Page 87 of Stained Hearts
The rest of the morning was filled with gifts, food, conversation, and so much love, I was surprised one house could hold it all.
I sent a little prayer up to whoever might be listening, telling them that if we were blessed with a child, they’d never want for anything, never need to be afraid, and would always know what love was.
Because this family embodied it, heart and soul.
And it was ours.
Chapter Twenty-One
KATY WASstunning in the white robes with the deep green stole she wore around her neck, as well as the chartreuse stripe in her hair. She stood on the stage with Lincoln and Noel in front of her. Aiden, leaning on his walker, took his spot beside them. He was dressed in a fancy tuxedo that accentuated his lithe form, even if one sleeve had been adjusted to fit over his cast. I couldn’t wait to strip it off him. Noel and Lincoln each wore dark blue suits with crisp white shirts. Lincoln’s tie was burgundy, while Noel’s was sapphire. Together they were a sight to behold.
I glanced around the room. Robert and Galen were in the front row, and Galen looked so pleased he might burst. It was a good thing that he, Lincoln, and Noel had patched up their relationship. I hoped that their bond would grow stronger for their shared pains. I recognized a few other people, gave them a wave, and then took my seat so the wedding could start.
“Thank you all for being here.” She nodded to Lincoln, then to Noel. “When Noel came into the diner and asked for a job, I never dreamed that one day I would be standing up here, officiating as my two best friends got married. And before you ask, yes, I got ordained just for this. You’re looking at Reverend Mother Katy, and what I’m wearing is my finery.” She spun around so everyone could take in the vision of loveliness. “So don’t be haters, okay?”
Noel rubbed his eyes, then turned to Aiden. “Remind me again why we asked her.”
“Because you love her.”
He shrugged. “Well, I guess there is that.”
Katy scowled. “Will you shut up? I’m trying to get you to stop being a kept man.”
Lincoln growled, but Katy ignored him.
“Now, as I was saying, I never expected to be standing up here, in front of friends and family, helping the two men I love more than I can ever say get married. Lincoln helped Noel come out of his shell, and in turn Noel got Lincoln to remember what fun is. These two men need each other in ways that transcend the heart and soul.”
She reached out and cupped Noel’s cheek.
“Noel, I need you to make sure this is what you want, because this is a lifetime commitment, baby. It’s being understanding about the long hours Lincoln puts in at the diner, willing to shoulder the burdens when he’s too exhausted to do much more than drop into bed, and to simply love him because of who he is. Is this something you’re willing to do?”
“Yes.” His voice was clear and left no doubt where his heart lay. “I do.”
She smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.” She turned to Lincoln, reached out, and cupped his cheek. “And you, Lincoln… I need you to make sure this is what you want, because this is a lifetime commitment. It’s remembering that Noel needs you to hold him together at times, to keep in mind that no matter how tired you are, you’ll be aware he has needs, both physical and emotional, and you’ll see to those. You’ll also have to love him, simply because of who he is. Is this something you’re willing to do?”
Lincoln peered down at Noel, and I could see so much love in their gazes. “It is.”
Katy’s gaze shifted over to Aiden. “Who has the rings?”
He reached into his pocket and took out the box that contained the wedding bands, then held it out to Lincoln.
Lincoln snapped the box open and withdrew the two platinum rings he’d chosen, then handed one to Noel. “With this ring, I give you all that I am. You’re not just my husband—you’re my lover, my friend, my heart, and my soul. I will cherish you always, pup.” Then he slid the ring over Noel’s finger.
“Your turn, Noel.”
Noel took in a deep breath and stared into Lincoln’s eyes. “With this ring, I give you all that I am. You’re more than a husband, Lincoln. You’re the calm in the storm, the sun shining through the clouds, the safe harbor on the horizon. I will always love and cherish you, sir.” He slipped the ring onto Lincoln’s finger.
“That was beautiful, guys. I’m happy to announce, by the power vested in me by the Sisterhood of the Moon, the two of you are now married.” She nudged Noel. “Kiss him.”
Noel threw his arms around Lincoln’s neck and wrapped his legs tight around Lincoln’s waist as the two of them kissed. It was fucking hot, seeing them. I might have got a bit of a boner, but I wouldn’t ever admit to it.
After the ceremony, we retired to the ballroom, where dinner was being served. The meal was elegant—a choice of crab-stuffed sole or a strip loin of beef. I couldn’t decide, so Aiden suggested we each order different ones and sample from the other’s plate.
When the dishes had been cleared away and we were all warm and happy, we were escorted to another room for cake. While it was some strange tradition for the couple to smash each other in the face with their desserts, Lincoln and Noel were gentle and delicate. It was sweet and erotic all at the same time, watching them feed each other.
“Stop staring.”
I turned to Aiden. “What?”
