Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans Read Free Book Online Page B

Reverence.”
    The priest smiled as much at her cleverness as her sincerity.
    â€œSo he does, my dear.”
    He looked out over the congregation. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this couple in holy matrimony according to God’s holy ordinance. Are there any who object to the union of this couple?”
    There was no response, though Victoria Piper took the opportunity to cough. The priest turned to the bride. “My dear, if you will repeat after me.”
    MaryAnne looked at David affectionately as she repeated the words of the vow until the priest said “till death do us part.”
    David looked into her face as a tearrolled down her cheek. “MaryAnne?” he asked gently. At her name, MaryAnne looked up at David. “Not until death, my love, but forever.”
    David smiled and his eyes moistened. “Forever,” he repeated.
    Catherine wiped a tear from her cheek.
    The priest smiled and continued. “And thereto I give thee my troth.”
    MaryAnne took a deep breath. “And thereto I give thee my troth.”
    The priest then turned to David, who followed him in the oath with the proper and extemporaneous alterations. When they had completed their vows, the priest nodded to Gibbs, who handed David the ring. MaryAnne removed the glove from her left hand and handed it to Catherine, who took it, and delicately folded it in half, then took MaryAnne’s engagement ring and bouquet. MaryAnne offered David her hand.
    David held out the ring. It was an exquisitediamond marquise of extraordinary cut and color, framed with sapphires, and set in a woven, white-gold band.
    MaryAnne was breathless. “David!”
    He smiled at her joy as he slid the ring onto her finger.
    The priest bestowed a final blessing on the couple and the organ roared to life. David stood first, and offering his bride his right hand, helped her to her feet. She took his arm and, after Catherine had turned MaryAnne’s train, they departed down the aisle. David shook a river of hands as they hurried out of the church to a flower-strewn carriage where a formally attired coachman sat waiting. At the couple’s approach, the driver laid a step down and helped MaryAnne and then David into the carriage. He encouraged the horses with a flick of his whip and the carriage lurched forward.
    When they were a distance from the church, David kissed his bride, then leanedback contentedly. “I would like to give you one of your wedding gifts now.”
    MaryAnne smiled. “One of?”
    â€œRemember, my love, now that you are mine, it is my prerogative to spoil you.” He handed her a small box wrapped in elegant white tissue. She tore back the paper, then lifted the lid. Inside lay the teardrop diamond pendant. It shone with exquisite brilliance, reflecting the afternoon sun.
    â€œOh, David,” MaryAnne said softly. “You have made me a queen.”
    â€œNo, MaryAnne. I have merely provided the proper accoutrements.”
    He raised the pendant, reached around her neck, and clasped its golden rope. It encircled her neck beautifully, falling just above her cleavage. She laid her head against his shoulder and looked down at her wedding ring. “I promise you that I will be a good wife.”
    â€œAnd, my love, I promise to be a goodhusband and friend. Your other present is back at our home.”
    â€œOur home,” she repeated softly.

    The wedding-brunch arrangements had been made for the garden, and it had never seen such splendor. No expense was spared. Long-shafted oil lamps with ribbons and orange blossoms tied around their supports decorated the grounds. Peacocks strutted about the yard in full plume between the white-laced tables that dotted the estate. The wedding cake itself was an elegant feat of architecture, six-tiered and bedecked with freshly cut white and peach roses.
    The food was served from the high-pitched, flower-laced gazebo. The menu had been