“Thank you,” Ryder said on a pent up breath. He uncrumpled the paper and tried to smooth it out. His hands trembled.
I couldn’t read the words, but I could see some of them had been crossed out and scribbled over.
“Delaney, I wrote these vows a million times. In truth, I began writing them when I was too young to understand what love was. When I was too young to understand why the answer to my lonely heart was always you.
“But now, I know. You are the joy, the fire, the song in my heart. You always have been. I have loved you since the first day I saw you in kindergarten, punching that kid in the nose for stomping on all the crayons.”
I laughed, but it came out hitched up, close to tears.
He dropped the paper. “I love you. I always have. I always will love you. Please let me share my life with you. Please share your life with me. I promise I will always stand by you, stand with you, my arms your safety, my soul your home.”
I nodded and whispered, “Yes,” which made the crowd chuckle.
“Sufficient,” Than said. “Delaney, you will give Ryder your vows.”
I reached into my pocket and heard a “Hey!” and felt sharp little teeth nip my finger. I quickly pulled my hand out and checked my other pocket.
Empty.
A moment of panic washed over me.
My vows were stuck under a gnome head. A bitey gnome head.
“Delaney?” Than said.
“Yes. Um…I wrote my vows, too, but I don’t have them right now, so this isn’t going to be as pretty as what you said.”
Ryder just shook his head, his eyes bright with tears, smiling as if I were the best thing he’d ever seen in his life.
I reached out for his hand, and he caught mine, holding, grounding me, giving me time.
“I love you,” I said. “I knew that back in kindergarten too. I was too young to understand how love can grow and change, but I’ve known you all my life, Ryder Bailey. I want to know you for the rest of my life.
“More than that. I want to love you, hold you. I want to laugh with you, and argue with you, and sit around in my old jeans, barefoot, drinking beer on the beach with you. I want to watch the sun come up, and let you cook breakfast, because, fine, I’m a terrible cook.
“I want to watch the sunset in your arms. Please let me share my life with you. Please share your life with me. I promise I will love you. Always.”
He squeezed my hand, and his eyes, filled and glossy, cleared as a single tear tracked his face. “Yes,” he whispered, just as I had, and again, the crowd murmured.
“Adequate,” Than said. “Now, are there rings to be exchanged?”
Ryder nodded and turned to Crow.
I looked back to Myra, whose cheeks were pink and eyelashes were wet. She took the bouquet from me and handed me a gold ring that was warm from being held safe in her palm.
I turned back to face Ryder.
“Well done,” Than said. “All you need to do is repeat my words exactly. I am told there is no grade, and no consequences if you fail to follow my directions.”
Crow make a sound that sounded like he was trying to hold back a laugh.
Than glared at him. Then turned his attention to us.
“Ryder Bailey, present the ring, but do not put it on her finger quite yet. First, repeat after me.”
I lifted my left hand, and Ryder took it in his own, the ring ready in his other hand.
“Delaney Reed,” Than said.
