Chapter 5

"Stop fidgeting!" Darien said in exasperation.

"I can't help it…" after a brief pause, Ed continued uneasily, "…I'm nervous."

Darien smiled as he fixed the bow tie on his twin, "You'll do fine. Besides, you're not the only one getting married today."

"I know, I know…" Ed said in defeat, "But I'm still nervous. I mean, what if I trip or something?"

"Tripping isn't what you should be concerned about if you don't get your heart rate under control..." Darien snapped his fingers as his hands moved in a zig-zag motion, "…You know what I'm saying?"

Ed ran a hand through his thick hair with a sigh of frustration, "Yeah, I keep forgetting about that." He felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He and Claire had decided to get married as soon as possible when they had flown back to San Diego from Washington, D.C. With all that had happened they didn't want to wait any longer than what was necessary. It was Darien and Darcy that came up with the idea of back-to-back weddings. And with everything Ed and Claire been through, Darien and Darcy decided that they would go first.

"You'll be fine. We both will." Darien finished with Ed's tie. "There you go."

Ed turned and looked in the mirror. He looked at himself and frowned, "I look like a tall emaciated penguin."

Darien chuckled in response. Ed glanced at Darien through the mirror, "How do you know how to tie a bow tie?" Ed saw the quizzical look that Darien cast his way. "I mean, you don't exactly seem the type…like me."

"Well, actually I've always known how to do this."

Ed's shoulders slouched and his head tilted downward, "You know this is sad, I've always had trouble with ties." Ed looked at Darien and saw a smile slowly spread across his face. "What you smiling about?"

"You know the difference between you and me? I make this look good," Darien quipped as he put on a pair of dark Ray Ban sunglasses. Ed glared at him, "No way, D."

Hobbes poked his head in the room and glanced around the room quickly. "Hey, youse two ready or what?" Hobbes walked up to Darien to check his tux, "Can't believe you're doing this, partner? I never thought I'd see the day."

"Yeah, well, I saw what Darcy did to Ed when he refused her, I didn't want her kicking my butt too," Darien said with a smile.

Ed rolled his eyes, "You just had to bring that up?"

Hobbes walked over and patted Ed on his back, "Don't worry, doc, bean pole here got beat up by a chick too. In fact as I recall more than once."

The three men laughed. Hobbes looked at his watch, "Well, fifteen minutes to go. You sure about this?"

"Yeah, I'm sure." Darien said as he fixed the cuff on his shirt.

"And you?" Hobbes glanced over at Ed who had moved to stand by the window.

"Yeah, I'm sure about this."

"Good, cause it's time to get going."

"The Best Man beckons," Darien said as he double checked himself in the mirror to make sure everything was buttoned and zipped.

Ed smiled. "Can you give us a minute, Hobbes?"

"Yeah, but don't take too long." Hobbes said as he walked out of the room.

Ed turned to stare out the window and in just a few minutes, he and Claire will say their vows. He can see his friends and family gathering already in their formal wear. Ed and Claire had wanted a Hawaiian themed wedding and Ed was just going to wear white. But it wouldn't look right with Darien and his wedding party in tuxes. So, Ed compromised and went along with wearing a tux rather than forcing Darien and Darcy to change their plans. There was quite a bit of give and take to pull it off, and the amazing thing is, neither of them fought on what they wanted. Ed and Claire were still going to have their Hawaiian themed ceremony and the colorful floral arrangements they were thinking about Darcy loved anyway. It all worked out.

Ed was gazing at the surf from the window as Darien came up to him, "Well, it's finally here, the day I've been waiting for. And I'm about to marry the most amazing woman I know," he glanced at Darien, "Yeah, even more amazing than Sloan. I kinda have Lewis and the third Lynch clone to thank for this. Weird, I know, but it's true. If they hadn't been after Jared Stark I wouldn't have come down to San Diego."

Darien put his hand on his shoulder. Ed continued as he again looked out the window, "Well, now that I think about it, I have Sloan to thank too. She nagged me about my hair so much I had no choice but to get it cut. And that's when Arnaud confused me with you and he kidnapped me instead. If it hadn't been for these certain events I would have never met Claire." Ed shook his head, "Now look at me, pacing around the room like a nervous wreck. I know I should go down and mingle with the guests before the ceremony, but right now my legs are weak. They are not listening to any commands from my brain to operate properly. Is this what it feels like, true love? Does it become so overwhelming that your body and brain refuse to cooperate?"

"I think so. I feel the same way. Funny how life deals you something that turns your whole life upside down. But yet, it turns out to be the best thing that happened to you."

There's another knock at the door. It opened slowly and they see a head peek in, it's Irene. She stepped into the room and Ed smiled at her, "Wow, mom, you look great! You're glowing. If I didn't know any better I'd say you had a boyfriend that I don't know about."

"Well, thank you. But it could be that my baby is finally getting married."

Ed walked towards her and she started to cry when she saw him dressed in his tux. She put her hands to his face and pulled him in for a soft kiss on his cheek. She turned and did the same to Darien.

She turned her attention back to Ed and said the most embarrassing thing a man could hear in the company of another man. "It wasn't so long ago when I used to change your diapers…now look at you, all grown up and getting married."

Ed heard a chuckle from Darien's mouth and he turned to glance at him fiercely. Darien gave Ed his best apologetic look. Ed rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to his mom. "Thanks, mom. I really needed to hear that, especially in front of Darien."

Darien came up from behind him and grabbed his arm. "I'm sorry, Ms. Morgan, but the grooms should be downstairs."

Ed smiled at his mom and she smiled back as she held her arm out. Ed took it and escorted her down the stairs to the back of the hotel where quests had already gathered. Ed walked her down the aisle and seated her in the front row. Darien escorted his grandmother down the aisle and seated her as well. The two grooms stood and looked around, it was all still a dream to them. The Montage Resort overlooked the ocean in Laguna Beach. The surf was behind them and would be their backdrop. Palm trees fluttered in the light breeze on a beautiful cloudless day. At the entrance of the aisle of chairs there was an arch decorated with flowers. On the first chair of each row was a bouquet of matching flowers. Off to the side on the groom's side were a set of chairs. Darien and Ed both stood in front of these chairs waiting for the ceremonies to begin. Once the first ceremony was over the newly married couple will sit in these chairs while the next ceremony was in progress.

Tom came up to the two visibly nervous men and asked them if they were ready. Apparently Claire and Darcy were ready to go. Ed's heart skipped a beat as it started to race. He suddenly felt something cold run down the side of his face. He turned away and wanted to run straight into the water. Tom felt it too and so did Darien. Darien turned, "Aw crap". He put his hand on Ed's shoulder and talked him through his panic attack. Well, not a panic attack per say, but more like the realization that he was about to make the biggest step of his life. His heart calmed and he made it through without the disappearing act.

The Minister came up to Ed and told him that it was time. He led Ed to the circle of flowers that were laid out on the ground. This was symbolic of the never ending love that marriage represents. For some reason Darien began to hum the song, "Circle of Life". It seems so poignant to him now. Everyone sat down, mostly because Hobbes told them to. Darien and Ed rolled their eyes.

Ed looked away trying to keep his focus on keeping his heart calm. The music and the moment had arrived. He saw Sloan walk underneath the arch and up the aisle. She wore a blue dress. She would be the maid of honor for both Claire and Darcy. Tom stood there in amazement, he couldn't believe how beautiful Sloan looked. She smiled back at Tom and then winked at Ed.

Then Ed saw Claire with her father by her side. She wore a simple but eloquent strapless white dress with a short train. A woven head lei called a haku was made of dendrobium orchids, ferns and baby's breath adorned the top of her head instead of a veil. She carried a matching bouquet in her hands. A huge smile was on her face and Ed could barely move she looked so beautiful.

Claire's heart pounded when the chanter started his singing and she had to keep telling herself that this was not a dream. She never thought this day would come and for a brief moment of time, it almost didn't. She had thought she lost Ed, only to find him but then she was told how close she came to losing him for good. According to Hobbes, he had about ten minutes left before he went permanent. It was close, too close. 'Don't think about that now,' she mentally slapped herself.

She saw Ed standing next to Tom and couldn't believe how handsome he looked in a tux. She smiled from ear to ear. Her father patted her hand and he whispered in her ear, "I couldn't be more proud of you today. He'll make a fine husband."

"Thanks, dad." Claire said as she approached Ed. She couldn't help but feel giddy as a school girl. Her father took her hand and placed it into Ed's hand. The two smiled at each other and he walked away to join his wife in the front row next to Irene. Claire and Ed joined hands in the circle of flowers. The Minister leaned down to Claire and Ed, "Ready?"

Claire and Ed answered in unison, "Yes."

"Good, then let's get started." He looked out over the group of family and friends gathered. "Aloha, me ke aloha pumehana hoa pili male ana. A warm welcome to our friends on this occasion of their wedding," the Minister announced.

The minister had leis draped over his arms. He took one and placed it around Claire's neck. He took the other and did the same to Ed. The lei for Ed was around Claire's neck and it was made from ti leaves and dendrobium orchids. The ti leaves were believed to bring luck and ward of evil spirits. Claire's lei matched Ed's except hers formed a circle where Ed's was more like a garland. He continued with the ceremony.

"We are gathered here to share in the marriage of Edward and Claire. Marriage is the coming together of a man and a woman, two parts of the whole, transcending the illusion of separateness and symbolizing the unity of all humanity. Marriage is a physical representation of a shared dream of unity, coming forth through this union. It is a conscious state of being, where we choose our dream of love which is our right, and extend ourselves to another person, to grow in this love and awareness together. Marriage is a special place as well as a state of being. A place of safety, where you can find your true home, and feel free to be able to express your true feelings, thoughts and emotions to each other. The unity of marriage is the very foundation of family life...and so in forming this union, Edward and Claire are beginning a new family as well as strengthening and perpetuating their historical family."

Ed and Claire smiled at each other. He griped her hand tightly. A single tear rolled down her cheek. It's at this time they're grateful that Eberts is filming the ceremony because neither one is thinking about the Minister, only each other.

"It is a great transformation for the individual, a courageous act, this coming out...this affirmation... 'Yes, I take this person to be my partner in life, to share all my experiences, to be my teacher, my student, my companion and my friend.' In this world which can be so troubled and which can appear to be so fragile, it is in acts such as marriage that we see the continuing force of human good…the power of love which is truly our guide. Edward and Claire will you please face each other now."

Ed and Claire turned to face each other. Sloan came up and took the bouquet from her hands.

The Minister continued, "In Hawaii, it is the custom to give the exchange of leis as a symbol of love and sharing. At this time, Edward and Claire will exchange their leis as a symbol of their shared love and the joining of their lives."

Ed and Claire took off their leis. Ed placed the lei on Claire first as he spoke. "Claire, my love, please receive this lei as a symbol of my promise to you: That I will love you always from this day forward, that I will honor you and care for you, now and forever."

Claire placed the lei around Ed's neck as she recited the same words. "Ed, my love, please receive this lei as a symbol of my promise to you: That I will love you always from this day forward, that I will honor you and care for you, now and forever."

Soft cries could be heard from those gathered and even Eberts had to wipe a few tears away. The minister continued. "Let us pray: Dear God, Creator of us all, we thank you for your Loving Presence in our lives. Today we especially thank you for the gifts of love made real among us this day; the beauty of laughter, the tears of joy, the warmth of touch made real in this moment of marriage. We rejoice that Edward and Claire have found in each other a loving companion and friend. That through each other the path of life will always have meaning, even when it is at its steepest. Open our hearts and our senses to the brightness of the love that lives within these two precious souls. Amen."

Ed wanted to lean down and sweep his bride off her feet, but he knew it wasn't time yet. The minister begins to speak.

"A reading: This Is Friendship
I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out.

I love you for putting your hand into my heaped up heart and passing over all the frivolous and weak things you can't help seeing there and drawing out into the Light all the radiant things that no one else has looked quite far enough to find.

I love you for ignoring the possibilities of the fool in me and laying firm hold of the possibilities of good in me.

I love you for closing your eyes to the discords in me and adding to the music in me by worshipful listening.

You are each other's best friend! Edward and Claire, you have shown great faith and trust in your love for each other, by making the commitment to join your lives. You have also shown your love for and faith in God, by making this commitment more than legal, by making it spiritual!

As individuals, you both have talents and gifts and the expression of these talents and gifts is a demonstration of your love for God and for each other the longer that you are together and the more you develop as individuals, the more you will have to contribute to each other and to your new life together.

Edward and Claire, the building of a marriage is not unlike the building of a house. If it is to be strong and if it is to fulfill its purpose in your lives, it must be built on a strong foundation. As you speak your vows, you will speak of four things which I believe are the foundation for a strong, creative marriage.

The first is honesty and trust. Honesty in marriage is more than speaking words which are true. It is thinking thoughts which are true about yourself and about each other. Honesty in marriage means the creating of a safe space where each of you discover and be who you truly are, without pretense or fear. Trust is first of all a choice. We choose to trust and as we do, we find that trust becomes a gift that we receive in return.

As you speak your vows, you are saying in essence, "I trust you to think and speak honesty. I trust you to always be yourself and to allow me to be myself. I trust you and I commit myself to thoughts, words and actions that will keep your trust in me strong."

The second cornerstone is faith. To be faithful in marriage means more than affectionate fidelity. It means to be there in body, in mind, and in Spirit. It means to be there in loving, open communication. It means to believe in the value of each other as persons and in the value of your marriage, recognizing that your marriage is in itself, an entity that must be nourished and cared for.

As you speak your vows, you are saying, 'I will be faithful to you. I will give conscious thought and attention to those things which will keep the flame of our love clear and bright.'

The third element in a vital, fulfilling marriage is joy. Joy is more than surface laughter or happiness. Joy expresses as a positive attitude an attitude that looks for what is good and right. Joy includes a sense of humor and a gracious personality. Joy gives taste and flavor to marriage. It has been said, 'Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.' I invite you both to make up your minds to be joyful, for things from without cannot give you what must come from within.

When you speak your vows, you are saying, 'I make a commitment to joy! I choose to see those things that will lend grace and light to our lives together.'

And, at last, we come to the cornerstone of marriage, love. So many have tried to describe it. Certainly, love is more than feelings, though it can express as loving feelings. It is more than thoughtful actions, though it will be expressed as thoughtful actions. It is more than passion, though it will be expressed as passion. Love is the harmonizing gift of God, and as such, it will make your marriage beautiful to behold. Perhaps love is defined as well as it can be in these words from 1st Corinthians: I may speak with the tongues of men or of angels, but if I am without love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. I may have the gift of prophecy and know every hidden truth, and if I have all faith to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing love is patient and love is kind, love is not jealous or boastful, it is not arrogant or rude, love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never ends.

Let us pray:
Precious Spirit, we give thanks, knowing that it is your Love and Light that fills the hearts and minds of Edward and Claire. We accept your Divine Blessing upon this service and upon this marriage now being established. May Edward and Claire always be aware of your endless blessings of Peace, Freedom, and Abundance in their lives. May their hearts and minds and all that concerns them be filled with an awareness of your Love, and may your Presence of Light and Life be there everlasting strengths. For your unending blessings and your Presence of Love in and through our lives, we give thanks. Amen."

The Minister looks out over the crowd, "If there is anyone here who feels this union should not take place speak now or forever hold your peace."

Ed and Claire waited with bated breath. No one answered. They both let out a sigh of relief.

"Very well then, now on to the part we've all been waiting for. Edward, will you take Claire to be your wedded wife, to love, to cherish, to have and to hold, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and health, in sadness and in joy, to share together as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Ed's eyes sparkled with the love he has for Claire.

"Claire, will you take Edward to be your wedded husband, to love, to cherish, to have and to hold, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and health, in sadness and in joy, to share together as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Claire had started to cry and could barely get the two words out.

He looked at the best man. "May I have the rings please." Tom handed the rings to the Minister. He placed the rings on a small ornately decorated plate with Ed and Claire name on it along with the date of their wedding. In the center of the plate there were two doves with two wedding rings. This plate will be given to Ed and Claire after the ceremony. He began to pray and bless the rings. "May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this loving unity. These two lives are now joined in the one unbroken circle. Wherever they may go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place of sanctuary that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts." He handed the first ring to Ed.

Ed took Claire's left hand in his and held the ring to place on her finger. "Claire, with this ring, I promise to grow with you, to build our Love, to speak openly and honestly, to listen to you, and to love and cherish you now and forever. From this day forward you shall not walk alone, my heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. Ka`u Ia E Lei A`e Nei La, I pledge my love to you alone." He placed the ring on her finger.

The minister handed Claire the ring. She took Ed's left hand in hers and did the same as Ed. "Edward, with this ring, I promise to grow with you, to build our Love, to speak openly and honestly, to listen to you, and to love and cherish you now and forever. From this day forward you shall not walk alone, my heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. Ka`u Ia E Lei A`e Nei La, I pledge my love to you alone." She placed the ring on his finger.

The minister continued with the last part of the ceremony. "May you hold the peace of this moment in your minds and hearts, and return to it whenever you need a source of strength and inspiration in your lives."

He looked over all that are gathered. "Amama, ua Noa, lele Wale akua la.

Amen, so be it, may all these blessings fly off and manifest. Inasmuch as Edward and Claire have consented together to marriage before this company, have pledged their faith and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring, and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion, I as an ordained minister and with the power vested in me by the State of California, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife!!!

Aloha Pa Ole, May your love be everlasting!!! You may now kiss your bride!!!"

Ed and Claire wrapped their arms around each other. They paused for a moment. "Is this real?" Claire asked.

"Yeah, it's real." Ed leaned down and kissed her. A loud cheer erupted not only from the guests but from all the onlookers staying at the resort. The shell blower blew into the shell again to announce that the wedding is over and that two lives are now one. Once the kiss is over with, Ed moved his thumb over Claire's cheek to brush away the tear that was streaking down her face.

Ed and Claire faced everyone and the minister introduced the new couple. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor that I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tate."

Everyone stood up and started to clap. With all that they had been through this wedding nearly didn't happen. They turned and faced each other again and Ed scooped up Claire into his arms. Irene started to cry and for the first time in years, she allowed Jonathan to hold her. Tom and Darien came up to them and congratulated them. Hobbes and Tara kissed and then hugged.

"Okay, now you two, it's Darien and Darcy's turn." Tom announced.

Ed and Claire went to go sit down where Darien had been waiting his turn. They would all walk down the aisle together as couples.

Once everyone is seated again, the music started and Darcy is escorted down the aisle by her father, Jacob. Her gown was made of satin with a lace-up back and beaded spaghetti straps. The bodice and skirt insets were adorned with beaded embroidery. Darien couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. Her naturally light brown hair was pulled up on top of her head and a very simple veil covered her face. Jacob remained next to Darcy as Tom began the ceremony.

"We are gathered today to witness Darien and Darcy commit their lives together. This ceremony is but an outward sign of an inward union of heart and mind. This is a ceremony of the joining of two people already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between a man and a woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made." Tom turned to Jacob. "Who gives this woman to be bonded to this man?"

Jacob replied, "Her mother and I do." He lifted Darcy's veil and kissed her. He turned to Darien and shook his hand. He then gave Darcy's hand to Darien. Jacob turned and sat down with his wife. Darien and Darcy step up to Tom. It is their turn to stand in the circle of flowers.

Tom smiled at the couple and continued with the ceremony. "Darien and Darcy, it is this day you take a giant step of courage and commitment to be bonded. When a commitment this strong is made by two people, the force of that bonding reaches out and touches all of us around you, so that our lives are changed and we share a part of your love. Like a stone dropped in a still pond, the ripples of the bonding from this ceremony extend and change the world we live in.

You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in all the world whom you love best. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and to share love.

In our short history we have never discovered a better way of life than binding it together in a lasting way. This arrangement is a part of our deepest need for survival, to be with someone whom we can be bonded to for life. But from our human ancestors we have learned that real love, Darien and Darcy, is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It truly is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your life partner as it is about your own. Real love is not total absorption into each other, it is looking outward in the same direction together. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger, so you can be involved with life in ways you dare not risk alone.

Love is the greatest gift that we can offer to one another. That is what makes a bonding so very special, and a cause for joy and celebration for all of us who have come here today to share in this event. It is my personal hope that those of you who have already taken the vows of marriage will witness the love of these two people, and as you listen to them share their vows, perhaps it will strengthen the memory of your own happy day, and remind you of the meaning of the vows you yourselves once took. Perhaps it will even strengthen just a little bit the bond of love that has been growing between you, and if any of this should happen, it would certainly be the greatest gift that Darien and Darcy could offer all of us on their wedding day." Tom looked out over the gathering, "If there is someone here who feels this bonding should not take place, please speak now. If not, may you remain silent forever."

Satisfied that no one was going to protest, Tom continued, "Darien and Darcy, please face each other and take each other's hands." Sloan took the flowers from Darcy. Darien took her hands into his.

"Darien, do you take this woman to be your bonded wife? Do you promise before this company that you will love her, honor her, comfort and keep her in sickness and in health and that forsaking all others for her alone will you perform unto her all of the duties and respect that a bonded husband graciously bestows upon his bonded wife?

Darien looked deeply into her eyes, "I do."

"Darcy, do you take this man to be your bonded husband? Do you promise before this company that you will love him, honor him, comfort and keep him in sickness and in health and that forsaking all others for him alone will you perform unto him all of the duties and respect that a wife graciously bestows upon her bonded husband?"

"I do."

"Darien, please acknowledge your commitment to Darcy."

Darien let out a cleansing sigh. "I, Darien take you Darcy to be my bonded wife. I will cherish our friendship and bind myself to you today, tomorrow and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst. What may come I will always be there. If I doubt, I will remember this time and why we came together this day. As I have given you my hands to hold so I give you my life to keep."

"Darcy, please acknowledge your commitment to Darien."

"I, Darcy, take you Darien to be my bonded husband. I will cherish our friendship and bind myself to you today, tomorrow and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst. What may come I will always be there. If I doubt, I will remember this time and why we came together this day. As I have given you my hands to hold so I give you my life to keep."

"May I have the rings, please?" Hobbes handed Tom the rings and he placed them on a cloth embroidered with the stars on them. The designs were similar to those found on the pillar.

"Darien and Darcy, as these rings are designed without an ending; they also speak of a bond forged without weakness. May the incorruptible substance of these rings represent a commitment glowing with increasing luster through the years. These rings, which you give to each other are the sign of your eternal bond and honor. May their inscription always be a reminder of the commitment you make today."

"Darien, take Darcy's ring, and as you place it on her finger acknowledge your commitment."

Darien took her left hand in his. "Darcy, my love: With this ring, I bind myself to you, and say to the world, this is my wife, whom I cherish above all others." Darien slipped the ring on Darcy's finger.

"Darcy, take Darien's ring, and as you place it on his finger acknowledge your commitment."

She took Darien's left hand in hers. "Darien, my love: With this ring, I bind myself to you, and say to the world, this is my husband, whom I cherish above all others." Darcy slipped the ring on Darien's finger.

They both smiled at each other and Darien let out a gasp. Tom smiled, patted Darien on his back and then continued, "They came before you, pledging their lives and their hearts to one another. Grant that they may live together in such a way as to never bring division into their bonding. Temper their emotions with kindness and help them to be bonded mates, and together, may they meet the cares and problems of life more bravely. Let them remember the value of each other as individuals, and never take each other for granted. And as time takes away their youthful charm, may they find contentment in their companionship. May their home be a place of harmony with one another. May their commitment continue through life and finally blend into the life eternal." Tom glanced at Darien and Darcy, "Now that you have been bonded to one another, may you strive always to meet this commitment with the same honor you now exhibit. We all bear witness to this ceremony you have just performed, and you are now husband and wife. Darien, you may kiss your bride."

Darien and Darcy kiss as the group again erupted into cheers. Ed and Claire stood up and applauded. Darien and Darcy have gone through life changing experiences themselves and this was just a testament to their love.

Tom had Darien and Darcy face the small gathering as he announced, "Fellow citizens of the earth, it is my pleasure as a Chosen leader of my people to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Darien Fawkes!"

TBC…