As Cammie and I make our way down the aisle, I notice Joe's gaze falls behind us, I assume onto Rachel. I never thought this day would come. I think back to all the time we spent together as I was growing up, and never once did this moment come up.
"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.
I know I should be focusing on the wedding, on Joe and Rachel, but I can't take my eye off of Cammie. She was standing there, looking as beautiful as ever in her maid-of-honor dress. It's not that I've never seen her in a dress, but something is different this time. It may be the sun setting behind her, or the fact that we are standing up at a hypothetical alter. I catch Cammie's gaze, and a blush spreads across her cheeks.
"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," Rachel says.
Oh, no. The ring, where did I put the ring? I can feel everybody staring at me as I nervously pat myself down, checking my pockets it. 'Zach, whatever you do today, make sure it doesn't include losing this ring.' That had been the only instruction Joe gave to me and I failed. Not to mention the fact that he held onto the ring until this morning. Wow. I suddenly remember placing it in Townsend's pocket just before the wedding started. I grab it from his jacket and quickly pass it to Joe, who I hear chuckle quietly.
"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."
