Page 118 of A Hard Fit

“Me too,” Thomas rumbled.

Finn thought he might explode from joy. “Then let’s get this motherfucking show on the road!” he cried.

They climbed the wet, shining steps of City Hall.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Family

“If you’re ready, we’ll begin?”

Finn and Rory, flanked by their witnesses, faced Kate, the black-robed officiant.

Finn exhaled with a whoosh. “Been ready since the day I met them.”

Rory turned to gaze at Finn. “Me too.”

This was it, the moment he declared to the world that he was Rory’s and Rory was his. As he stared into their dark eyes, shining like obsidian, the happiness bubbling through Finn was enough for a thousand lifetimes.

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, barely able to contain himself, couldn’t quell the urge to make the obvious joke. He mock-glared at Luka. “No smart comments from you, Moreno.”

Luka obliged, holding up his hands and pressing his lips together, eyes dancing.

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, each one solid and heavy on his tongue, then Rory did the same.

“Marriage is not a single event but rather a progression,” Kate continued, “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.”

Family.

Finn had gone through his entire life thinking he was alone, that maybe a family was not something everyone could have, but standing there, it struck him. Not only did he have his sister and her beautiful children, Rory was his family. And, like it or not, the entire Barrett clan.

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

Finn went first. “I call upon those present to witness that I, Finn Owens, do take you, Rory Barrett, to be my lawful wedded spouse.” Tears tickled in his eyes. “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.”

Luka sniffled.

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.” They took a deep breath. “Finn.”

Finn waited, his body held together in that moment only by the need to hear the words Rory was about to say.

“You are my beacon,” Rory said. “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.”

How was it possible to love someone this much and not explode? Finn dabbed at his eyes with the tissue he had ready in his pocket.

“Do you have the rings?” Kate asked.

They each pulled a wedding band from their pocket. Finn rubbed the brushstrokes with his thumb, itching to slide it onto Rory’s finger.

“These rings are a symbol of your marriage, your love and your life together,” Kate explained. “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.”

Finn took Rory’s hand in his, their eyes locked. “With this ring, I shall love, honor and cherish you, and this ring shall be the symbol of my love.”

Rory slid Finn’s ring on and repeated the same words while Finn’s heart pounded.

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