The night was dazzling. Everyone glowed. It was as if they'd all been contained within a dome of bliss leaving our demons and vices out in the cold. The group meandered to the reception area and began to mingle. The happy couple was so enthralled with each other that nothing around them seemed to register. It was such an intimate scene that even Tony had to look away. Eventually things calmed as people took their seats. Tony tapped his silver spoon on the side of his crystal champagne glass three times. All voices died and all eyes turned to him. Moment of truth. Tony scanned the crowd dramatically and took a breath.
"Bruce and Betty. They are why we are here tonight. The grit, endurance, and tenacity of their love is something no scientist, even one like me, will ever be able to fully comprehend or dissect. It defies reason that they are here together right now. Personally I think they are both absolutely insane and that is why it works. Crazy works well with crazy. No normal human beings could have withstood what they have. These two are the only living testaments that I have ever been shown that maybe, sometimes, on rare occasions, with extraordinary people, marriage is worth it. I am a cynical man with pessimistic tendencies but I've realized tonight that if you are insane enough, love can win out. I think that is something we all desperately needed to see. Thank you both for that. And Bruce. I may not be the kindest, most compassionate man or the best listener or the greatest friend but somehow you tolerate it all. Not only tolerate but find attributes that you can genuinely appreciate about me and that is all I can ever ask for from you. You are strange and fascinating and I will give you the world and everything that I am to make you happy. Bruce you are my best friend. You are my brother. I am so happy for the two of you and I will do everything in my power to see that you are just as happy for as long as I live. Thank you everyone. Enjoy your dinner."
Tony sat down choking back the rest of what he wanted to say. It was not the place. He would say it later when he got his friend alone.
