The irish blessing, p.25
The Irish Blessing, page 25
The guests and wedding party erupted in laughter.
“Sorry.” Shane grinned at the officiant.
I hung my head, trying desperately not to laugh. Turning my attention back to Shane, I kept my eyes on him as the ceremony continued. It was a blur as the officiant gave his opening remarks and welcomed the guests. He talked about the significance of marriage and then a bit about Shane and me. I only half-listened. All I could think about was how happy I was and how much I looked forward to spending our lives together and raising a family.
“Now, Shane and Liz will recite their vows and exchange rings.” The officiant looked at Shane. “Do you have the ring?”
Shane took it from Dylan. “I have it.” He held my hand in his palm and began to recite his vows. “Liz. Today and all our days to come, I give myself to you. You are the fire in my veins and the passion in my heart, changing my life for the better the day you tripped into me….”
I stared at Shane in disbelief. His words were the same as he had recited in my dream. But how could that be? We’d never discussed that part. Stunned, I had to wonder. Did the mirroring of Shane’s vows give solid validation to it all being real? Was our life together somehow predestined from beginning to end? Trying to put aside my thoughts, I looked down at my hand as Shane slipped the ring on my finger. Our eyes locked as he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it, a feeling of warmth and love radiating between us.
“Liz, do you have the ring?” The officiant turned his attention to me next.
I took the ring from Mel and handed her my bouquet. “I have it.”
“You may recite your vows to Shane and put the ring on his finger.”
I looked lovingly at Shane as I held his hand in my palm. I began to recite my vows. Having practiced so many times, I knew them by heart. Finished, I nervously slid the ring on Shane’s finger, peering up at him when done. A rush of emotion washed over me when I saw the tears in his eyes.
“Shane. Liz. It is with immense pleasure that I now pronounce you married.” The officiant looked directly at Shane. “Now, young man, you may kiss your bride.”
Shane leaned forward and kissed me, his arms sliding around my waist as he held me.
There was a burst of clapping and cheers from the guests.
“We did it. I hope you’re as ecstatic as I am, Mrs. Moore.” Shane leaned his forehead against mine.
“Completely. I’ve never been so happy.”
“Shane. Liz. Check out the sky.” Dylan took several steps backward, so he was out from underneath the tent. “Man. That looks weird, but it’s pretty cool.”
Comments and shrieks of excitement erupted from some of the guests.
Shane and I stepped toward Dylan and looked upward. I caught my breath. I’d heard of situations where the clouds formed into strange-looking phenomena, but I’d never seen anything as profound as this. I gazed in awe at the sight. The clouds had developed into a figure of a man with outstretched wings, the sunlight hitting it just right, so it had a beautiful golden glow.
Shane slipped his arm around my shoulder and tenderly pulled me against him. “Alex is saying goodbye, mo ghra.”
I had a lump in my throat as I nodded at Shane, the vision making me believe the same thing. Alex was gone, and now it was time to start a new chapter in my life. I wiped tears of happiness and contentment from my cheeks as the bagpiper began to play.
“Are you ready to make our exit?” Shane said, a blissful aura surrounding him as we turned toward our guests. “We have a night of celebrating to do.” He led us down the aisle, the next of our many journeys together hovering on the horizon.
Lisa Catherine Partee, The Irish Blessing
