Page 61 of That Thing You Brew
I turned my head quickly to capture her lips in a pre-vow kiss. She laughed quietly, and we settled back into our forehead-to-forehead position.
I didn’t care if I got a crick in my neck from stooping.
The song faded out, and Quinn began the ceremony. “Dearly beloved, family and friends, we are gathered here to witness Xavier and Penny pledge their love to one another and seal their commitment spiritually and legally. Marriage to the one you love can be the most fulfilling promise one makes in their lifetime. Matrimony is a commitment of the heart, of time, of resources, and of trust. It is a promise to yourself and to your partner to work every day, side by side, to create a life together and thrive in it. Today, Xavier and Penny will commit themselves to love the other and to receive that love in return.
“The bride and groom have written their own vows. Xavier, this will be one of the only times it is not proper to let your lady go first.”
Quinn gave an encouraging nod, and I turned my head to Penny. I couldn’t remember a word of what I’d written. I squeezed my eyes closed, fighting the old fears of stage fright and willing my carefully crafted words to come back to me.
I felt my hands rising and opened my eyes to find Penny drawing them to her lips. She kissed each knuckle, giving me time to find my thoughts.
The words rushed forth like a skater on a breakaway. When her lips touched my last pinky knuckle, I gently tugged our hands back in my direction and laid them over my heart.
I took her in.
Beautifulwasn’t adequate. She reminded me of a winter fairy, an angel from my dreams. Her grace, the way she carried herself, the kindness in her eyes, the generosity of her spirit, so willing to take a chance on me to save my family’s legacy.
I was lucky indeed.
“Penny. My lucky Penny.” My breath stalled in my throat, and I gulped for air. The feelings I had for her were real and tangible, and I needed to get through this without crying. Forcing down the softball-size lump in my throat, I began again.
“You are the melody of my soul, a song that has inspired and enriched my life in ways I never anticipated. As we embark on this journey together, I promise to cherish and honor you and celebrate the unique harmony we create together. With each beat of my heart, I promise to love you more deeply than the depths of the ocean and higher than the tallest mountain peak.”
There. I did it. All the words. All the feels. All the … everything.
Penny began to speak, as clearly as I’d ever heard her. “Xavier … my dashing Musketeer in troubadour’s clothing … My protector, my encourager, my biggest fan. You chose me, Xavier, and I made a promise to choose you back. Today, tomorrow, and for every day to come. Through the good times that bring us closer, the hard times that threaten to break us apart, and all the ordinary days in between, I’m all yours.”
Not one stumble. No pauses needed. Her words flowed mellifluously, smooth and sweet like honey.
“The rings, please,” Quinn requested. My dad handed them to him and Quinn held them out to us. “These rings symbolize eternal love. They are a physical reminder of the commitment and love between Xavier and Penny. May they also be symbols of the vows they have made to each other and a source of comfort and strength.”
I took Penny’s ring from Quinn and slid it on her finger. We’d written this part together, she and I, but I’d added something to the end. “Penny, I give you this ring as a token of my love, as a promise that I choose you forever. All that I am and all that I have, I offer to you with joy and fidelity. With this ring, I thee wed. With this ring, I promise that from this day forward you will not walk alone nor ever lack for love … or an audience to your soul-lifting music.”
Penny slid my ring on and recited the words. “Xavier, I give you this ring as a token of my love, as a promise that I choose you forever. All that I am and all that I have, I offer to you with joy and fidelity. With this ring, I thee wed. With this ring, I promise that from this day forward you will not walk alone nor ever lack for love … or a toffee coffee in your time of need.”
My grin widened.Perfect.
We looked at Quinn. “By the power vested in me by the state of Colorado, I now pronounce you husband and wife, Baron and Baroness von Schwann, and as I’ve been advised by the bride, Sir Zavey and Lady Lucky Penny.” I laughed. Penny must have added that part. “Xavier, you may kiss your bride.”
“Baroness?” she whispered.
“Mm-hmm.”
“Right. Well. That’s going to take some getting used to.”
“You’ve got your whole life,” I whispered, lowering my mouth to hers. I dipped her into a Broadway-worthy kissing pose and took my time amidst the “aws” and applause below us. Then, hand in hand, we stepped down to the floor to take pictures and accept congratulations.
Brenna and Claudia had set up a hot breakfast buffet. Dad gave a mimosa toast, and Tasha had us in tears with her touching big-sister speech. Not to be outdone, Edyta asked for the mic and told everyone just how great her big brother was, including the time I’d taken care of her when she’d had food poisoning.
“I pooped all over him and he didn’t even get mad!” She looked over at me, and I grinned back at her. “Hey, Mommy!”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Everyone here is family now, right?”
Uh-oh. I was pretty sure I knew what was coming. I caught Brenna’s eye and tapped my ears.
“We’ll cover our ears!” Brenna shouted behind the buffet table. She and Claudia made a big show of placing their palms over their ears.
