Cut it out or kill him, I don’t care which.
Hank makes a scene of his own as he shuffles seats with the red-faced girl between them. After he’s taken his place next to Leo, he elbows him in the gut. Leo groans and Hank sits back in his seat, pleased with himself. He even winks at me, smiling like he’s managed to solve world hunger. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was adopted.
Once again, the reverend clears his throat and does his best to pick up where he left off. The only saving grace in this situation is that once Chet and Christy look into each other’s eyes, everything else seems to fall away. Lord, I know I don’t pray often, but please…please, if you’re listening, let Leo pass out, or something, until this is over. Could you?I promise I’ll change my ways.
Thankfully, the ceremony continues without interruption, and when the reverend asks for the rings, I decide now is not the time to joke about being unable to find them. It could’ve been hilarious—under different circumstances. I dig them from my vest pocket and, as I hand them over, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear I catch a glimpse of Chet with tears in his eyes.
He speaks first, echoing each word from the reverend before placing the small band on Christy’s finger. Christy, in turn, echoes the words from the reverend and places Chet’s ring on his finger, only his gets stuck when she tries to push it over his knuckle. Just like Chet to have stupid, thick knuckles like his stupid, thick head. Everyone giggles as she leans in, putting a little weight behind her effort to push the ring back. Even Chet chuckles as he finishes the job for her.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride!” The reverend steps back, allowing Chet to take his bride in his loving arms to kiss her. They turn to the guests, and indeed, tears of pride roll down his cheeks.
There it is. Perhaps for the first time in his life, my older brother has found happiness.