They made their way from the atrium
to the altar at the front of the church where Padre Navario led them in the
vows that made them husband and wife.
When he had finished, Slade asked
him, “Do you suppose, Padre, that you could pray a blessing over us? Not a one of those prayers full of empty
words approved by the Church, but a real one where you simply talk to God and
ask His blessing on our marriage?”
The old priest smiled. “I understand.” He said. He put his hands together in the manner of
his religious teachings.
“Our Merciful and Hallowed Father
of All, we come in the Name of Your Blessed Son to thank you for the commitment
of these two young people. We ask your eternal and supernal blessing upon their
union. May they live in joy and in the center of Your Eternal Will for
Mankind. In the Name of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen”
Although his language carried the formality of the Catholic Church he
spoke as one familiar with talking to the Lord on a regular and intimate basis.
He barely restrained himself from
making the sign of the cross over their bowed heads.
“Come now,” he said, “we will
fulfill the legalities of your marriage.
“You, sir, may kiss your
bride.” He smiled beneficently as Slade
took his wife in his arms and shared their first deep and lasting kiss as
husband and wife.
Slade’s heart swelled until he
could hardly draw a breath as he set her back on her feet. Ellen’s shining eyes were overflowing with
tears. The padre turned and led them to the
rectory without another word. There he
completed the paper work that declared their marriage legal before the church
and government.
As they came out of the church
with their wedding certificate safely tucked in his pocket, Slade stopped dead,
still in the shadow of the church door.
“I am dressed in my old clothes!
I’d planned to wear my suit for our wedding! You are looking beautiful and here I stand in
my old coat and tattered jeans!”
Ellen linked her arm through his
and pulled him close. “I don’t care
about your old coat or your old jeans!! I am married to you. And that is wonderful!
“Let’s get on to the general
store before they close. Do you have the
list?”
They stepped into the buggy in
their own circle of sparkling sunlight.
Ellen could not resist speaking to the driver, “You must be happy for
us! We have just been married!”
And their joy was so infectious
that the taciturn driver could not help smiling at them as he rendered his good
wishes. “The Comandante will be happy when he discovers that, I think.” And he turned to back to his horse.
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