Thursday - 8/1
HORTON TOWN SQUARE
Several chairs had been set up by the gazebo in the Town Square. Roman, Kate, Cassie, Sami, Billie and Philip sat in the chairs. Rex and Eric stood in the gazebo. Eric put a hand on Rex’s shoulder.
ERIC: Are you ready?
REX: More ready than ever. Thanks again for doing this, man.
ERIC: I’m happy to. All right, let’s get started.
Eric nodded to Maggie, who was standing in the back, and she turned on some music (
CLICK HERE to listen to it). Lucas walked up to the gazebo and stood next to Rex, patting him on the shoulder. Next, Sarah walked up to the gazebo, standing on Eric’s other side, across from Lucas.
ERIC: Please stand, everyone.
Everyone present stood up and turned their attention to the back. Noelle, in a wedding dress, and on Liz’s arm, walked into view. Rex and Noelle smiled at each other as they drew near. When they got to the gazebo, Liz put her arms around Noelle.
NOELLE (quietly): Thanks, Mom.
LIZ (quietly): I love you, darling.
NOELLE (quietly): I love you, too.
When the music ended, Eric motioned for everyone watching to sit down, which they did.
ERIC: Who gives these two to marry each other?
Roman and Kate stood up, and joined Liz.
ROMAN, KATE & LIZ: We do.
Eric nodded. Roman, Kate and Liz took their seats. Next to Liz’s seat was a large picture of Neil.
ERIC: Welcome, everybody. We are gathered this morning to join Rex Brady and Noelle Curtis in marriage. The bride and groom thank you all for coming, and wish to acknowledge the brother and sister of the groom, Austin and Carrie, who are unable to attend this morning. There will, at a later date, be a celebration with all of Rex and Noelle’s family, but they wished, for today, to be surrounded by their parents and family. They also wish to acknowledge the father of the bride, Neil Curtis, who passed away a few years ago, but is no doubt with us in spirit. We ask that you who are here bear witness to the union of Rex and Noelle. And now, a song from the mother of the bride, Liz Chandler.
Eric nodded to Liz, who stood up and went up to a microphone, which was just outside of the gazebo. As music played, Liz sang (
CLICK HERE to listen to the song she sang). Noelle wiped a tear from her eye at the end, as did Rex. After she finished singing, Liz returned to her seat.
ERIC: That was beautiful. And now, Rex, do you take Noelle Curtis to be your wife?
REX: I do.
ERIC: Noelle, do you take Rex Brady to be your husband?
NOELLE: I do.
ERIC: Rex and Noelle have written their own vows. You are welcome to say them at this time.
Rex and Noelle turned to look each other in the eye.
REX: I never had much luck in love. I had an attempt or two, but could never make it work. So, I resigned myself to a life of science, mathematics and numbers. But then, I met you. And you made me realize that there was more to life than just numbers and equations. That love, true love, really does exist, and is something that I could feel. Noelle, you are what grounds me, what brings me back down to earth when I get lost in all the equations. I never thought I could love anyone the way that I love you, and I intend to spend the rest of my life being in love with you.
Noelle took a deep breath.
NOELLE: For a long time, I felt like I had lost myself. Like I wasn’t on the right track. Like there was something wrong with me, even though logically that makes no sense. Then once I started to get back on track and moved back to Salem, I met you. And you were so patient and kind about my needs, and so supportive of me. You helped me to see that there isn’t anything wrong with me. Rex, you are the sweetest, most wonderful man I’ve ever met. I love you more than I can say, so I plan to show you how much I love you in every way that I can for all the days of our lives.
Again, Rex and Noelle wiped a tear from their eyes.
ERIC: Beautiful. May I have the rings, please?
Lucas and Sarah each handed Eric a ring.
ERIC: Thank you.
Eric held the rings up.
ERIC: These rings are a symbol of Rex and Noelle’s love for each other, and the bond which they are entering into. Rex, please take this ring and put it on Noelle’s finger.
Rex took Noelle’s ring.
REX: This ring is a token of my love for you. It’s almost as beautiful as your smile. Let’s embark on this new journey together…
He put the ring on Noelle’s finger.
REX: And live life by each other’s side.
ERIC: Noelle, please take this ring and put it on Rex’s finger.
Noelle took Rex’s ring.
NOELLE: I give you this ring as a reminder that we face this world together. It is a gift that lasts forever…
She put the ring on Rex’s finger.
NOELLE: Know that I am always with you, behind you, and by your side.
Several people watching dabbed their eyes with tissues.
ERIC: If anyone present knows of any reason why these two should not be married, speak now, or forever hold your peace.
Rex and Noelle looked out. They saw nobody objecting. Noelle did, however, swear she could see her father. He beamed proudly at her.
NEIL: Congratulations, sweetheart. I love you.
NOELLE (under her breath): I love you, too, Daddy.
Neil blew Noelle a kiss. Then, Rex and Noelle turned back to each other.
ERIC: Rex and Noelle, you have declared your love for each other, and intention to marry, in front of these witnesses. By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your union with a kiss.
Rex and Noelle leaned in and kissed each other.
ERIC: It is my great honor to present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Rex and Noelle Brady-Curtis.
As Rex and Noelle continued kissing, their brothers, sisters and parents stood, clapped and cheered.
