Love's Language
“…And if any among us have just cause why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony…”
Drew, Greg, Jeff, Brad, Wayne, and Chip - all in their studio clothes (except Jeff) - burst into the quiet vestibule of the onion-shaped chapel.
Ryan and Colin stood together at the altar, holding hands, both dressed in very nice suits for the occasion, eyes like saucers turned toward them.
The church was devoid of any other family members or friends. A solitary church worker serving as a witness sat in a pew, looking confused at the sudden outburst. Even the minister lost his train of thought mid-sentence.
"…Let him speak now or-er…forever…"
Greg strode up the aisle, pointing a finger at the pulpit. "Hold it! Hold it RIGHT THERE!"
Two very recognizable pairs of eyes, one green, one brown, stared, shocked - not only at the sudden entrance, but at the objection. Colin and Ryan both looked like a couple of deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. So did the minister, for that matter, having never had anyone object to a union before.
“You can't do this!" Brad proclaimed, also pointing at the minister…or the couple…whichever.
“Wha---” Ryan stammered, then quickly regaining his composure and going on the defensive, “WHY NOT?!” He stepped in front of Colin, as if to block him from any possible attack, however ludicrous the thought.
Drew continued marching up the aisle, locking eyes with the tall man, but planting his hands firmly on his hips - looking for all the world like a complaining auntie.
"You two didn't think you could get away with this without a few extra witnesses, did you?” Drew turned to the other members of the invading party. “Shall we?”
Acting of their own volition, the six men approached the pulpit and split - Drew, Greg and Chip to Ryan’s side, Brad, Jeff and Wayne to Colin’s. They took their places silently.
Colin and Ryan watched, both grappling with the many years of having to hide their relationship contrasted against the sudden outpouring of support from their friends.
Drew clasped his hand reverently and nodded toward the minister, indicating that there would be no further interruption. “Carry on, Reverend.”
The minister cleared his throat and proceeded. “If any among us have just cause why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony, let him speak now…or forever hold his peace.”
Only smiles all around.
“Then I now pronounce you bound together in body and soul for as long as you both shall live. You may now kiss.”
Colin and Ryan glanced around at their friends - all smiling, all happy, all approving - and met their lips together in eternal promise, both so happy that they could not only share this moment with each other, but to finally share it with their friends as well.
THE END
Drew, Greg, Jeff, Brad, Wayne, and Chip - all in their studio clothes (except Jeff) - burst into the quiet vestibule of the onion-shaped chapel.
Ryan and Colin stood together at the altar, holding hands, both dressed in very nice suits for the occasion, eyes like saucers turned toward them.
The church was devoid of any other family members or friends. A solitary church worker serving as a witness sat in a pew, looking confused at the sudden outburst. Even the minister lost his train of thought mid-sentence.
"…Let him speak now or-er…forever…"
Greg strode up the aisle, pointing a finger at the pulpit. "Hold it! Hold it RIGHT THERE!"
Two very recognizable pairs of eyes, one green, one brown, stared, shocked - not only at the sudden entrance, but at the objection. Colin and Ryan both looked like a couple of deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. So did the minister, for that matter, having never had anyone object to a union before.
“You can't do this!" Brad proclaimed, also pointing at the minister…or the couple…whichever.
“Wha---” Ryan stammered, then quickly regaining his composure and going on the defensive, “WHY NOT?!” He stepped in front of Colin, as if to block him from any possible attack, however ludicrous the thought.
Drew continued marching up the aisle, locking eyes with the tall man, but planting his hands firmly on his hips - looking for all the world like a complaining auntie.
"You two didn't think you could get away with this without a few extra witnesses, did you?” Drew turned to the other members of the invading party. “Shall we?”
Acting of their own volition, the six men approached the pulpit and split - Drew, Greg and Chip to Ryan’s side, Brad, Jeff and Wayne to Colin’s. They took their places silently.
Colin and Ryan watched, both grappling with the many years of having to hide their relationship contrasted against the sudden outpouring of support from their friends.
Drew clasped his hand reverently and nodded toward the minister, indicating that there would be no further interruption. “Carry on, Reverend.”
The minister cleared his throat and proceeded. “If any among us have just cause why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony, let him speak now…or forever hold his peace.”
Only smiles all around.
“Then I now pronounce you bound together in body and soul for as long as you both shall live. You may now kiss.”
Colin and Ryan glanced around at their friends - all smiling, all happy, all approving - and met their lips together in eternal promise, both so happy that they could not only share this moment with each other, but to finally share it with their friends as well.
THE END