LETHAL OBSESSION (31 page)

CHAPTER
TWENTY-SEVEN

      It
was a perfect day for an October wedding.  The Smoky Mountains National Park
was wearing its most colorful attire.  The fall air was still balmy with a hint
of winter.  Orange, crimson, and gold leaves floated and fell like a rainbow
snow storm.                                                         

      All
the staff and many of the residents were busy in the back yard decorating. 
Even the children got into the spirit. A snowy, white gazebo was the center
attraction.  Long tables with lacy white cloths were set for the wedding
feast.  Joy and excitement crackled in the air.      

      Martha
and Ellen were getting dressed in her office. Ellen opted for a simple, white
silk dress that swirled around her slender figure.  Her unbound hair would be
graced with a wreath of white flowers minus a veil.  Martha was wearing a
tangerine dress of flowing organza.    

      Ellen
took her best friend's hands. "I want you to know I love your brother very
much and I will spend my life making him happy."                                                               

      "I
do know that and I'm so grateful the two of you found each other. I know
Richard well and I can see how happy he is.  Come on, sister of mine, let's get
you married off so we can start planning my wedding."           

      "Oh
Martha, Shawn asked you? I'm so happy for you."  She grabbed her in a
hug. 

      "Shawn
asked me last night, in fact, he asked permission from Eugene."                               

      "That's
so sweet."                                                                                                                         

      Rick
and Shawn were in his office preparing for the ceremony.

      "Are
you nervous?"                                             

      "Not
a bit, Shawn.  Ellen is the other half of myself."         

      "Martha
told me how the two of you met and the tragedies you have both been through.  I
don't know if I could be that strong."                                         

      "You
would be because you are strong.  Sometimes betrayal is harder than death. 
Ellen's husband and my wife died loving us."  Shawn nodded in
understanding. "I also want you to know, I'm very happy that you are in my
sister's life.  Martha means a lot to me and you are a good man for her." 

      "I
love her, Richard. My utmost desire is to see her happy.  And I will let you in
on a little secret.  I have asked your sister to marry me."                         

      "Rick
grinned.  "I see another wedding in this yard."

      "Absolutely"                                        

      Holding
their bouquets, Martha and Ellen made their way to the gazebo as two friends
played their guitars. Shawn wore a roman collar and white satin stole as he
stood waiting to marry the couple.      

      Rick
and Ellen joined hands and gazed at each other.  

      "I,
Richard Carrington take you, Ellen Anderson to be my lawfully wedded wife. I
promise to spend the rest of my days loving you, caring for you, and cherishing
you. You were my salvation in a time I thought my life was non-existent.  With
your love I was pulled from the depths of despair.  My life is your life, my
love your love for now and forever."                      

      "I,
Ellen Anderson take you, Richard Carrington to be my lawfully wedded husband.
You were my counselor and became my mentor, my friend and finally my love.  I
promise to keep your frigid toes warm at night." Everybody chuckled. 
"I vow to love you and cherish you for the rest of my life. Thank you for
coming into my life.  You complete me."                                       

      Martha
handed them the two rings as they were exchanged. Shawn held his hand over the
couple. "With the giving of rings, Richard and Ellen have agreed to enter
into a loving union for life.  With the power vested in me I now pronounce you
husband and wife."        

      All
the residents and staff clapped and cheered while Rick took Ellen in his arms
for their first kiss as a married couple.                                                                 

      Later
that night as they lay contented in each other's arms Ellen gazed at her
husband. "I'm so happy.  Thank you for that."        

      "Me
too, happy that is.  Let's make a baby."                  

      “Maybe
we just did.”                                          

      “That’s
a wonderful thought.”                                     

      “Yes,
it is.”

                                                                                 THE
END