Page 33 of Kink in the Road
“Always,” Finn promised.
“We will,” Aiden agreed.
The mayor stepped forward, a warm smile on her face as she addressed the gathering. “Friends, family, honored guests. We are gathered here today to witness the union of three souls in the sacred bond of marriage.”
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Our island has long recognized that love knows no bounds, that it can encompass more than just two hearts. Today, we celebrate a union that embodies this belief—a triad of love, respect, and commitment.”
I felt Aiden’s hand squeeze mine gently, while Finn’s thumb traced soothing circles on my other palm.
“In our oldest traditions,” the mayor continued, “the number three has always held special significance. It represents the phases of life—past, present, and future. The cycles of nature—birth, life, and death. And in a marriage such as this, it symbolizes a union filled with more life, more love, and more strength than any could achieve alone.”
She turned to us. “Riley, Aiden, and Finn. You have chosen to forge this bond together, to face life’s joys and challenges as one. Do you vow to love, honor, and cherish each other, in sickness and in health, for as long as you all shall live?”
“We do,” we said together, our voices strong and sure.
“Then please, share your personal vows with each other.”
Aiden went first, his green eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and deep emotion. “Riley, Finn. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find one perfect partner, let alone two. You balance me, challenge me, and make me want to be a better man every single day. I vow to always be your rock, your safe harbor, and your partner in crime. I promise to always make you laugh, even on the darkest days, and to love you both with every fiber of my being.”
Finn spoke next, his usual calm demeanor softened by the love in his eyes. “Aiden, Riley. You two crashed into my life like a hurricane, turning everything upside down in the best possible way. Aiden, you bring light and laughter to our lives. Riley, you bring strength and passion, setting the example for how to live. Together, you make me whole in a way I never knew I could be. I vow to always be your strength, your comfort, and your biggest supporter. I promise to lead our family with love and understanding, and to cherish every moment we have together.”
Finally, it was my turn. I took a deep breath, looking at the two incredible men before me.
“Finn and Aiden. I spent so long feeling like I didn’t quite fit, like there was a piece of me missing. Then I found you, and suddenly everything made sense. You complement each other, and together, you complete me. I vow to always be your partner, your lover, and your friend. I promise to face every challenge by your side, to celebrate every victory as if it were my own, and to love you both more fiercely with each passing day.”
There wasn’t a dry eye on the beach as we finished our vows. The mayor stepped forward again, her voice ringing out clear and strong.
“By the power vested in me by the Royal House, I now pronounce you o’ech heomei. You may seal your union with a kiss.”
Your forever home.
The ancient phrase seared our souls, binding us together. We were each other’s home. Forever.
Aiden pulled me in first, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that was equal parts sweet and passionate. Then Finn’s hand cupped my cheek, turning me towards him for a kiss that left me breathless. Finally, they kissed each other, a tender moment that ended with Aiden attempting to playfully lick Finn’s cheek. I laughed with the crowd, my heart swelling with love.
As we turned to face our cheering friends and family, the mayor raised her hands for silence. “I present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. Bronze-Sullivan-O’Connor!”
The reception was a joyous affair held under a large tent on the beach. Tables groaned under the weight of local delicacies, while the bar flowed freely with the island’s famous spirits.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the proceedings, Aiden clinked his glass for attention.
“Friends, family, lovely people who are just here for the free booze,” he began, eliciting laughter from the crowd. “On behalf of my husband, wife, and myself, I want to thank you all for celebrating with us today.”
He paused, his gaze softening as he looked at Finn and me. “I can honestly say I’ve never been happier or more content.”
Finn stood next, wrapping an arm around Aiden’s waist. “We’ve been incredibly blessed, not just in finding each other, but in having such a supportive community around us. Your love means more than we can ever express.”
“And speaking of blessings,” I said, grinning, “we have one more announcement to make.”
A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned to us.
“As some of you may have noticed,” I continued, “we’re expecting a little addition to our family in about five months.”
The tent erupted in cheers and congratulations. As the noise died down, someone called out, “who’s the father?”
Aiden’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “No idea. Shall we take bets?”
There was good natured laughter at his question.
