We hear the music start and Abby and Townsend head down the aisle, followed by me and Zach. Joe is facing us, patiently waiting for my mom to make her appearance. All doubts I may have had are erased by the look in his eyes when my mom takes her first step down the aisle.
I try to see him in others' eyes. To Zach, Joe is the closest thing he had to a father growing up, and still is. They share memories that stretch a decade. Joe knows what even-year old Zach was like, what make him go tick. He knew a Zach that never had brick walls0 built up around him, a Zach that wasn't forced to guard himself, protect himself from the people who were supposed to want the best for him. Zach probably confided a countless amount of secret to Joe when he was younger. To Abby, they are best friends. They have a hundred inside jokes and have gone on career-changing missions together. He's someone she can talk to when something happens, maybe when she's thinking about Matthew. He is someone she knows has her back. Joe is the Bex to Abby's me.
"Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the joining of Joseph Solomon and Rachel Cameron in marriage. With love and commitment, they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife," the Priest says.
There is a gentle breeze and the sun is starting to set, painting the sky a beautiful mixture of pinks and oranges. I glance from my mom and Joe over to Zach, only finding him already staring at me. He's smiling and his fingers are drumming on his wrist.
"True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.
"Do you, Joseph Solomon, take Rachel Cameron to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"
"I do." Joe says.
"And do you, Rachel Cameron, take Joseph Solomon to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"
"I do."
I hand my mother the ring and wait. And wait some more. Finally I look up to see what is taking so long, only to see Zach trying to find the ring to give to Joe. Joe stand there patiently, fondly shaking his head as Zach searches his jacket and his pants pockets. He suddenly reaches into Townsends jacket pulls out the ring. "Here," He says and gives it to Joe who, just rolls his eyes.
"And now, by the power vested in me by the State of Virginia, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride. Family and Friends, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Rachel Solomon."