OLD Campus Love (sequel) Malexmale

Epilogue

"It's time."

I was both dreading and anticipating those two little words.

My world fell into slow motion even as I checked my polished shoes, tugged down my sleeves, dusted my spotless suit, and repositioned a stray lock of hair. I needed to be perfect.

For him.

"Casper?"

I looked at our wedding coordinator's friendly face and then my father's warm smile beside me.

"I'm ready," I assured them, locking arms with my dad. It was important to me that he walked me down the aisle.

First, I didn't want to do it alone. Attention was never my strong point, and I'd be getting half of it today. Second, I wanted to be sure he supported me wholly through this. I was stepping into a new chapter of my life, dedicating myself to someone else. I never thought I'd be here so soon, but it was worth it. And I was ready.

"Alright. I love you, okay?" My dad kissed my head, possibly wanting to cry. I laughed quietly and shook my head at him.

"Don't you dare."

I journeyed down the aisle to a sweet, classical harmony that I'd chosen with my beloved. I smiled appreciatively at our families and friends who'd come to celebrate this precious day with us; it meant the world to me. I felt surrounded by love, and I didn't realize how much of it that I had until now.

As I approached the end of the aisle, with my dad at my side, I locked eyes with my love and we smiled at each other. David was absolutely beautiful. He looked so at peace, and so happy. And thank god for the heavenly amount of sunlight pouring into the large room, brightening his eyes and kissing his skin perfectly.

As insanely joyful as I was, he could probably read my nervousness, and I noticed in his stance alone that he wanted to soothe my anxiety.

Dad squeezed my hand before placing it in David's, and I ascended the couple steps to face him. When our hands were finally joined, my smile grew wider and he had to blink back his tears. He probably wanted to say something quietly to me, but was rendered as speechless as I was while he admired me.

"David and Casper," the officiant addressed, "Today you enter as individuals, but you will leave as husbands, blending your lives, expanding your family ties, and embarking upon the greatest adventure of human interaction. The story of your life together is still yours to write. All those present have come to witness and celebrate your love and commitment this day --eager to be a part of the story not yet told."

There was a slight peep from our baby girl nearby, and we couldn't help but chuckle underneath our breaths.

The officiant continued. "True marriage is more than simply joining two persons together through the bonds of matrimony. It is also the union of two hearts and the blending of two families. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but also thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is, and should be, an expression of love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to also share those moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.

David and Casper, remember to treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at some time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, and not just the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can survive the times when clouds drift across the face of the sun in your lives, remembering that, just because you may lose sight of it for a moment, that does not mean the sun has gone away, forever. If each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together and compassion for the needs of the other, your life together will be marked by abundance and delight.