Chris
In all his life, Chris had never been sweatier. His hands, his hairline, the back of his neck, his armpits. Good thing he'd slathered on extra deodorant after his shower that morning.
For him, the past 36 hours had been going in slow motion. His bachelor party, breakfast, the drive over here, getting dressed, everything moved at a snail's pace.
He felt so… exposed standing up there alone on the altar. Awkwardness was not a new feeling to him, but today he set an all-time record for awkwardness and discomfort. His tux felt too tight; the white dress shirt underneath the jacket was already stuck to his chest with— you guessed it— sweat.
Okay, well, Chris wasn't completely alone on the altar. A preacher was also there, an older man with only a few sprigs of gray hair at his temples. Chris refused to even consider the notion of making awkward eye contact with this guy, so he fixed his gaze on all the guests instead.
One way to describe the venue Chris and Ashley had chosen could be "rustic," or maybe "unique." In the not-so-humble opinion of Chris's many aunts and uncles, however, it was "odd" and "low class." Not for the first time, he wished this wedding could've been the intimate affair he and Ash had originally envisioned.
Chris didn't blame them though. Everyone was sitting in foldable metal chairs that scraped against the old oak floor at a painfully loud volume whenever someone twitched a muscle. The bride and groom had thought ahead to place small pillows on every chair, for the sake of comfort. Despite the pillows, however, the guests' squirming was still agonizingly noticeable from where Chris stood.
When the classic organ tune began to fill the room, the restlessness dissolved. One thought reverberated in every person's mind: finally.
Beth and Mason appeared first from the double doors, walking forward stiffly. Their body language screamed "we don't know each other, like, at all" but the two made do with their partner. Chris was just relieved his hotshot little brother had been willing to fill in one of the empty slots for groomsmen. Chris and Mason had never exactly gotten along well; Mason had been in Jess, Matt and Ashley's grade but never hung out with the group. He was one of the jerky water polo players who always wore his blue varsity swimming jacket as much as possible. He constantly hit on other girls, though as everyone found out later that was just an act to cover up him being in the closet. Mason didn't come out until the day he graduated from high school. He was pretty smart like his older brother, and had enough credit to give a short speech. He stepped up onto the stage, leaned into the microphone, took a deep breath, then shouted "Yeah, so… I'm gay!" before flipping off the crowd, grabbing his diploma, and jumping off the stage instead of taking the stairs. Years later, Chris's brother still had a floppy mop of dirty blond hair and blue eyes filled with mischief.
Matt and Emily glided down the aisle next, looking like they were performing some type of expert dance move. Then it was Mike and Jess— they were like Hollywood's hottest couple strutting down the red carpet. Lucas and Hannah came after them, and Chris stifled a laugh when he noticed how much she was drooling over him. She'd done the same thing at the brief rehearsal two nights ago, even when Lucas had been wearing a paint-splattered button down. Then, at last, the maid of honor and best man started their walk down the aisle. Chris studied them closely as they inched closer, then took their places on either side of the altar. Both appeared to be quietly stewing about something, though they hid their feelings well. Nevertheless, Chris saw Josh's shoulders droop in relief as he separated from Sam.
Chris leaned toward Josh and mouthed "Rings?"
Josh nodded, no trace of his usual troublesomeness on his face. He patted his side pocket meaningfully, and Chris's gaze dropped down. Then he squinted, hoping he was seeing things.
"Josh…" he hissed.
His friend lifted his eyebrows.
"Is that…"— he prayed his whisper wouldn't travel past their tiny cloud of space— "a fuzzy belt?"
Josh looked baffled for just a second, then realization lit up his face. A dash of his typical spark returned to his eyes, and it was just enough to make Chris nervous. "I lost my other belt, so I had to steal the bathrobe belt from the spa," he explained.
Chris didn't even bother asking where in a Holiday Inn was there a spa. He just heaved a sigh and rolled his eyes then returned his attention to the big doors in the back. The entire room prickled with anticipation. The thighs of Chris's pants were grossly damp from him constantly wiping his hands on them.
The first Chris saw of his bride was a snippet of bright white fabric. Then she turned the corner, arm woven into a closely-knit pretzel with her father's.
His throat became clogged with a breath he was physically unable to take. His hands were slicker than a waterslide. He could've sworn his glasses fogged up a bit. Every hair on his body stood on end. And the cherry on top was the somersault his stomach took.
Never in his life had he seen a more gorgeous person than Ashley Brown. It was crazy to think that he'd met her through the tutoring program at their old high school— she needed help with algebra, he needed help with his English skills. He showed her the wonder of the Pythagorean theorem, and she showed him how to make his handwriting look slightly better than chicken scratch. He recalled feeling so stupid for crushing on a "puny freshman," as Josh used to call any ninth-grader.
And, now, as Chris stood up front watching that same freshman take careful, calculated steps toward him, he couldn't feel any less stupid.
He loved the way her eyes only seemed to see him. She looked right through everyone else— the guests, her bridesmaids, even her father— as if they were invisible. Chris copied her action, and acted like they were the only two in the room. It was just like that night a few weeks ago. Just them and the watchful moon peeking in from the set of large windowpanes behind the altar.
Like every hour, every minute, every second up to now, Ashley's walk seemed to take ages despite Chris knowing it was only thirty seconds, give or take. Her dad definitely hesitated before letting his only daughter go.
Chris could see the sheen on her eyes from unshed tears. Richard smiled somberly down at her, gradually detangling his arm from hers. It was only when they were fully separated that Ashley grabbed him one last time, engulfing the older man in a bear hug. He looked surprised, as if she was a stranger who had just pulled him into an arbitrary embrace. Then he gave her a few gentle pats on her back, sighed again, and let her go.
Ashley stepped up to face Chris. The beautiful bouquet of roses and other summery flowers was transferred to Sam's hands for the time being. Almost right away, bride and groom got lost in each other's eyes. Chris always adored how those green depths never failed to reel him in— it was a set trap he willingly walked into every time.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Ashley Brown and Christopher Hartley in marriage. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and…" The minister droned on, spurting robotic words that had been important to the many other weddings he'd officiated in the past— which, in a way, lessened the meaning of the words to Chris. Together he and Ash endured the speech, hands in hands the entire time. He could feel how sweaty her palms were too, and he could almost laugh out of solace.
The preacher's rumbling ceased, and Chris was quick to pull himself back down from the high he'd been on as nerves quickly set in on full force. It took him a moment to realize that they'd been invited to share their vows.
Oh shit. Shit! He was supposed to share his vows to Ashley, the vows he had spent hours working on and stressing about at his computer desk. The handwritten vows that were currently sitting on top of his closed laptop back at the house.
... shit.
Well, this wouldn't be the first thing Chris winged. He just hoped this time wouldn't be as disastrous as the last project he'd bullshitted his way through in junior year of college.
Chris cleared his throat, and what should've been a minor noise suddenly sounded louder than a wrecking ball in the enormous room. He squeezed his eyes shut, counted a few quick breaths, nestled her fingers deeper into his hands, and began.
"Ashley… I don't know where I would be today if it weren't for you. Well, for one thing, I probably would've failed English sophomore year of high school if you weren't there to tutor me. And I remember my friends always teasing me a- about how smitten I was, how I'd get this glazed look in my eyes whenever you were in the room. This will sound really corny, but it's the truth: I only have a few regrets in my life, but one of my biggest regrets is not getting to know you sooner." Another slow, steady breath rushed through his lungs. Inhale. Exhale. "I love you so much, Ash," he finished.
There was already a tear sliding down her cheek, tinged black from mascara. Chris couldn't help but reach forward and wipe it off with his thumb.
To his surprise, Ashley reached for a slip of paper that had been neatly tucked behind the neckline of her dress. It was a browned sheet of notebook paper, wrinkled and frayed by time. It almost looked like the same—
"Christopher Nathan Hartley, the love my life— you wrote this speech for me when you were in tenth grade and I was in ninth. I've read this paper over more times than any number could express, and after much thinking I decided to share a few lines of yours here." She adjusted the paper and held it higher. Chris watched, fascinated, as her eyes squinted at the paper and tried to decode his smudgy handwriting. "'I've never met another person who I connect so well with. They say opposites attract, and when I met you I realized how true that is. We're both nerds, but you're an English nerd and I'm a math nerd. That's all I really know about you so far— that you like English— but I swear on my life (and my PS3) that I'll get to know you better someday. I bet you're a lot more interesting than English anyway. Sincerely, Chris.'" Ashley bit her lip as she tucked the paper away again, and snagged his gaze. She slipped her hands into his again. "Chris… I have no idea why, out of all the people on this planet, you chose to like me. But I am constantly grateful you never chose anybody else to love. Thank you for choosing me." Her last couple words receded into a whisper, and Chris could feel his eyes growing misty too. He could hear the audience shifting in their seats, restless after sitting through the long vows.
But he didn't care. Those were the best fucking vows he'd ever heard in his life.
The officiant dipped his head and recited the timeless words.
"Do you, Christopher, take Ashley to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish her through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"
There was zero doubt in his mind. "I do," he promised. He could feel the blood pulsing in her fingertips, fizzing with excitement.
"And do you, Ashley, take Christopher to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish him through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," she said. And he knew from the bottom of his heart that she meant it.
The priest nodded to the best man behind Chris. Josh produced the rings from his pocket and presented them to the bride and groom.
There was one cheesy line Chris had forced himself to memorize. He took Ashley's left hand in his and slid the diamond-studded ring on the appropriate finger. He smiled and spoke softly. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, as I give to you all that I am, and accept from you, all that you are."
A playful smirk formed on her face. She surprised him with her own short line. She slipped the gold band on his left ring finger, eyes glistening. "And with this ring, I thee wed," she murmured.
"By the power vested in me by the State of California, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife." The minister tilted his head, eyes sparkling. "You may kiss your bride."
Chris pulled her in close and crashed his lips against hers. She tasted sweet and beautiful and wonderful, just like always. And he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life tasting those lips.
Josh
The formalness of the wedding ceremony quickly transformed into a casual ambiance of the reception, which made Josh a thousand times more relaxed. He'd done his most important job— keeping track of the rings— and now his only other "required" task was the best man speech. And, well, to put it bluntly… Josh had that shit down pat.
He'd presented a short but sweet little thing at the rehearsal, but that was just him warming up. Chris had no idea the wild ride he was in for.
As everyone filed into the party room, Josh glanced around in awe. It was almost as large as the ceremony room, except the ceiling was lower and windows were few and far between. This made the room darker and also gave it more of a party atmosphere. Glass and paper lanterns gave off warm beams of yellowish light and cast interesting shadows over the many tables. The faint smell of food invaded Josh's nose, and his stomach rumbled to remind him that he hadn't eaten since lunch six or so hours ago.
He walked deeper into the room, taking in the modest dance floor and gift table. His eyes were quick to find the microphone at the front of the room however, and he grinned. Josh picked up a glass of champagne from his place setting, took a hearty sip, then moved over to the small platform where the microphone was.
Everyone was settling into their seats, leaning down to read the place cards. The caterers hadn't brought out the food yet, but Josh could smell the garlicky zest of Italian food— it was so close by, he could practically taste it on his tongue.
But that was later, and this was now.
Josh adjusted the microphone, then leaned into it and said, "Ahem."
Several pairs of eyes landed on him, and he smiled. "Yes, may I have your attention please?" The room's chatter quieted down. Josh found the bride and groom sitting at a table with their close family. Josh arched an eyebrow, raised his glass, and made direct eye contact with Chris. "Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?" he asked, dead serious.
He could see Chris's cheeks flare red from several yards away. "Josh!" he yelled, while Ashley hid a giggle behind one hand.
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry, bro, I couldn't resist." Josh spotted Emily, Mike and Hannah rolling their eyes, while Matt, Jess and Beth were also trying hard not to laugh. Josh tried to ignore the obvious fact that Sam had been seated next to him. Fuck. "No, what I really came up here to say is… congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Cochise Hartley!" Again he lifted his glass, as the others mimicked him and took a drink.
"Now, you all may be wondering where in the world I got the nickname 'Cochise' from. You see, Chris and I have known each other since third grade. Well, he was in third and I was technically in fourth, but… let's just say I may or may not have been held back a year because of math. So the teacher moved our seats together, and we sparked up a friendship almost instantly. Blah, blah, blah, time goes on, and I start calling Chris 'badass,' because, y'know, that's what he was. And still is, of course. But one day the teacher heard us using that 'distasteful curse word' and we got in trouble. So I tried to find an alternative for 'badass' and long story short… I came upon Cochise. And it was perfect.
"But the same day I first called Chris Cochise, it was the same day he met Ashley. I'll never forget that day— October 26th, 2010. Your average Tuesday. It was a few days before Halloween, and the entire school was hyped up. Once again I was failing math, and you can guess who was failing math too. My buddy Cochise and I decided to head down to the tutor center in the library so he could find help for an English essay.
"And that was when he saw her. You'll never hear me say this again, so listen closely: that was love at first sight. Cochise was never the same again after that day. He would have this dreamy look in his eyes, and he'd do all that weird lovey-dovey stuff like drawing a heart with A + C in it. It was ridiculous then, and still ridiculous now. Okay, maybe a little cute. But just a little.
"I honestly never could've imagined I'd be standing here one day, giving the best man speech at your wedding. But I'm so glad to be here, really. Thank you, man, for choosing obnoxious lil' me to be your best man." Josh raised his glass one last time to the polite applause, before stepping down from the tiny stage.
He passed Chris's table on his way back to his seat. Chris gave him a gentle punch on the arm. "Obnoxious is right," he teased. "But thanks, bro."
The corner of Josh's mouth twisted into a grin. "No problem, bro."
Thank you all so much for the love! You're all too kind :) I hope you enjoyed this, I know it was corny but I had fun writing it!