As the band starts to play a slow-moving Celtic song, Nettle's cousin Natalie enters holding David's arm. Natalie is wearing a forest green gown and holding a white candle, and David is wearing a black and white 19th century tux in basic black and white.

Alec is standing at the alter with his best man, Willie-- who is in the same 19th century tux-- and Alec is wearing a purple velvet 60s-style tux. Alec looks back to see his parents wander in. He nods to their seats, and his father cocks his finger at him and winks.

As David and Natalie approach the altar, David takes his lit wick that he was holding and lights Natalie's candle. The two take their places at the front.

Next, Tania and Jacob enter with their arms linked, followed by Oswald and Justice. The line of attendants complete, the band suddenly begins the wedding march. Veil stands near the fountain, watching the door.

The room turns to look as a beautiful woman with long, pale blonde hair walks and stands in the doorway. The woman is holding...a joint? She takes a deep drag and looks around and then says, "oh man! sorry!" and runs up to the front and takes her place in the front row.

The woman looks a lot like...Nettle...Alec recognizes her as Nettle's mom. Alec smirks as he watches Nettle's mom.

"So THAT'S where my bag went..." Alec thinks.

Then a couple walk to the doorway-- a radiant Nettle dressed in a pale ivory gown that also appears to have come straight from the 1800s.

She is holding the arm of a man with dark red long hair braided down his back, and a full beard, combed to some order. He looks teary-eyed and proud.

Veil watches Nettle enter and gets teary-eyed.

Alec beams with pride as he watched Nettle walk down the aisle.

Alec mouths the words, "I love you," to her, and she smiles and looks down for a moment as a tear begins to form in her eye.

Father and daughter make their way to the front-- Nettle throwing her mother a dangerous look for a split second-- and then the two hug and Nettle takes Alec's arm.

Ozzie whispers something to Justice, and she stifles a giggle.

Veil smiles at Nettle and Alec.

Nettle smiles at Alec and squeezes his arm tight, handing her bouquet of lilies to Natalie.

Veil: We are gathered in this sacred place to join this man and this woman, life to life and spirit to spirit.

Veil addresses the gathering, and the couple before her in particular.

David watches and smiles slightly.

Nettle moves her hand down so she and Alec are grasping their hands now.

Veil turns to Alec.

Veil: What do you bring to this union?

Alec: I bring love, I bring sacrifice, I bring cherish and honor, and I bring myself.

Veil turns to Nettle.

Veil: What do you bring to this union?

"Wow, man...that was deep...he's a good man," everyone hears Nettle's mom murmur louder than a normal person would.

Nettle squeezes Alec's hand a little tighter and inhales.

Nettle: "I bring my life, my love, my honesty, my trust, and my eternal soul."

"Sharon, shh..." Nettle's father whispers.

Veil nods slightly and looks towards the ring bearer.

Willie looks to Veil and nods.

Veil takes Nettle's ring and hands it to Alec.

Alec looks down at the golden ring made of carved, golden leaves.

Alec: "With this ring, I give to you my heart, my soul, my love. I give to you our future, and all the things that will come. I give to you all that I have ever had-- heart to heart, beat to beat."

Alec takes the ring and slides it onto Nettle's third finger of her left hand.

Nettle keeps her eyes locked on Alec's as she hears his beautiful words.

Veil takes the second ring from the satin pillow in Willie's hands and gives it to Nettle.

Nettle smiles and takes the ring. A gold band made of 5 tiny gold bands linked together by musical notes that write out the first line to "Strawberry Fields Forever."

Nettle takes Alec's hand and looks up into his eyes again.

Nettle: "With this ring I pledge to honor you by giving myself to you and none other, to love you by cherishing who for who you are and never asking you to change, and to share my life with you as we enjoy the present and future-- whatever it may bring."

Nettle slides the ring onto Alec's third finger of his left hand.

Veil: Your vows have been heard by all. These rings, like your vows, are without beginning or end. Now placed, they represent a seal of your love and respect for each other."

Steve looks over to Lisette. "Dig that crazy gown-- that girl is superfine, hey!"

Veil picks up the silver chalice resting on the edge of the fountain and offers it first to Nettle, then Alec to drink from.

Veil: This is your first drink together as husband and wife. May you never thirst.

Veil then tears off a piece of bread from a loaf resting near the chalice and offers some to the couple.

Veil: This is your first food together as husband and wife. May you never hunger.

Veil takes Alec and Nettle's hands in her own.

Veil: I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Alec Gideon. May you grow old together.

Nettle smiles tearfully at Veil and watches her.

Veil: You may now kiss the bride.

Veil smiles through tears.

Nettle turns to Alec with a huge grin.

Alec smiles, takes her in his arms, and kisses her-- tipping her back.

Nettle's mom jumps up and claps and cheers.

David grins.

Steve wipes his eyes. "I get so emotional...skippidy-doo-pow!"

Oswald smiles.

Gretchen smiles fondly at Nettle from her place among the coven and nods approvingly.

Nettle's dad quickly offers Nettle's mom a joint to keep her quieter.

Oswald: All I can say right now is if that damn bouquet lands by me, I will have to go into Quiet for the rest of my life.

Nettle looks up and sees the coven there, and tears start falling down her face.

Nettle's mom waves away the joint and runs up to hug Nettle and then Alec.

Veil steps up to address the crowd.

Veil: "The reception will begin now, if you would care to stand so the ushers can move your chairs..."

"Hey...Alec, right? I guess you're my son now! Groovy!" Nettle's mom exclaims.

Veil sighs with relief as her duty as public speaker is at and end and seeks David out in the crowd.

Alec: "right back at you, babe!"

Steve and Lysette stand and walk over to the couple smiling.

Jason sits near the back, still looking very pale, not fully recovered yet from his recent illness. He has kept himself locked off in his room for the past several months, staying silent in the face of your questions, telling you that the time is not yet right.

Steve takes off his beret.

David smiles and moves toward Veil.

Steve: "All right, all right. That was a nice wedding. I dig that crazy suit your'e wearing Alec."

Nettle looks at the man in surprise and then grins.

Nettle: "These must be your parents, Alec?"

Soon the band is playing and the food and drink laid out on the tables. The arboretum is large, with many pathways through the various plants, herbs, and flowers.

Alec: "Steve, Lysette, this is your daughter-in-law. Nettle."

Nettle wonders what to do, and approaches with a tentative smile-- wondering if she should hug them or not.

Steve and Lysette see Nettle's face and smile. They step up and give her a great big hug. Steve winks at Alec slyly. They turn and give Nettle's parents a hug as well.

Those of you sensitive to these things can sense a faint stream of Prime running through the area.

Oswald looks around.

Sharon and John look surprised but relieved by the open warmth of Alec's parents and hug them back tightly.

Ozzie whispers to Justice, wondering if she wants to move to a more private area.

Steve looks over to the band and whispers something to Lysette. She nods and heads to the car.

"Hey wait, babe! Can I come with you?" Sharon asks.

Lysette smiles, "That'd be groovy!"

"Not yet," says Justice. "I want to see Nettle before she heads out."

The two head to the car. Lysette opens the door and brings out a large case. "Steve never leaves home without these."

Nettle watches the moms leave and smiles.

Justice walks up to Nettle and hugs her. "Your so lucky to have someone like Alec." she says.

John turns to Steve and grins big. "Hear you're from England...same as me. Course, I lost the accent after 30 years..."

Veil takes David's hand in hers and makes her way over to the new couple.

Steve laughs, "Right we have been trying to lose ours, ahh here she is." he says turning to Lysette.

David smiles and walks with Veil, dodging groups of people.

He takes the case and walks up to the band. He motions for the guitar player. He wanders over and Steve whispers something. The guitar player smiles and nods.

"And if you ever get bored with him," Justice whispers conspiratorially. "I'll take him."

Nettle smiles and hugs Justice.

Justice giggles, "I know you won't though."

Nettle: "Thank you so much-- I can't believe we did it. It's like a dream..."

Veil approaches Nettle and waits for her to finish conversing with Justice.

Steve opens the case and sits down as he brings out a pair of bongos. He begins to keep rhythm with the band.

Veil casts another concerned look at David, worried about how tired he still looks.

"I'll see you soon," says Justice to Nettle and heads over to Oswald.

David smiles at Veil "I'm fine, don't worry."

Nettle pretends to look at Justice in shock, and then smacks Alec on the bum. "Bored with this one?? HAHAHAHA!"

Ozzie clucks his tongue. "I thought the bride tossed the flowers, or is that not done here."

Veil forces a smile and squeezes David's hand.

Nettle grins and takes the bouquet from Natalie and tosses it casually to Oswald.

Veil: "We still need to have a talk about you disappearing into the desert for weeks on end without a word..."

Nettle: "You need some luck with Justice, eh?"

Oswald catches it, then throws it over his shoulder. "I don't think so, but thanks for the thought."

David: "Yes...we do."

Nettle's dad deftly catches the bouquet and inspects it to see if there are any smokable flowers in it.

Veil smiles at David again then turns to Nettle.

Veil: Well, Mrs. Gideon. Congratulations!

Veil impulsively hugs Nettle.

Oswald heads out, arm and arm with Justice.

Nettle's mom stands in front of the bandstand and grooves to her own little tune as Alec's parents take over the band.

Nettle hugs Veil tightly.

Nettle: "Oh Veil!! That was such a beautiful ceremony! Thank you so much for doing it!!"

David smiles at Alec and Nettle.

David: "Congratulations, you two.

Nettle smiles and hugs David, as well.

Alec gives David a big hug and a chuck on the shoulder.

Veil smiles.

Veil: "You're welcome�now you two take care of each other! I mean it!"

Veil looks sternly at the two.

Alec: "Thank you, David."

Alec: "You're looking a little pale-- everything all right?"

Nettle laughs.

David chuckles.

"Oh I'll take care of him, all right!" Nettle says, grinning and winking.

David: "Everything's fine."

Alec: "I'll take care of her, Veil..." Alec grins. "Right...that's a promise!"

Alec looks over and notices his dad playing bongos for the first time.

Veil takes Nettle aside a moment.

Veil speaks quietly to her, looking very serious.

Alec: "Crikeys! Does he have to do that everywhere??"

David laughs.

Nettle walks with Veil and watches her carefully.

Lysette looks to Alec and says, "Oh Alec, let your father be. He loves those bongos!"

Nettle looks pale for a moment, and speaks back in hushed tones with Veil.

Tania who is looking quite pregnant now walks up to the lucky couple.

Tania: "You two be careful and good luck."

Veil hugs Nettle again then returns to David's side.

Alec smiles and says, "you three, as well," bending over to put a hand on her belly.

Nettle nods to Veil as they approach the men again.

Nettle sees Tania and smiles suddenly and hugs her tightly.

David smiles at Veil and takes her hand.

David: "That was quick."

Veil smiles.

Tania: "Can you feel? See? She's kicking!"

Nettle: "Oh Tania...I can! How incredible!! Do you have a name picked out yet?"

Tania: "No�not yet. I'll wait until I see her."

Veil watches Tania with a soft expression on her face.

Tania smiles and turns to Veil.

Jason slowly makes his way up to your group, his cat winding its way around the legs of the guests.

Tania: "Veil-- would you like to feel her?"

Veil half smiles and nods.

Veil puts her hand over Tania's belly, breath catching as she feels the movement within.

Nettle smiles and then sees her father holding her bouquet, and walks up to him. Whispering something to him, he smiles and hands it back to her, and she walks back to the group.

Tania puts her hand over Veil's.

"This is a very special child..." Veil half murmurs to herself.

"Of course it is, Veil," Jacob winks.

Veil smiles at Jacob.

Tania smiles and nods at Veil.

Veil: "Right...of course."

Tania puts her arm around Jake and smiles.

Veil grins, shaking herself out of a reverie.

Nettle puts out her hand and touches Veil's arm.

Veil looks at Nettle.

Nettle: "Veil...this is for you. I got a bit carried away with Oswald a while back, but this is meant for you."

Veil blinks.

The band suddenly stops playing. Steve gets up and takes the microphone. "Yeah, that was groovy! But now it's time for the couple to dance."

Veil: "Ahh...thanks Nettle..."

"Let's give a big round of applause to my son and his crazy cat Nettle!"

Veil takes the bouquet and gives her a strange look.

Nettle smiles distractedly at Veil after this announcement.

Nettle: "It's good luck for YOUR future, Veil!"

Alec smiles and takes Nettle by the hand and leads her to the dance floor.

Nettle walks smoothly and gracefully, holding one end of her train in her hand.

The band begins to play the opening line of the couple's song, "Something" by the Beatles.

Steve's voice rings out-- he's not bad!

Veil shakes her head slightly and tucks the bouquet under her arm.

Nettle smiles and holds Alec's hand and puts her other arm around his back. Nettle leans in, "your dad is a good singer!"

Alec smiles. "That's what you get for hanging out with the Trogs!"

Jason leans against one of the walls, looking pensive as he holds his cat.

"Trogs?" Nettle shakes her head and smiles, catching a glimpse of her mom and dad linking their arms around each others' waists and smiling and waving at them.

Finally the song ends, and Steve lets out an, "oooh yeah!"

Nettle laughs delightedly. "Your dad is cool, Alec!"

Alec: "Right. I just wish he wouldn't play those bongos everywhere he went!"

Suddenly the band breaks into an energetic Celtic jig, and Nettle's parents whoops and descend upon the newlyweds.

Sharon approaches Nettle. "You have everything you need for this trip to San Fran, baby?" Sharon grins mischievously.

Nettle grins back and hugs her mom. "You raised me to be the best, Mom!"

Alec gives a thumb's up to Sharon. "Right!"

Tania turns to Jacob.

Tania: "Nice ceremony, wasn't it?"

Veil links her arm through David's and walks with him through the arboretum, speaking quietly to him.

Jacob smiles. "It was."

Sharon grins. "Well, having a mother who is an expert in sensual massage...don't let me down, baby!"

Mother and daughter laugh and hug.

Tania kisses Jacob on the cheek.

Jacob kisses Tania back.

Nettle's dad elbows Alec and grins at the women knowingly.

David walks with Veil, keeping his voice low.

Nettle's mom grins at Alec. "Well, not many people know this, but I'm a bit of a musician myself! Let's see if your father knows "Another Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin!"

Nettle puts her hands to her mouth. "Mom...NOOO!"

John reaches out to stop his wife, but she runs jubilantly up to Steve.

Sharon whispers to Steve and then leans back.

Steve nods, "yeah, I know that! Dig it!"

A few seconds later a loud screeching voice is heard blasting over the microphone, and a eerily accurate Janis Joplin fills the hall.

Nettle turns to Alec in desperation. "Let's take this opportunity to make our exit!"

Alec: "I'm right behind you, baby."

Nettle grabs Alec's hand and dashes for the exit, waving at everything and calling out thanks as they go.

Veil waves goodbye to Nettle and Alec, putting on a brave face.

The song finishes, and Steve hits his bongos twice and calls out, "oh yeah. Love conquers all, baby!"

David waves to Alec and Nettle, smiling.

Nettle leaves her eyes on Veil's for a long moment-- saying everything she can't express in words-- and then Alec is opening the passenger-side door for her.

Nettle gets into the Gremlin, and Alec shuts the door for her.

Nettle's mom comes flying out the front door and waves enthusiastically to her daughter-- John stepping up silently behind her.

Alec waves quickly to the parents, and gets into the driver's side, starts up the car, and they take off into the night-- into their new life together as husband and wife.

return to Nettle's Page!	return to Alec's Page