Page 34 of Finding Alfred
We weren’t originally going to do the walking down the aisle thing since we were at the courthouse. But it had been quickly re-organized, and everyone was inside, sitting on the benches that lined the walkway. Normally, people who were getting married or having a court date were there. It wasn’t used often, but today everyone was there. Eddy, Brock, and Joel Mitchell, the clerk of courts from Miller’s Point, who came over to marry us, stood at the very front of the room.
Sharon and Paige had decorated the podium with a strand of garland and white roses. And Brock and Eddy wore light gray suits with white ties with boutonnieres that matched the podium flowers. We both wore dark green suits, which were nice for fall and also went well with his hair and freckles, with the same white ties and boutonnieres. We walked hand in hand while Henry stood at the back and played the wedding march on his violin. It was beautiful and perfect for us.
Then Joel held his hands up, and Henry stopped playing while the crowd quieted. “I’m thrilled to be here today to celebrate the union of one of our own, beloved son, Jackie Corbin, and his partner, Alfred Burke, who recently moved here along with others from Queen Gaming.” I didn’t know why he included that part, except when I glanced over at Eddy, he winked at me, so I was pretty sure it was his fault. Whatever. “Love and marriage bind our souls to this community, and today, Jackie and Alfred will take that step.”
He kept it short after that, and we went through our revised vows of honor, cherish, andprotect, then we exchanged rings. Jackie had wanted to write our own vows, but that was beyond me. I was sure every bit of this, along with his personal vows, would show up in his blog. That was fine as long as he kept the sex out of it.
I stared down at my new ring. A simple gold band with an inscription inside that readLove, Jackie.His saidLove, Alfred. We were now forever banded together with gold, and my soul sang with happiness. And wow, I was surprised at how cheesy I was getting. I didn’t hate it.
I barely heard Joel say, “You may now kiss your husbands.”
Jackie grabbed my shoulders and I jumped. But he smiled and we kissed. Foggy Basin cheered.
“I present Mr. and Mr. Corbin.” Joel ended the ceremony and Henry played the song of our choice as we walked back down the aisle. It wasA Thousand Yearsby Christina Perri. I’m sure he would have rather played something else, but he made the love song as grand as Chopin or Beethoven.
We were only down the road from Books Beans and Buns, and the day was crisp and cool, so we all walked over. That was a sight, and I hoped someone was getting pictures as half the damn town walked down Main Street.
When we arrived at the bookstore, Percy fromDon’t Go Bakin’ My Heartwas already there. He’d set up a cake on the coffee bar, along with other treats. And of course, Brock’s coffee.
The reception was as informal as the wedding was supposed to be. People were mingling and rubbing elbows, and I forced myself to live in the moment and enjoy it. My silly brain kept wanting to jump ahead to the honeymoon. We were going to Seattle. I wanted to see all the things Jackie told me about, including the Crumpet Shop. The ones Jackie ordered werefantastic, even though he said they weren’t quite as good as the fresh ones he’d had at the store.
Everyone enjoyed the refreshments from the bakery, of course. And the camaraderie as they wished us the best, hugging us both, and before it was over, Jackie was practically in tears. I wrapped my arm around his shoulder and maneuvered him to the back room. “Baby, are you okay? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m good. The best.” He made a noise kind of like a non-humorous laugh. “I didn’t think these people even liked me. Most of my life, it felt like they put up with me for Brock’s sake, but…”
“They just showed you that it isn’t true. They care about you, deeply. You’re family.”
“Yeah. Family.”
We hugged, both feeling so full of love. I kissed his cheeks where the tears had snuck out when he squeezed his eyes shut. We’d found each other in this little town. Found our family. And learned a few things that we hadn’t realized.
I deserved happiness, and Jackie was loved.
