Exton

Alise struggles to gain control over her voice and to stop the tears that have been slipping down her cheeks. She knows the stone in her ring is from the tears Stoney cried when she was taken. That Traeger had crafted a similar ring for Stoney was a complete surprise to Alise and she is overwhelmed by the kindness of their friends.

Taking Stoneys left hand and slipping the ring on his finger she says, “My love for you is ever constant, as the stars and the moon. You gave me life and brought me back to you. I would not even be here if it were not for you. My hands, my heart, my soul are open to you and you alone. I understand now what you meant when you said you would love me beyond death. I feel the same way about you and our little one. I will love you forever Remi, through this life and the next, through eternity. I give you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and devotion.

Rowan continues, “Please stand and face each other...”

“Alise, take Remi's hands into your own, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. I know he has already told you, but lets make this official..” Rowan smiles and the group laughs softly, understanding how impatient the couple must be for this.

Alise holds her hands out and Stoney rests his upturned hands on hers, completely covering her small hands from sight.

“These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within your womb.

These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.”

Through her tears Alise smiles, the image of Stoney holding one of their babies clear in her mind.

“These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.”

Stoney gently lifts her hand with his to wipe her tears, Only happy tears from now on Chaton...

“These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes; eyes that are filled completely with his eternal love for you.

Remi, please hold Alise's hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you....”

Stoney takes Alises hands in his, her palms up...

“These are the hands that are smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurts, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it's time to let go.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick and console you when you are grieving.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together, everything you wish for can be realized.”

Star hands to Rowan the multi-colored rope that has been resting on the altar. As she turns back to the couple, Stoney takes Alises hand and kisses each palm. Rowan smiles and starts to wrap the cord in a figure 8 around both of their hands. As she winds the cord she says,

“Just as the rings are a symbol, likewise, this cord is a symbol of the lives you have chosen to lead together. It has been woven to symbolize the intertwining of your lives. Up until this moment you have been separated in thought, word and action. As this cord binds your hands together, so your lives become intertwined.

As the right hand is to the left hand, may you be forever one, sharing in all things, in love and loyalty, for all time to come.”

“Please repeat after me”, and Rowan leads them through the vows that seal the binding...

Stoney looks deep into Alises eyes, “I, Remi, promise to take you, Alise to my hand, my heart and my spirit.”

“I, Alise, promise to take you, Remi, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit.” Pour toujours, Remi, pour toujours...

“Remember that love gives nothing but itself. Love possesses not, nor would it be possessed, for love is sufficient unto love. And think not that you can direct the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, will direct your course.

Out of the billions of the Earth, these two have come, have looked into each other's eyes, and are now made one. Their ways have converged and shall now be together. In our deepest being we hope that their path may be pleasant and the sky fair where they reside. If trouble comes, as it can surely come to all, may the pressure of the trial only bring them more closely together. With clasped hands and united hearts, may they bear life's sorrows together and share life's joys together.

Alise and Re'mi, today you have made a lifelong and eternal commitment to each other. Honor that commitment, honor each other, and for eternity you will find love and happiness in one another. Having joined in this sacred union, I may now pronounce you, Husband and Wife. You may now kiss one another.”

Stoney leans down and takes Alises smiling face in his hands, kissing her tenderly at first and then with more passion, his mind caressing hers, each of them feeling the deep abiding love they have for another.

“Will everyone please join hands for the final blessing,” and Rowan unbinds their hands and takes Stoneys and Alises hands in her own, “Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for each other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth for the other. Now you are two persons, but only one life, between the two of you. Go now to your dwelling to enter into the days of your life together. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Blessed Be....”