Was I going to have to separate them like a strict schoolroom teacher?
Linc looked at them. “I’m going to say my vows now, if that’s okay?”
They all straightened up as the crowd twittered with amusement.
Darren grinned. “You tell them, Princess.”
Linc rolled his eyes, lips twitching. “We didn’t have themost traditional love story. In fact, we didn’t even like each other at first. But you’ve become my whole world. Which makes sense, because your ego is huge.”
Darren gasped and clutched at his chest. “Where’s the love?”
“I’m getting to that.” Linc took a breath. “I didn’t know you at all when we had our first kiss. Except that you were an amazing kisser.”
“Hell yeah,” Darren said with a grin.
“I had no idea you had such a capacity for love. You don’t need to vow to cherish me. You already cherish me. I don’t need promises you’ll be there in sickness and in health. You stayed by my side for the worst case of stomach flu I’ve ever had. You’re already a man I love and honor every day. This is just a way to celebrate that you’re the other half of my soul and I’d be lost without you.”
Iola blew her nose loudly. Someone else crooned out, “awww.”
“Damn.” Darren rolled his neck like he was getting ready to tackle a guy in football. “Well said. Ditto.”
He pretended to turn away, and Linc yanked him back. “Not so fast.”
Everyone laughed as Darren shook his head, smiling. “I can’t say it better. I’m not a writer, and I know you’re always telling me to use my words, but there are no words that could hold the expanse of my love for you. It’s infinite. There’s no beginning and end. My life started when you agreed to love me. And believe me, I know that wasn’t the easiest decision. I vowed I’d prove my love to you, and I’ll continue to do that every day we have together. There’s no me without you, Princess, so please let me worship the ground you walk on for the rest of my life.”
A hushed silence fell, the crowd transfixed by the loveon display. Darren and Linc were always happy and playful when I saw them, but their personal vows spoke of a deep connection.
My chest ached, and I took a tight breath. I’d done so many weddings that I wasn’t usually all that affected by the emotions flying around. These two just hit different. Those vows were everything I’d wanted from Michael and never would have gotten, even if he showed up.
“I now pronounce you husband and husband,” Judge McKinley said. “You may kiss your groom.”
Darren kissed Linc, dipping him back dramatically as the audience laughed. When he pulled Linc upright, he was rosy-cheeked and laughing, eyes glazed with happiness.
They joined hands and started down the aisle, but their friend Truman tackle-hugged them both before they could make it more than two steps.
Kevin and his partner, Darren’s dad, were next. Garrett hugged them both and gave them a push down the aisle before they could be waylaid by more friends.
Darren took Linc’s hand and ran as if they were being chased by zombies. Their laughter echoed through the dark evening sky.
I blinked away my tears and headed for the pavilion where the food was being served. I checked in with Corey to ensure the catering was going smoothly for the taco bar Darren and Linc had wanted.
“We’re just finishing up,” Corey said as he set out bins of fried plantains, fresh pineapple salsa, seared tuna, Caribbean jerk chicken, and roasted poblanos. Of course, they had all the usual Tex-Mex taco fixings like ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole, as well.
Jamie and Hank came up. “What a beautiful ceremony. Who knew those guys were so sweet?”
“Yeah,” I agreed.
“Wow, this taco bar looks incredible,” Jamie said.
“It should,” Corey said with a laugh. “Half of it’s your recipes.”
Jamie had worked catering for years, but before he left, he brought in Hank’s little brother and trained him.
“Take the compliment,” Hank said. “I hope you made enough because I want to sample every taco.”
I smacked his hand away. “Not until I say you can. Go sit so we can get the reception under way.”
I moved on to check in on the cake, crafted by an Omaha bakery, and then the gift table, which was overflowing with shiny presents.
