I'm so glad Josh didn't go for mushy. I mean if you don't count the candles, rose petals and Hawaiian sunset. The romance factor is a solid 10 here, but the vows I came up with are not soft and gooey. I have some things I need to tell him.
"Joshua, from the moment I met you you've been the center of my universe. Some people told me not to lose my heart to you. Some people suggested that you'd never love a woman the way you love politics. But I've always known that my Josh is not the same one everyone else sees. My Josh took a chance on me. My Josh shared his world with me. My Josh did find something to love more than politics. I'll admit I haven't always trusted you completely. I didn't trust myself completely either. But I'm not a naive twenty-something anymore. I spread my wings just to make sure I could fly on my own. But I also discovered that I don't want to. I am who I am today because you are the center of my universe. I am a better person because of you. And I promise to spend the rest of my life by your side conquering the world together."
The justice of the peace is probably thinking that these are the least romantic vows he's ever heard. But Josh is looking at me with absolute pride.
He turns to Josh. "Do you have the ring?"
Josh's dimples come out full force. "Only for about 3 years!"
The justice of the peace smiles too. "Well then, let's get on it. Place the ring on Donna's finger and repeat after me: "With this ring, I thee wed."
While Josh is repeating the words I look at the ring sliding onto my finger. It's a platinum eternity band with tiny diamonds. It is simple, delicate, understated. Its not some huge, flashy rock meant to tell the world that he's staked his claim, or to announce some new powerful alliance. It is just a simple declaration of a steadfast love, a slow burn. It looks like it belongs there and I love it.
The justice of the peace turns to me. "Donna, do you have a ring for Josh?"
I slide a platinum band onto his finger and repeat: "With this ring I thee wed." Josh looks at it and his eyebrows slide up his forehead. I did a pretty good job of matching his ring to mine- minus the diamonds, of course. He looks up at me with a smirk. I think he's realized that he didn't surprise me with the ring.
"Don't think we won't be talking about this later, Donnatella." My knees go a little weak when his voice gets husky like that. And it reminds me that we never did talk about my name embroidered in my underwear. A giggle bursts forth. And Josh starts grinning too. I wonder if he's thinking the same thing.
The justice of the peace is looking back and forth between us at this change in tone. Finally he says:
"Okay, now you may kiss your bride."