Week One, Evening of Day Six - A Family Affair
Part 3 of 3Meg finally caught her breath and spoke in a small but revealing voice.
"Her name is Terra May. 'Terra' because she was growing when I was toiling in the garden, and 'May' because she was born in the midst of the May flowers," she said very softly.
Eliot took Terra in his arms again and admired the wonderful creation they had been blessed with. The newborn's face seemed to be a perfect combination of Eliot and Meg's facial features. Terra came into the world with hazel eyes like her mother, black hair like her father, and a skin tone midway between each parent's. When Eliot looked at his daughter, he saw a child who looked a bit like both of them. He hoped that Terra would develop the positive traits that the couple possessed, so she would act similar to each of them as well.
Meg handled the birthing process incredibly well; the doctor signed off on her forms, allowing her to bring home the infant just hours after Terra had been introduced to life outside the womb. Eliot fastened a car seat snugly in the taxi, and Meg buckled up the baby's harnesses. "Time for the real test: can we do this on our own?" asked Eliot, with a frightened but excited tone in his voice. Terra wailed, for she needed a diaper change already; they each made a mental note to find a clothespin for their noses.
New parents Eliot and Meg arrived home to find that the wedding guests, for the most part, had stayed and waited patiently, curious about the new bundle of joy wrapped in a pink swaddler. The couple shared another glance and knew they thought the same about the situation. The guests were present, the cake was baked, and the trellis had been rented. Some wedding invitees who had closer relationships to the couple had even sent gifts in the mail. Eliot and Meg silently agreed to take their vows on this spring evening, the birthday of their precious firstborn.
Fiona and Dorothy, who served as hosts when Meg went into labor, instructed everyone to return to their seats. Meg reluctantly handed Terra over to Dorothy, who sat in the front row holding the baby: Terra would take the role of honorary guest and flower girl. Everyone ceased talking when Eliot and Meg began their vows and ring exchange.
"Meg," spoke Eliot, "today at 3 pm in the afternoon, you gave to me the most important gift I will ever receive: a child of our own. Marriage will not be a walk in the park, but I believe that I have the feelings and committment necessary to make it work. I love you first and foremost, and I always will; my love for Terra can only be surpassed by the place I hold in my heart for you, Sweetea. Please accept this ring as a symbol of the promise I have made you this night: to be faithful to you alone," Brandon stated in a small, faint voice. He pulled a hankerchief out of his breast pocket and tried to wipe away the tears welling in his eyes as Meg began reciting her handwritten promise.
"Eliot," said Meg, "six days ago, we left our lives as single members of society and moved to Sunset Valley together. Though we planned for the future to occur just as we wanted, sometimes life brings you what you need instead of what you want. Having Terra saved our relationship, and I believe she will remind us of our love for each other in the difficult times. Please take this ring as an outward sign of my eternal, undying love for you and our family. May God bless us throughout all of our days," Meg finished her statements and slid the silver band onto Eliot's fourth finger.
The couple held hands. Terra cooed and gurgled, seemingly approving her parents' marriage. At this point, the guests in attendance clapped and stood up. They "ooohed" and "ahhhed" as the ceremony drew to a close.
Eliot kissed Meg passionately as heart-shaped rose petals rained down upon them. Everyone cheered and tossed rice as a fertility blessing on the newlyweds. The pair grinned and giggled, knowing they didn't need any help in that area of their relationship.
Meg's new husband cut into the cake and served the guests, while she held Terra close to her chest and fed her a bottle. Life with a new baby would take getting used to, but Meg knew tonight that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, she had always been destined for motherhood. She considered the fact that another pregnancy could possibly follow soon, but she pushed that thought aside for another day and focused on Terra's care for the time being. Eliot mentioned to Meg as the guests departed,
"Ilyamenie, mela."
Meg blushed shyly and kissed his forehead, as she knew exactly what he had said. On this night, one chapter closed in their lives while a brand new book opened. The writer of the story of their lives had only just put pen to paper. <3
