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.You lift my soul tothe very heights of heaven.I ll love you until my dying day andbeyond.I pledge my love and my life to you until the end of time.Ilove you with all my heart.I m honored to be your wife. Billie reached forward and wiped the tears that flowed downCat s cheeks.Her own throat was nearly closed with emotion.Shecomposed herself and prepared to deliver her own vows. Cat, youcame into my life at a time when I was emotionally destitute.Onelook at you healed my soul and lifted my heart to new heights.You ve given so much of yourself to me while asking so little inreturn.You re everything I could ask for.You re bright, intelligent,and beautiful.You re the mother of my children and my true soulmate.You complete me.Like you, I believe our destiny was linkedmany years ago.For that, I ll forever be grateful.I offer to youeverything that I am.I promise to love you and protect you until theend of time and beyond.You re my one true love.I m honored to beyour wife.Thank you for loving me. Rev.Altman said, I believe there s no doubt as to how thesetwo women feel about each other, so without further ado, Caitlain,please present your offering to Billie. Cat accepted the ring from Jen.She held the ring in front of heras she addressed Billie. This ring signifies the bond that is ourlove.It s a never-ending circle of love and commitment.Please 236accept this token as your consent to be my wife. Cat slipped thering onto Billie s finger.Billie retrieved Cat s ring from Fred.She held the ring in herfist. I hold our love close to my heart as tightly as I hold this ring.I ll fiercely protect you and our family.I ask you to accept this ringas a symbol of that love and protection and as your consent to be mywife. Billie slipped the ring onto Cat s finger and their handsinterlocked.Rev.Altman once again held her arms out wide. In the eyes ofthis church and our God, and in the presence of their friends andfamily, I declare Billie and Caitlain to be joined as one for all time. She addressed both women. You may kiss the bride. Billie lowered her mouth to Cat s as a loud cheer arose fromthe church.Several moments later, they broke the kiss and fell intoeach other s arms.Rev.Altman placed a hand on each of their shoulders. Thereare lots of people waiting to congratulate you.Go, celebrate withyour friends and family. She stepped back as Billie and Cat weredevoured by the crowd of well-wishers.* * *Halfway through the wedding reception, Billie wished she hadbrought a notebook and pen to record the names of Cat s familymembers.Cat introduced her to so many, there was no way she dremember them all.In the presence of good food, music, friends,and family, the party went on well into the afternoon.Billie couldn tremember the last time she danced so much and by the time theparty wound down, she was dead on her feet.She and Cat sat at the head table and enjoyed their meal as theywatched their children interact with the other guests. Look at him, Billie said of Seth. He s in heaven surrounded by all his femalecousins.He s going to be spoiled rotten, being the only grandsonamong eight grandchildren. You can blame Daddy for that. Billie pointed to the dance floor. Tara seems to be enjoyingherself.That kid has no inhibitions at all. We don t call her Tara the Terrible for nothing, Cat said. She s fearless. Have you seen Skylar in the past half hour? Billie asked. I m not sure which relative has her now. 237 Mom has her over there. Cat pointed to a table on the farwall where Ida was busy showing off her granddaughter to the otherpartygoers.Late in the afternoon, Billie noticed that Skylar had fallenasleep in Ida s arms, signaling the end to a very long but excitingday.By this time, the gifts were opened, the cake was consumed,and most of the guests had already left.Billie took Skylar into her arms. Long day, huh, lovey? shesaid to the child. Cat, we ve got our first casualty here.We shouldprobably head home. All right.I ll collect Tara and Seth. With children in hand, Cat and Billie prepared to leave butfound their path blocked by Jen and her army, in the personages ofFred, Doc, and Ida. Where do you think you two are going? Jen asked. We ve got a casualty here.We ve got to get her home to bed, Billie replied. No, I don t think so, Ida said. I d like my granddaughterback. Billie raised her eyebrows to her mother-in-law. Don t you give me that look, young lady, Ida scolded. Thisis your wedding day, and the two of you deserve at least one nightalone together.Doc and I will take the children home with us.Youcan collect them sometime tomorrow. Doc drew Billie s attention by clearing his throat. I ve learnednot to cross her when she s in this mood.Best to do as she says. Billie saw the mirth in Doc s eyes. Mom, you already have a full house, Cat said. You let me worry about my full house, Caitlain Maureen.Your father has planned a camping expedition in the backyard withthe grandchildren.It seems only fair that your three be allowed tojoin in the fun. Camping? Seth and Tara said together. Can we roast marshmallows? Seth asked. It wouldn t be camping without it, scout, Doc said. Andbesides, you have to come.I need another guy around with all thesefemales. Billie looked at Cat. Your mom used your full name.Youknow what that means. It means we re fighting a losing battle.And besides, it lookslike we re outnumbered.It might be in our best interest to give in. Billie handed Skylar back to Ida. 238 Good, Jen said
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