Two lives, two hearts

Joined together in friendship,

United forever in love.

It is with joy that we,

Gillian Claire Foster

and

Callum Jasper Lightman

Invite you to share in a celebration of love

As we exchange our marriage vows

Saturday the twentieth of February

Two thousand ten

Seven o'clock in the evening

Belle View Baptist Church

Belle View, VA

Loker did a double take at a copy of the wedding invitation. "Dude, your middle name is Jasper?" he asked incredulously. "Callum Jasper Lightman," he repeated slowly. "Were your parents on something?"

"Oi Loker, do us all a favor and shut the hell up, yeah?" Cal retorted. "And not that it's any of your business, but my great-uncle's name was Jasper." He scratched his head thoughtfully. "He also wore an uncanny number of purple scarves. Interesting bloke, he was."

"Cal, get your head on straight. It's your wedding day." His old friend Terry clapped him on the back.

Reynolds chimed in. "Yeah man, there's a beautiful woman out there that, for some reason, loves you. Don't you dare disappoint her."

Emily slipped in the dressing room, hands over her eyes. "It's 6:30. Everybody better be decent." Hearing no affirmations to the contrary, she removed her hand. "It's time to start seating the guests. You guys had better get out there or Gill will come hunt you down."

The three groomsmen shuffled meekly out of the room, leaving Emily and her father. "Help me with this tie, love?" he asked. She strode across the floor, and as she walked, Cal noted what a beautiful young woman she was growing up to be. She was dressed in a gold-colored floor length gown, trimmed with lace and a rose sash. Her hair was pinned in an exquisite updo, a few loose curls framing her face, and one single rose was intricately woven into the design.

Emily pulled his tie neatly into place, picking a piece of lint off his collar, and rested her hand on his shoulder. "I'm so proud of you Dad," she said. "This has got to be, like, the best decision you've ever made," she teased.

He pretended to look offended, but failed miserably, instead kissing her lightly on the forehead. "Thanks love. Now, off you go—make sure Gill has everything she needs."

"Alright Dad," she agreed, squeezing his hand. "I'll see you down front."

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Back in the bride's changing rooms, Gillian was fidgeting nervously. With fifteen minutes left until her walk down the aisle, she had nothing to do but pace. Her hair was twisted into an updo of curls that was partially covered by a sheer veil. And although she wasn't able to wear her mother's dress, she wore an old pair of her earrings that went perfectly with the vintage style of her dress.

A few minutes later, a knock on the door announced the entrance of her father, who took her hand and led her to the back of the church. Her bridesmaids stood ready, waiting for the music to change and the doors to open. Ria would walk through first and stand on the far side of the church. Julie would follow, and finally Emily. The former two were dressed in rose-colored dresses with gold sashes, and Emily's dress was just the opposite, marking her as the Maid of Honor. Her little nieces, Emma and Ellie would precede her, strewing white rose petals across the path to the front of the church.

She rehearsed the steps in her mind, praying that everything would go according to plan. It didn't help that her heart was beating a million miles an hour, or that she felt as giddy and nervous as a teenage girl. "Get a grip Gillian," she told herself. Her father squeezed her hand reassuringly.

The doors opened once and Torres began a slow descent down the aisle, followed shortly by Julie. Emily turned and kissed her cheek, before she too was gone.

The music changed, and the bridal march began to play. Through the door, Gillan saw the swell of the entire congregation as they rose to their feet. She bent over, ushering her two tiny nieces towards the door, where their older sister directed them out into the crowd. Emma was all precision, daintily placing each flower petal on the floor before continuing on. Ellie however, got a little too excited, skipping down the aisle and spilling her basket. The congregation began to chuckle, appreciating the innocent efforts of the little girls. Ever the cutie, Emma retraced her steps, stopping to help her twin pick up her petals, before they continued down to the front, hand in hand.

It was all Gillian needed to calm her nerves. She let out an amused peal of laughter as everything fell into perspective. The little nuances of the wedding shouldn't worry her. Nothing could ruin this day. She was about to marry the man she'd loved for, well, forever, if she was truly honest with herself. She'd felt an instant connection, and a deep sense of love for this man, even from their first meeting. Though she barely knew him, she cared enough to save him from himself. And she wasn't fooling herself, thinking that their lives would always be free and untroubled—she knew better. But loving Cal Lightman wasn't something she could stop herself from doing. And she'd be there through the good times and bad, just as always.

The church doors finally opened fully, revealing the object of her musings-that incredibly frustrating, yet loveable rogue that she was about to promise her forever to. The church was beautifully decorated in Gillian's carefully selected color scheme of ivory, rose, and gold. The bouquets were tied with lace ribbons, adorning each windowsill and the edge of the choir loft. A single candle on a tall stand graced the middle of the altar, and what seemed like hundreds more were carefully placed along the front of the church.

But the decorations, though lovely, were not Gillian's focus. Her eyes alighted on an even lovelier sight, the man who was indeed, the innermost desire of her heart. On her right, her father began to move, and suddenly she felt the desire to bound down the aisle into Cal's arms—their pace began to seem glacial in comparison. The people on either side of her were but a blur. She vaguely remembered passing her family, and not a moment too soon, she found herself facing the altar. Tears glistened at the corner of her eyes, and perhaps she imagined it, but it looked as though Cal was tearing up too.

She registered Pastor Gray welcoming the guests, and reading a passage of scripture. "Who gives this woman to this man?" he asked. Gillian's father responded—"Her mother and I." He kissed her forehead, and she stepped forward, taking Cal's hand in her own.

Cal felt Gillian's soft hand slip into his own, and he squeezed it reassuringly. He felt a sense of inner peace—a rare thing for him, and knew, just knew, that in this moment, he was making the best decision of his life. He loved this woman beyond words, but knew he was going to have to speak soon, as they were approaching the point in the ceremony where he would read his vows.

"I, Cal, take you, Gillian, to be my wife. I promise to love, cherish, and respect you. I promise to be honest with you, no matter the circumstances, and put you first in all areas of my life. His voice broke, very nearly becoming a whisper. Gill, you're my best friend. You've been through every possible catastrophe in my life, standing with me, by my side. You're my rock—and the happiest moments of my life have been spent with you. I can't promise you that I'll be the perfect man Gillian, but you are the best, most perfect reason to try. I love you more than I could ever express, darling, and I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to get to spend the rest of my life with you."

It took Gillian a moment to collect herself before she could reply. Cal had just improv'd the most beautiful words she'd ever heard him say. Dabbing the tears from her eyes, she began to speak.

"Cal," she said smiling, reaching up to caress his face. "Cal, I've loved you since the day we met. I couldn't define what I felt for you then, but now I recognize it for what it was, and still is. You're my partner, and I trust you with my life—and more importantly, my heart. I wouldn't trade anything for your friendship, your trust, or your love. I promise to confide in you and be your confidant. I promise to cherish every moment of our lives together, and love you on the near and far side of heaven. You make happier than chocolate pudding," she laughed through her tears, "and I can't wait to start building a life and family with you."

They exchanged rings, looking expectantly at Pastor Gray.

"In all my years as a pastor," he began, "I don't think I've seen a couple so obviously suited for each other. Every lasting relationship is built on a solid friendship, and your love for each other has only strengthened the bond you share." He addressed the congregation. "What God has brought together, let no man put asunder."

He turned again to the couple before him, smiling. "You may now kiss—"

Cal didn't wait.

Gillian felt his lips on hers, responding with as much passion as the setting would allow. She put her head on his shoulder, pulling him close as the congregation clapped. She let her lips linger on his ear, whispering softly. "I love you Cal Lightman."

They turned to face everyone as Pastor Gray began to speak again. "May I present, for the first time, Cal & Gillian Lightman."

The crowd cheered, and Gilian took his hand, practically dancing back up the aisle on the way to the door. Once through, they shared a private moment outside. They simply held each other, and there was no need for words.

Today they had promised each other forever. And somehow they both knew that this is where they would end up—where they were meant to be.

And nothing had ever seemed more perfect.