No, I'm not stopping at 50 reviews because that would make people stop reviewing; lol…did that make sense? Oh well, I will be finishing the story completely—my goal is just to get 50 total. It would make me happy, even if it is like the same 4 people reviewing over and over. =)

Alex

"Brittany…close to five years now we've been together—and it's been loco so far. Each day I love finding out just what crazy thing is going to happen with us next. We've both given up so much to get to where we are now—bridging the gaps and all—"

I steal a glance at Mrs. P. and she's looking at her husband lovingly. I turn back to Brittany immediately, and continue,

"But…I, for one, would do it all over again…and it would be worth it." Another tear falls down Brittany's face, but her smile is unwavering.

"I want to spend each day of the rest of my life waking up next to you. I want to argue, fight, hold and love you until the day I die. I promise to protect, provide, and pamper you…" I pause and listen to her giggle a little bit, "…every day of your life—even when your old and don't remember how to dress yourself."

She laughs and looks down, so with one finger, I lift her chin so she looks at me again. "I promise to be the man that you helped me become, to care for you like no other, and to be the husband and man that you deserve."

I think I shocked her, because her face was priceless—full of emotion. She bit her bottom lip a bit and let another tear fall as she gave my hands a small squeeze.

The pastor went on, "For thousands of years lovers have exchanged rings as a token of their vows. These simple gold bands are not of great value in themselves, but are made precious by our wearing of them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight."

I wish that I could have afforded a better ring for her, but even four years straight working for the student union and a nearby garage didn't get me much—most of it went into paying tuition. She deserves more, but I'll make up for it in the years to come.

Alex, take Brittany's ring and put it on her finger, and repeat after me: Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I thee wed."

I take the ring from Doug's hand and lift her hand delicately, sliding the ring onto her finger. "Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I thee wed."

"Brittany, take Alex's ring and put it on his finger, and repeat after me: Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I thee wed."

She turns and Shelley and Sierra are next to each other, holding the ring out. Brittany smiles and thanks them, then turns back to me. "Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I thee wed."

"As a collection of words, this ceremony would count for little," the pastor said, "were it not for the love and commitment you here pledge to one another. Your vows may have been spoken in minutes, but your promises to each other will last a lifetime. Those who are joined by this sacred covenant, let no one put asunder. As have pledged themselves to meet sorrow and joy as one family before this community of friends, I now prono—"

"Wait," I say, smirking a little. I lean over and whisper something in the pastor's ear. He laughs softly and nods,

"Alright…ahora los declar…Marido y Mujer. Puede besar a la novia."

I grin and Brittany lets out a small laugh, cut short by my lips. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her closer, feeling her arms wrap around my neck as I let my lips linger. When I pull away, she opens her eyes and looks up at me, grinning. My wife…

"Congratulations, Mrs. Fuentes," I whisper, unaware of the applause and cheers around us. She smiles and whispers back,

"Mrs. Fuentes…I like it." We both grin and turn towards our audience, hand-in-hand, man and wife.

*Da da da-dum, da da da-dum…*

=D

So…?