The two of them.
I take my place on the bride’s side, next to Cath, who has a tissue pressed under one eye and is doing an absolutely terrible job of not crying. She grabs my hand, squeezes it, and does not let go.
Just looking at her makes me tear up again.
Crap!
No!
I put all of my attention on the minister, or I will end up bawling my eyes out.
The minister looks out over the room, and everyone quietens down.
“You may take your seats,” the minister says, and everyone does as he asks.
“Dearly beloved,” he begins, his voice carrying easily through the chapel, “we are here today to witness something rare. Two people who found each other and had the good sense not to let go. On behalf of Ridge and Robyn, welcome to all of you, human and shifter alike, family by blood and family by choice. Today, in front of everyone they love, these two join their lives together.”
Family by choice. That’s me. I’m the family by choice, and I’m already dabbing under my eyes with the side of my finger.
The ceremony moves like a dream: the readings, the minister’s short and gently funny remarks about how Ridge asked his friends for advice three times before proposing, the ripple of laughter through the pews. I hold on to Cath’s hand and watch my best friend glow.
Then the minister closes his book over his thumb.
“Now the formalities,” he says. “Is there anyone present who has knowledge of any lawful impediment why these two should not be married? If so, let them speak now.” He pauses, looking around the chapel.
Robyn clutches her chest and huffs out a heavy breath, and everyone laughs. It quickly dies down.
“Ridge. Do you take Robyn to be your wife and mate, to love her, honor her, and stand beside her, in joy and in hardship, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Not a flicker of doubt. It comes out rough and certain, and Robyn’s shoulders rise on a happy little breath.
“Robyn. Do you take Ridge to be your husband and mate, to love him, honor him, and stand beside him, in joy and in hardship, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Her voice cracks, and she laughs at herself, and so does everyone else.
“The couple has chosen to speak their own vows,” the minister says, and steps back a little.
Ridge goes first. He holds both her hands and looks at her like the rest of us aren’t even here.
“My darling Robyn. I spent a lot of years thinking I was fine on my own. Then you walked into that bar and flipped everything on its head.” He stops, swallows. “You’re my best friend. You’re the smartest, kindest, most stubborn person I’ve ever met, and I will spend the rest of my life making sure you never doubt for one second how loved you are. I trust you with everything I am. I choose you. Today and every day after. I love you with all of my heart and soul, and words will never be enough. So I promise to show you in every way possible how much you mean to me always and forever.” His voice hitches a little.
Cath is fully crying next to me, quiet, shoulders trembling, and I’m one wrong blink behind her.
Robyn pulls in air, steadies herself, and lifts her chin.
“Ridge, my heart, my love. I used to think soulmates were something out of the romance novels I read. Then I met you, and you were patient with me, and you made me laugh, and you loved me exactly as I am, and I realized the books had it right all along.” Her voice wavers, and she pushes through it. “You aremy soulmate. My love, my safe place, my best friend. I choose you too. Today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives.” By the end, it is clear that she is crying but holding her own.
That does it; a tear trickles down my cheek, and I wipe it away.
I hate sappy shit.
I hate it.
“Such wonderful words. The rings, please,” the minister says.
Magma steps forward and produces them from his breast pocket, two gold bands in his big palm, and for one second, his eyes come to me over Ridge’s shoulder before he hands them across. My face goes warm. I look down at the rings.
“Ridge, place the ring on Robyn’s finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I give you my heart, my loyalty, and my life.”
