Page 89 of A Hard Sell

Thomas took his turn hugging them as well. “Congratulations. I’m thrilled for you.”

“And you’re getting marriednow?” Luka asked.

“We couldn’t wait. We came down at lunch to get our license and decided to just do it today,” Finn explained. He was bouncing on his toes. “We bought rings and everything.”

“With just us here?” Thomas looked sideways at Luka.

“Yes. We’ll do some sort of proper reception later, but we hoped you would stand up with us and be our witnesses.” Rory smiled at them hopefully.

Luka’s lips trembled. “I’d be honored.”

“Me too.” Thomas’ voice was a low rasp that made Luka’s skin prickle.

“Then let’s get this motherfucking show on the road!” Finn cried. He pulled Rory up the steps. Thomas and Luka followed.

They rode the elevator to the registrar’s office and checked in with a clerk who was expecting them. She showed them where to hang up their coats, and there was another form to fill out before they were waved into a small but official-looking chamber. A Justice of the Peace stood waiting for them in her black robe. She was about forty with long, dark blonde hair.

“Finn, Rory, welcome. My name is Kate.” She shook their hands. “I’m thrilled to be officiating your ceremony today.”

Luka and Thomas introduced themselves, and the four of them lined up in front of the Justice’s podium. They were all still in their work clothes—Finn was in khakis and a pale blue dress shirt, Rory in black trousers and short-sleeved black dress shirt with subtle gray flecks on it. In some ways they looked like complete opposites, but Luka had no doubt they were perfect for each other.

“If you’re ready, we’ll begin?” Kate asked.

Finn blew out a breath. “Been ready since the day I met them.”

Rory turned to give Finn one more look. “Me too.”

Kate began. “This couple has come here today to be joined in marriage, which is the voluntary union of two persons to the exclusion of others. If any person can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Finn peered at Luka. “No smart comments from you, Moreno.”

Luka made a show of holding up his hands and pressing his lips together, but the truth was, he was ready to kill anyone who interrupted at this point.

Kate turned to Finn. “Repeat after me, please. I, Finn Owens, do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I may not be joined in matrimony to Rory Barrett.”

Finn repeated the words, then she did the same for Rory before continuing.

“Marriage is not a single event but rather a progression, which is not to be undertaken recklessly or irresponsibly, but rather carefully and honestly. Marriage is the faithful union between two persons, the result of which is the formation of a family whose members shall help, support and enjoy each other in good times and in bad. It is the relationship these two persons wish to have declared and celebrated.”

The words echoed in Luka’s head—formation of a family. He wondered if they were sticking with Thomas, too. He wanted to be Thomas’ family.

Kate continued. “Please face each other as you repeat your vows.”

Finn spoke in a loud clear voice, repeating the words that Kate murmured. “I call upon those present to witness that I, Finn Owens, do take you, Rory Barrett, to be my lawful wedded spouse.” Finn’s eyes shone even brighter than his hair. “Rory…I feel so lucky to have found you. I still can’t believe that someone as kind and patient and brilliant as you puts up with me and my bullshit. I love you more than I can possibly say, but I will try to show you every single day. I promise to love and cherish you, be there for you no matter what and fall asleep with you in my arms and in my heart for the rest of my life.”

The tears he had been trying to hold back filled Luka’s eyes. He sniffled. Thomas handed him a tissue behind Finn’s and Rory’s backs. He took it gratefully and dabbed at the tears, wondering how Thomas had happened to have a tissue ready for him.

Then it was Rory’s turn. “I call upon those present to witness that I, Rory Barrett, do take you, Finn Owens, to be my lawful wedded spouse. Finn. You are my beacon. My bright, shining light of love and enthusiasm and passion for life. You’ve taught me to look at the world with my eyes wide open, not letting any opportunity for joy and laughter pass me by. Your love gives me strength, sustains me and makes me a better person. I will always love you, and I can’t wait to share my life with you.”

Finn’s sniffles joined Luka’s, but he had his own tissue ready.

“Do you have the rings?” They each pulled a simple band of white gold from their pocket. “These rings are a symbol of your marriage, your love and your life together. Please place the ring on the third finger of the other’s left hand and repeat after me. With this ring, I shall love, honor and cherish you, and this ring shall be the symbol of my love.” They exchanged rings, each repeating the words in strong, clear voices.

“I, Kate McCurdy, by the powers vested in me by the city of Oakport, do hereby pronounce you to be married. I wish you long life, happiness and prosperity, and may the vows you made to each other today sustain you forever. You may celebrate your marriage with a kiss.”

And kiss they did.

Luka and Thomas applauded. As Luka watched his two friends, so happy, so in love and using an awful lot of tongue for City Hall, he wanted it for himself more than anything. His gaze slid over to Thomas, and he wasn’t at all surprised to find Thomas looking at him. They held each other’s gaze.For the rest of my life,he imagined saying to Thomas. Luka dabbed at another tear, but this one wasn’t for Finn and Rory.

---