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"Thank you," Ariel and Miles chorused, exchanging elated smiles as the reality of their impending union began to sink in. Hand in hand, they turned away from the counter, eager to continue planning their future together in their beloved coastal town.
"Wait," the clerk called out just as Ariel and Miles were about to leave the counter. They both turned around, their expressions curious. "Do you have witnesses?"
Ariel's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening in surprise. Witnesses? She hadn't even considered that they would need them for the license. She looked at Miles, who seemed just as taken aback as she was.
"Uh, no," he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. "We didn't realize we needed any."
The clerk gave them an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but you'll need two witnesses present for this. It's a requirement."
Ariel's mind raced, trying to think of anyone they might know in the bustling courthouse. The winter wind outside had sent everyone scurrying indoors like hibernating animals seeking warmth. Her gaze met Miles', her eyes pleading for a solution. He seemed equally bewildered, his forehead creased with worry.
"Can they be strangers?" Ariel asked hesitantly, her voice barely audible as it mingled with the hushed whispers and shuffling papers that filled the grand room.
The clerk nodded. "As long as they're over eighteen and can provide identification, it shouldn't be a problem."
"All right, thank you," Miles said, squeezing Ariel's hand reassuringly. She tried to return his smile, but the unexpected setback weighed heavily on her chest.
As they stepped away from the counter, Ariel let out a soft sigh.
"Let's not worry too much about it," Miles said gently, his voice pulling her back to the reality of the historic courthouse. "We'll find someone."
"Right," Ariel murmured, trying to shake off her disappointment. This was just a small bump in the road, she reminded herself – one they would overcome together, as they had done with every other challenge that had come their way.
"Let's look around and see if we can find anyone willing to help us out," Miles suggested, his tone determined. "We can't be the only people who've ever needed witnesses at the last minute."
They began their search, each step echoing through the grand hall as they set out to find two strangers willing to bear witness. Ariel and Miles searched the crowded courthouse, their eyes darting from one face to another. A feeling of urgency rose in Ariel's chest, her breath quickening as she clutched Miles' hand tighter.
"Let's split up," Miles suggested, his voice heavy with their shared anxiety. "We'll cover more ground that way."
"Good idea," Ariel agreed, her voice shaky. She forced a smile, attempting to quell the growing knot in her stomach. They were so close to making their love official, but this unexpected obstacle felt like a cruel twist of fate.
Miles squeezed her hand reassuringly before they parted ways, his gaze never leaving hers until he disappeared into the sea of strangers. Her eyes fell upon an older couple standing nearby, their laughter filling the air with a sense of camaraderie that tugged at her heart.
"Excuse me," Ariel began nervously, approaching them with hesitant steps. The couple turned to her, their eyes crinkling. "I'm sorry to bother you, but my fiancé and I are here to get our marriage license, and we didn't realize we needed witnesses. Would you be willing to help us out?"
The couple exchanged glances, and then their expressions softening with understanding. "Of course," the woman replied, her voice tinged with amusement. "We've been married for forty years. I think we’re qualified."
"Thank you so much," Ariel breathed. As they followed her through the labyrinthine corridors of the courthouse, she learned their names—Henry and Joan.
"Found some witnesses?" Miles asked when they reunited, his eyes lighting up with relief upon seeing the couple.
"We did," Ariel confirmed, her voice filled with gratitude. "Well-qualified. They've been married for forty years. Miles, this is Henry and Joan. Henry and Joan, this is my fiancée, Miles"
"Wow," Miles murmured, reaching out to shake hands with Henry, his gaze flicking between Ariel and the couple as if to acknowledge the significance of their presence. "That's incredible."
"Indeed, it is," the man said, his voice carrying the wisdom of decades spent navigating life's ups and downs. He shook Miles’s hand. "And now we get to share this moment with you two."
"Thank you so much," Ariel whispered, her words heavy with emotion. "We truly appreciate this."
"Of course, dear," Joan replied, her voice gentle as a lullaby. "It's not every day we get to be part of such a special moment."
Miles offered them a grateful smile before leading the way back to the courtroom. The clerk, who seemed to be operating on an over-caffeinated autopilot, barked orders and instructions at them with the speed of a seasoned auctioneer. Ariel's heart raced as they were hurriedly ushered into a makeshift side room adorned with mismatched decorations. A poster of kittens hung on one wall, while a potted fern sat incongruously on a folding table.
“Any questions before we proceed?” the clerk asked.
"No questions," Ariel murmured. "We're just here to get this done as quickly as we can."
"Very well," the justice replied, nodding his understanding. "Now, would you like to exchange vows?"
