Chapter 376
ST. LUKE'S
After the congregation had sung a hymn, Father Louis stood.
LOUIS: Please rise for a reading from the Holy Gospel.
Everyone stood. Eric walked over to the pulpit, a Bible in his hand. He opened it.
ERIC: The Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew, the 14th Chapter, beginning with the 22nd Verse.
CONGREGATION: Glory to You, O Lord.
ERIC: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” This is the Gospel of our Lord.
CONGREGATION: Praise be to You, O Christ.
Eric returned to his seat. Father Louis walked to the altar and stood by Sami and Lucas.
LOUIS: You may be seated.
The congregation sat down.
LOUIS: I have been informed that Samantha and Lucas have written their own vows. You may recite them at this time.
Sami and Lucas turned to each other.
LUCAS: If I could write a book full of wishes that I'd hoped would come true, there would only be one. And that's that you and me were standing right here in front of all these people, declaring our love for each other, because nothing else compares. You are everything I've ever wanted, and everything I'll ever need. You have changed my life in so many ways. We have beautiful children and a beautiful life. You make me want to be the best that I possibly can be. I know that things won't always be perfect. Nothing ever is. But you and me, Sami, that's the closest thing I can think of to perfection on this earth. I love you, Sami Brady, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
SAMI: Lucas, you are the best thing that's ever happened to me. When I'm with you, even if I'm at my worst, I know that everything is going to be okay, because I know that you will always be there for me. And you know that I will always be there for you. You make an already beautiful day so much more glamorous. You help me with my schemes, but you're also not afraid to tell me when I've gone too far. Even when we're disagreeing, I can feel your love for me. It's like electricity. You and I together, we're like a fire, burning brightly. Somehow I've always known that you and I were destined to be together. There were roadblocks along the way, but we overcame them, always stronger on the other side. And now, finally, it's our time. When I'm with you, everything is right. I love you, Lucas Horton, forever and always.
Both Sami and Lucas were blinking back tears. There were several claps from the audience.
LOUIS: Now that Samantha and Lucas have exchanged vows, it is time for the exchange of rings. Who gives this woman to wed this man?
Roman stood up.
ROMAN: Her mother, step-father, sons, daughters and I do.
Roman sat back down, and Father Louis took the rings from Noah.
LOUIS: These rings are a symbol of Samantha and Lucas' love for each other, as well as Christ's love for all of us. They are a never-ending circle, symbolizing the many years of happiness Samantha and Lucas will have together. If there is anyone here who can find just reason as to why these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace.
The entire wedding party looked at the congregation. Lucas and Sami in particular looked at Kate and E.J., respectively. Kate looked back at Lucas with what he thought may actually be a small smile. E.J. looked at the ground. Even if he wanted to move, he couldn't, as he was surrounded by Tony and Chad on either side, who were ready to spring into action to stop him at the slightest sign of trouble. After a moment, the wedding party turned back to Father Louis.
LOUIS: Lucas, please take this ring, put it on Samantha's finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
Lucas put a ring on Sami's finger.
LUCAS: With this ring, I thee wed.
LOUIS: Samantha, please take this ring, put it on Lucas' finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
Sami put a ring on Lucas' finger.
SAMI: With this ring, I thee wed.
LOUIS: Lucas, do you take Samantha Gene Brady to be your wife? Do you promise to honor and cherish her, to be faithful to her and love her for as long as you both shall live?
LUCAS: I do.
LOUIS: Samantha, do you take Lucas Desmond Horton to be your husband? Do you promise to honor and cherish him, to be faithful to him and love him for as long as you both shall live?
SAMI: I do.
LOUIS: Then, by the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Sami and Lucas started kissing almost as soon as Father Louis finished his sentence.
LOUIS: Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present Mr. and Mrs. Lucas and Samantha Horton!
The congregation erupted with applause and cheers.
