Riarkle One Shots

Vows

(Takes place in their 20s)

"I love you," I say out loud to the mirror for the thousandth time.

It's our wedding day and I couldn't be more nervous. Of course I'm also very excited, but I'm scared of messing up.

What if I drop the wedding ring? Or forget my vows? Or she changes her mind and goes for some soufflé of a guy? What if she trips and I don't catch her? Or someone objects?

I sigh and walk away from the mirror falling into a chair.

I'm in the back of the church behind the altar because the we will start putting everyone in their places in a bit.

"Farkle?" I look and see my best man.

"Do you need something Lucas?" I ask going over to him.

He shakes his head. "Just wanted to check on you. Today is a big day," the Texan tells me.

"Yeah," I say, "Today begins the rest of my life."

"Exactly, so don't mess it up."

"Like you," I shoot back with a laugh.

His cheeks turn pink with embarrassment. I think back to his wedding with Maya a year ago where he forgot his vows. The priest turned to him and asks if he has any vows. Lucas got so nervous that he just stood there and slowly shakes his head no. Maya looked so mad since they agreed to make their own vows. Riley had to punch my arm to keep me from laughing out loud.

A lady comes over and tells us it's time to get in our places.

Lucas gives me a pat on the back and then rushes off to find Maya who is obviously the maid of honor.

I stand by the altar and wait for everyone to file in. I see guests like Shawn and Katy, Charlie Gardner, Mr. Feeny, Josh, Eric, Morgan, and a bunch more of our family and friends. I smile at them knowing that no matter what happens they will all be here to support me.

The music starts and everyone stands to watch the procession.

First is my mom and Topanga with their arms linked smiling widely. My mom gives me a thumbs up and goes to her seat. Next is my dad who gives me a proud smile before sitting beside my mom. After that is Maya and Lucas. They look great together with Maya in the braids maid gown, which is purple with a little glitter, and Lucas' suit and matching purple tie. Then it's Smakle and her boyfriend Ryan, Zay and his wife Vanessa, Auggie and his girlfriend Ava, and a couple that is our neighbor at our new apartment, Jenna and Allan.

Everyone's in their places and I wait for the next few to waltz in.

Zay's twin kids come walking down the aisle. Austin holding the rings and Amelia slowly dropping the purple flower petals. I thought that asking four year olds to do this would be too much, but was proven wrong. I smile at how adorable they are and look up to see Riley.

She's in a beautiful white sleeveless dress that clings very tightly to her until you get to her waist. Then the glittery material turns to lace that flows to the ground and trials behind her that looks to be about a foot. Someone, the same lady that told us it's time to take our places, is walking a little ways behind to make sure she doesn't trip. Her hair is in a half up bun that rests just at the back of her head which is where the veil that is flowing just past her shoulders is stuck into. The rests of her hair is curled.

My soon to be wife is the most stunning thing in the entire world.

Her father escorted her all the way down to me and helps her take a small step to reach me. I take her hand and we go up to the priest.

Everything after that is blurred until the vows.

The priest looks to me and I nervously fumble for the paper in my suit pocket. I pull it out and take a deep breath. I look into Riley's soft brown and let myself calm down.

"Riley. There are no words to describe how I feel about you. We've know each other since forever and that makes it all the harder. You are the kindest soul in the world. You never like to see people hurt because you want to help them. That's who you are. More than that you are smart and beautiful and pure. We need more people like you in the world, but at the same time thank God you're the only one because you are so unique.

"You helped me find myself when I was scared and confused about who I am. You helped me improve when I felt like I was the best I was going to be. You made me smile when everyone and everything made me frown. You showed me the world when I thought I was limited to our small town. Thank you for being you.

"Lastly, I'm so excited and nervous for what's to come. We will fight, but we will work through it because we love each other. We will be there for each other. No matter what. I love you."

When I finish I shamelessly wipe my eyes since there are some tears spilling out. Everyone is doing the same as me anyways. Not one eye is dry.

Riley gently dabs at her eyes and Maya hands her a paper.

She takes a deep breath and laughs a little. "I don't have such a long and deep vow, but you'll still love me."

Everyone laughs, including me. She lets the people settle before starting. Her dainty fingers fix a curl to calm her nerves and then she speaks.

"Pluto. This is as simple as that. You kept Pluto alive and real in my life, even to this day, even though no one else would allow it. It's because you love me and understand it's important.

"As grateful as I am, I now have accepted it's gone. I only held on because I needed something to believe in. Now I have you, forever and always. You're my new Pluto and I love you very much."

Everyone says their awwws and cheers for us and all I want to do is swoop her up and kiss her.

The priest says somethings and we reply with our I do's. Then he smiles kindly to us and whisper,"I have faith in you two. I wish you the best of luck."

He steps back and proclaims, "You may kiss the bride."

Don't have to tell me twice.

We move closer and kiss. It gives me a felling that I'll never get tired of.

With cheers around us I swoop her up, surprising the both of us, and make sure everyone has their pictures.

I pull back and whisper in her ear, "I love you."

She replies, "I love you too. I'm ready for this."

"Me too."

Here's to the rest of our lives.