The doors opened and everyone stood up.
I looked and there was Orimitsu standing at the end smiling.
My dad and I walked slowly to the front.
When we got there, my dad kissed my cheek and sat down next to my mom.
I took Orimitsu's hand and stood at the altar.
"It is one of life's richest surprises when the accidental meeting of two life paths lead them to proceed together along the common path as husband and wife. It is one of life's finest experiences when a casual relationship grows into a permanent bond of love. This meeting and this growth bring us together today." The minister started.
"Anne and Orimitsu will you take vows here before all of us which symbolize the manifested vows you have already made and will continue to make to each other throughout your lives?" He asked.
"We will." We answered.
"The bride and groom have written their own vows." The minister said.
"Since I have found you, Orimitsu, I have found a new life. The decision to commit to share that life with you is one I make happily and with full confidence in our love, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On this special day, I give to you, in the presence of God and all these witnesses, my pledge to stay by your side, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
"Anne, I promise to encourage your compassion, because that is what makes you unique and wonderful. I promise to nurture your dreams, because through them your soul shines. I promise to help shoulder our challenges, for there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together. I promise to be your partner in all things, not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole. Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust, for one lifetime with you could never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you."
"The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows Orimitsu and Anne have made to one another. Bless O God these rings, that Anne and Orimitsu, who give them, and who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace. Living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives"
"Anne I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, With this ring, I thee wed."
"Orimitsu, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, With this ring, I thee wed."
"You are mature people who have established individual patterns of living. Yet you have found not only a need for companionship, but the satisfaction of that need in each other's company. It is this love, based upon a responsible understanding, that will aid you in creating out of your two lives, a marriage and a happiness you will share together. Stand fast in hope and confidence, believing in yourself and believing in each other.
In as much as you two have come before your friends and family and have declared your love and devotion to each other, I now greet you with them as husband and , You may kiss your bride!"
Orimitsu smiled and raised my vail and kissed me.
After the wedding any the reception we took Ayana and the boys home.
I put Ayana to bed.
I walked down the hall and Orimitsu was putting the boys to bed.
"They asleep?" I asked.
"Yep. They were tired." He said closing the door behind him.
"So is Ayana."
"So, why couldn't Kunihiko and Grace with them?"
"Because they all have the flu."
"Well," he said wrapping his arms around my waist, "As amazing as you look in that dress, I rather see you out of it." He said kissing me
"Really, well then follow me Mr. Kikuchi."
"As you wish, Mrs. Kikuchi." he said as I led him into the bedroom.