By Sun and Candlelight / CAMREN

Chapter 50

Camila stood and looked out at the opening to the tent set up in Eliza's yard where dinner and the reception would be held after the wedding. John stood behind her and Dinah and Normani were on either side. Sitting in the chairs set for the ceremony were Eliza, Ruby, Ally, Troy, Mike, Imra, Ed and Cherry. Camila took a deep breath as the violinist finished the piece that had accompanied her and Eliza out to their places. Camila heard the first notes of Pachelbel's Canon and she felt the lump in her throat.

The flap on the tent opened and Lauren and Lori stood and looked out at the path in front of them leading to the edge of the lake. Lauren held Lori's hand and they began walking. Camila bit her lip to contain her tears. Lauren wore a simple v-neck gown with her hair up in Camila's favorite style. Camila's immediate thought was that she looked like a Greek goddess. Lori walked next to her in an adorable white lace dress with a big bow on the back, grinning as she held her small bouquet of flowers tightly in her other hand.

Lauren saw Camila waiting for her and she smiled widely. Camila was wearing a strapless gown, and her hair was down in long, loose waves. Lauren could spot the emotion in Camila from across the lawn and she met her eyes and felt her heart beating faster. Lauren and Lori walked toward Camila then stopped when they got closer. Lauren had practiced the walk with Lori numerous times, and she prayed that it paid off. Lori looked up at Lauren. Lauren gave her a small nod and Lori let go of her hand and walked to Camila, who was waiting with her hand out. When Lori got close Camila leaned down and scooped her into a tight hug.

It seemed everyone in attendance was wiping away tears as Camila gently placed Lori down and guided her to the closest seat, right next to Eliza. Camila went back to her spot and waited, and Lauren took the last few steps to join her in front of John. They held hands and grinned as the violinist finished the piece. John looked at them with a loving smile.

"We gather here today not only to join Camila and Lauren, but to officially make a family of three," John said happily, "I've been asked keep it short..."

Everyone chuckled and Camila gave him a happy wink. Dinah looked across and caught Normani's eye. They gazed at each other for a long moment before turning their attention back to the ceremony.

"Lauren and Camila have asked that their favorite poem be read before the vows," John said, "This is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

"It is truly a reflection of the love these two women have for one another, and I feel privileged to be witness to the commitment they make to one another today. Camila, Lauren are you ready?"