| Subject: Worth the Wait- Ch. 11 |
Author:
Grandma JAG
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 23:25:46 10/26/02 Sat
In reply to:
Grandma JAG
's message, "Worth the Wait" on 22:59:22 10/26/02 Sat
Chapter 11
Harm could feel the tears welling up in his eyes as he thought about the possibility that Mac was seriously injured, or worse. Both Chaplain McMahon and Sturgis were trying to console him, but to no avail.
“Son, why don’t you go out to the garden and get some fresh air,” the chaplain suggested. “I’ll come and get you if there’s any word.”
“Yes, I think I will,” Harm replied, reaching for his handkerchief to wipe away the tears that had started to fall. “I think I just need some time alone right now.”
Sturgis gave him a reassuring pat on the back as Harm stepped out into the flower garden. He slowly walked along the path, not really seeing the flowers in full bloom on this beautiful spring day. As he turned a corner, he came upon a huge rosebush, the same one Mac had seen the day they had come up to find out about the availability of the chapel for their wedding. Mac had been in a panic that day, much as Harm was at this very moment. Was this union ever going to take place? Harm thought to himself.
He sat down on the bench and stared at the rosebush in front of him. What was it Mac had told him about this rosebush that had calmed her down? When he saw it, he remembered. The little yellow rosebush that was trying to grow in amongst the huge one, now had more than just two little buds. It was actually thriving, even though by all rules of nature, it should have been choked out by the larger one. As Harm prayed for Mac’s safety, he remembered a scripture that Sturgis’s father had read in church one Sunday. He couldn’t remember the exact words, but it had something to do with God’s love overcoming all the obstacles in a person’s path. Suddenly he knew why this little rosebush had been so important to Mac. He knew that whatever obstacles were put in their path, that God meant for them to be together, and with His help, they could conquer anything!
Just then, Bud ran breathlessly down the path looking for Harm. Seeing Bud, Harm jumped up and ran toward him.
“Bud, where have you been? Is Mac all right? Were you in an accident?” The questions just flooded out of Harm’s mouth as Bud tried to catch his breath.
“No........ accident........., sir,” Bud replied, breathlessly. “Well, actually........ there was an accident.......... but we weren’t involved,” Bud quickly added when he noticed Harm’s concerned look. “First, Harriet and I were late because A.J. spilled strawberry jam all over himself, and then we had a flat tire, and then A.J. got carsick, so we had to stop and get him cleaned up again, and then the traffic was terrible! I guess there was this terrible accident that backed up the freeway, so I took surface streets and ended up getting lost, and.....” Bud continued to ramble on about all the things that made them late, so Harm finally grabbed his friend by the shoulders.
“Bud,” he said slowly and deliberately, “Is Mac all right?”
“The Colonel?” Bud looked puzzled. “Yes, of course she’s all right. She and Harriet are getting dressed.”
“I’ve got to see her!” Harm pushed past Bud and headed toward the chapel.
Bud hurried after him. “But, sir, you’re not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony.”
“I don’t care. I have to make sure she’s okay.” Harm entered the side of the chapel where the dressing room was, only to be met at the door by Sturgis.
“I’ll take care of this, Lt.,” Sturgis said to Bud as he ran to keep Harm from going through the doorway. “You go and seat the guests and let the Admiral take his place among them.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Bud, still out of breath. He straightened his jacket, took a deep breath, and joined Sergei at the entrance to the chapel.
“Now, then, Harm,” Sturgis said, calmly. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“I have to see Mac,” Harm answered. “I have to make sure she’s all right.”
“I saw her and she’s fine,” Sturgis reassured his friend. “A little frazzled at being late, but fine. Which she won’t be if you insist on interrupting her now!”
“It’ll just take a minute.” Harm rushed over to the door and starting banging on it anxiously. “Mac? Mac? Let me in!”
Sturgis stopped him as he was about to open the door. “Are you crazy? There are women in there getting dressed!”
“I know, Sturgis, but I can’t stand it not to see her, or at least talk to her,” Harm tried to regain control of his faculties before he lost total control.
Suddenly, from behind the door, came Mac’s voice. “Harm? What is it? Are you all right?”
Harm put his face against the door as he said, “Mac, I’ve been so worried. You are never late, and then everyone said there was an accident involving a blue van, so my imagination went wild, and I just imagined all sorts of horrible things happening to you. And just as we’re about to finally start our life together.....,” Harm fought to keep back the tears that were still threatening, even though he knew she was right on the other side of the door.
“Harm, I’m sorry you were so worried. But I’m fine, and very anxious to see you at the altar. But I have to get dressed first! I’m determined that this wedding will start on time, which means I have exactly 8 minutes and 37 seconds to get into my dress! Now, are you going to let me get dressed, or not?”
Harm couldn’t help but laugh at her penchant for timeliness. “Okay, I’ll leave you alone to do what you need to do. But I’ll see you soon! I love you, Sarah MacKenzie, soon to be Rabb.”
“I love you, Harmon Rabb, Jr.,” Mac replied tenderly. “See you at the altar.”
Sturgis led Harm reluctantly away from the door and into the bathroom to splash some water on his face. “That’s quite a gal you’ve got there, Commander.”
“Yes, she is, Sturgis. I’m very lucky that she’ll have me.” Harm breathed a big sigh of relief.
“Well, buddy, are you ready to get married?” Sturgis slapped his friend on the back.
“I can’t believe I’m actually going to do this,” Harm laughed, “but I’ve never been more ready to do anything in my life!” They both laughed as they went to find the chaplain and get ready for their entrance.
21 April 2002
Naval Academy Chapel
1600 hours
Mac’s mother joined Harm’s mother as they walked up the steps to light the family candles on the altar. To the strains of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” Mac’s mother’s hands shook as she fought to keep back the tears. This past week had been the most meaningful of her life. She had been able to mend her relationship with her only daughter, and now was playing an important role in her wedding. She was so thankful that Sarah was marrying such a wonderful man!
Harm’s mom, Trish, had her own thoughts as she lit the Rabb candle. Harm had had so much unhappiness in his life, with his never-ending quest to find his father, and his determination to follow in his footsteps. He was a lot like his father, Trish thought, but had so much more going for him. She had worried that he would never find a woman that could live up to his expectations, or that he would ever be willing to make a commitment. She was truly delighted that he had found Mac. She was perfect for him. She would keep his ego in check, but would not be possessive or demanding. Harm needed his own space, and Trish knew that Mac understood that.
The mothers took their seats, and the organist began with “Trumpet Voluntary.” Chaplain McMahon entered from the side, followed by Harm, looking more calm than he felt, and his best man, Sturgis Turner. The more than 200 guests turned to the back of the chapel as Sergei escorted Chloe up the aisle. Chloe looked very grown up in her long blue dress, wearing flowers in her hair and carrying a bouquet of yellow roses accented with blue irises. Bud and Lynn followed Sergei and Chloe up the aisle and took their places alongside the chaplain, Harm, and Sturgis. They all smiled as A.J., the ring bearer, escorted Emily, Lynn’s daughter, who was the flower girl. Bud kept his eye on little A.J. and nodded his head as the boy walked calmly down the aisle and went to stand by his father, as Emily dropped yellow rose petals and then stood with her mother.
All eyes were on Harriet as she proceed down the aisle alone, as Mac’s matron of honor. Bud couldn’t keep his eyes off her as he reflected back on their own wedding. And to think they almost jeopardized their marriage over the argument about the house!
Harriet joined the rest of the bridal party and turned to face the back of the chapel. As the organist started the “Bridal Chorus”, the congregation stood to watch. Many gasped as Mac entered on the arm of Uncle Matt. She looked absolutely radiant in her dress, with its off-the-shoulder lace bodice, and long silk skirt with an even longer train in the back. Her hair was pulled back with pearl combs attached to a short, simple veil. Around her neck she wore the pearl necklace Harm had given her for Valentine’s Day, along with the dangling pearl earrings that matched. She carried a gorgeous bouquet of white lilies. She tried not to ignore the people smiling at her as she walked down the aisle, but she only had eyes for Harm. Mac knew that for as long as she lived, she would never forget the look on his face as he watched her walk toward him.
Harm held his breath as she walked down the aisle on her uncle’s arm. He always knew that she was a beautiful woman, but nothing could have prepared him for the feeling he was experiencing at this very moment. His heart was filled with so much emotion, he was afraid he would break down any minute. Here he was a Commander in the U.S. Navy, a fighter pilot, an esteemed lawyer, about to blubber like a baby. Now, how would that look? He locked into Mac’s dark brown eyes as he stepped forward to stand by Uncle Matt as Mac’s hand was offered to him.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” Chaplain McMahon asked.
“I do, as proxy for her father,” Uncle Matt replied, leaning over to give Mac a kiss, and then joining her mother in the first pew.
Harm smiled at Mac as he took her hand and they stood together facing the chaplain. He led the congregation in prayer and then had them seated. He turned to walk up the steps to the altar, as Harm and Mac and their attendants followed.
“We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman as they enter the bonds of holy matrimony. This is not something to be entered into lightly, as I know you two aren’t. In fact, many sitting here today wondered if you were ever going to get together!” The chaplain smiled as the laughter broke out. “Harm and Sarah, I know that marriage is something very serious for the both of you, which is why you’ve waited so long to find the perfect person to share your life with. But you are also realists. You know that the other person is not perfect, you’ve seen each at your worst as well as your best. Jesus used a wedding to perform his first miracle, and I know that you will use this wedding to create the miracle of a marriage that is Christ-centered, where your love for each other will only continue to grow. Harm, do you take Sarah, to be your wedded wife, to love her, to honor and cherish her, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be to her in all things a good and faithful husband as long as you both shall live?”
With no hesitation, Harm replied, “I do.” And a little too loudly, because there was some chuckling among the congregation.
The chaplain smiled as he addressed Mac next. “Sarah, do you take Harm to be your wedded husband, to love him, to honor and cherish him, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be to him in all things a good and faithful wife as long as you both shall live?”
Mac smiled widely as she replied, “I do.”
The chaplain continued. “It is with these thoughts in mind that you will now repeat your marriage vows. Turn and face each other and take each other’s hands.”
Harm had not let go of Mac’s hand since it had been handed to him by Uncle Matt. He now faced this woman he loved, took her other hand in his, and repeated his vows in a calm, clear voice. “I, Harmon Rabb, Jr., take you Sarah MacKenzie, to be my lawfully wedded wife; to have and to hold from this day forward; for better or for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish; for as long as we both shall live.”
Mac felt the tears well up in her eyes as she looked at the sincerity in which Harm said these things to her. If there was ever a doubt about whether he was reluctant in making a commitment, there was no evidence of it now. She fought back the tears as she repeated her vows in a strong, confident voice. “I, Sarah MacKenzie, take you Harmon Rabb, Jr., to be my lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold from this day forward; for better or for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish; for as long as we both shall live.”
“May I have the rings, please?” The chaplain turned to Sturgis, who had bent down to untie the rings from the pillow that A.J. held. A.J. looked up at Sturgis and yanked the pillow away, not willing to give up the rings. The congregation snickered as Bud had to kneel down to explain to A.J. that it was okay to give the rings to Commander Turner. Harriet gave her son a nod of approval, and A.J. relinquished the pillow so that Sturgis could get the rings and hand them to the chaplain.
“This ring is a symbol of your love for each other and the commitment you are making today. Take Sarah’s left hand,” he said to Harm, handing him the ring, “and repeat after me.”
Harm took the ring that his grandmother had given him, slipped it easily onto Mac’s finger as he said, “This ring I give you, in token and pledge, of my constant faith and abiding love.”
Mac, in turn, took the ring from the chaplain, and placed it on Harm’s left hand. But Harm had been grabbing her hand so hard that his fingers had swelled up, and the ring stuck halfway on. Mac started to giggle, but stopped herself. She didn’t dare look at Harm’s shocked face or she knew she would burst out laughing. Slowly she worked the ring on until it slipped over his last knuckle.
“This ring I give you,” she said, gaining her composure, “in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love.”
The chaplain then said to the congregation, “In addition to the traditional vows, Harm and Sarah have chosen to say some additional words to each other.” He nodded at Harm to say the words he had written.
Harm had struggled with just the right words to say that could convey just a little of the enormous amount of love he had for Mac. But now he knew what he wanted to say. “Sarah, you know me better than anyone has, even better than I know myself sometimes. You know all of my faults, yet you still love me in spite of them. You’ve stood by me through thick and thin, when others had given up on me. You are my advisor, my mentor, my confidant. You have helped me get my priorities straight, and after God, you are my number one priority in life. I take this commitment to you as seriously as anything I’ve ever done in my life. I love you, Sarah MacKenzie. You are my everything.” With that last sentence, Harm’s voice broke and a single tear fell down his face, but he didn’t dare let go of Mac’s hands to wipe it away.
Mac looked at him and smiled, her own eyes brimming with tears. But now it was her turn, and she was determined to make it as meaningful as his.
“Harm, you are my best friend. I have shared things with you that I have not trusted with another soul. You are my soul mate, and even though many things kept us apart, I know that we were destined to be together. I have waited for this day for a long, long time, and I can truly say that I’ve never been happier than I am at this moment. I am proud to be your wife, and I promise you that even though we will have challenges, I’m sure, I will always love you and will never leave your side.”
They were so locked into each others’ eyes, that for a moment they forgot where they were and that there were 200 other people in the room with them. When the music started for Sturgis’s solo, Harm looked up and realized that they were supposed to kneel down to take their first communion as husband and wife.
As the chaplain said the words of Jesus during the Last Supper for only Harm and Mac to hear, Sturgis’s clear baritone voice sang the words of Steven Curtis Chapman:
Tomorrow mornin’ if you wake up and the sun does not appear,
I ........., I will be here.
If in the darkness we lose sight of love, hold my hand and have no fear,
‘Cause I.........., I will be here.
I will be here when you feel like bein’ quiet,
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen,
And I will be here when the laughter turns to cryin’,
Through the winnin’, losin’, and tryin’ , we’ll be together.
‘Cause I will be here.
As the song continued, Harm and Mac went around to the other side of the altar to light the unity candle. They each took the candle that had been lit by their mothers and together they lit the big candle in the middle, signifying the two becoming one. They each blew out their individual candles and headed back around to the chaplain and their attendants. Sturgis continued to sing the song that Harm and Mac had chosen because the words were so perfect for them.
Tomorrow mornin’ if you wake up and the future is unclear,
I......... I will be here.
As sure as seasons are made of change, our lifetimes are made for years,
So, I......... I will be here.
I will be here, and you can cry on my shoulder,
When the mirror tells us we’re older, I will hold you,
And I will be here to watch you grow in beauty,
And tell you all the things you are to me, I will be here.
I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me.
And just as sure as seasons are made for change,
Our lifetimes are made for years,
So I.......... I will be here, we’ll be together.
I will be here.
Mac had been to weddings where the bride and groom had stood together during the song, laughing and giggling, and whispering in each others’ ears. She had always wondered what they talked about! But she and Harm just looked at each other through Sturgis’s song, letting the words sink in and not wanting to spoil the moment by saying anything. Their eyes said it all anyway. The tears of joy that they were both shedding said more than any words.
At the close of the song, Harm and Mac faced the chaplain as he led the congregation in a final prayer of blessing on this new marriage and for any children that would be conceived from it. Harm squeezed Mac’s hand at that statement, and Mac smiled at the realization that their “deal” was going to become a reality, maybe even ahead of schedule!
At the close of the prayer, the chaplain smiled at them both as he said, “By the power invested in me by the U.S. Navy and the state of Maryland, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride, Harm.”
Harm didn’t waste a minute in gathering Mac in his arms and giving her a most breathtaking kiss, to the delight and applause of their guests. As the kiss ended, Harm looked down at his bride and smiled his famous grin. “We did it!” he exclaimed. Looking at his watch, he saw that it was exactly 1627.
To the strains of the “Hallelujah Chorus” (Mac couldn’t resist using that as their recessional), Harm and Mac were introduced as “Commander and Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Jr.” and practically ran down the aisle as they caught different friends’ eyes and smiled and acknowledged them.
After pictures and signing the license, their honor guard awaited them in the courtyard in front of the chapel. Presenting their swords in an arch, Harm and Mac ducked under them as they strode to the limousine waiting to take them to the biggest celebration in Navy history (well, at least their naval history)!
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 