Beautiful

Chapter 21

Dan's POV

"Dad, please, it's my wedding day. We can even delay the service for awhile until you arrive."

"You know how I feel about this."

"Mom came!"

"She has her own opinions."

"If not for me, do it for her! Do it for the rest of our family. Phil would appreciate it. Please."

"Son, I already gave you an answer. That answer is no."

That was when my father hung up. Typical. The happiest day of my life comes and this happens. No. I wasn't going to let it get to me. I love Phil too much to be upset about something as minor as this.

"Daniel?"

"Hey, mom."

"Did it work? Did you convince him?"

"I'm sorry, mom. He still won't come."

"What is wrong with that man? I'm so sorry, honey. I'm sorry I couldn't get him to come. I should've dragged him out of that house."

"It's all right. I'm glad you came, and that the others did, too." I tried to wrap up the conversation before I would get emotional or something. "Well, it's gonna start soon. I should prepare to head up there."

"Ok. Good luck."

I sat on the floor in the London church dressing room, devastated. I then heard a knock on the door.

"Now's not a good time. The wedding's gonna start soon. You should probably head to your seat."

I sighed in annoyance as the door opened anyway.

"Whoever you are I told you-"

"Dan-I...I heard everything."

"Phil...you shouldn't be here..."

I turned away, trying my absolute best to hold back whatever sadness I had in me, but I simply couldn't. I choked back a sob, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. That's what really got to me.

"Why today? I shouldn't be this way. We're getting married. I'm overjoyed, I am Phil. I really am."

"Shh Dan, I know you are. It's ok, I'd be sorrowful as well."

"I love you. I'm fine."

"Are you sure you're fine?"

"Yes, totally. I'm ready."

"Take your time. I'd wait an eternity for you."

"That's a pretty long time to wait on someone like me."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I-"

He kissed me. Damn that felt heavenly. I didn't want him to stop. His lips felt so, so passionate.

"You really think I'm gonna let you finish that sentence? Dan Howell, you mean the world to me."

"We should save all this sappiness for the alter."

"There's that smile. I'll see you soon."

"Great. I'll be the one in black, but, I think you've already figured that out. You better not have given us back luck. We saw each other before our ceremony."

"I had to see you. I couldn't let you suffer like that."

"You didn't have to do this. I hope you don't feel like today is ruined."

"Nothing could possibly ruin today. Unless you decided to ditch me or something."

"Never," I told him.

~

I stood at the end of the church, watching my man walk down the aisle. He added a blue flower crown as an extra touch to his white suit.

"Surprise," he whispered when he reached me, grasping my hands.

"You're making this so hard," I whispered back, which resulted in him winking.

~

The pastor's words seemed to continue for centuries. Finally, it was time for the vows. I couldn't be silent another minute.

"I'll go first," I said. "Phil...first of all, you look stunning. I've never seen a more adorable, precious human in my whole life. You've been with me through all my challenges and my struggles. I cherish the days and nights we have together, especially when we look up at the stars from our apartment window. You point out constellations and exclaim, 'Look at that one, Dan! Isn't it pretty?' I gaze longingly at your sweet self and you know what I think? I think, 'The stars are pretty, but you're prettier.' Every time. Philip Lester, I want to remember our special moments, keep looking up at those stars, but most of all, I want to keep loving you."

"Aw man, I may cry before I can deliver this," Phil chuckled. I eyed him admiringly. "Dan, falling in love with you was the best thing that's ever happened to me. It's made me experience feelings I never knew I could have, and I'm sorry it took me so long. Your looks surpass any lovely creature I've ever seen, but more importantly, you are genuine from the inside out. I want to walk by your side in all things, make you laugh, hold your hand, and definitely draw more cat whiskers. Thank you, my love, for us. For Dan and Phil. For everything."

"That being said, do you, Phil Lester, take Dan Howell to be your husband?"

"I do."

"Do you, Dan Howell, take Phil Lester to be your-"

Fuck traditions. What? You try resisting the urge to kiss your true love. It's hard.

"I now pronounce you two husbands. By all means, kiss already," the pastor said. The audience laughed and applauded.

"We did it. We're married!" I said.

"Yay!"

"Come on, Phil Howell. Let's get out of here."