They sat around eating and drinking champagne and discussing wedding plans. Sam asked Angus to be best man. He had not known him that long, but he knew it would mean so much to him.

As she ate her chocolate gateaux, Michelle smiled to herself. Everything was going well. There were no more monsters hiding ready to ruin things.

Just as she cleaned up the dinner things, the phone rang.

~o~O~o~
Michelle picked up the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hello is that you Michelle?”

“Tommy is that you?”

“Yes darling. I’ve been moved to an open prison now. I’m making good progress. My sentence is being reviewed. It was after the medical reports. They have taken my being abused into account. They may want to contact you as the victim. If you don’t want me to come out I’ll understand.”

“Oh Tommy.”

She paused.

“Dad”

She had rarely called him that, only when told to by his mum.

“I told you. I forgive you and understand. What you went through would traumatize anyone. You loved mum. That’s what mattered.”

She could hear a gentle sob on the other end of the line.

“You called me dad. I wasted so much of my life on the booze and being angry. You forgave me after what I did. You are beautiful Michelle. I don’t mean yer looks, I mean yer soul. I have learned it’s people who matter. We are what we are because of friends and family.”

“Dad when you get out I have over £150k for you to buy or rent somewhere to live. You can stay with us while you look. I’ll talk to Sam.”

“Thank you Michelle. I have a lot of making up to do. It would be good to spend some time with you. Are you sure Sam won’t mind?”

“He’ll do as wife says.”

“Wife? Are you married then?”

“Not yet we are looking to tie the knot around July.”

“I..I may be out by June if all goes well. Could I give you away? It would be an honor.”

“I would love that Dad. I haven’t got many friends. It would be nice to have someone from my side of the family.”

“Church or registry office?”

“Registry I think, but Angus told me that the Church of England will marry trans people. So possibly you will get to walk me down the aisle.”

“Whatever you want Michelle. I’ll be happy just to be with you.”

“Listen dad. Let me know when they want to talk to me. I’ll be glad to.”

“Thank you lass, I…. just thank you. Can I call you again next week? Same time.”

“I would love it. We can get to know each other before you move in.”

Michelle told everyone and they all hugged her. They knew this would mean so much to her. Hopefully heal the demons of her past. It would show Tommy fully accepted his step daughter.

Suzi took Michelle to one side.

“Can I ask a big favor Michelle. It’s about bridesmaids.”

“I don’t have any Suzi, just you as maid of honor.”

“Well I met two ladies Samantha and Jenni. They work at St Mary Bethlehem as orderlies. Neither are trans. They just love dressing. They look lovely as woman. Both of them told me their greatest wish is to be a bride. Bridesmaid is the next best thing. Look here’s a photo of them on a night out.”

“Do you have their dress sizes.”

“No but I will. They’ll be so excited. Poor Samantha was outed a while back, some of the nastier guys were calling him sissy boy Samantha. I soon stopped that. We’ll go shopping for the dresses next Saturday.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

~o~O~o~

The next few months were a blur. Michelle got her dress after trying on several. It was white, or course. The top was two layers of lace that clung to her new breasts. The skirt was held out by a lace and paper nylon petticoat. It was a little old fashion, but she adored it.

The maid of honor and the bridesmaids dresses we lavender. They had white lace the high collars and the puffed sleeves. Michelle made a big thing about them all having matching underwear. They searched for most of the afternoon for the lavender Basques and French knickers. They settled for white stockings for everyone.

After returning home and having some dinner Sam showed Michelle what he had found out about having a church wedding.

“Look there was a meeting about trans people a little while ago.”

Michelle looked at the screen on his laptop.

DIOCESAN SYNOD MOTION

Welcoming Transgender People

She scanned down until she saw the relevant part

Having recognised a divergence of views within the House, the Bishops in the House of
Lords did not oppose the Bill that became the Gender Recognition Act 2004. None of
the bishops voted against the Bill, while some spoke in favor. The outcome was that a
man or woman who has been issued with a gender recognition certificate may marry
someone of the opposite sex in a Church of England church, subject to the right of
clergy to refuse to solemnise the marriage of any person whom they reasonably
believed to be of an acquired gender.

“So Michelle, if we ask the local vicar and he agrees. We can have a church wedding. I know it means a lot to you.”

“I used to go the church when I was young, my mum was quite religious. I wasn’t confirmed, but I started the process. You’ll think it’s silly, but it has always been my dream to walk down the aisle as a bride.”

“If that’s what you wish. We’ll look around until we find a vicar that will accept us.”

“I love you Sam. I don’t care if we can’t, but that would make the day perfect.”

~o~O~o~

They found the perfect place. St. Leonard’s church in Bengeo, just outside Hertford was an old Norman church. It was small and intimate, as well as being over 800 years old. Sam had told Michelle that the original Saxon church on the site was thought to have been burnt down by Vikings.

It reminded her of their first date. He was acting like a tour guide. She thought he might keep calling her “special” again. He kept saying it when they first met.

She hugged him and kissed him deeply.

“What was that for?”

“Just for being you.”

The vicar agreed, the plans were made and July arrived. Tommy had been released and he was living in the spare room. Tommy was a builder. The new sober Tommy was a very good builder. They discussed renovating the house while having dinner a few weeks before the wedding. Tommy said he could get some help and get the living room, kitchen and master bedroom done while they were on their honeymoon.

They planned to spend two weeks in Scotland in a cottage. Walking in the highlands and visiting towns and cities. Very soon the big day arrived.

Sam left with Angus, who was best man and stayed in a local hotel. A beautician came to the house and did their hair and makeup. Michelle swore Samantha and Jenni were more excited than her.

They were all in church waiting as she walked down the aisle to the wedding march. Michelle thought she would burst with happiness. The beautiful bridesmaids followed behind. All the guest’s eyes were on them. The flowers the dresses, it was overwhelming.

Sam looked so handsome as she approached him on Tommy’s arm. When Tommy stood back she saw tears in his eyes. He was a nice person now he was free of his demons. She was growing to love him.

They had agreed to the traditional vows. Michelle would promise to love, honor and obey. Sam told her he didn’t need that. Michelle said she trusted him never to hurt her, so it didn’t matter.

They said their own short vows before the official marriage.

“Michelle. You are the light of my life. You bring me so much happiness and joy. You saved my life. I will be yours for always, if you will have me. You will be my special lady forever.”

Michelle stifled a giggle when she heard “special”.

“Sam. You gave me my life. You are the kindest, and most understanding man I have ever met. You gave me the strength to be who I really am. If you will have me. I will hold you and care for you forever.”

There was applause, and tears. Everyone knew the hard road that had led to this marriage.

The vicar carried out the formal ceremony and when they said “I do” there were cheers.

Outside the church there were the usual photographs taken. The only regret Sam had was that his mother couldn’t be there. She was on Greenpeace ship blocking a Japanese whaling fleet's factory ship in Antarctica.

The reception was in a local hall. There was a disco, a buffet and a table that groaned under the weight of beer and soft drink. It was a fun old style wedding. Sam was chatting to Angus.

“Thanks Angus, it all went very well.”

“No problem. Aye, this is great fun. The D.J. is brilliant. I don’t understand why people spend so much on weddings. It’s like it’s a competition to outdo someone else.”

“Too true. It’s the people that matter. My wedding to Fiona cost me twenty thousand. This was about four. I’m enjoying this more.”

The floor was cleared for dancing. The D.J. played the Carpenter’s, We’ve Only Just Begun.

Sam and Michelle danced together gazing into each other’s eyes, like they were the only two people in the world.

Later they cut the cake and went to set off on their honeymoon. Michelle waited until the goodbyes had all been said, she stood by the car ready to throw the bridal bouquet. The bouquet went high into the air and was falling down into the open arms of Samantha. Suzi leapt up and snatched out of the air. She landed perfectly on her lavender heels, then looked at Angus and winked.

“Oh Angus! You’re a lucky man.” Said Michelle.

Angus laughed and kissed Suzi’s cheek.

“Anytime she wants Michelle, anytime.”

~o~O~o~

The drove off to Stanstead airport to catch a plane to Glasgow. Sitting on the flight Michelle couldn’t believe she was a married woman. She had a whole new life. She was so different from the person she was a few years ago. Her hand found Sam’s and squeezed it to make sure it was all real.

They hired a car at the airport and drove towards Rhue. They would not arrive until midnight, but Sam told her the drive was worth it. He said it was so beautiful there. She could hardly keep her eyes open.

The next thing she knew San was carrying her through the door of lovely log cabin.

“What are you doing Sam?”

“Carrying you over the threshold.”

Sam put her down and turned on the light.

“Took your fucking time. Now I’m going to finish what I started.”

They both stood in shock as the saw a ragged looking Fiona point a 12 gauge at them.

“What the hell are you doing here Fiona.”

“Getting my revenge for sending me to prison. Do you know what it’s like in there? Full of bloody lezzi’s like your sister.”

Michelle tried to pull Sam out of the door.

“Please Fiona you don’t need to do this.”

“No I don’t, but I will.”

The shotgun went off hitting Sam squarely in the chest and knocking him out the open door. Michelle tried to reach Sam as the shotgun fired again. She felt the pellets tear her back to shreds and passed out.

~o~O~o~

The police siren woke her and she screamed.

“Michelle what’s the matter?”

“Sam? You’re OK.”

“I’m tired, but I’m fine. We’re about five miles away. There was an accident back there. I was going to stop, but the ambulance arrived as we passed. The police siren woke you up.”

“I had a nightmare. I don’t think my mind can accept all this happiness.”

“Good things do happen to good people sometimes Michelle. You're safe. I promise.”

They pulled up outside the stone cottage. A light glowed in the window and a security light came on as they parked the car. Sam unlocked the door and went to Michelle and tried to lift her off her feet.

“Err, no Sam let’s save that for when we get home.”

They took their cases into the bedroom and both agreed they should sleep and unpack in the morning.

Michelle made them some hot chocolate and they got ready for bed. They both stripped naked and slipped into bed.

“Sam I want you to make love to your wife.”

“What you mean…?”

“Yes. I’m ready. Please I really want this.”

She had got herself ready. She knew Sam would be gentle. Nevertheless, she was still nervous.

They kissed and her hand went down and found he had an erection already. She wrapped her hand around it and gently stroked it. Sam gasped and pushed her onto her back. His mouth found her hard nipples. He licked nibbled and teased them, driving her wild.

She wanted him so badly now. I wasn’t just the nice feeling of being close to another human, it was he love she knew they shared. She wanted to please him anyway she could.

Michelle slipped under the cover and her mouth found his rock hard member.

“Oh my god that feels so good.”

She worked her tongue and her lips up and down the length of him and could hear his breathe become ragged.

“Please, I won’t last much longer.”

Michelle kissed all the way up his body and whispered in his ear.

“Now Sam consummate our marriage.”

OK, but if I hurt you just..”

“Shush Sam. You will never hurt me.”

Sam climbed on top of her and gently lifted her legs over his shoulders. Slowly he eased himself into her. He watched her eyes intently looking for signs of pain. Soon he was all the way in.

“That feels so good, are you OK?”

“Sam. Take me. I want you. Now.”

With infinite care he started pumping into her. Watching her face for distress. Gradually he lost himself to lust and sped up as he heard her sigh and moan with pleasure.

Michelle could feel him move inside her. It felt so much nicer than the hard plastic she had become used to. He was warm, hard but slight giving. It felt so much nicer having her husband inside. She could hear him groan, he was close now. She knew she would not climax. She had not managed that yet. She was happy she could be here with her man giving him pleasure. The love and closeness she felt for him was enough.

He sped up his pace then shuddered as he came. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down for an intimate kiss.

“Thank you husband. That was beautiful.”

“I didn’t hurt you?”

“No, I need you to do that to me often.”

“I’m too tired to go again now. Perhaps in the morning. Anyway you won’t need to dilate if we make love.”

“Doctors orders then Sam?”

“Come here you.”

They spooned. Michelle felt safer and happier than she had ever felt in her life. She was a married woman. She had made love to her man. All was right in the world.