Part 41

"How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face..."
-W.B. Yeats

*Part 41

Melissa stood in the bedroom looking out the picture window at the green grass in the valley below. Fresh from a long shower after her morning jog, she was kept warm by a terry cloth robe. Her wet hair wrapped in a towel, she took a deep breath enjoying the promise that the day held. Three seasons had passed since Hayden's romantic proposal and it seemed hard to believe that this perfect spring morning was their wedding day. Beth would arrive soon to help her get ready, but for now she was alone to collect her thoughts and pinch herself slightly at the twists her life had taken.

Sydney had been everything Hayden had promised and then some. Breaking her self-induced rule, she had joined him on the set a few times, but always when it was someone other than him doing a scene. It seemed odd to many, but she was determined not to loose the magic of seeing his final performance on screen. After filming and on his days off, they would tour the city, always greeted by fans that were thrilled to see them out and together. Her engagement ring hadn't gone unnoticed and the magazines were quick to latch onto the story, announcing to the world that Hayden was off the market.

Several of their evenings were spent at the small coffee shop where Hayden had first opened her book of memories. As they talked of times past, they made plans for their future. It was during one those talks that Hayden asked Melissa for an early wedding present. "I think you should design our house," he had suggested as plainly as if he thought she should consider wearing a jacket on a cold day. "Anyone can draw a house, but it takes love to make it a home and it takes you to make it us."

Unbeknownst to her, Hayden had spoken to George following the kick off barbeque at the ranch and purchased the property that they had admired during their horseback ride. "I can be an actor and live anywhere," he had told her, "but we both know I'm away a lot. I'll feel better knowing you're close to the team and to your family. My home is wherever you are."

Melissa had left architectural design behind when she finished school, but she couldn't think of anyone else she would trust for this particular task. Working on the plans while Hayden filmed and during any other spare moment, they were completed before she left Australia. When Hayden returned a month after her, they were ready to begin building the framework. Determined to double-check every detail, she was there for every phase of the construction, while Hayden had been forced to spend a fair amount of time traveling.

Shuffling between Toronto for business, Marin for Melissa, and Los Angeles for countless reshoots and pre-production work on his next film, Hayden grew drained and close to exhaustion. Melissa accompanied him when she was able and those trips were always better ones for him. When she arrived, so did the serenity that shielded them from his high profile life, allowing him the time he needed to revive his spirit. His focus would shift from the pressures to the pleasures - holding her hand, seeing her smile, hearing her voice. On the nights they were apart he would call her, if to saying nothing more than he loved her and missed her.

Melissa was never one to be idle. Hayden would joke that she had invented a 30-hour day. She continued her work at the vet hospital and with the search team, even taking on the responsibility of evaluating a pre-apprentice named Danny. A young man in his late teens, she had selected him because of the spark she saw in his deep brown eyes. There was an enthusiasm in them that she hadn't seen in any of the other candidates and she believed she could help him learn to focus it.

When the house was complete it was obvious that her dedication paid off. The large Victorian was all they had wanted it to be. Its wrap around porch and stained glass windows pulled you in like a standing invitation to a grand party. The round kitchen was open on all sides with French doors out to the patio that adjoined the pool. Through an archway was a great room that had been inspired by the relaxed evenings spent in the one at the ranch. An oak staircase wound itself from the foyer to the second floor where she had added a music room. Fourteen windows provided amplre light as Hayden would sit in the evenings and play on a grand piano while Melissa sat curled in a chair, listening and sipping her tea.

It had turned into quite a showpiece according to those who visited, but to them, it was home. Filled with overstuffed couches, family pictures, and their favorite knick-knacks. It was comfortable, warm and a place they were always eager to return to. From the porch you could enjoy every spectacular view that the property had to offer. It was one of those views that tried to hold Melissa captive this morning.

Looking toward the direction of the ranch, she wondered what Hayden was doing and if he was nervous. George had kindly opened his home to Hayden and his family to get ready, insisting that they hold with tradition and not see each other before the ceremony. Tearing herself away, she walked into the kitchen and fed Kona and Phoebe. Pouring water for a cup of tea, she heard a faint tap on the door. Amused that Beth didn't let herself in with her key, Melissa joked at the figure through the etched glass as she opened it. "I'm supposed to be the nervous one and you forget your key?"

"Not exactly," laughed Tove. "I didn't think you would want me just walking in with you, ahem, half dressed."

Pulling at her robe to make sure it was closed, she smiled embarrassingly at her future brother in law. "You're probably right about that. Aren't you supposed to be keeping Hayden calm?"

"Please! He's the calmest one down there. Besides, I'm here on official business." Presenting her with a large wrapped box he added, "Compliments of the groom."

"You're getting good at this," she laughed. "Come on in."

"Yeah, well, only for the two of you," he said as he joined her in the kitchen. "I can't stay too long. I should get back down there before Mom and Dad drive each other crazy. Hayden wanted to get this to you and, it was a good excuse for me to leave and see how you were doing."

They had grown closer since the shooting and even though she suspected there was a greater motivation behind his kindness, Tove had always been a perfect gentleman. "I'm can't imagine being any happier," she answered honestly.

He stepped closer and surprised Melissa by bringing her body to his in a warm hug, softly rubbing her back in slow, soft strokes. "You know, if you ever need anything," he whispered, "anything at all..."

"I know," she sighed as he let her go. "You've proven that a few times over. Thank you...for everything." Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Hey!" she laughed trying to lighten the moment. "What is this anyway?"

"My best guess? I'd say it was a present."

"Smart-aleck," she snickered. "You just make sure I have a groom waiting for me at that altar aisle today, ok?"

"Are you kidding?" he said as he opened the front door. "There isn't a power great enough to keep him away." Flashing a grin that reminded her beloved, he gave her a wink and closed the door behind him. Picking up her tea, she took the package out to the back to open it.

"Copycat," she chuckled as she took a scrapbook very similar to the one she had done for him out of the box. Kona had trotted off toward the lily pond, stalking a squirrel she wanted to chase, but Phoebe leapt into her lap, very interested in the loose ribbons of the wrapping. On the chance that Phoebe was listening, she read the card aloud.

"Our lives are so remarkable. The first part of our story was meeting and falling in love and this part is dedicated to the dream that started the moment you said 'yes'. All we've done makes me look forward to what lies ahead. As we exchange our vows today, we'll open a new chapter and build a new book together. I love you."  -Hayden

The first page held the letter she had sent him after the Golden Globes. He never told anyone that it arrived amongst a stack that his agent had sent his first week in Sydney. Her fingers brushed over the simple note, remembering the night that prompted it and how it had been her first taste of something so special that it defied description. As she flipped the pages, her smile grew as she found pictures of them in Sydney that fans had sent and pictures of the house as it was built. Memories of their first Christmas together, surrounded by their families and a mountain of torn wrapping paper, confetti he had saved from their first New Years Eve. He had captured a little bit of everything on the albums pages.

The formalities of their life were there too, skillfully captured by the paparazzi. They had attended a couple of movie premieres and the Oscars, but Melissa's favorite was their return to the Golden Globes. The show that brought them together saw them arrive as a couple. Hayden had been nominated for his role in Shattered Glass but wasn't surprised when he didn't win. He had told the press that he had already won, he was with the woman he loved and nothing could ever surpass that.

Beth arrived just as Melissa came to the last page. "What's this?" her friend asked.

"Memories," she sighed.

"Bring it with you, you can show me while we do your hair, unless you want to wear this towel with your dress?"

"Gosh Bethy, do you think it will match?" she joked.

"No! Now move it girlfriend, you won't be late on my account," she commanded with a giggle.

*****

Will and Leigh arrived in the limousine just as Trisha and Beth deemed Melissa ready. Standing in front of the mirror, she could hardly believe the person looking back at her. She wasn't sure what Beth had done differently, but her regular hairstyle looked so much classier and shined so much brighter. There wasn't a hair out of place and her make up was flawless. While she knew that it wouldn't last, it was overwhelming to her that it could even look like that at all.

Trisha had designed and created a dress that was exactly what Melissa had dreamt of. She had tried to describe a skirt that looked sleek but would float as she moved and the belled chiffon skirt that Trisha made did just that. The bodice that topped it was a pale ivory, hand embroidered with tiny pastel flowers done in the reds, blues, and gold's that matched those in her engagement ring. Tiny crystals acted as their center, sparkling when the light touched them.

Tying together the floating feel of the skirt and the delicate look of the strapless bodice, Trisha had styled poet sleeves from the same chiffon as the skirt. Continuing the subtle embroidery onto them, she changed the flowers to be done completely in ivory so they all but vanished until the light would once again hit the crystal centers.

"Ok Lissa, do you have your bases covered?" Beth asked, always looking out for her. "Something new is obviously your dress, what about the rest?"

"Something blue is the hanky I'll carry with my flowers. Something borrowed are Ally's teardrop diamond earrings. I think they could actually cover for something old as well."

"No need honey," Leigh spoke up. "My grandfather gave these to my mother on her wedding day, she gave them to me when I married your dad and now I'm giving them to you." Handing Melissa a gray velvet box, it held a strand of pearls that Will quickly stepped forward to clasp for her.

"Oh Mom..." she gasped, her eyes beginning to glisten.

"No tears...Beth would have to redo your make up and I'm sure you'd much rather go meet your groom." Her mom was right. Today was the day when her childhood fantasies would be realized and she was ready for that to begin. With a gentle nod, she took her fathers arm and made their way to the car.

*****

As the guests filled the historic chapel, Tove came in to tell Hayden that Melissa had arrived and that it was time to start. "I would ask you if you're sure about this, but I know better," he smiled.

"Wise choice. Let's go, there is a lady waiting for me out there and I'm not about to let her down," and with a quick adjustment to his tie and a tug at his black tuxedo tails, they left to take their place at the altar.

The pipe organ played as the brothers watched Beth make her way toward them, joined by Kona who sat quietly by her side. The chapel was filled with those special to them. Hayden's friends had flown in from Toronto, while others came up from southern California. Kate was there, sitting with the search team and Melissa's friends from the vet hospital. As nice as it was to see them all, Hayden waited only for his bride. When she appeared in the doorway on her fathers arm he actually stopped breathing for a moment, starting again only when jabbed by Tove.

She was a vision he could only liken to something straight from heaven. As she began her walk down the aisle, the dress flowed beneath her and he was sure she was an angel, standing on a cloud and drifting toward him. Will adjusted his daughters veil as he kissed her cheek, placing her hand in Hayden's before stepping back. "Who gives this woman to be wed?" the minister announced.

"Her mother and I do," Will responded, quietly slipping into his seat next to Leigh, who was already dabbing a tear from her eye as she watched Melissa and Hayden walk up the small steps to stand before the minister.

They knew they should have been listening to what he was saying, but the couple couldn't stop glancing at each other and smiling. Subtle hand squeezes and sly winks passed the time, occasionally hearing the sermon on love and commitment. In their meetings, they had heard his views and knew them well. What mattered to them were the words they would say to each other. When he touched each of their hands, they turned their full attention back to what he was saying.

"When I first met Hayden and Melissa, I asked to speak to them alone as a way to understand the individuals as well as the couple. I was struck by their devotion to each other, their willingness to tackle life's obstacles, and by the stories they told of their relationship. They have chosen to write their own vows and so, I ask them now to face each other and take the others hands in their own." He turned his glance to Hayden as a signal for him to begin.

"I heard you tell a story once that changed the way I looked at life and at the way I saw something as simple as my own hands and the purpose they serve. I have seen your hands save lives, calm fears, and offer reassurance at times when it is needed most. I have been fortunate enough to have felt for myself the kindness, comfort and compassion they give. Today, I want to promise you all that my hands have to offer. Melissa, the hands that hold yours now will be the ones that will hold you for the rest of your life. They will support you when you are weary and will wipe away your tears, both happy and sad. They will be strong when you need them to be, but always gentle toward you as they lift your chin so that you can see the love in my eyes. We have been given wings and our journey begins today. Wherever the wind may carry me, I will stay by your side, your husband for all eternity."

The audience was already sniffling, as the minister then looked to Melissa as her signal to begin. "All girls dream of finding their Prince Charming," she said, "and today is the realization of that for me, for surely you are my prince. Together we have seen the better and the worse, the sickness and the health, but through it all, we have done our best to honor the love that have found in each other. You have always been there for me when I've needed you and today, I promise you the same. When the night seems dark, I'll bring you light. When you feel lost, I'll soothe your fears. When you feel alone, know you can always count on me as I have always counted on you. I offer my heart and my hands with the promise of the unconditional love I have for you as we spend our lives chasing our dreams together. Let us walk together always as husband and wife."

Tove and Beth each placed the rings they held in the minister's palm, as he rested his other hand lightly over them. "These rings are a symbol for Hayden and for Melissa of the unbroken circle of love they share. May these rings always remind you of the vows that you have made to each other and that love freely given has no beginning and no end.

Placing the ring on her finger, Hayden continued. "Melissa, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows. With all that I am, and all that I have, I will honor and keep you all the days of my life." Melissa placed Hayden's ring on his finger and repeated the same vow before they both looked to the minister.

"As you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment and devotion, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What love has joined together let no one put asunder. Hayden, you may kiss your bride."

Wearing an expression of sheer delight, Hayden pulled Melissa to him and kissed her with a tenderness like she had never felt before. "Melissa Christensen," he whispered in her ear just before the minister announced them. "I love you."

"Ladies and Gentleman, may I present for the first time, Hayden and Melissa Christensen!" As the guests rose to their feet clapping, the newlyweds began to walk back up the aisle, joined by a very excited Kona, charging ahead. Her hand rested on his arm and Hayden could feel the flutter of it shaking. "It's ok," he murmured out of the corner of his mouth, placing his hand over hers. "You really are stuck with me now." Safely back up the aisle, they caught a moment alone in vestibule and he kissed her again. As his lips gently caressed hers, the shaking stopped and she held onto his waist, making sure he didn't move away any time soon.

"I can't believe it's really happening," she stammered. "I can't believe I'm really your..."

"My wife," he interrupted, gently pushing back a wisp of hair from her forehead. "I know what you mean. You see, I'm not sure I believe it either. Of all the men you could have had..."

"There was only one that I wanted."

"Are you ready to go dance with me Mrs. Christensen?" he beamed.

"I'm all yours," she said, adding a subtle curtsey.

"Yes you are," he laughed, kissing her again.

*****

If anything had gone wrong that day, the newlyweds weren't aware of it. They arrived at the reception ready to celebrate with their friends and family and that is preciously what they did.

As the DJ called them forward for their first dance as husband and wife, the room fell silent and all eyes focused on them. Hayden took her in his arms as the jazzy wail of a trumpet started the song.

Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singin' in the sycamore trees
Dream a little dream of me
 
He led her around the floor as he had the first time they danced. As his tuxedo tails fluttered with each twirl, her dress followed gracefully along. It was as if Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers had arrived and taken over the floor. The chemistry between them as they danced affected everyone, bringing out their inner romantic.

Stars fading but I linger on dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longin' to linger till dawn dear
Just saying this

So much in Melissa's life had changed, but the important parts had remained. The man that had come to her rescue in that hotel lobby over a year ago had a way about him. In a room full of people, he had the ability to make her feel singular and special. It was that same man that held her now and, as the room watched, she saw no one but him.

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me

Hayden had spent the last year thinking about the forces within nature. What had pulled his glance to Melissa that first time? How did it know before he did that they were supposed to be together? He wondered if it would always be a part of them, helping to guide them when times got rough. Of all the questions he couldn't answer, one fact was clearer than ever before. Even if that force eventually faded, he never would. He would thank it daily for illuminating the path that led to her and would happily hold her for the rest of his life.

Yes, dream a little dream of me *

* 'Dream A Little Dream of Me' by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong