"Father Adolf, I have a couple who wishes to be married," Father Patrick approached the altar where the older priest laid out the communion chalice and plate.

"Talk to me after mass."

"Father, mass doesn't start for another thirty minutes.The altar is perfect. This won't take but a minute. I only need your approval to add them to the announcements. We need to read the banns. They would like to be married as soon as their ninety day waiting period is over."

"Do they have the registrar's certificate?" Father Adolf asked. "If not, go away until that is done."

"Very well, Father." The young priest waved at Harry and Gaia, and they followed him into one of the side alcoves of the cathedral.

"You'll have to go to get that form. I'll add you to the announcements for Sunday mass. It will be three months till you can marry here. Father Adolf will want to counsel you before as well.He's strictly old fashioned and will demand a traditional ceremony."

"It's too late today. I'll bring it by tomorrow morning. How often will Father Adolf want us for counseling?"

Father Patrick shook his head. "As long as you agree to Harry having all the power in this marriage and promise to leave the to honor and obey part in the vows, one session is all it will take."

Gaia frowned. Harry caught her expression and shook his head. "That's not fair at all. But then again life isn't fair for the most part. Gaia, can you tolerate a bigot like Father Adolf? He belongs in another century well in the past."

"And even in the past, our families always taught us marriage is an equal partnership. True mates balance and complete each other. Sad that we still have to hide our traditions," Gaia protested."But I do want our marriage officially recorded. We've already said our vows to each other in the eyes of the Goddess. This is a formality."

"We want to go to America, and an official marriage certificate will be an advantage," Harry explained. "Before that, we'll take the next months to explore the continent. Paris, Venice, Rome and perhaps Switzerland. I've always wanted to see the Alps."

"Then I'll schedule you for your session with Father Adolf immediately. Get it out of the way. Your wedding day will be June 21st if you are willing to have it on a weekday."

"Serendipitous Father. It is one of the most sacred days in our year. A wonderful choice." Harry said.

"I see the Goddess's blessing in this," Gaia agreed. "But I doubt Father Adolf will."

Father Patrick nodded. "Keep your tongue in check, Gaia. I agree with you, but I fear it will be decades before the church sees reason on this topic. You and I are of a mind, Harry. Please make sure you keep in touch. Letters move quickly between the continent and us now. Write often."

"Of course, my friend," Harry stuck out his hand to shake the priest's. Father Patrick's black robes swirled, as he turned to say goodbye to Gaia, and she pulled him into a hug.

"When is our appointment with Father Adolf?" she asked when she stepped away from the surprised priest.

"Two days from now. That way your certificate from the Registry Office will already be accepted by him. How does teatime sound?4:30?"

"Yes, that works. Thank you!" Gaia walked out of the transept back into the nave.

Father Patrick followed, noted the sour look from his fellow clergyman, and shook his head. The war made independent women a common thing. Running businesses and households without their spouses brought out their incredible abilities and strengths.

"Best keep your thoughts to yourself, Father," Gaia chided.

"Am I that obvious?"

Harry nodded. "And it's why I am happy to call you my friend."

"I'll walk you out. I'll be happy to see you again tomorrow. I'll make sure Father Adolf is here to see your paperwork."

"I'll be here early. After morning mass," Harry said.

"Understood. Goodbye." Father Patrick held the massive entry door open for the couple. "I expect you will be blessed with a long, happy marriage."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"What do you think you are doing marrying a dwarf? He should be a servant, not your husband. He belongs in a circus. A beautiful woman like you could do much better."

Father Adolf's acerbic question hung in the air while Gaia squeezed Harry's hand and tried to control her anger. Could anyone be any denser?

"Our families approve, even if they cannot be here at the moment. Some of the will be at our wedding, at least we hope so," Gaia hoped her statement would deflect the obnoxious questions from the white haired priest. His mouth turned down in disapproval and she sighed. "I know what I'm doing. Harry and I have been in love for years now. We are both of age, as my baptism certificate shows. So, there is no legal impediment."

"Harold, you are aware that you will meet with disapproval because of your, your small stature?"

"It makes no difference. Those who love us, approve. We will marry on Midsummer night as arranged."

"In that case the marriage vows are as I dictate. Gaia will promise to honor and obey you." He stared at her until she nodded, then continued, "I will not permit the travesty of a woman being an equal. She is meant to be cherished and cared for by her husband. There is no valid reason for her not to obey him. Do you understand me?"

"I understand that you have no idea of how much things have changed since the war ended. And I'll forgive you your misguided attitude. I will repeat my vows as you ask," Gaia snarled.

"She is a willful woman, Harold. Are you strong enough to keep her in line?"Gaia winced at his hidden message. The man was giving Harry permission to beat her if necessary. Horrifying. She felt his answering squeeze on her fingers as he responded.

"She's my love and will never do anything to bring me shame. In fact, she has made me very proud of her kindness and caring for many a poor soul."

Gaia bit her cheek to keep from snickering. Harry was bending the truth of her work with departed souls, to give the obstinate priest an acceptable answer. If he could deal with Father Adolf's outdated values, she would too.

"As long as Gaia continues her good works, then there is no reason to deny your ceremony here. We will expect you her the day before to make sure of the times and rehearse the ceremony." The priest held out a gnarled hand to shake Harry's. "I'm still wary of the obstacles life will place in your path. If I hear of any misbehavior on Gaia's part, I will counsel you again."

"We won't be here in the city. There are places we want to see before we leave for America, and business contacts I want to solidify in Europe as well. I do wish to leave a donation to help with your charitable work among the poor," Harry said.

Clever Harry. Appeal to his greedy heart. The poor will benefit, and we will be married without much further fuss.

"The alms box is across from the candle rack. I suggest you light one or two and pray for your future." Father Adolf waved them out without a goodbye.

Her sweet man stood and tugged her hand. Harry never let go from the time they were ushered into the priest's sanctum through a door in the apse. He led her out over to the left transept where several candles flickered. Pulling an envelope, thick with pound notes, out of his inner jacket pocket and he jammed it through the slot of a red box resting under a statue of Mother Mary holding baby Jesus.

"Funny how we use candles for many of the same reasons as the church does," Gaia said. She took a long matchstick from an engraved silver cup beside the candle rack. Lighting it in one of the flames she touched it to the wicks on two more votives in the rack.

"I pray the gift I have left will be used wisely," Harry whispered.

"Amen," Gaia responded.