It was the big day. The mermaid gown was an original creation with an overlay of flowery lace that seemed so delicate almost too beautiful. The corset was boned and Stephanie had worried it would feel restricted but it fit well and she loved the contoured back with the long row of buttons that would challenge Ric later. The soft, circular train was now spread out neatly behind her. Lula, Lauren and Val had already gone down the aisle and Mary Lou began her walk.
Frank squeezed her hand. "Ready sweetheart?"
Stephanie was ready. She was here, surrounded by all the people she loved, about to marry the man she had loved for so long. She was ready to be Stephanie Manoso. She was ready to start her life again here in Florida, taking charge of her law firm's Miami office. She was ready to be a wife and maybe even a mom.
Ric was just up the aisle, waiting for her, his sweet daughter Julie standing beside him. They were waiting to start their life together with Stephanie. Julie was precious in a dress identical to Stephanie's bridesmaids.
"I'm ready Daddy." Stephanie placed her arm thru her father's. "In fact, I can't wait."
Brian offered a brief introduction and then read, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always protects always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Brian then spoke to those in attendance. "Today we are here to witness the marriage of our friends, Ric Manoso and Stephanie Orr. Theirs has been a relationship that has already faced more than their fair share of struggles and challenges, and we have still reached today- a happy day of celebration- because of Love. Ric loves Stephanie. Stephanie loves Ric. And they both love Julie. Together, they are a family."
When he finished speaking, Brian looked to Ric and from memory Ric spoke to Stephanie, taking her hands in his.
"I, Ricardo Carlos Manoso take you, Stephanie Michelle Orr as my wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love honor and cherish, from this day forward until death do us part."
Brian looked next to Stephanie and she began, "I, Stephanie Michelle Orr take you, Ricardo Carlos Manoso as my…" her voice fell away…
Stephanie was frozen for a few seconds... that grew longer…
It was a significant moment.
Her bridesmaids looked from one to the other when Stephanie stopped.
The groomsmen shifted in their dress shoes.
Stephanie's thoughts went over all the things Ric was to her…
My friend…
My confidant…
My light…
My lover…
My joy…
My savior…
My forever…
The pause was notable now…
Finally, a small voice spoke up, "Stephanie, did you forget the rest of what you need to say?"
Julie. Her soon to be daughter.
The gathered crowd laughed and Stephanie shook her head and began again. "I, Stephanie Michelle Orr take you, Ricardo Carlos Manoso as my wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love honor and cherish, from this day forward until death do us part."
Brian said a blessing over the rings and Ric took one and slid it onto Stephanie's finger as he spoke the words, "With this ring, I thee wed."
Stephanie didn't hesitate as she slide Ric's ring on his finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Brian spoke next to Ric, "You may now kiss the bride!"
And Ric kissed Stephanie… he kissed her with the passion of years waiting, love so deep it was overwhelming, friendship that would last forever.
Brian loudly cleared his throat, and Ric broke the kiss.
"It is my honor to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Manoso."
The cheers were deafening.
Ric and Stephanie were married at last.