Page 24 of Hail Marry
“Miss Sheppard?” the officiant prods.
She blinks rapidly, like she’s coming out of a trance, then quickly says, “Yeah, I do.”
I release my breath, and she mouthssorryto me as the officiant proceeds with the ceremony.
“Do you have rings?” he asks.
I nod, and we both pull them out.
“The rings you are about to exchange are a symbol of your unending love and commitment. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today. Luca, please place the ring on Victoria’s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I marry you.”
Is it hot in here? It definitely is. It seems like the amount of tax money I pay, even as a non-citizen, should cover some air conditioning in a city building.
I haven’t voiced my love to anyone since I was a kid.I love youwas the last thing I said to my mom, and what happened after hurt so badly, I swore I’d never say the words again. She didn’t even say anything back. She just sent me to the airport with her boyfriend, and I flew to California alone to live with Grandma and Grandpa.
I never even told Grandma I loved her, and I loved her more than anyone in my entire life.
She knew, though. She’d tell me she loved me all the time, and when I sat there, trying to choke out the words that have terrified me for so long, she’d just smile at me and say, “I know, sweetie.”
Now it’s me the officiant is waiting on.
“Sorry,” I say. “Can you repeat the words?”
He says them quickly, like the amount of hesitation in our ceremony is going to mess up his schedule.
“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment,” I say. “With this ring, I marry you.” I slide the ring onto Victoria’s finger, my hand shaking and sweaty.
The ring hangs loose on her dainty finger. We probably should have tried them on, but the officiant isn’t even watching. He’s trying to discreetly look at the watch on his wrist.
Victoria squeezes my fingers, and I avoid her eyes. She does it again, and I look up.
Her brow is pulled together, her gaze intent. She’s quiet, but I know what she’s asking.Are you okay? Do you still want to do this?
I give a subtle nod. I do want to do this, weird as it is.
“Victoria,” the officiant continues, “please place the ring on Luke’s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I marry you.”
I don’t bother correcting my name.
Victoria’s much calmer than I was as she repeats his words—with the correct name—and slides Grandpa’s ring onto my finger. It fits decently.
She lets go of my hand, and we both adjust our rings.
“By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”
I freeze, and my gaze flies to Victoria. How did neither of us think about this part? In my head, we were just signing papers.
But the officiant and the witness are waiting. He did saymay, though. It’s not like they won’t sign our license if we don’t kiss. Right?
But what couplewouldn’twant to kiss at the end of their wedding?
Victoria gives me a nod so small and subtle, the officiant doesn’t seem to notice.
Heart racing like it does on the first kickoff of the season, I take a step toward her. I wish I knew whether she wanted me to give her a quick peck or to sell this a bit more for our audience.
It’s been a while since I kissed anyone, and right now, my biggest question is what to do with my hands. Do I leave them hanging at my sides? It feels sort of primate. Do I wrap them around her waist? That feels too forward.
The officiant glances not-so-subtly at his watch, then back to us. Quick peck it is.
