The End (GxG) (Sequel to The Middle)

Chapter 63

-ZEE'S P.O.V-

"We are gathered together on this day to witness and celebrate the marriage of Rose and Zee. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to acknowledge and strengthen a bond that already exists. This ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond and as their dearest family and friends, it is our honor and privilege to stand witness to this event. This day is made possible not only because of your love for each other, but through the grace and support of your family and friends. It is our hope that your fulfillment and joy in each other will increase with each passing year. Marriage is a commitment in life, where two people can find and bring out the very best in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal, a physical and emotional joining that has the promise of a lifetime."
He starts a prayer but I can't focus on it long enough because getting lost in her beautiful eyes. At least I made the end of the prayer and was able to say amen? That's good enough, right?
He continues the ceremony.
"Your relationship will take more than love. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. Dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both. While love is our natural state of being, these other qualities are not as easy to come by. They are not a destination, but a journey. Marriage is a give and take between two personalities, a mingling of two endowments which diminishes neither, but enhances both"
The urge to just be in her arms is killing me. I miss her so much even though she is right here. I just want him to hurry... I just want to be in her arms.. to kiss my wife..
"Your joining together today becomes all the more important to recognize the significance of a devoted and affectionate family life."
He takes a small quick breath before smiling and continuing.
"You are both blessed to have come from truly loving families who recognize the importance of marriage and the fundamental nature of the marriage commitment. They want everyone to know that who they are today is the result of many years of support and sacrifice by their parents."
He clears his throat to hush our laughing parents. I look into the rows of family and once again see him. He smiles and forces my attention back to Rose.
"Seeing that no moment is without meaning, we ask that you take this marriage as a beginning of your lives together. Today signifies the creation of a new home and a new family for you both. May you be fulfilled by each other's love and friendship. May you be overjoyed by the promises you are about to make and the life together you will create. Remember that in every marriage, there are good times and bad, times of joy and times of sorrow. Marriage is a journey, a time of adventure and excitement enhanced by the love, trust, dedication and faith you share in one another. You are mature enough to know the difference between dreams and realities. You have youth and hope. You also know that good times are sweeter when shared and that difficult times are less harsh when borne by two. Continue to work to build a foundation that will support the lasting relationship that is marriage. May the promises you make to one another today, be lived out to the end of your lives. Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys, but today is the day it all begins."
Everything slows down quickly. Everything. My heart thunders loudly as he speaks.
"And our brides have written their own vows. Rose, if you'd please?"
Rose takes a deep breath before she speaks.
"I remember when we first started. How your eyes would shine so brightly and the waters of your blues would drown me. I still feel the heart flutters you'd give me 6 years ago. I've never wanted more than you, Zee. I've never needed anything but you. You are my heart and are my soul. You've been that for me since our little secret glances and our hidden kisses. I give myself to you everyday and today I do the same. Except I only ask you for one thing and it's to give me all of you. In these years I've spent with you, I never strayed and I never will. You're all I will ever need, Zee."
I feel tears fall. I try to hold back.
"Would you please say your vows, Zee."
Even though he asks me... I feel extremely nervous... But I look deeper into her eyes and her soul is resting, listening for me.
I speak.

-ROSE'S P.O.V-

Everything goes in slow motion as she searches in my eyes before she speaks. It was the longest second of my life.
"So many years ago I found the love of my life and you have stayed with me through everything. Every time I have needed you, you were there. You're my best friend amongst lover and I know I could never live without you. I may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but I love how no matter what happens, you still stand by me. I will always love you more because of who you are and how much you mean to me. I will never leave you. Never fall out of love. Will always promise to love you more because there is no one else I would rather spend forever with."
The preacher speaks again. I keep my eyes locked on hers, though I know I've shed a few tears. She's smiling so brightly.
The rays of the sunlight in the background cast over the lake only a small bit as beautiful as she is. It's like the world is in extreme slow motion. It's just us.
For only a minute... or second?... until it's time.
"Do you, Rose, take Zee to be your wife? Through sickness and health? Hardship and Peace? Forever and Always?"
My heart is beating out of my chest and yet I still am able to speak.
"I do..."
"And..."
The world goes back into slow motion. What if all this was for nothing? What if she didn't want this? And I pushed it?
The world returns to normal speed as she speaks.
"Forever isn't long enough..."
Our families laugh at her words. I see her start to grow shades of pink and into reds. I can only smile and hope.
"I do."
I feel... completely complete.
He hands either of us our rings. I slip mine on her finger, next to my other and promise ring.
She slips hers on my finger, next to her other and promise ring.
"I, now, pronounce you as Mrs. And Mrs. James. You may now kiss your bride."
I wrap my arms around her and pull her close to me, when her lips touched mine... it was like a new spark was created. Her hands managed to cup my cheeks in the kiss.
The laughs and cries from the crowd parted the kiss.
"I swore I have said that before." The preacher laughs.
She moves her hands and wraps them behind my neck. Her eyes fill with tears.
"Don't cry, babygirl. I didn't want you to cry."
"Happy tears, Roro."
"Even so."
I move myself and wipe her tears as they fall.
"Come on, lovebirds. Time to party a little." Mom says.
I look over long enough to see Lynn hugging Jamie tightly. No more spending nights separate. Forever and always for both of us.
It takes everyone a little while to head over to the food set up and tables. We all eat. I, of course, linger at the fondue fountain. And my wife next to me at the chocolate fountain.
"I dare you."
"That actually sounds gross."
"Come on. Don't be a pussy."
"If I do it, ZZ. You will too."
"Of course."
I take a pretzel and put it in the chocolate and then in the cheese. Hesitant.
"Why the fuck am I doing this?"
"Because your wife dared you to."
I nudge her and laugh. I take a deep breath. I take a small bite.
"No. All of it."
"Damn it."
"Doooo it."
I eat the whole pretzel and surprisingly it wasn't awful. Extremely fucking weird but not terrible. I do the same to another pretzel and give it to her.
"I don't want it."
"You made me do it. Said you would. Don't be a pussy, Zeeee."
"I'm not a pussy."
"Then eat it."
She takes it and quickly puts it in her mouth. After a moment she shrugs. "Not terrible."
I didn't realise the family was watching us. They laughed and we turned around. The music begins and everyone goes to the dance floor.