Author's note: Clay owns himself and his own name. I only wrote the words to the story.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Day Nine - Saturday, December 31

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Early that morning

The alarm on Clay's wristwatch went off, and Clay slowly blinked awake, feeling surprisingly refreshed considering what today was. The day is finally here - today I am marrying Kate, the love of my life. He knew he had a lot to do before they went to the church, so he had planned to get up bright and early. Clay moved to stretch, and suddenly realized that he could barely move. What the... Clay tried to pull his arms out from down by his sides, but realized that something was restricting them - not from within the sleeping bag, but from without. He wiggled a bit to see if he couldn't maneuver his arm free... and suddenly felt a gentle swinging motion, as if he was rocking on a swing or a hammock. What's going on here...? Finally working a hand free, he pushed back the folds of the sleeping bag. Looking around him, he realized that he was suspended from the ceiling hammock-style - sleeping bag and all - with duct tape.

No sooner than he had poked his head out, several camera flashes went off. Clay turned to see Andrew, Kim, Patricia, and even his own Kate with cameras in their hands. "Oh, very funny. Very funny."

Kate grinned at him. "You are a sound sleeper, if you let them do that to you." She shook her head. "The gals would never have gotten away pulling that on me."

"I thought we did pretty good," Kim laughed, her nose wrinkling as Kate stuck her tongue out at her.

Clay blinked at Kate, wondering what mischief the other women would have pulled. Suddenly he realized that Kate was wearing a baseball cap over her hair - something that did not strike him as her style at all. "What did they pull on you?" Clay asked. Slowly Kate pulled off the cap to display her hair. Kate's long tresses had been braided in dozens of small braids, each ranging from about a quarter to a half-inch in diameter. Clay snickered. "Nice..."

"It's not the only thing they did to me," Kate grumbled, glaring at Kim and Sarah, "but it's the easiest one that I can actually show you here and now."

"Oh."

"And that's not even the best prank we pulled." Sarah grinned wickedly as Kate cast a wary glance over at her.

"You don't know about it yet, hon," Kim told the bride.

"Obviously not," Kate said dryly. "What did you guys do?"

Sarah turned to Kim, intentionally ignoring Kate's question. "I bet you dinner on Sunday night that Clay finds it before Kate does."

"You're on."

Kate gave Clay a worried blink. "I don't like the sound of that..."

Clay made a smacking noise with his mouth. He wasn't so sure himself. "Will someone get me down from here?" he asked snidely.

Andrew laughed warmly. "'Smatter, Clay? Feeling a little up-in-the-air about today's events?"

"Har har," Clay grunted. "Let's just say this reminds me a little too much of the prank my band pulled on me the night back in August 2004 I did the RiverPlace Concert at the Bethlehem Musikfest in Pennsylvania." He indicated the sleeping bag with his free hand. "I had curled up in a sleeping bag in my bunk because I was exhausted... and I woke up the next morning unable to get out of my own sleeping bag. They had used electrical tape to tie it up around me like a gunny sack."

"Glad we could give you such fond memories..."

With help from Andrew and Ruben and the rest of the guys, Clay finally found himself back on solid ground. Smiling at Kate he whispered. "Today's the day..."

Unable to help herself, Kate grinned broadly, her eyes sparkling at him. "Yep. We're down to hours now, hon..."

Clay closed his eyes and heaved a happy sigh, exhaling it slowly to calm his nerves. After a minute he opened his eyes back up. "You ready?"

"Oh, yeah," Kate joked. "I'm ready now. Don't I look gorgeous?" She slowly turned in a circle to show off her sleepwear as Clay laughed.

"You always look beautiful to me, honey - even like you look right now. Goofy hair and all."

"Egads..." Kate made a sour face before continuing. "No, I am definitely not ready for the ceremony, at least not physically ready. Too much to do yet." Slowly she smiled. "But I'll be more emotionally and spiritually ready once I have that wedding day devotion you suggested."

"I'm definitely ready for that," Clay told her, taking his bible from her hand.

"Let's go into the den, where it's quiet." Kate pointed towards the door of the den.

"Good idea." He took her free hand and walked with her to the den, sitting beside her on the couch. "Did you have any particular passage in mind to talk about honey, or should I find one?"

Kate chewed her bottom lip. "Our scripture readings for the service are most of the usual ones, so I kind of wanted to do something different. We'll let the pastor talk about Genesis and Ephesians and Mark."

Clay nodded in complete agreement - it would make sense for them to pick a different passage to talk about. "I was thinking that we could do something from the book of Ruth..."

Kate snickered. "You sure you want to do that one, hon? The book of Ruth is little more than one big romance novel."

"And what better way to read a romance novel, than with my soon-to-be wife?" Clay giggled. A light romance was probably a good way to start out their marriage. They could always do the sensual, steamy Song of Solomon later. "Where do you want to start?"

Smiling lightly, Kate opened her own bible. "Beginning works for me. How about we do a chapter a day until we finish it?"

"Okay," Clay nodded as he turned to the first chapter of the book. Ruth was not a long book - if they started this morning, they would finish it Tuesday. Clay promised himself that he would give Kate a call that morning to finish the book, even if they did their entire devotion over the phone.

The couple took turns reading from the first chapter of Ruth, alternating short passages at a time until they had finished the chapter. It didn't take long after that for the two of them to fall deep into discussion, especially with the maps and footnotes in Kate's self-study bible as fodder. The main topics were the unshakable loyalty of Ruth to her mother-in-law (especially considering that the respective nationalities of the two women had been hostile towards each other for many years) and the theme of redemption carried throughout the book.

They were so engrossed in their devotion discussion that they both jumped at a light rap on the frame of the door. Sarah snickered as the couple attempted to catch their breath. "Better start praying and wrapping it up, you two. You've been in here a little over an hour, and both of you still have to shower up before you attack the rest of the day."

"Really?" Clay asked, glancing over at a nearby clock. Sure enough, a full hour had elapsed since they had started. "Thanks, Sarah. I know we could easily discuss this for hours, so it's probably a good thing you let us know."

"Anytime, guys. And try to keep your prayers short too. Cover everything you want to cover, but you don't want to drag that out either."

Clay and Kate nodded as Sarah left. Kate snickered as she glanced at the clock. "I didn't even think to look at that thing, did you?"

"No," Clay confessed. "It was a good discussion." He smiled lightly at her. "You ready to pray?"

"With you?" Kate asked. "Always."

The two clasped each other's hands and bowed their heads. "Father God," Clay began, "we thank you for the start of another new day. For many people all over the world this is the last day of the year. And for us, it is the first day of a new level to our relationship... that of husband and wife. Today you will unite us in the bond of marriage, and our lives will change forever. We ask you to be always present in our marriage, Father, that it may be a strong marriage and an example that others may follow. Give us your mercy, your peace, and your courage to follow you in everything we do. And give us just enough challenges to make us stronger, to make sure that we always seek you in everything we do. Thank you for our families and our friends who are joining us today. Bless them in their own lives and in their travels, that they may also serve you and be an example of your love." Gently squeezing Kate's hand, Clay continued. "I thank you very much for the blessing I have in Kate, Father. Never in my fondest dreams would I have imagined the beautiful and amazing woman you have chosen to give me out of your goodness and love... and I could not be any more blessed than I am with her."

Fighting a sudden lump in her throat, Kate swallowed before she started her own prayer. "Lord, I could not agree more with Clay on what he said and asked about our marriage. We are your servants and your children, and if we can serve you better as man and wife, then I ask you to make us the best man and wife we can be. Give us a love for each other that mirrors the love your Son has for each of us, that He was willing to give even His own life so that we might have eternal life with you. Bless our families, both the ones we are leaving behind and the one we are creating. If we are to have children, Lord, give them to us in the fullness of your time for your timing is perfect. Help them to be happy, healthy, and faith-filled, and help us to be good and loving parents." Slowly she ran her thumbs once over his hands before going on. "Lord, I thank and praise you for the beauty of your creation, especially your beautiful creation that is Clay. Just as the potter molds and shapes real clay into the beautiful creation he knows is right for that material, so you too have masterfully and wonderfully shaped, guided, and molded Clayton into the amazing, faith-filled, compassionate and loving man I have fallen totally and completely in love with. Last night I told him that I am blessed beyond measure to be with him, and I am telling you the same thing now. Thank you, thank you, thank you for my special blessing that could only have been brought about by you. I ask for an extra measure of love, grace, and all other good things you know that I need to be the kind of wife that he needs. Be present at our wedding, Lord, and present in our marriage. All things we ask in your name. Amen." Kate opened her eyes and looked up as Clay also looked up - giving her a clear view of a single tear on his cheek. "Clay?"

Tenderly he reached up and caressed her cheek. "Just wishing the wedding was already here... not seven and a half hours away."

I hear you there... Kate thought. "May I steal a kiss from you?"

Clay firmly shook his head, hiding a smile at Kate's disappointed expression. "You can't steal what I give freely," he told her, leaning closer to place a gentle kiss on her lips.

Several minutes later Kim's voice interrupted them and their shared affections. "Oh, good grief. I thought it was too quiet in here."

The couple broke with matching sighs. "But Kim - "

"Don't 'but Kim' me, mister," Kim retorted. "The two of you need to start getting ready. Come on, break it up and hit the showers." Not taking no for an answer, Kim grabbed Kate's hand and pulled her off the couch.

"I love you, Clay Aiken," Kate said as Kim led her toward the door.

"I love you too, Kate Kirche," Clay called after her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The hotel

"Clay man," Ruben began as he filed into the wedding suite at the hotel with Clay, Will, and Payton, "where you want the flowers?"

Clay studied the room thoughtfully as he placed the sacks that carried their food items on a small table off to the side. "The red and white ones over there on the coffee table, and the purple ones over here on this table." He watched Ruben place the vase of one dozen red and white roses on the table, giving a mental thanks for the tip from Kim that led him to a web site listing the types and colors of flowers and their meanings. While he had already known some of the combinations beforehand, discovering that page had taught him so much more. The red and white roses now on the coffee table symbolized their unity as husband and wife. The purple ones that Will placed on the main table, symbolized fascination or enchantment... or the meaning he wanted to get across tonight, desire. Quickly Clay placed the Martinelli's, two wine glasses, and all the spoilable food in the suite refrigerator before returning to the rest of his supplies. Need to set up the stereo, the candles, the pillows...

Payton sat a box containing the candles on the dresser. "What do you want done with these?"

"Just start setting them up all over," Clay instructed. "Just make sure that wherever you set them up is a safe place. The last thing I want to do is burn the hotel down in the few minutes it takes for us to get from the restaurant to the room."

Will snorted at the sight of a large pile of approximately one dozen pillows laid out on the bed. "Think you got enough?"

"I'll find out," Clay told him, grabbing a handful of pillows and walking over to the gas fireplace. Studying the area in front of the fireplace thoughtfully, he moved the sofa and coffee table back a few feet before placing the first few pillows on the floor and going back for more.

Within moments Ruben and the bodyguards were laughing jovially at Clay's attempts to arrange the scene to his satisfaction. "Dawg, do I even want to know why you're doing that?" Ruben asked.

"I bet I know," Will guffawed as he elbowed Ruben. "What happened the first time they met? They ended up on the floor. What happened the morning of Regis and Kelly? They ended up on the floor. Where were the two of them sitting when he proposed? On the floor..."

Understanding perfectly, Ruben chuckled some more. "'Smatter, Clay? Ya don't think you're even gonna make it to the bed?"

Payton chortled. "I'm starting to think I didn't get him enough stuff at Walgreen's."

"Fine, guys, just keep up that line of teasing," Clay said smartly. "Just remember when you get married that I'm a very resourceful man with a loooong memory."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The beauty salon

Patricia smiled at her friend Carol. "Thank you for setting everything up like this. You're a gem."

"Hey," Carol shook her head. "Anything for you, my friend. After the way you came through for Stan and me two years ago... how could I not help you?" She glanced at Kate. "Is this the bride?"

"This is the bride," Patricia grinned as Kate blushed. "She's getting married today."

"It must be something big," Carol whispered, "to keep this whole thing secret like you have."

"Big, yes," Patricia admitted, then quickly added. "It's not the marriage that needs to be kept a secret... just the wedding."

"I can do that for you without a problem." Just then the rest of the ladies entered the salon, and Carol caught a glance of Faye and Kim. "I see..." she nodded slowly. "If those two are who I think they are, then I understand perfectly."

Kate heaved a deep sigh as she too nodded. "Tonight I am going to be Mrs. Clay Aiken..."

"I recognized them, all right." Carol winked at Patricia. "I am putting my best gals on Kim and your daughter's future mother-in-law. I want only the ones I trust to do a good job and keep their mouths shut doing their hair. As for Kate..." Carol sighed thoughtfully. "Would you rather I do yours or Kate's, and whoever I'm not working on will have Sophie."

"This is Kate's day," Patricia said firmly. "I will be just fine with Sophie. I'd rather put your hands to work on the woman who matters most today."

Kate blushed lightly as Carol nodded. "All right. We'll get the girls to work."

Within moments all the women in the wedding were matched to a beautician. Carol quickly wrapped a beautician's apron around Kate and had her sit in her chair. "Kate, we're going to try to put together the best hairstyle that will both flatter you and fit with your dress. Will you describe your dress for me?"

"It's very Victorian," Kate told her simply. "Sort of an ecru or eggshell color, not a true, bright white white. Long, fitted sleeves with those little pearl buttons down the wrists. Fitted bodice. Neckline up to here," she said, indicating roughly the middle of her neck. "Beadwork all over the place. Average length train. Full skirt, and it will have the poofy thing under it to make it fill out."

"Katydid," Sarah giggled with a raised eyebrow from the next chair over, "you are a poofy thing."

"Hey," Kate protested, "I quit doing my hair like that in the nineties. I don't have eighties hair any more, and if I have my say, I never will again."

Kim laughed. "You had eighties hair?"

"Everyone had eighties hair in the eighties," Kate retorted, "whether you had the poodle look going, or the feathered look going. My hair is so flat the feathered look did nothing for me... so I was a poodle."

Hearing that from Kate made Kim laugh harder. "Good thing you changed it," she teased. "Clay already has a dog."

Sarah raised a single naughty eyebrow. "I would wager that Clay prefers Kate's kisses to Raleigh's any day... no matter what the kisses have in common."

Kate flushed bright red as Kim gasped. "Sarah! Shame on you for saying that."

Ignoring their shock, Sarah changed the subject. "So is Raleigh a sweet dog?"

Kate grinned. She was looking forward to getting to bond however she could with Raleigh. "Yep. Raleigh's his little 'pup star'..."

"Kate!" Kim groaned at the pun.

Carol sighed. "I think I can picture what your dress looks like. It's a very traditional style of dress." When Kate nodded, she asked another question. "Any veil? No? No veil at all? Hmmm..." After a moment's thought, Carol went on. "Good - with no veil to deal with, any hairstyle is possible. You're a very beautiful woman, Kate," she began, ignoring Kate's self-conscious blush, "but we want your hair and makeup to highlight your best features. While it's true that your hair is one of your best features, we don't want that to be the first thing Clay notices. We want Clay's attention to be drawn to your eyes and your smile - one of the first things that anyone who meets you notices immediately." Gently she took Kate's hair and did a little quick on-the-spot experimentation, giving Kate a critical look as she tried variations of updos and styles that left at least part of Kate's hair down. "I think I have it," she announced at last.

Sectioning off chunks of hair, Carol quickly created several large barrel roll curls on top of Kate's head. Once she finished pinning them into place, she used a curling iron to turn the rest of Kate's straight lengths of hair into soft and delicate spiral curls that cascaded down her back and shoulders. Satisfied with the arrangement, she smiled. "Do you have any hair ornaments you wish to use?"

Kate turned to Sarah. "Do you have the stuff we picked up at Hobby Lobby yesterday?"

"Right here," Sarah told her, pointing to a plastic sack in Kim's care. "It's all there."

Kim pulled out a collection of white flowers, hairpieces, and beads. "Here, Kate, these ones are yours."

Carol placed them on her counter and sorted through them thoughtfully. "I think less is going to be more here..." she mused, pulling out some of the smaller pieces to weave and pin one at a time into Kate's swept-up hair.

"Wow," Kim said as Carol stepped back to study her work. "I like that."

"I think we might be finished," Carol told Kate, handing her a mirror so that she could get a look at both the front and the back. "Now we just need to put on your makeup."

"I was just going to wait and put it on at the church," Kate shrugged. "I'm not worried about messing that up like I was my hair."

"Kate, Kate," Kim chided. "You don't let anyone spoil you, do you?"

"Not if I can help it," Kate admitted.

Kim snickered as the beautician working on her hair finished up. "You do realize that Clay's trying to spoil you a little..."

Kate raised a lone eyebrow, remembering the two pairs of earrings from last night. "Ya think?"

Once the women were all finished with their hair and makeup, they loaded up in their vehicles and drove over to the church to get ready. The two mothers started setting up quick munchies in the church social hall for lunch while the others swept Kate into a private room to prepare for the service. As Sarah helped prepare some of Kate's makeup and other supplies, Kim and Amy and Sally assisted Kate with her bridal outfit. In no time at all the women had Kate all zipped up and buttoned into her wedding dress. "Wow," Sally proclaimed. "Kate, you look gorgeous. Clay isn't gonna know what hit him. That outfit's gonna put him into orbit for sure, if he isn't already there."

Kate snickered as she reached for her foundation and sponge. "That's my hope."

"Hold on," Kim told her, wrapping an old towel around Kate's torso to keep anything from getting on the dress. "There. Now you can put on your makeup."

"Of course this would be the morning," Kate grumbled, "that my forehead decided to break out."

"Ooo," Sarah winced. "That's not good."

Kate agreed. "I'm just lucky that it's up near the hairline. My bangs should hide everything." Continuing to put on her makeup, Kate put on a little more than usual but still not so much that it looked unnatural for her. Let's see - base, eyes, cheeks... lips... Sorting through her supplies, Kate grabbed a lip liner and her usual lip gloss.

"Hold it right there, sweetie," Sally protested. "No lipstick? He won't be able to find them if you don't define them."

"Yuck," Kate made a face. "Have you ever tasted that junk?"

"Yes, unfortunately. It's a cross we women all have to bear. Suck it up and put it on."

Kate's nose wrinkled. "Clay's really going to want to kiss me with that foul-tasting... blech all over my mouth..."

"Honey, nothing's gonna stop the boy today, unless we put an electric fence around you. I think he'll want to kiss you no matter what you have on... or what you don't have on." Sally smirked as Kate blushed at the impish innuendo. Taking the lip gloss from Kate's hand, she shook her head. "You want to add color to your lips, not make them blend into your face."

Kate held up the lip liner. "That's what this is for..."

"I still say you need lipstick. Look, is this a wedding day or a whining day? Just do it!"

"I don't own lipstick," Kate grunted, searching back through her stash. "Tell you what though. I do have this." This time Kate held up a container of tinted lip gloss - an item that could provide a compromise for both of them.

Sally studied it for a moment before agreeing. "Whatever. Just do it. He's not gonna kiss anything unless you hurry up."

Kate cast a mild glare at her cousin. "I will if you quit kibitzing..."

Finished with her makeup, Kate turned to Kim and Sarah in time to get her first look at the bridesmaid dresses they had picked out. "Nice..." she told them.

Sharing a warm glance with Sarah in her tasteful two-piece lavender dress, Kim slowly turned a circle so that Kate could see her own better. The main dress was a basic tank dress with an ankle-length hemline, and the second part of the outfit was a long-sleeved jacket to keep the winter chill off of their arms. Discretely studded with rhinestones, the women's attire magically balanced elegant and sexy. "I'm glad you like our taste," Kim replied.

A dreamy smile lit Kate's face. "I wonder what Clay's going to be wearing..."

While the women had just finished preparing their outfits for the ceremony, the men had just arrived from preparing the setup at the hotel. After a few brief moments of searching in vain for Kate to share a simple "I love you" with her, Clay grumbled and followed Brett to the room where the men would be changing. Andrew and Brett had already set up the tuxedoes for Clay and Ruben in the men's changing room, and the two of them got to work. Brett studied his brother as he put on his white tux and tails. "Has Kate seen the episode of Saturday Night Live where you wore an outfit like that?" he asked.

"Knowing her mother, probably." Clay adjusted his jacket as he recalled the conversation out in L.A. where Kate realized her mother's supposed addiction to Clay was actually a fact-finding mission for her daughter. Patricia had been the Clay media hound of the family, seeking out all of Clay's video clips and written interviews to share with her too-busy daughter... it was almost a guarantee Kate had seen that one. Turning back to his duffel, Clay pulled out a much smaller ring box where he had placed Kate's wedding band for safekeeping. He opened the box and gazed for several moments at the ring, marveling how the day was finally here at last.

"Nice ring," Ruben said, peeking over Clay's shoulder. "It's so small, though."

"You have bigger hands than she does," Clay told him.

"That much is obvious."

Clay grinned wickedly - he had been teasing, of course. "Kate really does have smaller hands than you or me. Her fingers are long, but they're slender." He carefully held up the wedding ring. "This is a size six and a half."

Ruben's eyes bulged. "Man, I couldn't fit that on my pinky."

"I know. Like I said, it's small." Placing it back in the box, Clay handed the entire box to Ruben to trust in his care. "That's why I'm giving it to you in the box - it'll be harder to lose track of that way."

"You got it, man."

Clay pulled the box with his new bracelet from Kate out of his duffel. "Brett, would you help me put this on? I want to be wearing it at the ceremony instead of the old one." Happy to help, Brett assisted Clay in removing the old black "W.W.J.D." bracelet and putting on the new gold ID bracelet from Kate.

Once the gold bracelet was on Clay's wrist and the black one safe in Clay's luggage, the three men left the room and headed into the kitchen downstairs in the social hall to grab a quick lunch. Clay quickly scanned the room - Kate wasn't here either. He sighed and walked over to where Brett and Ruben had already started to claim food for their lunch. Faye and Patricia had put out sandwiches and chips and pop, things that took little preparation and wouldn't make much of a mess in the long run.

Brandishing a handful of camera equipment, Andrew snapped a few digital photographs of the guys eating lunch. "How's it going, bro? Got everything set up at the hotel?"

Clay nodded around a mouthful of sandwich. He swallowed and spoke. "As much as we can beforehand. When we're getting ready to leave the reception, I need to give my contact person a call so that they can key into the room and finish the last-minute things while we're changing from our wedding clothes into something a little less likely to draw attention at the hotel."

"Yeah, people would notice if you and Kate walked into the hotel in wedding attire," Andrew nodded. "People tend to notice a couple in wedding attire checking into a hotel anyway... I can imagine their reactions if they saw that it was you."

"We'd get no privacy the rest of the evening..." Clay glanced up at Andrew. "You seen Kate yet?" he asked eagerly.

"Not since the gals arrived from the hair place," Andrew admitted. "What little I saw looked nice. But if you mean, have I seen what she looks like now, no. Kim came out fifteen minutes ago and got a tray full of food for her and Sarah and Kate." Andrew snickered. "She didn't want to take a chance of you catching a glimpse of Kate before it was time, and she thought Sarah should stay off her feet as long as possible until the ceremony."

Clay squinted at Andrew. "So when am I finally going to see my bride? The ceremony?"

Andrew chuckled warmly. "No, no... you'll see her before then. Remember, I'm the one taking your pictures." He patted one of his other cameras. "Kim told me earlier that she wants to set up the moment you guys see each other for the first time."

Ah... At last Clay understood. "She wants to do the same thing today that she did to us in California the night of the movie premiere."

"You mean," Ruben began, grinning wickedly, "bringin' you two out with your eyes covered while our man Andrew here is filmin' and tellin' you when to open your eyes so he can get your reaction."

"She has to get 'our man Andrew here' in on the plan."

Andrew chortled. "She already got me in on it."

Clay rolled his eyes. Why am I not surprised...

The three guys finished their lunches as they held a bit more conversation with Andrew. Clay glanced at his wristwatch. "What time did you want to get started?"

"We can start now, if you're ready." Andrew glanced at his own watch. "I'll knock on the gals' door as we go by so they know we're on our way up to the sanctuary."

As Andrew told the gals through the door that they were headed up, Clay and the others walked upstairs to the sanctuary. This is it this is it this is it, Clay thought to himself. This is the afternoon that Kate and I get married. I've been waiting all my life for this day. He fidgeted, rocking back and forth on his feet nervously as he waited for Andrew - and possibly Kate - to join them.

Andrew bounded into the sanctuary and handed the video camera to Ruben, whom he had given instructions to earlier on how to run his camera. "Close your eyes, Clay."

Argh... Clay grumbled under his breath but complied. He knew that seeing Kate in her dress for the first time would be completely worth whatever wait he went through.

Pretty soon he heard Kim's gentle voice speaking in low tones and Kate's muffled girlish giggle. Immediately he knew that she was looking forward to seeing him as much as he was her, and he couldn't help but smile. "All right," Kim said, speaking to Kate. "You're in the aisle. Sally and I will walk with you every step of the way until we get you to Clay."

"Does he look nice?" Kate asked shyly as a soft rustling noise accompanied them down the aisle.

"Oh yeah!" Sally told him, eliciting a contented sigh from Kate.

"Brett," Clay whispered to his brother. "How does Kate look?"

"Beautiful," Brett said simply. "She looks beautiful."

Clay stifled the desire to moan. The anticipation was killing him.

The soft rustling noise of Kate's dress came closer and closer until Clay knew that she stood about three feet in front of him. He beamed broadly, eager to finally open his eyes. But Kim didn't give them the signal yet. "All right, Kate," Kim said as she took Clay's hand and pressed Kate's into it. "Step a little closer... a little closer... a little more... there." Clay flushed gently as he realized that Kate was now directly in front of him - he could literally reach out and touch her if he wanted. And boy, did he... As if she knew what was on his mind, Kim gave them more instructions. "Go ahead and take her into your arms, Clay. I can see on your face that you want to."

"The feeling's mutual, I'm sure," Sally giggled in her best blonde-bombshell voice. Kim glanced uncertainly at Sally from the side of her eyes. Catching the look, Sally whispered into Kim's ear, "I'm the comic relief of the family, if you can't tell."

Clay eagerly obeyed Kim's directive with a shaky breath, noting that she too took him into her warm embrace. When the answer to all my dreams is as close as a touch away... he sighed.

"All that white makes the two of them look like a big cotton ball," Sarah joked.

"Hey now," Kim chided.

"Enough teasing already," Kate told them. "I know how much I want to open my eyes and I'm betting he feels the same way. Are you gonna let us, or are you just gonna make us stand here a while?"

"Oo, there's a thought," Sally murmured.

Pausing to take Kate's retort in and formulate a plan, Kim didn't answer right away. "Why don't you guys kiss each other first - and then you can open your eyes."

"Even better," Sally agreed. "But if what I saw last night was any indication, you'll never pry them apart long enough to get their first reaction."

Ignoring her, Clay leaned down to kiss Kate. Since he had already closed his eyes long before, he wasn't entirely sure where her lips were. Miscalculating slightly, his nose collided gently with hers.

"Cute, guys," Sarah quipped. "Give us a real kiss. Eskimo kisses don't count."

You don't have to tell me twice. Turning his head slightly to find her lips, Clay placed his kiss exactly where it belonged in the first place. Kate inhaled deeply and pulled Clay closer.

"Now you've done it," Sally told Kim. "I recognize that stance - unless we do something drastic, we're never going to pry them apart again."

Kim nodded. "You're right, I should have known those two better than that."

Sally waited a moment for the two of them to come up for air. "Clay, she spent too much time on her makeup for you to kiss it off in less than five minutes. You'd better leave her some lip gloss for the ceremony." When Clay and Kate paid her no attention, Sally put her hands on her hips and scowled at them, raising her voice to the point where her accent thickened noticeably. "Am I gonna have to go get a hose to cool you two off?"

Ending the kiss with a wistful sigh, Clay leaned his forehead against Kate's to catch his breath. Only a few more hours, and their wedding would begin... they would take that final step to become man and wife. Finally breathing normally again, Clay opened his eyes only to have his breath once more stolen away from him. His eyes widened as his head started reeling at the vision of beauty in front of him. Back on the night of his movie premiere in L.A. Kate had met him in the living room looking stunning beyond belief. Somehow today Kate had surpassed that, looking not only breathtakingly beautiful from the purely male perspective but also appearing somehow ethereal. Her eyes lit up in a way that Clay had seen before but had never seen with quite the same intensity as he did now. Clay could see the pure beauty of her soul through those very eyes, and it was affecting him like nothing else ever had. There was absolutely no doubt now in Clay's mind that Kate loved him for him exactly as he was, that she would believe in and support and treasure him for the rest of their lives. And he could hardly wait to start the rest of their lives together, whenever that would be.

Kate's heart threatened to pound its way through her chest as she stared awestruck into Clay's open and vulnerable green eyes. While it was true that she had seen the SNL clip of Clay wearing the white tux before, there was something about seeing it, seeing him, in person that made her completely weak in the knees. Maybe it was the utter reality of seeing such a beautiful man in front of her. Maybe it was the natural charisma that one felt upon being with him. Maybe it was the expression of total love and devotion in his eyes, an expression that was focused solely on her. While Kate knew that she would not and could not be his everything, she wanted nothing more than to love him with every ounce of her being for the rest of their lives. She would certainly love him for the rest of her life, since there was no other man like Clay. Today wasn't soon enough to start showing him the depth of her love as far as Kate was concerned, and she knew that the next six months apart from him were going to be the most miserable six months of her life.

"Break it up, man," Ruben said, clapping a beefy hand on Clay's shoulder. "We need to get this started so that the two of you can hurry up and get married."

Clay swallowed a lump in his throat, blinking out of his reverie. "Thanks, Ruben."

Setting them up in front of the church, Andrew started taking pictures of the couple with his camera. Between his own shots, he gave plenty of time for their friends and family (who had since snuck into the room) to take their own pictures. Occasionally he would rearrange the couple for a more artsy shot, knowing that both the couple and Clay's fans would die for poses like those.

Finally he started bringing up other people from the wedding party, arranging them for group shots. Sarah adamantly refused to use her crutches for the photographs, forcing Andrew to come up with creative arrangements so that she could stand on her own, look natural doing it, and still be seen because of her short height. Once those photographs were out of the way Andrew dismissed the wedding party and called up the rest of Kate's family. After arranging everyone, Andrew handed the camera to Ruben with the knowledge that the singer was going to be taking pictures quickly while his kids were still attentive. Finished with a handful of pictures of Kate's family, Andrew called up Clay's family. With Faye and Clay's siblings gathered around the couple, Andrew snapped those photos as well. Quickly adding Kate's family back into the shot, Andrew arranged everyone and handed the camera back to Ruben.

The family photos finished, Clay and Kate took a deep breath as Andrew placed another roll of film in his camera. "All right, guys." Ready for action once more, Andrew put down the camera. "Put on the wedding rings you're giving each other so I can take a picture of your hands."

Clay turned to Ruben, who pulled out the two ring boxes from each of his tux jacket pockets. Taking the one he was giving Kate, he closed the box and handed it back to Ruben. "I've got yours right here, honey. Do we want to practice putting them on, so that it goes a little more smoothly later?"

"It probably wouldn't hurt," Kate agreed. Holding her hand still, Kate smiled slightly as Clay gently slipped the ring on her finger. "My turn."

"Yes - I finally get to see my ring." Clay held out his hand while Kate slid the band onto his ring finger. Once the ring was on, Clay brought his hand near to his face to study it closely. "Oh wow..." he breathed, getting his first look at the ring that Kate had chosen for him. The gold band was intricately carved, a series of crosses within circles alternating with what were likely palm branches or wheat heads running diagonally. This design in silver repeated itself all the way around the ring, framed by two tiny rims on the edges of the ring. "I-I..." Clay began, completely speechless. "Wow. This is beautiful, honey."

"I'm glad you like it," Kate blushed. Then her expression turned serious as the two of them gave the rings back into Ruben's safekeeping. "I'm glad it got here on time for the wedding..."

Clay giggled warmly as he took her into his arms. "It's my own fault for giving you only a week's notice." He ran his fingers over Kate's cheek in a light caress. "Speaking of beautiful... you are absolutely breathtaking, honey. I know I'm having a hard time breathing every time I look at you today."

"You look amazing too," Kate whispered, shyly eyeing him. "Amazingly gorgeous and handsome."

Noticing her bashful glance, Clay gazed deeply into her eyes. Captured by Kate's sheer vulnerability, he felt himself pulled in towards her as if on an invisible line, closer and closer until -

"Ah-ah-ah," Andrew chided, interrupting the almost-certain kiss. "The ceremony's in a half hour. I think the two of you can wait until after it's over to steal more kisses."

Heaving a disappointed sigh, Clay frowned. Kate pouted at her brother, and Clay snickered. Considering that we both wanted to... Quickly he leaned forward the rest of the way and brushed her lips with his. "I love you," he breathed.

"I love you," Kate returned in kind as Kim and Sally whisked her out of the sanctuary.

Fortunately Ruben and Brett had plenty in mind to keep Clay busy. Guiding him back into the sacristy up front, they invited him to join them in prayer. It worked; the time passed surprisingly fast before it was about five minutes to ceremony time.

Pastor Sullivan smiled at the nervous groom. "You ready for this?"

It took Clay less than a minute to come up with his reply. "Yes. A hundred, a thousand times yes." With that firm answer, Pastor Sullivan beckoned the men to join him out front for the ceremony. Clay followed the pastor from the sacristy to the front of the church, Ruben and Brett trailing behind him. He fidgeted with his hands, waiting as the organist played the last few bars of the prelude before the processional. This is it, Clay breathed. This is the hour we become man and wife. Clay had been hoping and praying all his life to find a woman like Kate, and God had brought him to her through her letters and her cards and emails and all the phone calls they had exchanged. Within a few moments of reading her first letter, he could see that she was someone special... and over time he had been privileged to see how special. She was the most amazing and incredible woman he had ever known, and she saw him as something special! She saw him exactly for who he was... It hadn't taken him long to decide he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. While it had taken him several years to fall in love with her, it had taken only a week to know that she was The One. The One he wanted to make his wife. I've been waiting forever for this... he hummed under his breath as the organist prepared for the processional music.

Kate held tightly onto her father's arm, taking deep breaths to keep her nerves under control. This is it, Kate exhaled slowly. This is the hour that the most amazing Christian man I have ever known makes me - me! - his wife. She glanced down at the lavender-colored roses in her hands, smiling at the memory of the first time she had met Clay face to face. When they met at the airport, he had given her lavender-colored roses - lavender symbolizing enchantment or fascination... and desire. The next seven days had changed her life. Clay's tender love and affections had given her the strength to finally share and confront her darkest secret... and had encouraged her to finally get the help she needed to overcome it. As soon as he had accepted the truth about her, she had known that he was The One for her. Only The One would be able to see through her past and her emotional baggage to see her and accept her for who she was and love her just like that. The One whom she wanted to love and cherish the rest of her life... as her husband. An old love song played in Kate's head, one by Mary Chapin Carpenter... Grow Old With Me. Kate was looking very much forward to growing old and gray at Clay's side.

Arthur squeezed his daughter's hand as the first few notes of the processional rang through the church. "Are you ready for this?" he asked her.

Her eyes misted gently as she nodded - Kate was very ready to become Clay's wife. "Yes," she breathed hoarsely as Sarah and Kim both smiled at her. "Yes, I am."

"Then let's do it," Arthur whispered. "Your mother and I are very happy for you. You couldn't have found a better man than Clay."

Kate nodded, biting her lip to keep the tears back.

"Hey, none of that," Kim scolded gently. "Leave yourself some lip gloss to kiss him with."

"All right," Kate giggled. Kim walked down the aisle first to meet Brett, who escorted her the rest of the way up front. Sarah followed behind to meet up with Ruben, who absolutely dwarfed her as he escorted her to the front. Kate sent Alyssa up next, smiling as Sarah coaxed her to join them. Kate heaved a deep breath - it was now their turn. Here we go... I'm marrying the most amazing man I know. The thought immediately made Kate smile as she and her father started down the aisle.

Clay's eyes turned from Alyssa towards the back of the church where Kate and Arthur came towards them. Seeing her warm and happy smile, Clay felt his breath catch in his lungs at the look of complete love and adoration in her eyes. And the look was just for him... His emerald green eyes sparkled with the intensity of his own love for Kate as a broad smile spread across his face at the sight of his beautiful bride. It was all he could do to keep from crying tears of joy even now. As Kate came closer, he could see that she fought to keep her control too. He continued to smile as he walked down the aisle to meet her and her father at the designated spot. Arthur and Kate took a moment to exchange a poignantly touching hug before he turned to Clay. As agreed, the two men shook hands until Arthur pulled Clay into a hug of his own. Clay embraced him back - it was very good to have a father figure back in his life again. At Arthur's subtle signal of acceptance, Clay extended his arm to Kate. She took his arm, and the two of them walked up to the front where Pastor Sullivan stood.

"Dearly Beloved," Pastor Sullivan began. "We are gathered here, in the presence of God and of this company, that Clayton and Kathryn 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, instituted and 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, discretion and soberness, and in dependence upon divine guidance, that you enter now into this holy relationship."

Pastor Sullivan addressed Clay. "Clayton, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

Clay squeezed her hand, turning to meet her eye. "I will."

Looking to Kate, Pastor Sullivan addressed her next. "Kathryn, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you both shall live?"

Kate nodded slowly but firmly. "I will."

Giving a warm smile, Pastor Sullivan looked up at the congregation made up of their families. "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?"

Arthur stood with Patricia at his side. "Her mother and I do."

Pastor Sullivan once more read from his service manual. "The apostle Paul compared the relationship between husband and wife to that between Christ and the church. Marriage is a decision of two individuals to share the same type of pure, Christian love described by Paul.

"1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....

"This kind of love enriches each part of life and marriage enriches love. Two lives, shared with this kind of love, can hold more fulfillment and happiness than either life alone."

The group sang a hymn from the hymnals in the pews, and the pastor read the scripture lessons, all chosen by Clay. Pastor Sullivan read from Genesis 2:18-24, Ephesians 5:21-33, and Mark 10:6-9 before delivering their short wedding homily.

With the homily finished, Clay briefly excused himself from Kate's side. Hiding his amusement at Kate's puzzled reaction, he walked over to the piano sitting at the side of the sanctuary as Sally joined him there. Clay glanced back up at Kate and gave her a wink before returning his attention to his task at hand. Sally laid out the accompaniment to the solo, which she had seen for the first time that morning, and gave Clay a nod. He nodded back to let her know he was ready, and Sally started to play. Listening through the piano accompaniment, Clay waited for his cue before opening his mouth to sing.

Smiling warmly at Sally and mouthing a 'thank you', he returned to join Kate back in front.

Pastor Sullivan once more addressed Clay. "Clayton, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Kathryn, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?"

Briefly Clay nodded. "I am."

Turning back to Kate, Pastor Sullivan spoke to her. "Kathryn, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Clayton, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?"

Kate squeezed his hand, knowing that after this came their vows. "I am." At the nonverbal cue, Kate handed her flowers to Sarah, who had already passed hers to Kim. Following another set of instructions, Clay and Kate turned to each other and clasped hands.

Scanning his service manual, Pastor Sullivan started to ask Clay a few key questions. "Clayton, do you take Kathryn 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? If so, answer 'I do'."

Clay blinked back the tears that were starting to build. "I do."

Pastor Sullivan turned to give Kate the same list of questions. "Kathryn, do you take Clayton 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? If so, answer 'I do'."

Sensing Clay's emotion, Kate swallowed the lump that had collected in her throat. "I do."

"Each of you in turn, repeat after me," Pastor Sullivan instructed them.

Doing as the pastor had told him, Clay began reciting his vows phrase by phrase. "I, Clayton, take you, Kathryn, to be my wedded wife..." His voice cracked as soon as he saw the first tear run down Kate's cheek. He paused in the middle of his vows, squeezing Kate's hands warmly as he too could no longer stop the tears. Kate... I love you so much... I want to be with you no matter what... no matter what happens. Kate supportively squeezed his hands back, and Clay smiled as the two of them spoke volumes without saying a single word. After taking a minute to shore up his strength, he continued in spite of his tears and Kate's. "...to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. And I pledge to you my wedded love and faithfulness."

Kate once more squeezed his hands, smiling at him around her own tears. In spite of the fact that she was crying madly, Kate was determined that she would get through her vows. As Clay had done before her, she repeated her vows phrase by phrase after the pastor. "I, Kathryn, take you, Clayton, to be my wedded husband." Noticing that Clay bit his lip in a vain attempt to halt his own private Niagara, Kate took a slow, deep breath. I love you, Clayton Aiken. I will always love you... I will always be with you, no matter what life throws our way. Only death will part us now. After that brief pause, Kate picked up where she left off as the tears continued to roll down their faces. "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. And I pledge to you my wedded love and faithfulness."

Letting go of one of her hands, Clay pulled a white cotton handkerchief from his jacket pocket and gently pressed it into the same hand. Instead of drying her own tears first as Clay expected she would do, Kate reached up and sponged the tears from his face. Clay gazed lovingly at her, smiling warmly as she dried his cheeks first. Honey... women don't get any more beautiful than you. Taking the handkerchief from her, Clay tenderly dabbed away Kate's tears from her cheeks and chin before placing the handkerchief back in his pocket for later.

Pastor Sullivan smiled at the wholly loving act the couple had just exchanged. Even in the simple things, they showed care and consideration for each other. Between their emotional, heartfelt vows and their gentle ministrations to each other, there was hardly a dry eye in the room. Turning towards the altar, Pastor Sullivan gave a wedding prayer. "Father in heaven, You ordained marriage for your children, and You gave us love. We present to You Clayton and Kathryn, who come this day to be married. May the covenant of love they make be blessed with true devotion and spiritual commitment. We ask that You, God, will give them the ability to keep the covenant they have made. When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity; when mistrust is a temptation, give moral strength; when there is misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness; if suffering becomes a part of their lives, give them a strong faith and an abiding love. Amen."

Holding out his service book to Ruben, Pastor Sullivan collected the rings from him. Once more Pastor Sullivan turned back to the couple and the congregation. "It is a Christian custom to exchange rings as a symbol of love between a husband and wife. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. As the rings have no end so your love should have no end. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. As the rings are made of gold symbolizing purity, so should your marriage have purity. As often as either of you see them, you will be reminded of this moment and the endless love you promised. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken." Pastor Sullivan once more turned towards the altar to pray. "Bless, O Lord, these rings, that both the giver and the wearer may abide in your peace, and continue in your favor, unto their life's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Finished with the blessing prayer, Pastor Sullivan gave Clay and Kate the opportunity to pick up the ring for the other person.

Prompted by Pastor Sullivan, Clay carefully slid the solitaire's mate on Kate's slender finger. "Kathryn, with this ring, I thee wed."

Making sure the wedding band was facing the right direction, Kate took great care in slipping the ring onto Clay's finger. "Clayton, with this ring, I thee wed."

"And now," Pastor Sullivan began, "let us participate in another symbolic act. Life is full of many such actions that speak to us of a deeper meaning that we cannot always put into words. You have used ancient symbols in this wedding service-the exchange of rings, the clasping of hands, the bearing of flowers. By such things you act instead of speak in regard to your promises. Now each of you will take a candle. And together you will light one larger candle. This is a vivid reminder that in true Christian marriage our lives are merged, even as we remain individuals. This is a symbolic prayer that God will enhance your own personhood and bless your uniqueness as individuals: but that God will also make of your hands ONE hand...of your hearts ONE heart...and of your lives ONE life."

Clay and Kate slipped around the altar to the short candelabra on the other side where the unity candle and the two matching tapers were placed. Taking the lit tapers, they lit the central unity candle as Kim and Ruben sang a duet. Once the unity candle was lit, Clay and Kate returned to their spots in front of the altar.

Pastor Sullivan waited until the duet was completed before leading the congregation in a special wedding prayer for the couple. He gave thanks for the couple, and for their families and friends, asking blessings upon them as individuals and as a gathering. He also asked for blessings and grace for the couple in the days, months, and years ahead, saying very bluntly that their marriage would be a challenging one with their unique situation but that with God's help it would indeed remain strong.

Finished with the prayer, Pastor Sullivan turned back to the congregation. "What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. For as much as Clayton and Kathryn 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 Nebraska, pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Pastor Sullivan cast an amused glance at Clay. "In the words of the apostle Paul, 'Greet one another with a holy kiss.'"

With a light giggle, Clay tipped Kate's chin up with a single finger. Carefully he placed a gentle kiss on her lips - their first kiss as husband and wife. Breaking it long before he wanted to, Clay gave Kate a broad smile that was immediately returned. There would be time for much more of that later.

"Beloved in the sight of God..." Pastor Sullivan began, "it is my honor and pleasure to introduce to all of you Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Aiken."

If that isn't the sweetest music to my oversized ears, Clay thought as he smiled warmly at Kate amidst all the applause from their families and friends, then I don't know what is.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In a secluded party room at one of the local restaurants

Fidgeting absentmindedly with her fingers, Kate waited with the rest of the wedding party for the serving and kitchen staff to finish preparing the food setup nearby. The group had arrived about fifteen or twenty minutes ago at the restaurant, and while most of the family could just walk in through the front door the newlyweds and the singers didn't have that luxury. With the manager's pre-arranged approval and assistance, the group and their bodyguards slipped into the party room through the back entrance of the restaurant. Kate had laughed the whole thing off as a grand adventure, knowing that this was the only time she would sneak into a place wearing full wedding regalia. After today, she would have the remain-unnoticed advantage of normal street clothes.

Kate sighed longingly as she studied Clay's brows and eyelashes. She was looking forward to later on this evening more than she cared to admit. They had become close, very close, over the past two and a half years - they were more than friends, they were best friends, confidants... soul mates. Kate wanted very much to take the next, natural step in their relationship - forming and cementing the kind of bond that comes only through physical intimacy with someone. Taking Clay's hand, she threaded her fingers in between his, smiling warmly as she felt him give her hand a loving squeeze.

Clay blinked with surprise as he stared at one of the other tables. "When did my manager sneak in?"

"While you were back in the sacristy with Ruben and Brett," Kim offered. "Don't worry, Clay, Andrew took care of things."

"I see this," Clay noted as his manager chatted with Clay's mother and Kate's parents and brother. Giving Kate's hand another squeeze, he leaned close and kissed her on the cheek. "We're going to have to go over and say hi later. I'd better introduce you, or I'll be in big trouble once I get back to L.A."

Meanwhile Sarah became restless. Turning to a sack of supplies, she grabbed a few things out of it and hid them behind her back as she carefully stood up. "While we're all waiting," Sarah announced as she hobbled over behind the couple, "I want to share with the two of you a token of our love and affection."

Clay turned towards Sarah just in time to see her place on Kate's head a paper crown with rabbit ears attached - labeled bride. "Oh no, you can't be serious!" he protested. When Sarah came towards him with a rabbit-ear crown of his own similarly labeled groom, Clay broke into helpless laughter. "Sarah Daniels! What makes you think we're going to do anything tonight?"

Will guffawed merrily. "You gotta be kidding me, Aiken. I've seen the way you two have been acting this week. We all have."

Sarah snorted and lifted the back of Kate's hair to show her bruise to all. "I have a hard time believing that the man who left this on my best friend would remain celibate on his wedding night." Noting Clay's guilty blush, Sarah continued gleefully. "Especially after the hot and heavy exchange you two had in front of the fireplace on Tuesday afternoon."

"Hey!" Kate squawked, pulling her hair back over her neck. "Don't forget that your time is coming, sweet cheeks."

Raising a single eyebrow, Sarah smiled smugly. "Bring it on."

"Do I even want to know how it got back there?" Sally asked, staring at her cousin with surprise. "Is that what happened in front of the fireplace?"

"No, Sally, you don't want to know..." Kate glared up at her maid of honor. "... And Sarah isn't going to tell you."

Sarah placed her hands on her hips. "Try me."

The silence reigned for a moment while Kate and Sarah stared each other down. It was broken at last by a low whistling - Andrew whistling the camp song "Little Rabbit Fufu", which he knew that Kate would immediately recognize.

Kate heaved a tolerant sigh. "And so it begins..."

"And just think, honey," Clay drawled, "we haven't even had our first night together."

"I can hardly wait..."

Kim hugged the couple from the back. "We know we have to tease you and play jokes on you now because we know we won't see you tomorrow."

"Why not?" Kate asked.

Kim rolled her eyes. "After the conversation you and Sarah just had, I'm not even going to dignify that one with an answer."

Of course Kate knew that Kim was right - with the two of them parting on Monday, they planned to spend every minute tomorrow alone... savoring it to the fullest.

With the buffet table finally ready, Arthur captured the group's attention for a prayer. He gave a heartfelt prayer for the newlyweds and their relationship, asking for strength and guidance for their relationship in the years ahead, and also asking for blessings on their families and friends who would have the task of praying for them and helping keep them strong. Finished with the prayer, Arthur told Clay and Kate and their attendants to start going through the line.

Kate walked towards the buffet table and found her progress halted by something pulling on the bottom hem of her dress. She turned to glance at her hem and found Clay's shoe once more planted on the hem. Upon arriving at the restaurant, Kate had immediately switched her high-heeled shoes for some fitted slippers. While her feet were much more comfortable, the dress that barely swept the ground while she was in heels now dragged on the floor... which she quickly found out as her new husband kept stepping on the hem of the dress. It was funny the first time or two Clay did it, but after three or four times Kate was starting to become annoyed. "Clay..." she protested.

Immediately Clay moved his shoe. "I'm sorry, honey."

"This is something like the fifth time you've stepped on that dress," Kim teased Clay.

"I know," Clay grumbled, scowling at the offending garment. "And believe me, honey, I can't wait to get you out of that dress."

As soon as the words were out of Clay's mouth, everyone within earshot started laughing uncontrollably. Kate knew exactly what he had meant when he said that, but she wasn't about to let it go quietly. "I know ya do, ya sexy hunk of man, but really..." she purred, giving him a suggestive glance.

Clay's jaw dropped as he turned bright red with embarrassment. "I didn't mean it that way!"

"Oh really?" Kate raised an eyebrow, pretending to be insulted. "And what way did you mean it, Clayton Holmes Aiken?"

He opened and closed his mouth several times without a sound coming forth from it, for once at a loss for words. "Er... um... what I meant was... aaahhhh..."

"I see..." Kate drawled, hiding her amusement. "First you put that size 13 of yours on my dress, and now you're shoving it in your mouth!" She nodded slyly, hoping that Clay would take her next statement the wrong way. "Better watch it, Clayton - that tongue of yours is going to get you into trouble some day..." As Clay's eyes widened at the choice innuendo, Kate knew he had taken it exactly the way she hoped he would. She decided she'd better give him a chance to explain himself honorably. "So what did you mean?" she asked, knowing full well what he meant.

"Just that I keep stepping on that train of yours and I'm going to keep doing so until we get you into a different outfit! I mean, I do feel that way about you, honey," Clay quickly qualified, "but I didn't mean to say that the way it sounded. I'm not going to do anything about that right here and now in front of our family and friends."

"So you really can't wait to get me out of this dress?" Kate teased, smiling wickedly at him.

"Ah... well..." Clay blushed further, knowing that Kate was intentionally twisting his words. All he needed was a moment to recover, and he'd have a quick retort of his own.

"Relax, hon," Kate giggled. "I'm just playing with your mind a bit."

Immediately Clay thought of a retort that wasn't merely smart but risqué - and he bit his lip sheepishly. Very carefully he leaned close until his lips were right up next to her ear. "I'd rather you played with something else... later tonight."

With Kate's imagination already skating along the edge of the gutter, it took her no time at all to figure out what Clay meant... especially with the slow and tender way he placed a gentle kiss right next to her ear. Her jaw dropped with embarrassment and surprise, but it was obvious that she was delighted as well. Later tonight indeed, hon...

"Save the sweet nothings for later, dawg," Ruben told him. "You're holdin' up the food line."

About the time everyone was finished with dinner and the tables were cleared, Kim and Ruben stood up to make an announcement. "Clay man," Ruben began, "we know you didn't plan anything fancy for your wedding and all, but we still thought you deserved something."

Kim grinned at Clay's puzzled look. "With the help of your brothers and sister, and Kate's brother and sister-in-law, we've put together an unofficial dance for you." Ignoring Clay's amused laugh, she continued. "We planned it, we selected the music, we're DJ'ing it and everything."

Ruben scratched his jaw thoughtfully. "We should probably have them toss the flowers and garter first, so they can just enjoy the dances."

Kate grinned at Clay as the two stood up and walked over to the free space in the room while some of the guys cleared the area. Sighing contentedly as he wrapped his arms around her, she leaned back in his embrace. This is a beautiful, happy day. We are so blessed to have each other.

"All the single women gather over there," Holly instructed. "Kim, Sarah..." After making sure the single women were on one side of the room, Holly handed Kate's bouquet to her.

Kate turned around so that her back was facing the ladies before winding up to toss. Careful to avoid the ceiling, she heaved it over her shoulder towards the ladies. The bouquet sailed towards Sarah and Kim, and for a brief moment Kate wondered which one of them would end up with the flowers. Suddenly Kim made a subtle bobbing motion with her hands, deflecting the bouquet into Sarah's unsuspecting grasp. Blinking with surprise down at the bouquet in her arms, Sarah stole a glance up at Will. Kate snickered under her breath as she exchanged a knowing wink with Kim - Kim had planned that. "So... if tradition and myth holds true, then out of this crew Sarah will be the next bride."

Sarah nodded slowly. "You didn't need to remind us of that, Kathryn Joy Ki-" Abruptly she stopped and corrected herself. "Aiken."

Heaving a deep sigh, Kate grinned broadly. "Say that again..."

"You didn't need to remind us of that."

Kate frowned at Sarah with annoyance. "I meant my name, ya goof."

Sally knew from her own experiences what Kate wanted. "You mean, you want to hear someone say 'Kathryn Joy Aiken' again."

"Yeah," Kate beamed as Clay giggled.

"I've got one better." Sally leaned on her cousin's shoulder. "How about 'Mrs. Clay Aiken'?"

"That works for me too."

Clay placed a kiss on Kate's temple. "You can say either one as often as you want around me, and I won't ever get tired of hearing it."

"Gak..." Sarah muttered.

"Guys," Andrew beckoned. "Your turn. Ruben, Will, Brett..." he began. Clay's crew was a little larger than Kate's, and they certainly looked less than enthused to be there.

"Clay dawg," Ruben called out. "The garter. Don'tcha need to take it off her leg first?"

"No," Clay shook his head firmly, taking the lavender garter from Andrew. "Kate didn't want that, and I wasn't going to make her."

"Aw, man, where's the fun in that?"

Clay ignored him and faced away from the group. Giving his lower lip an impish bite, he stretched the garter like a rubber band and shot it backwards over his shoulder that way. As soon as the garter was in the air, the men scattered every possible direction... except for Will, who stood alone in the same place with a bewildered look on his face. Clay laughed warmly. "Looks like you get it, my friend."

Will stared down at the garter as if it were a snake. "Oh... joy..."

"Well then, Will," Kate teased. "You know what that means, don't you?" When Will cast a dirty look at her, she elaborated. "It means you're the next guy to get married."

"Um, not quite, honey," Clay informed her. "The tradition I've heard says that the man who catches the garter is the next man to um..." Blushing lightly, he sheepishly scratched his head. "To um, get lucky, if you catch my meaning."

"Oh." The blush on Kate's cheeks surpassed the one on Clay's and she hid her face in her hand. "Well then, nevermind." She made a face. "I wonder if Isotoners come in different flavors as well as different colors..."

"I didn't come up with the tradition any more than you did," Clay offered sympathetically.

Slowly Will walked over to Sarah with an apologetic look on his face. "I'm sorry, Princess. I didn't plan on getting this."

Sarah shrugged, understanding his situation completely. "Of course, you silly oaf. You were railroaded. Anyone could see that." She gave him a flirtatious wink. "Who said I minded?"

Well. Now that's something to think about. Carefully curtailing his mind from going into the gutter, Will chuckled lightly before pointing at the flowers. "I don't know if you could tell or not, but Kim could have caught those if she had wanted to."

A light blush colored Sarah's cheeks. "I figured as much."

As Ruben prepared the music in the small stereo, Kim told the newlyweds that the first dance was theirs and theirs alone. Attendants, friends, family - all cleared the floor to leave Clay and Kate out there alone together... two lives now intertwined as one. Not even waiting for the music to start, they took each other into their arms, holding each other tight. The mellow, warm voice of Steven Curtis Chapman started to waft over the room as the couple danced very close together, never once breaking eye contact with each other. Everything around them melted away and time stood still as they shared every beat, every glance, every breath of their first dance as man and wife.

At last the song ended, and Clay and Kate melded together into a simple but touchingly emotional kiss. With warm, supportive applause, their family and friends saluted their first dance. Ruben put on a more upbeat song. "Come on, y'all. Let's have some fun."

Instantly recognizing the song as a staple wedding party song, Kate attempted to persuade Clay to dance along to it with her. He made a face, protesting his lack of dancing skills as she continued to plead with him. Taking both of his hands, Kate danced there with him anyway as he giggled with amusement at her dance-floor antics. Finally breaking down, he started to twirl her around the floor, both of them laughing when one or the other occasionally mis-stepped through the various selections that Ruben put on.

Ruben switched to a different party song, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he started it.

Clay glared at Ruben as he recognized The Bunny Hop. "Not you too!"

Kate snorted. "This song is going to be a challenge to dance to in a wedding dress..."

"Oh my gosh, honey, you can't be serious."

"Watch me."

Clay chose to take her at her word. Momentarily taking a breather, Clay watched from the side as Kate danced The Bunny Hop with her brother Andrew and new brother-in-law Brett. Laughing warmly as the three of them blundered their way through the dance, Clay shook his head with amusement. Bless Kate - she sure knows how to have fun.

Ruben put on another slow song, and Clay moved towards Kate for another dance with his bride.

"Could I have this dance?" a woman's voice with a mild Brooklynese accent asked.

Clay smiled as he unexpectedly found himself facing Kate's cousin Sally, her three-inch designer heels making her almost as tall as he was. "Sure."

Sally danced for a minute or two in amiable silence before speaking, formulating the right words she wanted to say to Clay. "As one of your more 'senior' fans, I think I have a pretty good idea what kind of guy you really are - and I am a great judge of character. I see you as a really good Christian man who is trying hard to live the straight-and-narrow life of a disciple."

"Well, thank you," Clay said quietly, getting secret amusement at Sally's choice of words.

Heaving a sigh, Sally paused. "Because you are a man of integrity and honesty I want so very much to believe that you and Kate will live the 'ever-after' kind of marriage - one that's not without its struggles, but is happy and fulfilling. What worries me is that I can't ignore what happened to Kate several years back, so I feel compelled to give you fair warning now that you are a part of her life and this family."

Clay blinked with surprise. To his knowledge, only Sarah and Kate's parents had known about that until last summer. Evidently Kate had started telling a few more people the truth about what happened. He wondered if he should say something, but from Sally's words Clay suspected that there was more.

"My cousin is a sweet, loving and trusting Christian girl who deserves only the best in life. As you must know, some donnaiolo tried to tarnish one of her dreams simply because he didn't know how to keep it in his pants." Anger darkened her deep brown eyes slightly as she looked Clay directly in his own. "I don't want to see my cousin hurt like that ever again. If I ever, ever hear of you treating her wrong, in any way, shape, or form, you're going to have to deal with me - and I assure you it won't be pretty. I know people who can make the rest your life utterly miserable if you do. I'm sure you understand what I'm saying."

His eyes widening slightly, Clay swallowed a lump in his throat. Um... help.

Choosing not to react at Clay's discomfort, Sally continued. "For now I will trust the good Lord and you, Clay... but keep in mind we'll have a whole week together in Haiti. I will be watching you - and in a place like that your true colors are gonna show."

Clay knew that he planned to love, honor, and cherish Kate the rest of his life... but Sally's blunt message had him a little worried. Okay, it had him paranoid. He was beginning to feel as if he had he just stumbled onto a secret filming of The Sopranos - or worse, maybe something more out of The Godfather... "I uh... I'm looking forward to it," he squeaked nervously.

"I also understand that after this little wedding is over that you're going back to California without Kate," Sally continued.

"Believe me," Clay admitted, his voice back at its usual register, "that wasn't my idea. Kate's the one who said she needed to be responsible to her students and stay with them the rest of the year." Glancing over at his wife, Clay sighed heavily. "I wish there was some other way. I want to have her there in California with me every day, I want to take her with me on my upcoming tour this spring - but she's insisting that she needs to stay here for the sake of her school kids. I mean, I could hire a substitute for the rest of the semester... even one that knew the subject area! It's not like she would be leaving them high and dry." He closed his eyes to hold back the emotions he knew were lurking there. "But you know Kate. She feels personally responsible for them, and once her mind is made up..."

Sally nodded, recognizing the truth in what he said about her stubborn cousin. "Yeah, compromise is something she's still learning how to do. Would you believe that she's actually gotten better at compromising over the years?"

Clay nodded. The two of them both had a stubborn streak - one that was nearly unshakeable when they believed they had a cause worth fighting for. They were going to have to work very hard together to cultivate that art of compromise if they were going to have a happy marriage.

Their dance ended, and Sally placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "I really do like you, Clay, but remember... I'm watching you. Welcome to the family!" Leaving him wide-eyed in her wake, she walked over to join Sarah on the side.

Sarah glanced over at Clay, who was still looking a little pale. "Okay, Sally - what did you say to him?" she asked.

Sally hid a slight grin. "Well, you know me - I couldn't resist an opportunity to mess with his mind a bit. He'll have to get used to it if he plans to stay in our family. However, I think I have him about half convinced that he's going to wake up one morning to a horse's head in his bed."

Sarah snickered at the reference and shook her head. "Sal... you're awful. Now he probably thinks you're connected to the Mafia..."

"For now, what he doesn't know won't hurt him." Sally shook her head in amazement as Clay walked back over to his wife and enveloped her in a deeply emotional embrace. "I must admit, however, that is one patient and loving man. He really is willing to let Kate stay here and teach the rest of the year simply because she's too stubborn to quit. What does Kate have to say about it?"

Heaving a sigh, Sarah leaned on her crutches. "She's trying to be strong for the sake of everyone around her, but she's torn up. Every night since I first learned on Tuesday afternoon that was their plan, I've heard her slip into the bathroom and cry her eyes out." Sarah studied the newlyweds as they shared a very tender slow dance with each other. "I've tried to confront her, but she won't talk to me about it. It took lots of prying and skillful question-asking to figure out it was the next six months that was bothering her, not some other dynamic to their relationship. She'll answer all the other questions, but she won't talk about that. Knowing Kate, she sees this as a lose-lose situation. Not fair to the kids to abandon them, not fair to Clay to be apart from him. I say her place is with Clay - she's not married to those kids. But for some reason she believes she doesn't have a choice."

Slowly Sally nodded. "Well, we just might have to give her one."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Late that night at Clay and Kate's motel room

Having changed into casual clothes and hairstyles for the sake of blending in, Clay and Kate finally arrived at their hotel. Carefully keeping the hood to his sweatshirt over his hair, Clay escorted Kate to their wedding suite as Will carried Kate's overnight bag. While Will kept Kate company out in the hallway for a moment, Clay took his duffel and Kate's bag into the room. A few minutes later, Clay emerged and extended his hand to Will. "Thanks for everything this week," he said as Will clasped his hand. "I'll give you a call sometime Sunday night or Monday morning, that way we can make plans for... well..."

Will shook his head. "Don't think about it right now, man. You've got all of tonight and tomorrow all to yourselves. Enjoy it - don't let a single moment get away from you."

"Believe me," Clay told him as his and Kate's eyes met and held, "we won't."

Will grabbed the handle of the door to open it wide as Clay picked Kate up in his arms. Clay carried Kate into the bridal suite as Will shut the door behind them. He paused for a minute to let Kate bolt the lock before carrying her further into the suite. Sniffing the air, Kate turned at the scent of candles burning. Her eyes widened at the sight of dozens of candles scattered in strategic but safe locations throughout the room as romantic music played in the background. Suddenly she broke into laughter and buried her face into his neck. In front of the gas fireplace Clay had placed approximately two dozen pillows on the floor, giving them a soft, meaningful place for romance and more. "You're terrible," she giggled.

Clay snickered. "I did say that maybe our first time should be on the floor. You have to admit it fits the two of us..."

"Clay, honey," Kate gasped, "it could not fit two people more than us."

He placed her feet down on the floor, keeping her close in his arms. "I know."

Kate blinked with curiosity at a mixed arrangement of items on the table. Keeping Clay's hands in her own, she moved closer to the table to examine its contents. Strawberries, grapes... She raised an eyebrow. "What, is someone a little hungry?" she teased, knowing that there were two different ways that question could be taken. At Clay's light blush, Kate knew exactly which way he had taken it. She turned back to the table to look over the rest of the things there. Cool Whip and... is that what I think it is? Kate stared at the individual containers of pudding, now colored various tints and shades of the rainbow. This stuff isn't meant to be just a snack - these are mood foods. She smiled and gave Clay a sly look. "And just how many times do you think you're going to get lucky tonight, Mr. Aiken?"

Clay told her the truth as she turned back around to face him. "As many times as is humanly possible," he admitted sheepishly.

Laughing warmly, Kate shook her head with amusement. "I suppose you want to get started already," she teased.

He raised a single eyebrow. "If you're up for the challenge."

Kate stole a naughty glance towards his nether region and snickered. "I see you already are..."

Blushing deeply, Clay shook his head. We haven't even been married six hours, and she's already checking me out. "Guilty as charged." Looking into her eyes, he leaned towards her for a kiss.

The kiss went on for several minutes before Kate broke it. "I think we should take out our contacts before this progresses too much farther."

"All right," Clay relented, releasing Kate to allow her to grab her overnight bag.

Kate walked towards the bathroom with her bag in hand. "If you'll excuse me..."

"What?" Clay blinked. "You mean you're just going to leave me out here all by myself?"

Giving him a wicked glance, she paused at the door. "I promise," she purred suggestively, "to make it worth your while."

As she shut the door behind her, Clay called out, "I'm holding you to that promise!" Snickering to himself, he shook his head. Maybe I should change into something more comfortable.

After removing his contacts, Clay took very little time to change into the pair of navy blue silk pajamas that his siblings had bought for him. At last Clay studied his own reflection in the mirror over the dresser, debating over whether to wear the silk pajama top he held in his hand. He already wore the pajama bottoms... and for the last five of the ten minutes Kate had been in the bathroom he had alternated between having the shirt on and having the shirt off. It should be warm enough in this room - will I really need it? Finally he tossed it in the top of his luggage. All at once his eyes fell on Kate's gold "W. W. J. D." bracelet still wrapped around his right wrist. Thoughtfully Clay ran his other hand over the surface of the bracelet, pondering Monday evening's events and what the two of them had put themselves through to keep their relationship honorable. The brand-new wedding band glinted in the light on his left ring finger. Clay usually didn't wear rings - this was going to take some getting used to. Studying the ring and its intricately engraved designs, Clay realized that what they had almost accomplished Monday night was now quite normal and acceptable within the bounds of their new relationship... husband and wife. God would want him to show every bit of love to his new wife, sharing the best part of himself. He smiled as his attention returned to his bracelet - they would indeed be doing what God wanted them to do as a married couple. Carefully he took off the bracelet, putting it and his wedding band with his watch in a safe place in his luggage. Turning back to the door of the bathroom, Clay couldn't help but wonder - what was keeping Kate so long?

Kate stared at herself in the bathroom mirror, wearing the romantic sleepwear that she and the other gals had purchased on Wednesday. Is that really me? Her mind easily recalled every time she and Clay had kissed, and many of the other special moments they had enjoyed in the approximately six months they had been a couple. And of course she remembered Monday night... how the two of them had so desperately wanted to be physically intimate with each other, but how they had ultimately chosen to wait those last few days. Kate looked down at the two rings on her left hand, the solitaire she had been given fully a week ago... and the wedding band nestled right next to it that Clay had placed on her finger only hours ago. It's amazing how one little ring... how one set of traded vows can change everything. On Monday night what would have been so wrong if they had done it like they had wanted to then... was now perfectly right, perfectly good in God's eyes. God had been present at their marriage to one another - He had witnessed every moment, and He had proclaimed it good. Clay and Kate were now man and wife. My husband... Kate thought with wonder, ... and soon to be my lover. Kate took a shaky breath. Now she could give of herself freely, without guilt and without fear. She smiled - she could give of herself wholeheartedly. Taking her rings off her hand, she put them in a special bag for safekeeping, to wear again tomorrow. And the next day, and the next... Holding her head high, Kate took another breath and opened the door to re-enter the room.

Immediately after she opened the door, Kate saw Clay turn towards her. She smiled slyly as his jaw slowly dropped at her nightwear. Must remember to thank George later - that reaction is one-in-a-million. Taking her sweet time to give him every opportunity to look her over, Kate walked into the room, studying him in his silk pajamas. Even though he had been without a shirt for part of the evening on Monday, the two of them had been a little... um, preoccupied for her to appreciate what he looked like without it. Now, from opposite sides of the room, she had the perfect chance to see more of Clay the way God had created him. Wow, she thought, all too eager to know what the rest of him looked like as well.

Oooohhhhh my... Clay thought as he stared hard at Kate. The gown may have gone down to her knees, but its sheer nature left very little to Clay's imagination. In spite of that, he still wanted to see more - see and touch and explore every inch of his beautiful, godly wife. As Clay continued to scan her from head to toe, he couldn't help but notice that she was doing the very same to him... and from the look in her eyes, she wanted to see a lot more of him, just as he did of her. Since tonight was their wedding night, they would be able to see and know each other in every way that God had intended them to... including in the most intimate biblical sense - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

As a warm smile spread across Clay's face, Kate blushed lightly and covered her amused smile with a hand - it was quite obvious to her that he appreciated her choice of attire. His cell is definitely receiving signals - sending them, too. She wanted nothing more than to dash into his arms and kiss him passionately, but she held back, knowing that to do so would destroy the romantic, trusting, and wholly sharing mood that Clay had been so careful to set up.

Clay swallowed a lump in his throat, forcing his lungs to take deep breaths to keep his rational mind actively playing in the game. He knew that tonight there would come a time to lose himself to the passion that he felt, but that time was not now. Taking slow, deliberate steps Clay walked towards her, holding out his hands in an invitation to slow dance. He gathered Kate into his arms, holding her close to his heart. Softly he began to sing.

Kate smiled and closed her eyes, heaving a contented sigh as she danced slow and sweet in her husband's arms listening to the melodious sound of his gentle voice. "This is the Night", indeed... Placing her cheek on his bare chest, she breathed in the intoxicating scent of his cologne as he sang the next verse.

This is right, Kate told herself, all the more glad that God had given them the strength to wait these last few days before sharing themselves with each other. It could not get any more right, any more perfect than this moment. And God has made it right.

With all gentleness Clay lifted her face up so that he could sing the next words very very softly to her.

Kate sighed deeply, knowing that tonight was indeed their night. The night that they had given each other their promise to love and cherish each other as man and wife for the rest of their lives. Placing her cheek back on his chest, she held him tight as he finished the song, his very first chart-topping song.

When he finished the song, Kate lifted her face towards his, leaning in to kiss him. Capturing her lips with his, Clay pulled her ever closer until they were pressed up tightly to one other. After several moments of kissing Clay lifted Kate up, cradling her gently in his arms. Giving her a look that told her exactly what was on his mind to do next, he slowly walked over to the sea of pillows.

"Clayton," Kate breathed as he knelt to place her on top of the pillows, "I love you. I love only you... and always you. Always and forever."

"Kathryn," Clay mouthed as he kissed her temple. "This could not be any more perfect, any more right, than to be here with you like this," he told her as he kissed her over and over again on her face.

"Then let's fulfill our duties to each other as husband and wife," she told him, allowing her caresses of his chest to become more and more insistent. "I don't want to wait any longer. I can't wait any longer."

Clay smiled gently as he kissed her lips. "Anything you say... Mrs. Aiken. I am yours, and you are mine, now and forever. Until death parts us."

"But until then," Kate teased, "you're stuck with me."

"Good," Clay told her before capturing her lips once more and gently lowering her to the floor.

After several minutes of kissing passionately Clay broke the kiss. "I almost forgot," he breathed, reaching over to where he had stashed everything he had received from the travel agent. Reverently he handed it to her. "Your wedding present, Mrs. Aiken."

Kate blinked with surprise at the information for Amelia Island, noting that Clay had booked them for a week in one of the local bed and breakfast inns. "Y-You..."

"I told you I wanted to take you on a honeymoon," Clay shrugged, biting his lip. "Since Sarah was so kind enough to offer her subbing services for your classroom, I made the arrangements. We are staying in 'Kate's room', as it's called."

"You can't be serious," she told him, not ready to believe the idea that the place 'had her name on it'.

"I am," Clay nodded. "That's its name. We have a king-sized bed, a fireplace... a really nice suite."

Kate's jaw dropped as she read the information... which did indeed say Kate's room. "Clay... I-I-I don't know what to say..."

"Say you'll come away with me for a week," Clay told her, his eyes pleading.

Slowly she nodded at the effort Clay had put together to give them a special week of time to bond as a married couple. "Yes. I-I'll go with you. And I daresay we'll enjoy every minute of it whether we go anywhere while we're there or not..." Kate put the information over and out of the way before reaching up to caress her husband's cheek. "Thank you," she whispered, leaning in to kiss him.

Once again Clay broke the kiss after several minutes. "I got you something else," he told her, not noticing Kate's annoyed expression. He pulled out the box containing the necklace, opening it to show her its contents.

"Oh my..." Kate gasped. "Please tell me those aren't real..." When Clay winced, her eyes bulged. "They're real??" Kate shook her head sharply. "Clayton Holmes Aiken... first the earrings to wear at the ceremony, then the honeymoon trip, now this? I really hope this is all you got me." Clay hid a slight grimace, but not well enough. "It isn't?"

"Um... no," Clay admitted as he put this too to the side.

Kate stared at him. He's trying to spoil me already, she marveled. Slowly she shook her head at him. I won't break him of it entirely, but maybe I can see if he'll tone it down a little. Kate watched him chew his bottom lip. In the meantime... "Well, Mr. Aiken - whatever little surprises you have left..." she paused dramatically, "... can wait."

"Wait?" Clay asked, his confusion obvious. "Wait for what?" Giving him her most serious bedroom eyes, Kate tackled Clay bodily, knocking him over onto the pillows. Oh - that. Eagerly running his hand through her long tresses, Clay smiled up at her. "Anything you say, Mrs. Aiken..." he growled, pulling her closer for a kiss passionate enough for her to feel all the way to the tips of her toes.

They kissed each other over and over again, sometimes on the lips, sometimes on the face, sometimes trailing kisses over each other's neck as the receiver shivered from the sensations. After a while of "warming up" in this fashion, they gazed into each other's eyes, gently caressing the face of their new spouse. "Well, honey," Kate whispered, ignoring the little bit of fear that was mixed in with her excitement. "We're husband and wife. That means we can throw the rulebook out the window."

"No more 'three rules'," Clay mused, hoping that his nerves did not show too badly. An impish smile made his eyes twinkle. "So which rule should we throw out first?"

For a minute Kate gave it some thought. At last she shrugged. "Why don't we just let things happen naturally, and we'll see which rule goes first?"

"Hmmm..." Clay sighed contentedly as he gazed into his bride's eyes. "Why don't we start with something simple... like Rule Three."

Kate stifled a snicker. After hearing his extensive spoil-my-girlfriend plan last summer, she was not surprised that he remembered her rules by the number. Kate, on the other hand, didn't assign any of them a particular number... she just remembered the rules themselves. Rather than ask Clay, she chose to see for herself which rule he was talking about. "All right."

His hands moved ever so slowly from Kate's face down her neck and around her slightly shaking shoulders. He slowly brought them down the front of her gown, stopping long enough for Kate to figure out which rule he had labeled as Rule Three. He looked in her eyes for a sign to continue and Kate slowly nodded her head, a slight sigh escaping at his touch. He brought both hands down the length of her gown and gently placed them on the skin of her thighs, again looking in her eyes for approval before going on. Giving him the signal he wanted, Kate put her own hands on top of Clay's and helped him move his under her gown and back up her body to the same place where the first rule had been discarded. For the briefest of moments, Clay didn't seem quite sure what he should do next. Taking a little of the initiative for herself, Kate ran her hands up his chest and started to caress it slowly, sending shivers up and down her husband's spine. Understanding what she wanted from him, he started to do the same for her, sending a smile up to her face as she moaned slightly at his touch.

Clay brought his lips up to Kate's ear and whispered, "Are you ready to throw out Rule One?" She continued to moan softly as she opened her eyes and looked at him. With two rules already addressed, she knew which one remained. "Yes," she replied. "It's time for us to see each other as God made us." As Kate lifted her arms, Clay removed the gown over her head in one motion. He stared awestruck at Kate's natural beauty. "Wow," he breathed. "You're absolutely beautiful, love." Biting his lip to keep some control of his emotions, he continued. "I've never wanted you more than I want you right at this moment."

"Not yet, Clay - it's my turn." Kate slid her hands up Clay's chest and down his sides, finding his pajama pants and sliding them down his legs. Clay shook slightly as she pulled them the rest of the way off, brushing his legs with her hands. With all three rules consciously discarded, Kate caught her breath as she looked at her husband, who obviously wanted to do what naturally came next. "Clayton... I - "

Without warning, Clay took Kate in his arms and sought out her mouth, thrusting his tongue into it in search of hers. She responded in kind as both allowed their hands to roam each other's bodies freely. They started to discover a rhythm in their motions and began to move to its time. After a lengthy period of touching and caressing and kissing, Kate brought her mouth up to Clay's ear and gasped, "I want you, Clay... make me one with you... now... please..." No longer wanting to control the situation, Clay brought Kate down onto the pillows as she willingly opened up her body to receive his. Neither had ever felt the sensations that this type of union can bring and both allowed their passionate love for each other to control their movements. All inhibitions were now cast aside, all fears dissipated in the heat of their desire for each other. With every touch, with every kiss, the bond that was between them grew deeper and more meaningful. They were no longer two, but one - the marriage ritual that had begun in the sight of God and witnesses was now completed in the presence of God alone. And He found it very good indeed...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Out at the Kirche farmhouse

"All right, everyone," Sarah said firmly, leaning on the kitchen table and studying the collaborative crew made up of much of the couple's friends and family that had been at the wedding... including Clay's manager, whom Sally had quickly roped into their plotting. The success or failure of their plan would depend entirely on the input and help from his manager. "We've planned and worked this out to the letter - we all have to do our part if this is going to work the way we've agreed upon. Each one of you knows what your job is, right?" Sarah watched Clay's manager give her a single nod of the head.

"Right," Sally told her firmly, meeting her eye.

Kim grinned wickedly. "I'm on top of it."

Ruben made an agreeable gesture. "You can count on me."

"I got my part all figured out," Will said with a wink at Sarah.

"Yo," Andrew saluted. "I'll consider it my sacred duty."

Sarah rolled her eyes at Kate's brother but otherwise let his comical remark go. "Then let's do it. Operation Newlyweds is in effect now."

Go to the next day, Day 10 (January 1)

Go to yesterday, Day 8 (December 30)

TITN series

Home