The One Fanfiction

Chapter 31: Part 3

Maxon and I looked towards the priest. The man cleared his throat and welcomed the crowd.

"Welcome! Today we are celebrating the union of Maxon Calix Schreave and America Singer. These two people were lucky enough to find love. They have been show the miracles and power of true love. Together, they have faced the struggles of life and overcome them. They have formed a bond, so strong and so beautiful, and it can't be broken."

The priest continued speaking. I was amazed by how true his words were. Maxon never took his eyes off me. I could tell that if he was the one speaking, the words would still be filled with the same truth, that he wouldn't be lying. It would be the same for me, too.

Eventually, the priest turned to Maxon.

"Do you, Maxon Calix Schreave, take America Singer to be your beloved spouse, knowing in your heart that you will be a faithful friend and loving companion? Do you promise to stay with her in times of sickness and in health? In times of sorrow and joy? Do you promise to be completely honest with her? Do you vow to love and cherish her, for as long as you both shall live?"

Maxon gave my hands a squeeze.

"I do."

I forced myself to keep the tears from falling out as priest repeated what he'd asked Maxon. When he finished, I answered him honestly.

"I do."

Maxon smiled and my heart fluttered. I gripped his hands a little tighter.

The priest asked, "May I have the rings?" Gerad came forward. He held a pillow with matching silver wedding bands on it. I smiled down at my little brother. Gerad's sweet face looked up at me with a happy look in his eyes.

The reverend blessed the rings. He said to me, "America, please repeat after me." He began reciting the vows I'd written. I repeated after him.

"I love you for who you are and for the man you will grow to be. I promise to help you in any way I can and I promise to support you. I vow to be kind and compassionate and never try to hurt you. We will start a family and I promise to protect it until the day I die. I swear to love you for forever and a day."

The priest had a small smile as he said, "Maxon, please repeat after me."

Maxon said, "America, you are the only person I would want to spend my life with. For that reason, I promise to hold you when you need to be comforted. To smile with you when you're happy. I promise to not only be your best friend, but also your loving husband. I swear to never desert you and always be there to hold your hand when you need me. I promise to be with you during your darkest days and your lightest hours. I love you and I vow to make sure you know it for the rest of our lives."

I couldn't help it any more. Tears escaped as he said his vows. They were so heartfelt and honest. I saw through my clouded vision, that Maxon's eyes were a little wet as well.

We slid the rings on to each other's fingers. The wedding band fit like a piece of a puzzle.

The reverend smiled largely and said enthusiastically, "I now pronounce you man and wife. Now, for God's sake, kiss the bride!"

Maxon and I beamed at each other. He dipped his head and I put my hands on his shoulders. I stood on tiptoe.

Maxon kissed me and cheers broke out from the crowd. Clapping erupted as a blush creeped up into my cheeks.

Maxon put an arm around my waist and pulled away. I leaned into him as we faced our family and friends. I couldn't wipe a grin off my face, but why would I want to? I looked up at him. Maxon was looking at me too. His eyes glittered with joy. His smile made my heart beat even faster than it already was.

"I love you," Maxon whispered.

"I love you, too."