Page 51 of Choosing a Forever
Why do I want to cry right now?
“Absolutely, without a doubt, yes,” I croak out, hoping tears don’t fall from my eyes.
He turns to Mack. “Do you, Mackenzie Thorpe, take Talmage George Monson to be your spouse and to live as one team, to treat him with love and respect, and build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as the years pass?”
“Yes, I do,” Mack whispers, staring me directly in the eyes. Her own are wide and vulnerable, and I wish right now I could read what’s going on in her head. Is she regretting this? Surely not, since she said yes. Right?
“If you have rings, please take them out now.”
Lizzie stands and hands Mack a ring, and Enoch hands me the band I bought for Mack.
“These rings represent the promises and potential of marriage. It has no beginning and no end, just like the love and commitment you have pledged. As you wear your rings, let them remind you of the love you feel for one another. Mackenzie, please place the ring on Talmage’s finger, and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. As we join our lives together, today, tomorrow, and for as long as our love will last.”
Mack’s shaking hands slip the gold ring on my finger as she repeats the promises, and my heart swells to the point of pain. When she removes her fingers from the ring, I feel like I’m about to have a heart attack because it’s not just a plain gold band.
There’s a small sliver of moss agate in the middle of the band—an exact match to the gem in her ring.
I look between my ring and her, and she gives me a small shrug as if to say “no big deal.” But itisa big deal.
Hope floats around in my chest and inflates my lungs. She could have picked a generic ring, but she picked onethat matches hers and hasmeaning.You don’t do that for a marriage you don’t want to last.
Maybe there’s a real chance for us after all.
“Talmage, please place your ring on Mackenzie’s finger and repeat the same vows.”
I slide the gold band on her finger, and it sits perfectly on top of her other one, just like I knew it would. I say the same words Mack said to me, my voice cracking from the sheer amount of emotion I feel.
“True marriage is more than a piece of paper. It is a lasting bond joining two lives—two hearts—forever. May you always find strength in each other, laugh with each other, and find safety, comfort, joy, and love in each other’s company. Celebrate the highs and support each other when things are difficult. Continue to grow closer with each year.
“By the authority vested in me by the State of Utah, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss! Congratulations.”
As soon as the word “kiss” is said, I practically lunge for Mack.
She doesn’t hesitate at all as our lips meet in a kiss that feels like sealing a promise. Her lips are soft against mine as I cup her face and pour every emotion I’m feeling into the kiss.
I hope she can feel the love I have for her, the silent vow I’m making to never give up on us. I meant every word that came out of my mouth. This isn’t a deal born of convenience, but something I’ve been searching for my whole life.
“All right, you two. This is a public building. I don’t think Deputy Clerk Higgins wants to arrest you forpublic indecency.” Lizzie breaks the haze of our kiss, and I force myself to pull away from Mack.
Even though my face is flushed with embarrassment at getting carried away, I still shrug with as much nonchalance as I can. “What can I say? I can’t get enough of my wife.”
Chapter 18
Mackenzie
15 years old…
Tal and I are sitting behind the school, waiting for rehearsals to start and sharing a pack of gummy worms.
“Which temple do you want to get married in?” he asks, and I tilt my head while I think about it.
“I think the Provo City Center Temple. I’ve never been inside, but I think the outside is really pretty.”
He nods. “I like that one, too. What season?”
“Fall. I love the colors.”
“I like that, too. Then it’s not close to either of our birthdays, either. I’m thinking maybe the end of September or the beginning of October?”
