*All ages
You Are the Love of My Life
by Chris
Twenty-six year old Trixie Belden woke up as the sun rose, and the first thought in her mind was "Where am I?" It took a moment to remember that she was Crabapple Farm and today was the day before the Big Event. She was here for the last few nights to help Moms with all of the details, and to feel like a girl again as she began her new life.
Pulling her knees up to her chest, she rested her chin on them, and smiled. In less than 48 hours, she and Jim would finally be married, and beginning the next chapter of their life together. They had come a long way since that day when she peered into the window of the now-destroyed Ten Acres house. She never expected to be here at this moment ready to marry the one man she knew she would love forever.
"Trixie, are you up already?" Moms knocked softly and peered into the room.
"Yes, Moms, come on in. I was just thinking back. Isn’t that what a bride is supposed to do?" Trixie asked with a laugh.
"And you will each moment of the next 2 or 3 days, and then all you will do is look forward with Jim at your side."
"Moms, in case I forget to tell you and Dad--Thank you for being so patient with me, and making this an event to remember. I know I drove you crazy with some of the details, and then with my leaving on assignment so many times. . ." Trixie began.
Breaking into Trixie’s ramble, Moms said, with a smile "Trix, you are our only daughter and your dad and I want to see you have the wedding you want, and, all I can say, is it is about time we got this thing going."
Laughing, Moms shut the door as she told Trixie she would see her downstairs in a bit.
Trixie laughed as she made her bed. It certainly had taken a while to get to this point, Trixie thought. She remembered the night of her senior prom when . . .
She and Jim were dancing. Trixie sighed, and thought about how she really didn’t want to be here at this dressed-up formal affair, but she had promised Honey and Diana that she would go. She felt Jim’s eyes on her and she looked up into his green eyes.
As she heard the refrain of this song, she knew she would never forget this moment
"You are the love of my life. . ."
Trixie pulled her arms tighter around Jim’s neck as he held her with both arms.
"Trix. . ." said Jim quietly
"Hmmmmm. . . ."
"I just want you to know something.
"Yes" she asked
"I am so happy to be here with you tonight, and look at me Trix, " Jim softly said,
"You make me happy, and I love you."
Trixie hands were shaking, and her eyes welled up with tears as she said "I love you too, Jim"
Trixie broke herself out of the thoughts she was in and grabbed her robe as she headed toward the shower. She needed to at least be doing something to get ready for the bridesmaid luncheon at 1:00 pm or she would never be ready. The "girls" as her father called them although they were all Trixie’s age or older, would be here at noon. Honey, of course, would lead the group. It was hard to imagine her life without Honey in it. She was Trixie matron of honor, sister-in-law, and bestest friend in the whole world. She and Brian had been married for two years, and Honey was 3 months pregnant with their first child. Diana, Trixie’s other sister-in- law, was already the mother of one year old twin boys. Trixie laughed to herself as she imagined Mart being the father of 2 Belden boys at once. . .it would serve him right.
They all lived in Sleepyside with her and Jim. Brian was a doctor at the local hospital and head of the medical staff at Jim’ school which had been open for the past two years. Jim had hoped to have it sooner, but after getting a degree in education from Notre Dame, he decided he needed a Master’s in both Counseling, and Administration which had taken him three years to complete. Now the school was here, as was Trixie and Honey’s detective agency was used to help local police as well as New York city programs. Mart was a teacher/counselor at Jim’s school but he also worked part time at the YMCA teaching classes in self-defense. Diana was home for a while, but she had working in the Art department at the community college in White Plains.
As the water ran down her curves, Trixie thought more about the wedding night with Jim than the other members of the wedding party. She and Jim had been separated so many times in the past 6 years, that there had not been much intimacy. But she remembered the night he had given her his great aunt’s diamond ring, reset with sapphires surrounding the diamond. They had announced their engagement last Halloween at a party at the school, and Jim took her home after the party.
Oh, I need to get moving Trixie thought as she turned the water on. I still have 2 more days to get through until I can spend the night with Jim. Hearing voices, she recognized Honey’s, Diana’s and the laugh of her cousin Hallie who was also in the wedding. Hallie was in charge of the Wheeler game preserve and had married Dan, a police officer and juvenile probation officer, in May. The newly weds were happy to be a part of the hot, July wedding of their friends.
Hearing a car drive up, Trixie jumped. There they are!! The last two members of the wedding party. Chris had been a friend of Trixie’s when she attended University of Pittsburgh master program in Criminal Justice, and her fiancé, Kevin had been Jim’s roommate at Notre Dame. Jim and Kevin were so much alike is was scary. If it hadn’t been for Kevin’s dark hair and blue eyes you might think they were twins with their tempers and passionate natures. Kevin had been from Texas originally, but the stubborn guidance counselor from Pittsburgh had convinced him that there were hospitals in PA too and he could move there. They would be getting married Labor Day weekend in Pittsburgh, and Jim and Trixie would be back in plenty of time to go to the wedding.
Trixie flew down the steps to the kitchen. "You are here already," she exclaimed as she ran to hug both Chris and Kevin.
"Of course, we are here. We left at 3 am so her highness could be here early enough to get ready for the lunch," Kevin said with a smirk.
"OK, where are the men staying and when can he go there?" Chris smiled and gave Kevin a quick kiss. "And it was not 3 am, we left last night and drove part of the way to stay in a hotel."
Laughing, Honey told Kevin to unload Chris’s suitcase here since the girls would be here tonight and the guys would be lodged at Manor House.
"Suitcase?" Kevin asked laughing loudly. "Try five of them With all of her luggage, I only had room for one small bag. Good thing Jim has us wearing tuxes we have to get here"
"OK Kevin, bring them in, and then take you, the car, and your one suitcase up to Manor House," Chris said, "I will see you tonight at rehearsal."
Diana, Honey, Hallie, Chris, and Trixie went upstairs to claim a bed, and decided that they should be getting dressed for the luncheon since they had to meet Mrs. Belden, Mrs. Wheeler, Miss Trask, and a few other women at the restaurant in only an hour.
Trixie went into her room, shut the door, and smiled to herself. "I have the best friends in the world, but I wonder why they all keep giggling. We already had the shower and bachlorette party. This should be just a lunch." Leaving her room, she saw the others assembled, and walking out of the house, they jumped into Diana’s Jeep Cherokee and left.
Three hours later, Trixie emptied her arms of the "stuff" that the girls had given her onto the bed. But it had been emotional as well, since each of the guests had given Trixie something sentimental and meaningful. Diana’s pen and ink of her and Jim as teenagers was so beautiful, Chris’s calligraphied poem was unique, and Honey’s needlepoint and lace garter were gorgeous and special to her. But, the gift from her mother of a pearl bracelet that her mother had given her, had sent Trixie’s tears falling.
"No more thinking," Trixie muttered to herself. "Rehearsal is in two hours and I need a quick nap. I was up way too early for humans" Laying down, she drifted off into sleep.
It was the night of Jim and Brian’s graduation. And Trixie was happy for them, but sad for her knowing that this night would be the start of changes for the Bob-Whites. And althoughshe knew they would still be "friends", Trixie wondered if this day would change things between her and Jim. After all, he would be going off to Notre Dame which was not close enough for weekend visits, but the school was right for him.
The family was ready to leave and Trixie looked in the mirror one more time. The wild blonde curls had tamed somewhat, but only because she let them. She had "filled out nicely" as her Aunt Alicia would say, and she had curves in the right places although she still tried to keep in physical shape. Her black and white sundress was not stunning, but she knew she liked how she looked and that was important.
At the ceremony, Trixie was so proud of her brother, Brian. He was the classes valedictorian, and his speech was from the heart about family, friends, and helping others. Jim was an honor graduate, and looked great in his suit and tie. She was happy that the Bob- Whites would be together tonight at a late-night cookout at the lake.
Finally, at the lake, Trixie sat with Jim as they watched Mart, Diana and Brian try to beat Dan and Honey at volleyball. They both knew, without speaking, that they just needed to sit together.
"Come on, Trix, let’s walk for a bit."
"Good idea" Trixie agreed since she wanted to give Jim his present in private.
Holding hands they walked around the lake and into the preserve. Slowly, with no rush, they moved on. Trixie stopped and pulled a small box out of her sweater pocket.
"Congratulations, Jim, here is something. . . I think you will understand"
Jim opened the box, and saw an ID bracelet with the initials TB engraved at one end and JF on the other. In the middle was the claddaugh symbol.
"It means, love, loyalty and friendship, Jim, but most of all, it means, you are special to me," Trixie said quietly.
"Trix, I love it, and I will wear it every day..."
"So you don’t forget me, " Trixie broke in
"I could never forget you, Trix, you mean the world to me, and I want us to continue to develop our relationship, although I will be farther away. We can email, call, and visit," with that, Jim leaned over and kissed Trixie for the first time. She felt like the world was spinning, but mostly, she just held on to this man she knew she loved.
Trixie woke up from her nap with a smile. She remembered that first kiss like it was yesterday and it had been over 10 years. She and Jim had been through separations, rough times, and some wonderful times in that time. And tomorrow they would be married. IF she could get through tonight!!
Three hours later, Trixie and Jim walked out of the restaurant they had gone to for the rehearsal dinner. It was time to say good bye until 3:00 PM tomorrow.
"Tonight was a special night to have all of our family and friends here with us to share memories before the big day, wasn’t it, Trix? " Jim asked as he stood behind her and put his arms around her waist.
Leaning back against him, Trixie sighed. "I loved the whole night for many reasons. The video that Moms and Dad put together was not only touching, but funny as I looked at myself growing up, and listening to some of the comments from people in our life. I loved having our closest friends and family with us, but most of all, I loved it because it brings us closer to being husband and wife."
Kissing him and holding him tight, Trixie whispered "I love you and I will be waiting for at 3:00 PM at St. Michael’s Church. Sleep well, and dream of me"
"I will, Shamus, I will, and I will be at the church tomorrow. Don’t stay up giggling too long, and get some sleep."
That night, the girls talked late, and laughed much, but that is another story. Morning quickly came, and the Belden and Wheeler homes had much activity. There was a flurry activity everywhere: showers, hair drying, curling, and spraying, make-up swapping, and general giggles from the women. Trixie was in her hose, and slip, and just needed a moment alone. She shut the door and sat in the rocker in "her" room. All she needed was a few seconds to relax before she put on the silk and lace dress that she and Moms had found in a unique shop in New York City. Her veil, the same one worn by her mother, was draped over the dresser. Sitting back, Trixie closed her eyes and immediately thought of Jim. Trixie came back to reality with a laugh.. And there were many more happy times to come.
The bridal party, and the nervous mother of the bride came in, and within minutes had Trixie dressed and ready for the photographer. A family friend, Tad Webster had taken his energy and become a leading photographer in the area, and Trixie and Jim would have no one but him take their photos. After what seemed like hours to Trixie, Tad left to get some shots at Manor House, and Trixie looked at her bridesmaids.
"Well, this is it, and I have one last instruction. NO tears. Got it?" she asked looking at dark-haired and princess-looking Diana and Hallie, curly haired and not-as-thin Chris, and warm, sweet Honey. "I mean it, I want us all to be happy, and if I see tears, I may cry."
"OK, OK, All right," they all exclaimed, "now let’s go"
At the church, Trixie waited in the room with her father and the girls. Patience was not her strongest virtue and she was happy to know she had only minutes to wait. After about 15 long, agonizing minutes, the music began, and Trixie stood. First Chris, Diana, Hallie, then Honey walked out the door and down the aisle.
"Sweetheart, you have waited a long time for this day, and your mother and I are so happy for you and so lucky to have a daughter like you. You will always be my little girl" Mr. Belden said as his eyes welled up with tears. "Now, let’s go" he added quickly before Trixie had time to tear up.
Walking down the aisle, Trixie noticed the many people who meant the world to her seated in the church. Bobby, Knut, Cap, Regan, Miss Trask, Uncle Andrew and so many more had come to share this happy day with her and Jim. But just as she began to look at the faces, the one at the altar grabbed her attention. Jim was standing there, looking as handsome as he did the first moment she met him at Ten Acres. And she knew, she had never loved anyone the way she did James Winthrop Frayne II. She smiled and walked toward him to begin their life together.
Placing her hand in Jim’s, Mr. Belden smiled at him. "Welcome to the family, son, I know you will be a good husband to her." Leaning over, he kissed Trixie on the cheek and sat down next to Mrs. Belden who had already begun to cry.
Trixie and Jim sat side by side as the service continued. Occasionally, the looked at each other, but mostly they just held hands and waited. Finally, the priest got up for the exchange of vows.
"Trixie, Jim, would you turn and face each other, and join right hands."
"Do you, Jim, take Trixie. . ."
"Do you, Trixie, take Jim. . ."
They both answered clearly "I do" and smiled with love in their eyes.
"Trixie and Jim have some vows that they would like to share with each other now." the priest said.
"Trixie, you have changed my life. When you first came bursting into my world, I knew that you were someone special. It may have taken me years to say it, Trixie, but I have loved you from the moment I saw you. Your kindness, your sensitivity, your spontaneity, and your daring are just a few of the things that make you special. But most of all, it is your passion for life and love that I want to share everyday. You are my best friend, my support, my lover, and now my wife, and I love you more each day." Jim looked into her clear, blue eyes as he said this. He saw her eyes fill up with tears and her hand was lightly shaking. His voice began to break near the end, and could feel the tears in his eyes.
"Jim, I can’t imagine my life without you. You are the rock I need in my life. The one who gives me support and love unconditionally every day of my life. I love your honesty, your dedication to your school and the children, your warmth, and most especially your belief in me. You have given me patience, and understanding when I know I tried it. But most importantly you have given me a chance to love. Each moment of each day, I thank God that you entered my life, and I am overjoyed to be here with you today as we become one. Your love is my strength, and I want to be your friend, your support, your lover, and your wife all the days of my life."
Trixie could hardly speak but she needed to tell Jim what was in her heart right now. Her blues eyes were spilling tears, and just as Jim reached over to wipe one away, she did the same to him. Laughing, they continued to hold hands and turned back to the priest.
After exchanging rings, the mass continued. Finally, the priest had them turn toward their family and friends and introduced "Mr. and Mrs. James Frayne." As the people applauded, Jim and Trixie walked out to the music of "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee". Following behind, wiping the tears from their eyes were Honey and Brian, Diana and Mart, Hallie and Dan, and Chris and Kevin.
The reception was at Sleepyside Country Club, and everyone had a wonderful dinner. Brian and Honey had the traditional toast. It made it extra special because not only were they best friends, they were brother-sister, brother-in-law-brother-in-law, and sister-in-law-sister-in-law. Brian was honest and well-spoken as he said, "Trix, Jim, all of us here share in your joy this day. We have watched you move from quick glances to hand-holding, from ID bracelets to diamond rings --or was it the diamond first?" As everyone laughed, Brian continued to speak,"As you begin your life together, I wish you joy, love, peace, children---and Jim I wish you patience."
Honey had a harder time getting through her speech. "Trix, Jim. . .it seems only *sniff* right that you are here today joining your lives together. . .*sniff* you are the best friends I have ever had, you both taught me courage, love, and passion for life." Wiping the tears away, Honey continued, "I want you both to be happy, and know that you both are angels in my life. I love you both very much." Honey choked on the last words and quickly sat down as Brian put his arm around her.
Dinner was over, but the evening was beginning. Trixie and Jim had a hard time decided on what song to dance to, but one night, Trixie was at work, and stuck in Honey’s country music collection. As she listened to the words, she knew she had found it. Calling Jim at 1:30 am had not been the smartest move, but he was patient with her. After all, he remembered the song they were playing at her senior prom, when he told her he loved her.
You are the love of my life,
And you are the reason I’m alive, and baby,
When I think of how you saved me I go crazy.The DJ introduced "Mr. and Mrs. James Frayne" and Trixie and Jim began their dance together to the song they never would have found on their own. "You know, this song says it all, Jim, you have saved my life, literally, in so many ways, and you are the one I waited my for."
I’ve never known love like this
And it fills me with a new tenderness, and I know
You’re in my heart, you’re in my soul,
You’re all I can resistAnd I need to tell you. . . The first time I held you, I knew
You are the love of my life.Pulling her chin so that she looked at him, Jim said, "Trixie, you saved me from myself, from the world of distrust I had locked myself into, and I love you more than any words, song or poem could ever tell you. But I have the rest of my life to show you.
I spent a lifetime waiting, always hesitating until you
I was lost so deep inside my shell,
Till you came and saved me from myself
Now all I really know, Is I need youAs we stand together, I promise forever
Till the day that I die, You are the love of my life. . . .You are the love of my life,
You are the reason I’m alive. . . .Keeping her arms around him, Trixie kissed him softly. "I love you, too, and while this day has been wonderful, it is only a beginning. There will be wonderful times, and I am sure trying times, but we will be side by side which is what we have talked about for so long. As long as we have each other, we can make it through. And although I know that sounds so idealistic, I know it is true. We have families and friends who love us, and who have taught us that good and bad can happen, but love survives."
As the song ended, Trixie and Jim continued to hold each other as they rest of the bridal party joined them on the dance floor. Trixie danced with her father, while Jim danced with his mother, and then with her mother. The party was in full swing, but Trixie and Jim met one last time to dance. They had asked the DJ to play one last song for them. As they danced, everyone watched them, saw the love they shared, and smiled.
As Trixie and Jim left for their honeymoon cruise, everyone called out--"Congratulations!" "Have a great time!" "See you soon, take care!"
They smiled, waved and walked off hand in hand. Stopping just outside the door, Jim pulled Trixie close into a hug and deep kiss. "Mrs. Frayne, I want you to know how much I love you!! and that I am ready to spend my life with you!!"
"Lead the way, my dear husband." Laughing Trixie and Jim left for their honeymoon.
The End