Chapter 384 - Her Wedding Day (Four)
Vincent held Hailee's hand and led her toward the sanctuary, close to the altar.
Kelly and Vera quickly went forward to carry Hailee's long train skirt up to the steps on the altar, which Hazel helped as well, carrying the hem of the veil.
Now that Hailee and Vincent were standing on their chairs with low backrests, Janise went forward to change the skirt. With Kelly's help, they pulled something, and the skirt rested at the back of Hailee's dress and the long train neatly laid down on the altar's staircase.
Vincent let go of Hailee's hand. He kneels on the floor to pull the hem of Hailee's wedding dress for her not to step on them if she moves.
Hailee smiled and thanked Vincent. "Thank you, hubby."
Everyone gasps in admiration. Vincent's gestures amazed them, and they thought he was a very thoughtful husband.
Now that Hailee was comfortable with the heavy skirt around her waist, she looked at the priest and nodded.
The priest walked toward the Archbishop, sitting at his chair, and helped him stand.
He had already aged and was supposed to retire, but he wanted to officiate this wedding for the last time. The archbishop greeted the couple.
Hailee smiled at her grandfather, the elder brother of her grandpa Dave Davies, who chose to serve God.
The archbishop began the ceremony…
"We are all gathered here today to witness the union of two hearts, Hailee Davies and Vincent Shen."
Archbishop Davies officiated the holy mass, and a bishop assisted him. After singing Gloria, a couple came forward to light the candles to begin the ceremony.
At the wedding, candles are represented as the light of the marriage.
Madison Moore Monfront and her husband Levi Monfront, who Hailee invited to light these candles. Hailee smiled upon watching the couple.
This couple is indeed a light to this world.
After lighting the candles, it follows the Liturgy of the Words and then the homily. He highlights the matrimonial duty of the couple in each other. May the sermon be long; everyone appreciated the good words from the bishop regarding marriage.
Now, Hailee and Vincent were invited to stand along with all the guests. It was the celebration of matrimony, addressing and stating their intentions with a response of I have, and I am after a question from the priest.
After that, Hailee and Vincent stated their marriage vows.
Once they finish expressing the words for each other as promises of love through eternity, the archbishop blesses the rings and sprinkles some holy water. After that, Vincent and Hailee said the rites of wearing the wedding rings.
"Hailee Davies… I give you this ring as a symbol of my love through eternity, my devotion with my soul, and to bind our hearts in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
"Vincent Shen, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness through eternity. With this ring, my soul binds as one with yours, and this ring is a symbol of my vows that I will stand by your side forever… In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
Now, the bishop next to bless the coins, and the groom presents it to his bride as a symbol of prosperity they would share as a new couple, and as the husband, he promised to support his family.
After Hailee accepts the array, they are requested to kneel.
It was the time to put the veil to the new couple by placing it on the bride's head and draping it to the groom's shoulder—as symbolized their union being "clothed as one" in unity.
The couple they invited to clothe them as one is Shun and Cassandra.
Hailee was grateful that Cassandra didn't time travel at this time around, which is a phenomenal event by an unknown force that even Lady Isabella and Madison cannot fight against.
Being always worlds apart, she isn't sure how she could continue to live after Vincent is away for a very long time. Hailee thought.
But Shun and Cassandra never stop loving each other, even with the tragic love story they have. It was something she admired about this couple.
'Ah, this couple….'
Hailee smiled when Nikki and Theo came forward to put the silk cord over their shoulders to symbolize their couple's bond that they are no longer two but one.
Suddenly, she recalled the days she hung out with Cassandra and Nikki, who then opened up about their love life.
Even though this couple had no memory of their past, their hearts never stopped loving each other. They proved memories are unnecessary when they can make new ones together and the family they build.
Hailee glanced at Vincent, who never took his eyes off her. He took her hand, and their fingers intertwined.
Now, the holy mass is carried on. Hailee and Vincent remained to kneel until it finished. When it was done, they were asked to stand to conclude the ceremony.
"Now, you may kiss the bride."
Vincent stretched both of his arms and lifted Hailee's veil. Now, it visibly displayed the tiara on Hailee's head. Everyone gasps in marvel, seeing that giant pink diamond that is alone in the world.
While everyone was dazed, Vincent only had one thing in his head. He leaned over and kissed Hailee on the lips passionately, and it took longer before he let her go.
Applause echoed throughout the cathedral. But they didn't anticipate that Vincent would kneel and kiss Hailee's baby bump.
That was a very heartwarming gesture. The guests cannot stop clapping their hands.
On the other side, Hilda wiped the tears in her eyes. Watching her son tie a knot with a beautiful ceremony brought warmth to the deepest part of her heart.
Besides, only Vincent had a proper matrimonial ceremony because her two daughters got married on their own when she was against their husbands.
When Vincent and Eva had the civil wedding, it only lasted a few minutes and a quick dinner.
Hilda heaves a long sigh. She hasn't asked forgiveness from her children yet. But she can't do it because of her pride. Maybe treating her son-in-law is a way to convey that she completely accepts them to the family.
"Hilda, are you alright?"
Hilda blinks her eyes, then turns to her left. Fred is looking at her worriedly. She asked, "What is it?"
"I called you twice already, but you didn't seem to hear me. What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"
Hilda shook her head. "No. I'm just thinking about something."
Fred scrutinizes his wife. Hilda didn't have any sign of a funny expression, but she acted somewhat strange.
"Then, you should pull yourself together. We are still in the middle of the wedding, and we have to make sure that everything goes well until the very end."
Hilda had rendered speechless. She realizes Fred is the one who is nervous about this wedding, probably because all the affluent families in the entire world attended this wedding of the millennium.
She must gather all her thoughts in one place and focus on Vincent and Hailee's union. However, even though Nancy reported nothing to worry about as all were ready at the wedding reception, she still wanted everything perfect.
"Mom, it's time for a picture with the parents." Sheena approached them.
Hilda nodded, and Fred guided her toward the sanctuary. After the photo shoot in front of the altar, they now proceed to the wedding reception.
All the guests had already arrived at the venue and were seated at a carefully organized table.
Not long, the newlywed couple entered the grand hall.
Hand in hand, Vincent and Hailee walk toward the lover's French white chaise above the stage. Hailee had already taken off her long train skirt, but she was wearing a beautiful maternity bridal gown filled with genuine gemstone.
It was the artwork of Janise and Kelly in the passing months. With the tiara of pink diamonds on her head, she looks regal and stunning.
The bright smile on her lips and the sparks in her eyes added to how dazzling she was.
"Congratulations!"
Both Hailee and Vincent smiled at their guests, thanked them, and nodded their heads. Once they were seated in their love seat, Hailee stared at her official husband.
Vincent never let go of her hand but constantly kissed them. "I love you, Mrs. Shen."
She heard it so many times today. Hailee placed her forehead on Vince as she replied.
"I love you too, Mr. Shen. You are tied to me now…." She smiled at Vince.
"What I dream of…." Vincent whispered into her ear.
He had nothing he prayed for in his entire life but to find this girl and marry her and make her the mother of his children.
Today, all of his prayers have been answered, and all of his dreams have finally become a reality.
God knows how much he loves this girl.
New novel 𝓬hapters are published on (f)reeweb(n)ovel.com