Amber and Price
(Los Angeles: October 30th, 2014)
"Wake up, Chloe. It's time to get up."
"Please let me sleep some more, Rach. I'll be right there, just five minutes, please?"
"Chloe! It's me, Max. You have to get up, we don't want to be late. This is your big day, remember?"
It was starting to dawn on Chloe. She looked to her right, Rachel wasn't there. Her blonde beauty wasn't next to her in bed. The night had been so lonely. Chloe had barely been able to sleep, and she felt more nervous than she had been at any point in her life. The day had come. The day she had dreamed of for so long. The day that she was going to change her name.
Chloe stretched her arms, audibly inhaled and exhaled a few times, and looked to her left. Max Caulfield was standing there, her childhood friend. But today, Max was going to be much more than that. Wedding photographer and Chloe's best Max… man… dude…
Rachel had spent the night in Steph's apartment. Like Max, Steph was also taking on multiple roles this day. Rachel's witness, and master of ceremonies. And who better than Steph, Arcadia Bay's Gandalf the Gay and most talented Dungeon Master?
Chloe decided she needed a cold shower to wake up properly. Max was going to prepare breakfast for her and help her get dressed. Chloe took another close look at the dress she had selected. Dark blue, black. Nice colors. She was going to look like a pirate queen wearing it, and it was perfect. When she and Rachel had started shopping for outfits she had expected to pick a suit, but that dress, once she saw it, she had to have it. She also had the right boots to go with it. Rachel's dark red suit would be the perfect contrast. Dammit, she couldn't wait to see her girl wearing it.
The quick cold splash had the desired effect. Awake, at last. The breakfast Max had prepared made her feel even better. The dress fit perfectly, the people from the store had done an excellent job making the required adjustments for her. Chloe thought she could get used to wearing it very quickly. Her mind drifted back to Rachel, it still seemed so unreal.
"Chloe, we're going to leave in twenty minutes time. Everything is ready. But the most important question, Chloe, are you ready?"
Chloe felt that strange sensation in her stomach. It was as if a whole host of butterflies were present there. But there was no postponing anything this day. "Max, if I'm not ready now, I never will be. I'm glad you are with me right now. You made this possible."
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else today, Chloe. It's kind of funny, actually, I never thought you would get married at such a young age."
"It reminds me, Batmax… do you know, a long time ago, when I was about nine years old, I told my dad I wanted to marry you. You were my best friend, and I never wanted to be apart from you. Maybe in some alternate universe, we would have done it? You'd be Mrs. Price, or I would be Mrs. Caulfield."
Chloe displayed an evil grin, and Max had a smile on her face. Who else but Chloe could say such things? For all her obvious nervousness, Chloe still displayed her wicked sense of humor. "Who knows, Chloe, maybe? But as for this universe, I can only say I'm flattered. You are going to make Rachel very happy, and I'm sure she's going to make you very happy too."
"I like to think so, Max. Rachel and I talked about it last evening. We actually stood at the very spot where we will get married today. Today is the start of a new book for us, we're closing the old one. Now we can finally get started for real."
Max nodded her head in agreement. "That's a good way of putting it. But speaking of today, I have to tell you something. And at this same moment, Steph will be telling Rachel the very same thing. There is a special surprise for you both, later today. Steph arranged it, and I think that you and Rachel are really going to like it. But I can't tell you what it is, you will have to be patient. The only thing I can tell you is that a lot of effort has gone into pulling this off."
Chloe smiled at Max. A special surprise, what could it possibly be? She wanted to know, right now. But she knew Max, there was no way of getting information from her childhood friend if Max didn't want to give it up. At least there was something to look forward to, something else besides becoming one with Rachel. But there was some anxiety too, and it started playing up. "I can barely breathe, Max. I'm getting more nervous by the minute. What if I freeze during the ceremony? You know me, I'm not the most stable person in the world."
"Don't worry, Chloe. Steph and I have got you both covered. I like the vows that you and Rachel decided on. They fit you both really well, I know you are both such huge fans of that show, and it's really something different."
Max's cellphone started buzzing. Chloe saw Max read the text messages she was obviously receiving. Max then pressed a few buttons and was soon having a long-distance conversation with someone. Well, maybe not that long-distance. The someone on the other side of the phone call apparently listened to the name Steph. "Who else could it have been?" Chloe thought to herself.
After ending the phone call, Max looked at Chloe. "We have to leave in five minutes, it's important to keep the schedule".
"I gathered that, Max. By the way, where's your photography equipment? You don't seem to have your camera on you at all."
"Elaine Gonzalez is going to bring all my stuff. I will make photographs whenever I can, and Elaine will cover for me when I'm needed for the ceremony. It's going to work out just fine. Nothing can go wrong, Chloe. Just look at the weather outside… sunshine, not a cloud in sight, and it's pretty warm for the time of the year. The stars are aligned, the universe is doing its part today."
"What about my hair and make-up?"
"I never knew you to be worried about those things, Chloe. But once more, don't worry. We have that covered, too. You already know that we hired someone to do hair and make-up for Rachel and yourself, maybe you just forgot? But that's alright. She should be on-site already when we arrive. Now, let's go, and make your big day a day to remember."
(Santa Monica, October 30th, 2014)
Chloe looked out of the passenger seat window of Max's car. So many people going about their daily routine. Most of them blissfully unaware of what was going to take place in Chloe's life. But Chloe supposed that was true for most people's weddings. Unless you were some kind of Hollywood star, or European royalty. And she was neither, at best she was a few steps removed from junkyard trash. And Rachel had also come from far, just over a year ago she had essentially been nothing but a recovering junkie, and on top of that she had suffered a hellish ordeal. Chloe did hope that maybe one day, Rachel's dream of becoming famous would come true.
Chloe was pleased about the day's schedule. There had been no bachelorette parties the day before, no limousine coming to pick her up on this day itself, nothing too fancy. Just the way she liked it. More importantly, there would not be hundreds of guests at her wedding, half of whom she would barely be able to recognize. Max and Steph had done very well planning everything. It was going to an intimate affair, family, friends and colleagues only.
Max parked her car near the site where it was all going to happen. Chloe took a deep breath, and exited the car herself. The beach club building was obviously ready. Especially reserved for her, Rachel and their guests. Chloe walked through the building and saw the whole setup outside, ready to go. Chairs, decorations, altar, you name it. She looked around, but didn't see Rachel. Where was her blonde wife-to-be?
Chloe saw Max look at her phone once more. Max took Chloe's hand and asked her to come along. She was brought into a room where someone unfamiliar to her was waiting. The room had privacy, a mirror had been set up. Max introduced Chloe to the hair and make-up artist. "My name is Rhianna", the woman said. Max reassured Chloe by saying she would return in a short while.
Rhianna seemed friendly to Chloe. "Don't worry, Chloe. I've been told to apply only the bare minimum in terms of make-up. And you don't need much to begin with, you are a natural beauty". Chloe started blushing. "But I'm going to start with your hair, I'll use just a little bit of this spray. It's not the sticky kind, relax. I'm already finished with your fiancée, she was just here five minutes ago".
That got Chloe's attention. Rachel was here. Her bride was here. How was it possible that she hadn't seen her yet? Maybe that explained why Max kept looking at her phone all the time, it had been deliberately planned this way.
Chloe wanted to know, and asked the make-up artist about Rachel. "Did she say anything?"
"Only that this day was her dream come true. And now that I see you, I understand what she meant. Her hair was easy to do. She's got that long, blonde, free flowing hair. I'm told you like it when she wears it that way."
"Dammit, make-up woman… Rhianna…", Chloe thought. "Don't spoil it". But then again, Rachel had already told her the previous evening that was going to be her look for the day. And yes, it was true, Chloe did like it when Rachel wore it that way, and she liked touching Rachel's hair a lot. And not just the hair, either.
Chloe kept looking at herself in the mirror. Rhianna was doing a great job with her hair. Her blue hair, with those subtle hints of pink Rachel liked so much. It had the perfect length too, not too long, not too short. And then there were the accessories. The three-bullet necklaces she had made, one for herself, one for Rachel as an engagement gift. The bracelet Rachel had given her in return. They were a complete match in that perspective.
But there was going to be one crucial difference. Rachel's mysterious blue feather earring. Another one of those things Chloe loved to touch, often. Of course, it wasn't really mysterious anymore, since Rachel had explained what it meant to her, but Chloe still liked to refer to the earring as mysterious.
"What do you think, Chloe? Do you like your hair this way? Not too much make-up?"
"I like the way you did my hair, and the make-up is perfect. Thank you, Rhianna, you've done a great job".
Chloe looked at herself in the mirror. "Yeah", it was probably one of the first times in her adult life that she looked at herself and liked what she saw. Confidence, Rachel had helped her build it. But she was still nervous, though for other reasons. Normal reasons. Logical reasons. You don't get married every day, after all, and particularly not to someone as special as Rachel freakin' Amber. It was a strange match, they had so little in common, and yet, at the same time, they had so much in common. Who could explain it?
Max opened the door and entered the room. Rhianna told her she was done. Max pointed Rhianna in the direction of Steph, and then closed the door again. "Wowser, you look absolutely gorgeous, Chloe. Most of the guests are here already, we're serving coffee and cake outside. Everyone wants to see you both, but they will just have to wait until you both emerge from this building. I absolutely love the way you both decided to do this."
"Max, Rachel and I wanted to avoid any awkward pre-ceremony stuff. I hope everyone understands, but it is our choice to do it this way. Ceremony first, shaking hands and all that business after."
"And are you still sure you don't want to carry any flowers down the aisle?"
"I'm just going to hold her hand, Max. That's all. Keep the flowers where they are right now, it's better that way."
"Alright, we will do that, it's your day after all and…"
There was a knock on the door. Max walked over and opened it, Rachel was standing there. Max said that she was going to leave the room, and that either she or Steph would come checking in on both brides in about half an hour or so, when the ceremony was scheduled to commence.
Rachel sat down next to her bride. "The weather's perfect, Chloe. It's really gonna be our day."
"Rach, you look wonderful, so pretty. Even more so than you normally already do. But uh… isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony?"
Rachel smiled at Chloe. "Only for the groom, babe, and do you see a groom around here? I don't. Brides can do whatever they want. Hey, we make our own rules, right?"
"I guess so, Rachel. I'm trying to relax right now, but I'm so nervous. I've wanted this for so long, and now it's so close, literally right around the corner."
"You know, Chloe, we can still elope if you want it. It isn't too late yet. We could sneak out and drive to Las Vegas or somewhere else, and get married there, just you and me."
Chloe saw Rachel wink at her, and she started swooning. Rachel was happy to see Chloe laugh. Both brides knew that neither of them wanted to wait any longer. Plus, all the guests were already there and waiting for them to emerge from the building. "Rachel, eloping sounds like an adventure, but I don't want to run away anymore."
"Neither do I, my angel. You saved me, and I want to be yours, right now. Right here, where everyone we know can see us."
"You saved me too, Rach. More than four years ago, remember? At the Old Mill? The concert?"
"I'll never forget that day, Chloe. We've come all the way from there to here. Our Santa Monica dream, it's right here, today. More real than ever before. And despite all the things that happened, our future starts now."
Chloe and Rachel could both hear music playing outside. One of the many songs that they had selected to be played that day. It made Chloe think about the song she had picked for their walk down the aisle. The very same song her mother and late father had used for their own wedding, all those many years ago, which her mother had told her about. Chloe desperately wanted something of her father to be present, and picking that song was going to do it for her.
Rachel had picked a completely different song, a more recent one. They both agreed that the combination of songs was representative of the both of them. Different, yet complementary.
Another knock on the door. Steph opened the door and peeked into the room. "Are you both ready? Everything is set, everyone is here, we can start any moment you want."
"Give us five minutes, Steph."
"Alright, Rachel. When you both exit the room, I'll give the signal for Chloe's song to be played, followed by your song. We're ready for you."
Chloe took another deep breath. Her nerves were still holding, but it was getting more difficult to keep her composure. "Rachel, I'm going to start crying soon, I don't think I can control it much longer."
Rachel softly caressed Chloe on her right cheek, trying to put her at ease. "I'm as nervous as you are. But together, we can do this. I think we should walk slowly, and just take in the atmosphere, the weather and look at the guests."
Rachel saw that Chloe was starting to do her breathing exercises, the ones she usually did whenever she had anxiety issues. Rachel held both of Chloe's hands, and just smiled at her blue haired bride. Neither of them said anything for about two minutes. After one final sigh, Chloe looked towards Rachel.
"I'm ready, Rach. Shall we make our Santa Monica dream reality?"
Rachel nodded in agreement, kissed Chloe on her forehead, and with her right hand took Chloe's left hand. She opened the door, and almost immediately, the song Chloe had picked started to play.
We said we'd walk together, baby come what may
That come the twilight, should we lose our way
The two brides emerged from the beach club building. They were holding hands, and for a few moments they stood still, only a dozen yards or so from the nearest row of chairs. Rachel looked to her right, and saw that Chloe was smiling back at her. Just a little squeeze of the hand, they were ready. Very slowly, they made their way forward. Everyone was looking back at them. Chloe and Rachel had decided to walk each other down the aisle, and most guests understood why.
If as we're walking, a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
The sun was shining brightly. California weather had obviously accepted the invitation. As Max had mentioned earlier, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, not one. The first people Chloe noticed where those standing near the altar. Steph Gingrich, Steph's girlfriend Elaine Gonzalez, Travis Keaton and Max Caulfield. Elaine was holding a video camera, and Max was busy taking lots of pictures.
We swore we'd travel, darlin' side-by-side
We'd help each other, stay in stride
Chloe saw Dan Romero, the diner owner. He was smiling, even more so than he usually did. He had come along with Chloe's colleagues Darlene and Ellen. They had also volunteered to do the catering. Also present were a few of the members of Rachel's theatre group. Work was well represented.
But each lover's steps fall, so differently
But I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
Chloe noticed a framed picture standing near the altar. She couldn't quite identify who was in the picture yet. But as she and Rachel slowly made their way forward, the mystery would eventually solve itself.
Now everyone dreams of, a love lasting and true
But you and I know what this world can do
So many familiar faces amongst the guests. Chloe saw Gareth and Eli, the two young men they had met in Las Vegas. Both couples had become good friends. Gareth had recently told Chloe and Rachel that he had successfully proposed to Eli just weeks earlier. Another wedding on the schedule.
So let's make our steps clear, that the other may see
And I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
Gareth and Eli planned their wedding for the spring of next year. Gareth was holding his fiancé's hand, and Chloe could see tears on Eli's face. She hoped the tears would not be contagious but she knew better, it wouldn't be long before her tears would start flowing too.
Now there's a beautiful river, in the valley ahead
And there 'neath the oak's bough, soon we will be wed
Familiar people from their Arcadia Bay days. Mrs. Grant was there, Blackwell's principal. Sitting with her were Kate Marsh, Victoria Chase, Justin Williams and Warren Graham. Warren was obviously dressed as some kind of mad scientist. He had clearly read the instructions on the invitation, mentioning the fantasy theme. And fantasy was a broad theme, as Chloe deduced from the wide variety of costumes that some people were wearing.
Should we lose each other, in the shadow of the evening trees
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
Not everyone had come dressed in some fantasy costume, but that was alright. There had been a solid response, and that was enough. Chloe and Rachel were more than halfway towards the altar, and the song Chloe had selected ended. The two brides stopped for a few seconds, looked at each other, and kissed briefly. Chloe was smiling but Rachel could see she was close to tears. Then, Rachel's song started to play.
Open up my eyes and feel your heartbeat
As we lay with your body pressed against mine
And I know, and I know this very moment
This will be, this will be 'til the end of time
I want you to know
Chloe's uncle had come, her father's brother. He had brought his wife, Chloe's aunt, and his three children, Chloe's cousins. A few more members of the Price family were sitting right there with them. And her mother's side of the family was well represented too, including Chloe's grandmother.
Rachel, still holding Chloe's hand tight, looked to her left. She saw her recently discovered aunt Maraia, her birth mother Sera's sister. And the rest of the Gearhardt-Johnson family had come with her. Maraia's husband, Jack Johnson, and Rachel's older cousins Jack junior and Anne. Junior had even brought his girlfriend. It made Rachel smile, the larger the family, the better. And legally speaking, her family was about to expand again, significantly.
This love is more than chemical
It feels unusual
And I can't get enough
You know-oh-oh
The Amber family had turned up as well. The part of Rachel's family that her father had not kept hidden from her all these years. And speaking of her father, they had made their peace and Rachel was determined to leave it at that. Neither she, nor her father were even remotely interested in dragging the past up again.
This love is more than chemical
And we're unbreakable
Oh be forevermore
More than chemical
Chloe and Rachel reached the front row. As expected, Chloe's mother Joyce was there. David Madsen, her stepfather, was sitting right next to her mother. James Amber and his wife Rose were sitting on the other side of the aisle. To Chloe, James Amber didn't look very happy, or maybe she was just imagining things. Either way, it didn't matter. She and Rachel were where they wanted to be.
Every time the darkness falls around me
I can feel you move beneath my skin
Eh and… something strange is happening inside me
Don't know where you end and I begin
I want you to know
Chloe had noticed the framed picture near the altar early on. But now, she could clearly see who it was. As she chastised herself for not recognizing him earlier, tears started rolling down her cheeks. Steph and Max had arranged for a picture of her father, William. She had wanted it, yet still she was overcome with emotion.
It was right at this moment she felt something touch her right arm. She looked to her right, but there was no one there. Was it a sign from him? Was it William delivering on his promise? Or was she once again imagining things? Again, it didn't matter, she would forever be able to say she felt his presence on this day, the day she would marry the love of her life.
This love is more than chemical
It feels unusual
And I can't get enough
You know-oh-oh
Chloe briefly looked at her mother, who was also crying. Chloe understood. She had picked their wedding song, and William's picture added to the intensity of the moment. David Madsen was comforting Joyce. Rachel reached for Chloe's face. She very carefully wiped the blue tears from her bride's cheeks with a tissue that Steph had handed her seconds earlier for that exact purpose.
This love is more than chemical
And we're unbreakable
Oh be forevermore
More than chemical
The music died down. Chloe smiled at Rachel, who smiled back. They had reached their destination. Their four-year journey was ending. A journey that had taken them across high mountains, and deep valleys. And at the same time, a new journey was beginning. Or maybe it was all the same journey, and this was just one of the many stops on the way. Though everyone would agree that this was a major stop.
Steph invited Chloe and Rachel to sit down on the two chairs that were closest to the altar. Elaine and Mr. Keaton also sat down, as Max made a few more pictures to preserve the moment for all times to come. Max picked up the video camera, and positioned herself for recording the next part of the ceremony. Steph walked towards the center, and stood in front of the altar, right in the middle, facing Chloe and Rachel and all the guests.
"Hello everyone!
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Steph Gingrich and I was asked by Chloe and Rachel to be master of ceremonies at this very special day for the both of them.
I want to start by thanking everyone for being here to celebrate this unique wedding. Chloe, you look absolutely stunning today, that is one great looking dress, maybe I can borrow it when it's my turn? And sitting next to our pirate queen is her bride, Rachel. And doesn't Rachel look amazing in that suit? I can hardly take my eyes off the both of you. I am very honored to be doing this and I hope that my small contribution will help make this a day to remember.
Chloe, Rachel, I've known both of you for many years now. We were at Blackwell together, and we were classmates for a while. I'm trying to think of the day that I first realized that the two of you might well end up together. If I recall correctly, somewhere back in 2010, Chloe told me she was going to attend the clandestine Firewalk concert at the Old Mill. I immediately remembered that the day before, Rachel had asked me if I could tell her about things that Chloe liked. Chloe, if you've ever wondered who told Rachel about the Firewalk concert, it was me.
I knew some fire had been lit when barely two days later, Chloe approached me and wanted to talk about certain sensitive issues. I knew immediately what she meant. I took Chloe with me to my parents' house, and I asked her if she was in love with you, Rachel. Chloe confirmed my suspicion, and told me she felt very confused. I told her "love is love" and suggested she should follow her feelings.
And then, the moment that those who were there can all still remember. The evening that the Tempest play was performed. Chloe and Rachel had skipped school one afternoon, and that had gotten Chloe suspended from Blackwell, and Rachel had been removed from her part in the play as Prospera. Mr. Keaton, the drama teacher, present here today as the wedding officiant, invited Rachel backstage anyway, and Chloe joined her. Things happened, and Rachel got her part back. Even Chloe ended up on stage. Mr. Keaton will tell you a few things about that after I'm finished.
Chloe, Rachel, you are two of my all-time favorite classmates. You are both very different, yet there is something about your dynamic that makes me feel you two belong together. You each fill a critical need in the other. Chloe, I saw the strength that you drew from being with Rachel, it lifted you up. You started to look happy again. And that is still true today, even more so. Rachel, you seemed very comfortable whenever you were with Chloe. She managed to make you feel at ease, like no one else could at the time.
Even I was able to draw energy from your dynamic. It made me happy to see the both of you together, I felt the obvious chemistry. The love you had for each other was so clearly visible. But as most people here are aware, you two have experienced a lot, more than most people your age. And unfortunately, not all of it was pleasant. You have both asked me to briefly point this out. Rachel was kidnapped and held prisoner for many months. Chloe suffered because of her absence.
It pained me to hear how hard the times had been for the both of you, how fate had nearly pulled you apart forever. But fortunately, destiny intervened and put you two back together, where you belong. And as hard as those times must have been for you, we can all take comfort in knowing that there was something great yet to come. Ever since the spring of last year, you two have been rebuilding your relationship, and now we have arrived at this wonderful stage.
And as we are here today, let us celebrate the lives of Chloe and Rachel, and the bright future ahead for both of them. Chloe, Rachel, you are both driven, intelligent and the most kindhearted people many of us here will ever meet. Seeing how you both put thought, effort and dedication in everything you do, makes us all here incredibly happy. We are the lucky ones, lucky that we get to experience part of this journey with you.
When is something a crush? When is it teenage love that might pass? Can you really know if someone is right for you at such a young age? As Chloe told me she said to Rachel, sometimes when you meet someone who's going to change your life, you just know it. And in their case, they just knew it.
It can be a great comfort knowing you will always have someone by your side who is caring, spontaneous, loving and supportive. I'm going to wrap this up with a little advice. Love can never be perfect. It isn't a fairytale or a storybook and it doesn't always come easy. Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, fighting to stay together, good times and bad times, holding on and most importantly, never letting go.
Chloe, Rachel, I hope that years from now you can both look back on this day and say to each other "You've made my happiness so great, that e'en the name of liberty was forgotten". I love you both very much, and so does everyone else here.
For those of you that don't know yet, Chloe and Rachel are going to combine their last names. They will both officially become Mrs. Amber-Price. However, they wish to state that from this day forward, they strongly prefer being addressed simply as Mrs. Amber.
Chloe, Rachel, cheers to both of you. May your love last forever! Congratulations! And let's make sure we will play some Dungeons and Dragons in the future."
All those in attendance applauded Steph for the speech she had just made. Joyce was in tears, as she had been nearly throughout the whole ceremony so far. Steph herself was quite content with how her speech had worked out. The only person that was looking a bit strange was James Amber, Rachel's father. Steph thought he had a look of resignation on his face. But whatever, maybe it was just his way of dealing with emotions.
Both Chloe and Rachel got up from their chairs and hugged Steph. Max was still very busy with her video camera, and Steph's girlfriend Elaine was preparing to take over from her, as Max would soon be taking on a different role.
After about two minutes or so, Mr. Keaton stepped up, and called everyone to attention again.
"Darlings, everyone. My name is Travis Keaton, creative director of the Saturn Theatre Group. Also, I used to be the drama teacher at Blackwell, which is the reason I have known both Rachel and Chloe for some time. I am deeply humbled to have been asked to perform this most important part here today.
We have all listened to the great speech my colleague Stephanie just made. Thank you, darling. And I can put everyone at ease, I will keep it short so we can begin the official part of the ceremony in a few minutes. But I will make a few remarks before we begin.
Rachel had only just joined my drama class, and she had blown the doors off her audition with a heartbreaking reading of Blanche DuBois from Tennessee Williams' wonderful play "A streetcar named desire". I was at once enthralled by her acting talent. And she has proven again and again that she is a natural. Today, she is a member of my theatre group, and I do believe she will achieve great things. But who can tell how things will work out? We don't have a crystal ball and we can't see the future, no matter how much we may desire it.
And speaking of talent, don't think I've forgotten about you, Chloe. Recalling the Tempest, one of the performers was late, you were asked to step in. I told you, that upon your slender shoulders rested the fate of the production. You immediately said, and I think this is an exact quote "I'd say you're pretty well fucked". But you saved the production. All the reviews raved about your scene with Rachel. I can truly say that it was magical! Hopefully, today will be at least as magical, maybe even more so."
Mr. Keaton cleared his throat, and continued. "Having said these things, ladies and gentlemen, we have come to the most important part of our gathering here. As wedding officiant, I invite both Rachel and Chloe to stand up, side-by-side. I also invite the witnesses, Stephanie and Maxine, to join us here.
Everyone, dearly beloved, darlings, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join these two young people, Rachel and Chloe, together in marriage. Marriage is a union of two people in heart, body and soul. It is intended for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort they can give one another in prosperity and adversity. If there is anyone present here today who feels that these two should not be joined together, let this person speak now or forever remain silent."
It was quiet for about ten seconds. Chloe audibly sighed as she was getting extremely nervous. Rachel looked at her father as if almost warning him to stay quiet. But it wasn't necessary. Hearing no one speak, Mr. Keaton proceeded.
"Rachel and Chloe have decided to do things a little differently. In accordance with the theme set for this wedding, the vows will be spoken in the style of one of today's most popular TV series. The Game of Thrones.
Rachel, Chloe, in the presence of everyone here, I now bind your hands together with this ribbon, to seal your souls together and to symbolize your new union of friendship, partnership, trust and above all love. Now, please look at one another and pledge your vows to seal your union."
Rachel turned towards Chloe and smiled. Chloe awkwardly smiled back. It was time.
"You."
"You."
"Me."
"Me."
"Friend."
"Friend."
"Partner."
"Partner."
"Protector."
"Protector."
"Healer."
"Healer."
"Lover."
"Lover."
"Chloe Elizabeth Price, I am yours. You are mine."
"Rachel Dawn Amber, I am yours. You are mine."
"I take you as my wife in marriage."
"I also take you as my wife in marriage."
"To love you, comfort you, honor you and keep you."
"To love you, comfort you, honor you and keep you."
"In good times and in bad times, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health."
"In good times and in bad times, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health."
"Forsaking all others, faithful only to you, from this day until the end of my days."
"Forsaking all others, faithful only to you, from this day until the end of my days."
Mr. Keaton removed the ribbon, and Steph and Max handed Rachel and Chloe the wedding rings. Rachel took Chloe's hand, and softly slid the ring onto her bride's finger. Chloe was visibly struggling with her composure, but nevertheless managed to complete the same ritual Rachel had, placing the matching ring onto Rachel's finger. Rachel was close to tears as well. And so were many of those in attendance, Chloe's mother Joyce most visibly of all.
Mr. Keaton then broke the brief silence and spoke the words. "I, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of California, declare you to be legally wed, in accordance with all applicable laws. Rachel, Chloe, it is my privilege to pronounce you to be spouses for life. Darlings, you may each now kiss the bride."
Chloe immediately wrapped her arms around Rachel's body, Rachel did the same to Chloe, and just a fraction of a second later their lips touched. And both of them were determined to make it last, crying, smiling and kissing at the same time.
Mr. Keaton followed up. "We ask that their days be long, and be seasoned with love, understanding, and respect. And may all of us be blessed by love as it shines through them all of their lives. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. I have the honor to present to you this beautiful couple, Rachel and Chloe Amber-Price."
All the guests applauded as Rachel and Chloe continued to seal their union by giving each other the longest lasting kiss they had ever shared. From this moment forward, they would be forever.
PS
The remainder of the wedding day will be covered in the next chapter. This will include the surprise Max mentioned to Chloe.
Song credits: "If I should fall behind" by Bruce Springsteen and "Chemical" by Kerli.