“Same,” I agree. “I don’t have body image issues, but I’d feel on the spot.”
“Probably because no one sees us in dresses. We’re used to seeing Uncle Noaz in a dress,” he points out.
“Probably. I’d like to point out that guys have been wearing dresses far longer. Kilts. Robes.” I wave my hand. “If we don’t call it a dress, it’s far more acceptable.”
“Not in this country. Unless there’s a seam right against your crotch, it’s feminine.”
I snort a laugh. “Fair enough.”
“Places!” Myro calls. It’s the signal for everyone to take their seats for the ceremony.
“Does this bother you?” I ask.
Brek looks at me, his eyebrows knit together in confusion. “What?”
“This love ceremony between my brothers.”
“Oh.” My stomach clenches when he doesn’t answer right away. “I guess I don’t think about it much. There are far more relevantthings on my mind most days than what your brothers are doing in their free time.”
I try to contain my smile, though I’m not sure I succeed. My hand grips his thigh for a minute. “Good answer,” I murmur as the small crowd hushes. “Really,reallygood answer, Brek.”
He’s looking at me. Likely trying to figure out why his response garnered so much praise.
I settle in with one of my stress balls in my hand. Not because I’m stressed, but sitting still isnotpossible. This one in particular is clear, with little balls under the rubber outer layer. It’s one of my least favorite toys, but it’s silent.
“The world doesn’t have enough love,” Imry says, his tone not particularly loud but not so quiet that it doesn’t carry through the small audience. “In a time when public opinion is fueled by hate masquerading as love, today we’re celebrating love without boundaries. Without prejudice. Without judgement. In a well-known verse of love that is often quoted during ceremonies and yet is often added to with gatekeeping, there are a few lines that I want to emphasize:‘[It] always protects… always perseveres… [Love] never fails.’ This is the love we’ve come to witness today.”
“Ironic that he’s quoting a Bible verse, no?” Jessica murmurs from behind.
“I think he should have commented on the line of ‘does not rejoice in evil’ since that’s the hypocrisy of those who often tout this quote as an example of true love practice concerning every other person who holds different views or lives different lifestyles,” Uncle Noaz says.
Jalon turns around to level those talking with a silent but stern warning. Uncle Noaz points to Emerson. “He’s just learning to talk. Sorry. He doesn’t stop jabbering.”
I snort, covering my mouth to contain my laughter. Those around me do the same.
“Everyone has examples of couples in their lives who teach them what love is and what it means to truly love another person selflessly and without restraint. My example never came from movies or public figures. It didn’t come from a verse written by man or from the voices of imaginary friends of those who lived hundreds of years ago. The epitome of what it means to love someone grew right in front of my eyes. Because of Avory and Ellory, I have the highest expectations of what a loving relationship is supposed to look like. Nothing less will ever be enough.”
Several in the audience turn to look at Haze.
“No pressure,” Jessica murmurs to Haze.
Haze’s eyelids lower, but Imry flashes him a smile.
“Today is a celebration of that love. In front of those who understand the true message behind the verse so widely recited, regardless of where it originates and who said it, we acknowledge and celebrate the love between Avory and Ellory. Through the trials of our past and those we’ll continue to navigate, you will always have each other.”
He leans forward. “And me.”
Ellory grins.
“Through all of life’s big moments and small, through the ugly and the beautiful, your love will continue to shine like it’s abeacon from Heaven itself. Even if that’s in mockery and covered in the blood of those who would condemn you to Hell for your love.”
Dad sighs, shaking his head slightly. No one misses the way Ellory cackles, though, even as he tries to hold it in.
“Today and every day, we celebrate you. We will always look to you as an example of unconditional, without prejudice, and devoid of boundaries, love.”
“Can I kiss my bride?” Avory asks.
Imry inclines his head. “Kiss away.”
