Connor and Peter were similarly occupied. Color wasn’t a problem for them–they would be wearing white tuxedos.

Connor laughed a little. "I haven’t worn white since I retired from the Navy."

"It looks good on you with your dark coloring."

"Thanks."

"Do you like it?"

"Yes. I do."

"Good. Your tux and Lindsay’s dress are our gifts to you guys for standing up with us."

Connor’s eyes widened a little. "Thank you, Peter." He took off the jacket so the tailor could make a few tiny alterations, then he sat down, a distant look in his eyes.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Our wedding. We had about five hours to pull the whole thing together, and it went off without a flaw."

"Yeah. And a lovely wedding it was. We only planned this since Monday. Boy, is that Megan organized."

Connor laughed, nodding in agreement. "I like her."

"Yeah. So do I." And they both laughed again. "She’s a wonderful girl, Connor."

Connor nodded. "I see a lot of Lindsay in her. Warm, smart, beautiful-"

Peter was thoughtful. "I hadn’t thought of that before, but I guess you’re right." He laughed. "Funny. Four years together, and I never thought of Lindsay as anything more than-than a sister. Not that I would have ever had a chance–it was always you, right from the start."

"I think I loved Lindsay from the first, but didn’t have the sense to realize it. I knew I wasn’t supposed to; the rules, you know. But I could no more help it than-" he spread his hands.

"We don’t have much say in these things, do we?" Peter commented. Then after a moment he added, "Thank goodness."

§§§

The day passed in a flurry of excitement. The service was scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and as the hour neared, the church began to fill. At last someone came to tell Megan and Lindsay that Peter and Connor had arrived. Anton was waiting outside the door to escort Megan down the aisle. All was in readiness. The music changed, and Lindsay stepped out to lead the way.

She exchanged a quick smile with Anton, and saw the light come into his eyes at the sight of her. On the way down the aisle, all she saw were Connor’s eyes, and the look of pride in them. How wonderful he looked in his white tuxedo! They sent each other a mssage of mutual love, and then Megan appeared behind her.

Peter was aware of nothing but Megan. His heart was doing funny things in his chest as he looked at her. Never had he seen anyone so beautiful! And her smile was just for him.

Both girls had their hair dressed in curls on top of their heads, with a long curl hanging down over their right shoulders. Megan carried a bouquet of white roses and blue forget-me-nots, leaves tinted silver, and Lindsay’s were peach-colored roses with gold-tinted leaves.

As part of the ceremony, they were each handed a small lighted candle, which they used to light a large candle together, then blew out the small ones. "No longer two, but one," said the celebrant. "I now pronounce that you are husband and wife."

After the benediction, he handed them each a red rose. "I have just given you your first gifts as husband and wife. A red rose; for the red rose represents love."

Connor and Lindsay gave each other knowing smiles.

"Now exchange roses." When they had, he continued, "And now you have given each other your first gifts as husband and wife–the gift of love."

It was then that Peter kissed his wife for the first time.

Lastly, he had them turn to their guests and introduced Dr. and Mrs. Peter Axon.

Connor was practically breathless as he tucked Lindsay’s arm in his and escorted her back up the aisle. "You’re beautiful!" he managed to whisper, before they were again separated by the receiving line.

§§§