“I can do that.”
* * *
Carrie’s phone buzzed. When she looked at the Caller ID, she read ‘Unknown Caller. She answered, “This is Carrie.”
“Carrie,” said the voice through the receiver, “I’m not going to be called up this year.”
“Jonathan, you surprised me. Why not?”
“I pulled a hamstring yesterday and they shut me down for the year rather than take a chance on something more serious.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I know how much you were counting on the callup. I guess you’ll just have to wait for spring training. Like Ernie Banks used to say, “Wait till next year.” What are you going to do now?”
“I thought I’d look around and see if maybe there was a wedding I could attend or something like that.”
“Mom told you? We haven’t set a date yet.”
“Yeah, Mom said you wanting me to attend so you were going to wait until baseball was over. So it’s over. I’ll be home on Monday.”
“I can’t wait for you to meet Chip. I hope you’ll like him as much as I love him. He’s my dream come true, Jonny.”
“I’m sure if you like him, I will too.”
“Jonny, I want you to give me away. Will you?”
“It will be with great reluctance that I give you away, sis.”
* * *
“Chip, how are you feeling? Is it all right if I come over?”
“Honey, of course it’s all right. I saw you on TV today. That looked terrible. You did it as well as it could be done and you looked great.”
“Yeah, well I almost lost it. It was terrible. Okay, I’ll be over in about an hour. Love you. Bye.”
“Mom, Jonny’s going to be home Monday. Did he call you? Well he pulled a hamstring and he’s finished for the year. Mom, we don’t have to wait. We can have the wedding whenever. I’m so excited. She began singing, “I’m getting married in the morning, Ding Dong, the bells are gonna chime.” Well, maybe not in the morning but sooner than we thought.”
“I hope you’re not planning to sing at the wedding.”
“Probably not, but I might. I asked Jonny to give me away. He said he would never give me away. Isn’t it wonderful, Mom?”
“I felt sorry for you this morning. We got some of the accident victims in our OR. They had nothing, their clothes were rags, and they were filthy.”
“The accident was the worst thing I have ever seen by far. There were bodies all over the road. They were afraid it might catch fire. The driver of the van wasn’t hurt and climbed out the window and got away. At least they hadn’t caught him when I left the station. “I almost lost my breakfast it was so bad.”
“Well, you really kept your composure. You were very professional, yet your face showed your shock.”
“The producer complimented me on the work. We’re going to work up a special segment on incidents like this and the coyotes and just how bad it is for the illegals. I really feel sorry for them, but I don’t want to just open the gates.
Mom, I’m going over to Chip’s for a while. I want to tell him about Jonny.”
“Okay, be careful.”
* * *
She knocked on the door, which as opened by Mrs. Reynolds. Carrie hugged her. “How are you? Has our boy behaved?”
“Pretty much but he’s getting bored with nothing to do but play video games and watch TV. He saw you all three times today at that accident. I don’t see how you got through it.”
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, Mrs. R. There was so much death and hurting. It was horrible.”
“I thought I heard the voice of my beloved,” said Chip as he rolled into the room. Hi, Honey.”
“Hello darling. I need a hug.”
He obliged.
“I have great news. Jonathan got hurt yesterday.”
“Since when is your brother getting hurt great news?”
“Since it means his baseball season is over and we can get married without waiting until the middle of November. Besides, it was just a hamstring pull. He would have been playing in ten days if it were the middle of the season. Since it’s so late, they shut him down and he’s going to be home next Monday.
“He’s going to walk me down the aisle and give me away. I’m so excited; I could bust, to use poor grammar. I told Mom. Let’s tell Mrs. R.”
She rolled him into the kitchen. His hand covered hers on the arm of his wheelchair.
“Mom, Carrie’s brother was hurt yesterday and his season is over. We don’t have to wait until November.”
“I don’t think we can get everything done before then,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Then we’ll elope,” Carrie said.
“You would too.” said Mrs. Reynolds.
“Yes she would, said Chip. With Carrie behind the chair, both arms draped over her shoulders.
“Now you remember your promise about helping me find a place to stay? Now it will be a place for us.”
“You’re right. We just have to let the moms tells when.”
“The moms as you call us need to get together and talk. Carrie, what’s your mother’s schedule?”
“I’ll let you know.
“Carrie, did you check on the Ranger’s schedule?”
“Yes, and they’re home through next Thursday.”
Chapter 20
Chip was going to therapy twice daily with the weekends off. The therapist had been placing a TENS unit on his calf muscles. The word TENS, sometimes seen as T.E.N.S., stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator. Today, he strapped a different type of unit on the calf near the near. I’m going to give you a jolt to this nerve. He did and the foot jumped. The same thing happened on the other foot. That tells us the nerves and muscles below this are good.
Two days later, with Chip lying on the table, the therapist asked him to concentrate on his big toe on the left foot. “Tell it to move”
The strain showing on Chip’s was an indicator as to how hard he was trying. There was a wiggle to it. That afternoon, there was more motion. Over the next two or three days, there was significant improvement in the motion.
The neurologist confirmed the change by tapping his kneecap with a small rubber hammer. “It is coming back,” he told Chip.
Chip had been keeping the improvement a secret from everyone. That evening he decided it was time to break the news. Carrie had been over for dinner. Following the meal they were sitting in the family room. Chip said, “Honey would you please raise my legs and remove the slippers please.”
“Watch,” he wiggled his toes on first one leg, then the other, and then both. As usual, the women started weeping. Chip’s father joined in the showers of tears. “The neurologist said function is definitely returning. Nest week, they are going to put me between parallel bars and start exercising that way.”
“When did all of this start?” Carrie demanded.
“Three days ago and I saw the neurologist today.”
Carrie was hugging him so tightly he said, “Hey, you’re going to crack a rib.”
She was apologetic having failed to see his grin. She kissed him on the lips. It won’t be long until we can go dancing. Wow, this is the best news since the cardiologist said they had gotten the bullet out.” She stood back to let the parents get there share of hugs.
* * *
The cardio-vascular surgeon had just told Chip, “Mr. Reynolds, all of your tests are back and all look normal. The bullet removal was a success with no collateral damage. I would like to see you again in three months. You may resume normal activity with the exception of heavy lifting.”
“Thank you Doctor, I have no doubt you saved my life twice. There is no way to express gratitude for that.” Chip extended his hand to the doctor, who shook it heartily. He turned to his mother with a big smile pasted on his face. “We made it Mom. I can’t wait to tell Carrie.”
“Thank God that is over. You had an angel sitting on your shoulder son.”
“Yes I did.”
He took out his phone and hit the speed dial number for Carrie. “Honey, I’m good to go. The doc said everything looked good and he won’t need to see me for three months. We made it.”
“Oh darling, things just keep getting better.”
“May I pick you up for dinner tonight?” she asked.
“Yes you may. Love you.”
* * *
Over the next month, Chip’s mobility improved. He was able to ditch the wheel chair and walk a few steps unaided. He continued working as hard as he could. He would not get married in a wheel chair. He would stand to take his vows. Of that he was certain.
* * *
The moms had gotten together and selected October 12 as a good date for the wedding. Since it was the church the Reynolds family attended, Mrs. Reynolds made the arrangements.
The reception following the wedding was to be held at the Wildwood Inn, just off I35. The menu was set; invitations were ordered, received and sent out.
Carrie had selected her wedding gown; Laurie was to be her matron of honor. Carrie would have four bridesmaids. WFFA was going to video tape the wedding, while Carrie’s mother had arranged the photographer. The flowers were ordered. The Fire Station personnel were having a bachelor’s party for Chip. A fire truck was set to transport the bride and groom from the church to the reception, siren wailing, and horn honking.
After the wedding and reception, the bride and groom would depart for a honeymoon in a location not identified to anyone. Carrie had told them they would call when they arrived.
Mrs. Reynolds hosted a catered dinner for the Evans family, Laurie and her family at her home.
Carrie walked around with Jonathan and introduced him to everyone. Chip previously met Jonathan. Jonathan told Chip about his baseball dreams and plans. Chip in turn explained what he did in the fire department and his planned career. They seemed to get along well together.
On the Friday night before the wedding, on the ten o’clock news, the anchor man announced the wedding “of one of their own”; the weather man had prepared a forecast of a long life and a happy marriage. “However,” he said, “Since I only forecast the weather and don’t control it, there is a 70% chance of rain in the afternoon.”
Next, they showed a film clip of Carrie at work and smiling into the camera.
* * *
Carrie awakened early on the day she had been waiting for so long. She went to the door and looked out at the north and west. It was dark and ominous looking. She could see lightning, but heard no thunder. Looking to the east, it was too cloudy so to see the sun. “This is depressing but nothing can spoil this day for me,” she thought.
She went back inside, closing the self-locking door behind her. “Mom, is it bad luck to talk to your fiancé on the day of the wedding?”
“I don’t know but I don’t believe in that. If you want to talk to him, then do it.”
“I am.” She hit the speed dial number for Chip. He answered, she said, “Good morning darling. Are you ready for today? Do you still want to go through with this?”
“Hello honey. I’m still alive aren’t I? Then I still want to get married. Did you sleep well? Are you getting cold feet? The jitters?”
“No, I have none of those. I just wanted to hear your voice. I’ll see you at four or a little after. Bye, I love you.”
“Love you the most,” he said as he hung up the phone.”
She sat at the table with a bowl of honey roasted Cheerios as her brother, his hair all tousled, mouth agape with a yawn, walked in. “Why is everyone one up so early?”
“You’re back among the working people now. We’re up and about early. Besides, we have a wedding to get to this afternoon. I’ve got to get my hair and nails done,” said Carrie.
“So do I,” said his mother.
“Well, I have to pick up a tux. I can’t walk my sister down the aisle in a baseball uniform.”
“You got that right,” Carrie said.
* * *
At the Reynolds home people were also stirring. Chip and his Dad were going to get a haircut; Mrs. Reynolds had her hair done the previous day. She pronounced, “I’m good to go.”
Laurie and her son, Josh came by, Laurie was going to meet Carrie and her mother at 2:30. She was going to help Carrie get dressed while Mrs. Evans checked on the floral arrangements and Carrie’s bridal bouquet. The bridesmaids would be at the church at three. Chip was going to ride with his best man, a fellow firefighter, to the church. His Dad was going to drive his truck, freshly washed and shined to the church and then to the rehearsal. The plans were all set.
There had been a rehearsal the night before so everyone knew their role and their places.
The Wedding
Promptly at 4:00, after the parents of the bride and groom were seated, the singer, a friend of Carrie’s from college, stood off to the side and sang “I Love You Truly”. At the end, she sat down. Carrie and her brother, he resplendent in his white tuxedo, she breathtakingly beautiful in the lacy white wedding gown featuring a long train, and wearing a veil appeared at the back of the sanctuary. The organist stroked the keyboard and the first three notes of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March rang out. The audience turned and an audible gasp was heard as they spotted the bride. Carrie was smiling and it appeared as if there was a golden glow emanating from the gown. She was on the arm of Jonny as they slowly proceeded down the aisle.
When Chip got his first glimpse of her in her gown and veil, he was stunned. He knew she was beautiful, but she looked almost ethereal as she made her way down the aisle with a smile as big as an inverted rainbow and stopped in front of the altar.
The minister looked out over the congregants and intoned:
"Dearly Beloved: We are gathered here, in the presence of God and of this company, that Charles Reynolds and Carrie Evans may be united in holy matrimony. We are here to celebrate and share in the glorious act that God is about to perform, the act by which He converts their love for one another into the holy and sacred estate of marriage.
This relationship is an honorable and sacred one, established by our Creator for the welfare and happiness of mankind, and approved by the Apostle Paul as honorable among all men. It is designed to unite two sympathies and hopes into one; and it rests upon the mutual confidence and devotion of husband and wife.
May it be in extreme thoughtfulness and reverence, and in dependence upon divine guidance, that you enter now into this holy relationship."
"Being assured that your love and your choice of each other as lifelong companions are in God's will and that you have your families' blessings. I now ask. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
Jonathan replied "Her mother and I do."
Jonathan placed Carrie’s hand in Chip’s and then sat down.
"Charles, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Carrie, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?"
"I am."
"Carrie, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Charles, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?"
"I am."
"Charles do you take Carrie to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in holy matrimony? Do you promise to love her, to honor and cherish her, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be to her in all things a good and faithful husband as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Carrie, do you take Charles to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in holy matrimony? Do you promise to love him, to honor and cherish him, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be to him in all things a good and faithful wife as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
“Charles, Please repeat after me:”
"I, Charles, take thee, Carrie, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and
in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. According to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge thee my faith."
“Carrie, Please repeat after me:”
"I, Carrie, take thee, Charles, to be my wedded husband. to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. According to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge thee my faith."
"Charles, what token to you give that you will perform your vows?"
“I offer this ring.”
"Carrie, do you receive this ring in token of the same?"
"I do."
"Carrie, this ring I give to you in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love."
"Carrie, what token to you give that you will perform your vows?"
“I offer this ring.”
"Charles, do you receive this ring in token of the same?"
"I do."
"Charles, this ring I give to you in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love."
"Let us pray: O thou eternal God, who art our Father and our Friend, as you have heard these words of promise just spoken, may the Holy Spirit deepen in the mind of this man and this woman the sense of the sacred and binding power of their vows. And as in Thy Name these words were spoken to make these lives one, may your rich blessing be added. Give them Your grace and guidance that they may loyally fulfill the vows they have taken. May Your joy abide with them always, that thus they may be a blessing to each other, and to those about them, finding in the blessedness of the home life on earth a sample of the happiness of Thine eternal home. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
“Carrie and Charles, please join hands.”
"What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as Charles and Carrie have consented together in holy matrimony, and have witnessed the same before God and this company and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other, and have declared the same by the joining and the giving of rings, I, therefore, by the authority of the state of Texas, pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Loving A Firefighter (Loving Series) Page 11
