OUR WEDDING pt. 2
"Lars, you came into my life during a time of great change. I was adjusting to life in a new country, away from my family, friends, and home. I also was finally being open and honest about who I was as a human being. The moment I met you, I knew you were something special", I paused for a minute and looked up at him. He was holding back the tears. Staring into his eyes made me lose it.
"The night I almost died I thought of nothing but you, how I almost never got to tell you I loved you, and how I almost lost a potential life together with you. You helped me in every possible way after that, and have continued to stand by my side. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us, and I want you to be there by my side every step of the way", I said fighting back the tears.
Lars was crying at this point too. I glanced out into the audience. Most everyone was doing the same. After a few seconds we composed ourselves, and Lars opened up the paper with his written vows. He began to read.
"Steve, I never expected to meet someone like you at this point in my life. You've taught me what it means to live and love again. Not only that, you've inspired me to always work hard and do my best in all areas of my life. You always are kind and loving to me, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you", Lars said as he began to cry again.
"The night you almost died, I never felt more helpless and scared in my entire life. I'm not sure I could've gone on after losing you. I can't wait to go on this great adventure with you, and see what awaits us both", Lars said in conclusion.
After a couple of seconds of sobbing, we composed ourselves and the ceremony continued. The judge had us place our vows inside a box with a bottle of champagne, which was to be opened on our 10th anniversary. After it was finished, we were ready to continue the ceremony.
"We will now have a reading by the Maid of Honor", the judge announced.
Erica walked up to the front, taking her place at the podium. She read a poem about being yourself, and finding love where you least expect it. After she finished it was time for the rings to be presented. Chris walked up. After a quick joke about not knowing where they were, he pulled them out of his pocket and handed them to the judge. We were ready to officially be married. The judge turned to me.
"Steve, do you take Lars to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live, until death do you part?", he asked.
"I do", I said as I smiled at Lars.
"Lars, do you take Steve to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live, until death do you part?", he asked.
"I do", he said as he smiled back at me. The judge nodded his head, and we placed the rings on each other's fingers.
"By the power invested in my by the state of Minnesota, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may now kiss", he said. Without wasting anytime we did just that, to the applause of all those in attendance. We left the chapel to the sounds of Home by Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros and headed to the reception hall for dinner.
--------------------
The reception was amazing. Everyone gave great speeches, we kissed many times, and danced our first dance as a married couple to When You Say Nothing At All.
It was everything I pictured my wedding being, which I never thought I could have with a man. Towards the end of the night I was talking to Chris.
"Man, did you honestly think any of this would be possible when we were in high school?", Chris asked.
"Not in a million years", I said.
"Yours will come soon I promise", I said as I gave him a hug.
We stayed and danced for about another hour before heading back to my parent's place.
------------------
"Well, one down!", I said to Lars with a laugh as we were cuddling in bed. We had just made love for the first time as a married couple. We didn't do anything different, but it felt so much more amazing!
"Tonight was amazing Steve, and it'll be even more amazing after the next ceremony when we're on our honeymoon", Lars said as he kissed me on the forehead.
After talking for a few more minutes we fell asleep in each others arms, the position I had grown so accustomed to.