For richer, for poorer
In sickness and in health
To love and to cherish
Till death do us part
This is my solemn vow
The urge to hurry was strong, but I savored each step. We made the final turn in the path and I caught my first sight of them; man and dog together just like a year ago. He looked so beautiful in his suit with the ocean breeze gently blowing his hair. The smile that he wore was for me only and I actually forgot that anyone else was there as I made my way down the aisle to him.
Noah came forward, kissed both Roxie and Betty Jean on their cheeks before he took my hand. I stood there on the most perfect day God had ever made and committed myself to the most wonderful man on the earth. I had to be prompted to repeat my vows, because I was lost in those eyes of his that I loved so damn much.
There was a lot of clapping when the pastor announced us as husband and husband and we sealed our vows with a kiss, which reminded me that Noah and I weren’t alone after all. I could have kissed him much longer, but I would save that for later when we were alone so I could do it proper.
We hired a catering company to put on our reception in our backyard. They erected a beautiful marquee with gauzy white fabric and had woven white lights throughout the side and top of the structure. It almost looked like fireflies dancing in the breeze. The filet mignon, salmon, asparagus tips, and roasted potatoes that we served our guests were slightly classier than the hot dogs and baked beans that Noah would have chosen. The bubbly champagne was definitely preferred over cherry Kool Aid.
“It’s now time for the grooms’ first dance,” the DJ announced after dinner had been consumed.
“I think he means us,” Noah said, leaning into me. “This will be my favorite part. Well, except for later when we’re naked.”
“Come on, before we give the people a bigger show than they’re anticipating.”
I felt all eyes on us as we made our way to the makeshift dance floor in the center of the marquee. Noah moved into my arms and pressed his forehead to mine. We began to move as soon as the violins started playing in the opening of Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.”
The song resonated so deep with both of us. There were days that Noah still said he was afraid to fall asleep for fear that he’d wake up to discover the last year had all been a dream. I loved to stay awake and watch him sleeping, feeling his heart beating in his chest just like I had when we first discovered love.
“I’ll still be here,” I whispered for his ears only.
“You better be.”
Later, my mind would replay the toasts that were given and all of the love we received from our wedding guests. I would remember the love given to us on our special day. I would recall the cute way Jack and Liam’s recently adopted baby girl toddled from one dad to the next with their dog, Charlie, close behind to protect her if she fell. I’d smile every time I thought about the way Jared got caught staring at Derrick and vice versa.
I would cherish those memories until I took my last breath, but not until much later. I had a husband to hold, love, and cherish from head to toe and I couldn’t wait to get started. “You think we can sneak upstairs and get started on our wedding night activities?” I whispered in Noah’s ear when it looked like everyone was occupied.
“Don’t you think they’d notice we’re missing?” Noah looked around as if contemplating a quick escape.
“I bought a special white rope and blindfold to mark our special occasion.”
Noah practically dragged me up the stairs to our bedroom. We stripped off our clothes in record time and didn’t even take the time to try our new rope and blindfold. The urge to connect with him, to feel his naked skin against mine, and be inside him was just too great. A loud explosion echoed outside about the same time we came together in a panting, groaning, tangled knot in the center of the bed.
“What the fuck was that?” I asked when I finally caught my breath.
“Fireworks! Shit, I forgot all about them when you started whispering sexiness in my ear. I wanted to surprise you with a pyrotechnic explosion on the sand. I’m sorry we missed it.”
“Doc, there’s no way that explosion outside was better than the one we just had in our bedroom.”
“So true. Lord knows I saw fireworks behind my eyelids.” Noah picked up my left hand and kissed the ring he slid on my finger hours ago. “Maverick McKinney. I love the sound of that.”
There was no decision to be made about keeping my name or taking Noah’s. I was his forever – in body, spirit, and in name. It would be the name we give to our children and the name I’d proudly have carved on my tombstone when my time on earth was over. Even if I left the world before him, I’d wait patiently for him like Octavius did. No matter what, Noah would always return to me.
