Page 32 of The Lynx and the Llama
“Let us revel in the joy and love on display here today. May we treasure these memories as Rayan and Carol and Mateo and Treasure, under the eyes of God, get set to begin their new lives together.
“Who gives these brides today?”
“I do,” said King Lear.
“If anyone has cause to object to the forming of these unions, speak now or forever hold your peace.
“Marriage is a venerated institution and one deserving of deep reverence. Today we observe the unions of King Rayan and Carol and King Mateo and Treasure in holy matrimony, a commitment they have chosen to undertake with all the sincerity that it warrants.
“While marriage is a sacred and serious tradition, it is also cause for tremendous joy. Married life is full of surprises, adventures, and memory-making—all made possible by the enduring power of love. When Rayan and Carol and Mateo and Treasure finalize these unions, they will begin a new life of a partnership, one defined by shared hopes, dreams, and successes.”
As Quinn read the passages, his heart kept tugging each time he uttered the wordlove. He glanced at Erika before continuing and noticed a tear spilling from her eye. God how he wanted to rush over and wipe it. Even if it was a tear of joy, he wanted to bring her that comfort. He cleared his throat again before continuing.
“King Rayan and Carol, and Mateo and Treasure, as you learn to live as one in your individual couple, you will encounter many challenges that can help you grow. Do the things that make life precious—cooperate with each other, always make time to laugh together, and never lose appreciation for the love that you share. Remember, too, to adhere to the vows that you will make today. Seek strength from each other, give hope to each other, and let your trials help you grow together. They say love can build bridges and climb mountains—and they’re right. You will find that as it grows and matures over time, your love will prove both fulfilling and empowering.
“Yes, there will be challenges in life, but the strength of your bond will offer you protection against life’s storms. Always make your relationship a priority and continue to nurture that bond. Through a commitment to love and the power of faith, you will navigate any obstacles that come your way.”
The sentiment tugged at his heartstrings once more. He may not have known Erika for very long, but oh how he wished he could rush this ceremony along so he could utter his own words of commitment to her. They’d been apart for far too long, and the agonizing minutes they spent separate but together on the altar were driving him bonkers. He smiled at the guests before continuing.
“Under the eyes of God, I solemnly bear witness to these matrimonial proceedings. I will now complete the sacred covenant you shall enter into on this day.
“The rite of marriage is an ancient institution, an important ritual that binds two people together for the rest of their days. Today, as you form these unions, you’re choosing to take a vow that is as sacred today as it was to your ancestors.
“The Bible makes note of the power of partnership in Ecclesiastes. It reminds us that ‘Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?’
“King Rayan and Carol, and King Mateo and Treasure, I invite you to express your sacred vows to one another in your respective couple. Please face each other as you declare these vows before God and in the presence of your family and friends. King Rayan, you may start.”
“I, King Rayan, take you, Carol, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise to keep you by my side through good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I vow to stay true to you, honor you, and love you for the rest of my days until death do us part.”
“Carol, now is the time for your promise.”
Carol said her vows to Rayan as a tear slipped down her cheek. Rayan caught it with an index finger. She gave him a thankful smile and they both turned to face Quinn. Quinn smiled back.
“King Mateo, you may start now.”
“I, King Mateo, take you, Treasure, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise to keep you by my side through good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I vow to stay true to you, honor you, and love you for the rest of my days until death do us part.”
“Treasure, now is the time for your promise.”
Treasure smiled at Mateo and spoke her vows. When she was done, they both turned to Quinn. Quinn glanced back at his paper.
“King Rayan and Queen Carol, please join hands. Under the eyes of God, King Rayan, do you take Her Royal Highness, Queen Consort Carol, to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to support her completely and love her unconditionally so long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“Under the eyes of God, Queen Carol, do you take His Royal Highness King Rayan to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to support him completely and love him unconditionally so long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“King Mateo and Queen Treasure, please join hands. Under the eyes of God, King Mateo, do you take Her Royal Highness Queen Treasure to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to support her completely and love her unconditionally so long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“Under the eyes of God, Queen Treasure, do you take His Royal Highness King Mateo to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to support him completely and love him unconditionally so long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
And there it was. Their words, their commitments to one another, which made Quinn realize he was falling in love with Erika. He knew he had to tell her, too.
