Page 143 of Forbidden Moon
She stationed herself at the head of the center aisle as the wedding party approached from the back. Ben and Chad Glupker, RJ’s coworker, walked to the front dressed in matching black jeans, white button-down shirts, and denim vests. They took their places on either side of Carol Jo and turned to face the audience. Evan let slip a soft growl seeing Ben in his sexy, dressed-up state, alerting every nearby shifter what was onhismind.
Next, Robyn and Rosa came down the aisle, wearing simple denim dresses and carrying small bouquets. At the front, Robyn joined Ben on the left while Rosa turned to the right and stood next to Chad. Beside him, an easel held a framed photo of Rascal’s parents on their wedding day. At a gesture from Carol Jo, the audience rose and turned to watch the grooms enter together.
Holding hands and smiling broadly, the handsome duo made their way forward. They wore western ensembles of blue jeans, white shirts, and denim vests underneath matching black suitcoats—all enhanced by dress boots, silver belt buckle, and hats. Carol Jo’s eyes twinkled as they stopped at the front and turned towards each other. She mounted a two-step riser and began to speak as the music faded away.
“On behalf of the couple, I would like to welcome you to this special occasion. Today, we witness the joining of Jonah Blair and Rascal Wilson, two wonderful young men who wish to walk life’s road together. By your presence, you celebrate their love and offer to support their commitment.
“Marriage is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, honestly and deliberately. It is into this union that Jonah and Rascal come now to be joined. Love is patient and kind, never jealous or self-seeking. It rejoices in truth, bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
Carol Jo paused to address the men directly.
“Jonah, you have chosen Rascal to be your mate. Will you love and respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come?”
Looking into Rascal’s warm brown eyes, Jonah tried to pour his heart into the two simple words.
“I will.”
She resumed the vows.
“Rascal, you have chosen Jonah to be your mate. Will you love and respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come?”
RJ’s nostrils flared with a distracting new scent, and he almost forgot what to say.
“I will.”
Jonah caught the odd reaction and RJ’s lingering confusion. Carol Jo continued by addressing the audience, oblivious to the silent exchange.
“In the spirit of joy and affirmation, I ask this couple’s family and friends if you will give them your blessing and support, now and in the future?”
The audience responded.
“We will.”
Carol Jo looked down the aisle and nodded her head.
“May we have the rings, please.”
People stirred as Evie Rae walked up the aisle carrying a wicker basket of fall flowers. She was enchanting in a lacy white knee-length dress and white cowboy boots, golden hair in a simple ponytail and ribbons. Lilly Howell accompanied her, Jonah’s close friend and fellow Omega from the Cooks pack.
When they arrived at the front, Evie reached into the basket, withdrew a ring, and handed it to RJ. Except for the engraving, it matched the one Lilly retrieved and gave to Jonah—three braided strands of yellow, white, and rose gold. Evie gave her uncle’s leg a quick hug before the ladies headed back the other way and to their seats. Carol Jo resumed the service.
“The tradition of exchanging wedding rings dates back three thousand years, and the bands speak of promise, fidelity, love, and commitment. Gentlemen, repeat after me...”
Both men extended their left hands, reciting the pledge together.
“... I give you this ring as a symbol of the vows we have made. I am yours, and you are mine.”
Carol Jo brought their left hands together and held them between her own.
“So be it. By the power vested in me by the State of Michigan, it is my honor to declare you mates in life, and for life.”
She released them with a final declaration.
“You may seal your vows.”
They each removed their hats, met with a tender kiss, and then turned towards the audience with matching smiles. A lively ballad began to play as Carol Jo completed the ceremony.
“It is my pleasure to introduce Rascal and Jonah Wilson!”
