Page 52 of Omega Island
The officiant, a friend of Senta’s named Tyr, said, “Not yet! Not yet! You have to say your vows first!”
Everyone laughed. Even the island’s wild parrots cackled as they flew overhead.
Senta’s hand was hot in mine, and a little damp. My heart hammered in my chest so hard I thought everyone could hear it.
Tyr spoke loudly so our seated guests could hear, but never took his eyes off us.
“Welcome, beloved family, friends and guests on this wonderful day to unite Senta and Raimi in the glorious bond of marriage. We couldn’t have asked for a more stunning venue and, if the daily afternoon squall holds off, better weather.
“Now, I have been informed that our two grooms have written their own vows.
“Senta will read his first.”
We turned to face each other.
Senta let go of my hand and took a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket.
“Handwritten?” I whispered, chuckling.
“Only for you.” He cleared his throat and began.
“I have always believed we make our own fates, and that one cannot rely on fortune and luck alone. But fortune, luck and a little magic brought you, Raimi, into my life, and I refuse to question it. Because the moment you walked into my view, my heart and soul recognized itself in you. I don’t know how or why, but every day that you are here with me is a gift I will cherish always.
“I love you, Raimi, like I’ve never loved another. I am so grateful for you, that I get to be here with you, that I am the man who gets to see you every morning when I wake, and every night before I sleep. My world is bigger, brighter and more beautiful with you in it. To share my life with you is the greatest joy.
“I promise to treat you with love, respect and dignity always, in all times, good and bad. Here, today, I give you my whole heart. If you will have it. If you will have me.” He then folded the paper and stuffed it back into his pocket.
My eyes brimmed. I couldn’t believe he’d written all of that for me. In secret. My chest shook. I tried to control my emotions, otherwise I’d never get through the day in one piece.
“Ah, don’t cry,” Senta said softly. “I mean all of it.” He put his hand out to touch my cheek.
I leaned in and our faces started to come together.
Tyr held his hand up. “Nope! No kissing until Raimi’s vow is spoken and the rings are exchanged. You two are eager, I know, but just give it a few more minutes.”
Laughter.
The lightness of Tyr’s words helped me get past the lump in my throat. Barely.
“Raimi? Your vows?” Tyr prompted.
“I don’t know if I can speak after that.”
“Take your time,” he said. “Weddings are like that.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been married before,” I said.
More laughter.
I reached for my beloved’s hands and held on tight.
“Senta,” I began.
“You memorized yours?” he asked, winking.
“Yeah. I did.” I ducked my head, then straightened, gazing into his handsome brown eyes.
“Senta, at a dark time in my life, your generosity brought me a peace and kindness I needed so much. But, more than that, you took time out of your life to care about me, to make sure I felt welcome and not alone. Immediately, I saw a man who was not only caring and empathic, but someone who I knew I could immediately count on.
