What Happens on the Cruise

78. At Last

"Wise men say only fools rush in, But I can't help falling in love with you," Adam Chance sang as he strummed the guitar.

Austin crutched his way down the aisle, feeling the pull in his abdomen and chest. Fortunately, the aisle was short. The whole room would only seat fifty people, though they had about a dozen people in sitting.

Rob offered a steadying hand as Austin reached the front and turned to watch Tim walk down the aisle.

Austin forgot all his pain as he looked at Tim, beaming at him, so much warmth in his brown eyes. They'd opted for the black leather suit jacket over the white shirt with blue flowers. Tim looked amazing in it. Tim took his place next to Austin, taking his hand.

"Take my hand, take my whole life, too, For I can't help falling in love with you,
For I can't help falling in love with you," Adam Chance finished the song.

After a moment, Pastor Jay began, "Welcome, family, friends, and loved ones. Tim and Austin have brought us together here for an occasion of great joy and a cause for great celebration. By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other, and you support their decision to commit themselves to a lifelong relationship."

They'd considered a much lengthier welcome, but had opted for a short service, with Austin's condition in mind.

"Today represents not only the joining of Austin and Tim but also the joining of their families and friends. Tim and Austin would like to recognize their parents on this occasion. They offer their profound gratitude for the unconditional love and support their parents showed in raising them, which inspired them to become who they are today. Without you, this day would not be possible."

Betsy and Dena were both crying already, dabbing at their eyes. Since they both were the only family physically present, they'd opted to sit together. Betsy reached out and took Dena's hand, smiling at her. Dena smiled back and squeezed Betsy's hand.

"Let us bow our heads in prayer," Pastor Jay said. "Lord, we thank you for gathering everyone here today. We ask that you help Tim and Austin to remember the strong love that they share, to work that love into their everyday lives so that nothing can divide them. May their love always inspire them to be kind in their words, considerate of the other’s feelings, and concerned for the other’s needs and wishes. Renew within us an affectionate and loving spirit. Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with that same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment give to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships that we cherish. In your loving name we pray, Amen."

"Amen," both Austin and Tim echoed.

The minister focused on the two of them. "A successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work, it takes patience, and it takes time. It takes a commitment from both of you-- a commitment to do whatever it takes to make your relationship thrive and not simply survive." He looked at Tim. "Tim, will you take Austin to be your lawfully wedded husband and travel the rest of life’s road with him? Will you love him, laugh with him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

"I will," Tim answered, squeezing Austin's hand and looking into his eyes.

"Austin, will you take Tim to be your lawfully wedded husband and travel the rest of life’s road with him? Will you love him, laugh with him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

"I will," Austin affirmed.

"Tim, please repeat after me," the reverend prompted.

Tim smiled, his eyes never leaving Austin's, as he repeated, "I, Timothy Regan Foust take you, Matthew Austin Brown to be my husband, loving you as you are. I will share my life with yours, and build our dreams together, support you through times of trouble, and rejoice with you in times of happiness. I promise to give you respect, love and loyalty. This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and made new every day of our lives."