Love's Rapture

Talon: Two Years Later

Two years, lots of planning, some tears, and a few fights later...

Standing in front of Kelly was a dream come true. She chose a sleeveless white dress and forwent the shoes while I wore a jet black button-up shirt and jeans. It was casual for a wedding, but being in the giant yard at her parents' house didn't call for anything more formal than what we had on.

"The bride and groom have decided to write their vows..." The minister said, nodding to Kelly to go first. She turned a beautiful shade of pink and glanced down to read her piece of paper.

"Talon Crew Finch... I sometimes wonder what would have become of my life if it wasn't for you and your love for me. You brought healing in a tough time. You brought a challenge in areas where I needed growth. You brought comfort and peace." She smiled, and tears filled her eyes. "A very wise man once said that life isn't worth living if you don't take a chance on love, and it was that very sentiment that gave me the courage I needed to break out of the mold I'd been stuck in and grow into who I needed to be. I know Pop is looking down on us today with so much happiness in his heart. I think he knew that you were my epic love long before I did. Today I promise that I will live every day knowing it is a gift we get together for the rest of our lives. I'll love you and protect you. I'll challenge you, appreciate you, and forever be yours. I love you."

My the time she was finished, I'd smiled so long that my face began to hurt.

"Talon, would you like to read your vows?" the minister asked.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. Suddenly, I was beyond nervous.

"Kelly, when I was fifteen years old, I realized I loved you. When I was nineteen, I realized I had to fight for you. And now, at twenty-one, I am promising on every breath that is left in me that I will never stop. I'll love and fight for the rest of my life. I'll hold on to and cherish every moment. When you fall, I'll lift you. If you can't walk, I'll carry you. I'll be everything you need me to be and more. If you ask, I'll do it. For the rest of our lives, I refuse to allow this love to dissipate." I looked up from my page and into her beautiful eyes. "You promise to be mine, but I promise to be yours. All of me belongs to you. My heart... it's been yours for as long as I can remember. You consume me."

"It is with great honor that I pronounce you husband and wife. Talon, please kiss your bride."

Shouting and clapping filled the air as I locked my wife in a kiss that rivaled other kisses.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Talon Finch!" The minister yelled over the screams.

*

A few hours later, while everyone was on the dance floor, Robby approached me with a cheesy grin.

"What's that look about?" I asked, already losing the ability to hide my amusement.

"I guess it all worked out, huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, man, you got the girl. All the stalking and mooning over her paid off."

I punched his shoulder, and he laughed. "Shut up," I said, shaking my head. I found Kelly on the dance floor with my eyes. "But yeah, it did all work out."

Kelly's eyes found me, and she crooked her finger at me, demanding I meet her out there.

"Your bride is calling," Robby laughed.

My heart happily skipped a beat as I said, "And I'll always answer..."

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THE END