to the solo, Melody whispered, “I had no idea he could sing too!”
Chuckling, Mike replied, “The Maestro is a man of many talents. If he weren’t such a fantastic conductor, he’d probably be a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.”
After the song ended, the couple returned to the altar, facing each other. Ashley then began the conclusion of the service, addressing the congregation. “With the exchanging of vows, the giving of rings, and the lighting of the unity candle, these two have now devoted their lives to each other. Their union is now blessed and holy in the sight of God. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce them to be man and wife. Mike, you may now kiss the bride.”
Mike smiled as he lifted the veil covering Melody’s gorgeous face. Cupping her cheeks in his hand, he drew her in and felt her arms wrap around his back. Their kiss was loving, full of meaning and purpose. As they parted, Ashley stated, “Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you, Mike and Melody Braxton. No longer two, but one flesh. That which God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
As the crowd rose in applause, the organ began playing Mendelssohn’s Wedding March with Ray providing the opening fanfare on trumpet. Melody linked her arm to Mike’s as they began their exit down the aisle of the sanctuary, waving and smiling to family members as they went. Finally exiting out the back door of the sanctuary, they immediately adjourned to a nearby classroom, closing the door and locking it. Ashley, Darcy, and Stuart knew exactly their plan: to take five minutes alone so they could breathe and absorb the situation together. In the meantime, the trio helped organize the family members for group pictures once the couple returned.
Collapsing into each other’s arms in exhausted joy and laughter, Melody whispered to Mike, “We finally did it…”
“Couldn’t have gone better if I had wished for it to,” he said, kissing her forehead gently.
After a few more minutes of embracing and kissing, the newlyweds reentered the sanctuary. The photography session went quite smoothly, taking only twenty minutes to get all the family group photos that Mike and Melody wanted. Evelyn was brilliant as well, calling out directions and assignments like a drill sergeant and snapping each photo the moment the group was ready. Finally, after the last click of the camera, the remnants of the congregation exited the fellowship hall for the beginning of the reception. Once everyone was inside, Mike and Melody made their grand entrance, with Stuart and the ASO brass playing War Eagle and the Cougar Fight Song, in honor of the couple’s colleges, Auburn and Houston.
As the crowd cheered, the couple made their way to what would be the dance floor, and their first dance began. The congregation was mesmerized as they lovingly swayed to the sounds of Carrie Underwood’s Heartbeat. To Mike and Melody, though, there was no one else in the world.
“I’m glad you talked me into this song,” Mike said. “Very fitting.”
Giggling, Melody responded, “I have good ideas sometimes.”
“Yes, you do. Now… about what you said earlier… you mentioned something underneath your dress?” Mike said with his trademark smartass grin.
“Behave yourself,” Melody replied seductively, kissing him on the cheek. “Good things come to those who wait.”
When the song finally ended, the reception officially began. Some of the congregation immediately filled the dance floor, while the rest dug into the many desserts scattered around the room. By far the most popular location, however, was the large chocolate fountain in the center of the room. With a marshmallow on a long toothpick, Sasha was attempting to coat it in chocolate but found herself a bit too short to reach.
“Hang on there, girl, Lemmie help you,” Mike said, seeing her struggle. Carefully lifting her up under her armpits, he allowed Sasha to coat her treat in all the chocolate she desired while avoiding messing up her dress. As he placed her on the ground, she took a huge bite, immediately smearing chocolate all over her mouth and cheeks, eliciting laughs from both of them. After Sasha ran off to her mom, Mike heard Melody approach from behind.
“That one’s going in a frame,” she said.
“What do you mean?” Mike asked quizzically.
To be continued
Published 24th Mar 2023
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25th Mar 2023 3:26pm
I read both chapters at I was intrigue, such a soothe transition, very nicely company.
25th Mar 2023 4:42pm
