Page 48 of The Vineyard Bride

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,” the pastor began, his voice endearing as it found traction.“Today, we celebrate the union of two of the most free-spirited creatures I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.When I sat in conversation with both of them privately, they each told me that they never imagined themselves settling down, not for anyone or any reason.The fact that we’re here today is proof in point that people need people— that love conquers even the most aimless soul— and that there really is such a thing as soul mates.”

Lola and Tommy locked eyes for a long moment as the pastor continued, peppering in personal details about a mostly traditional service.Halfway through the service, Jenny stood to read a poem:

“You and I

Have so much love,

That it

Burns like a fire,

In which we bake a lump of clay

Molded into a figure of you

And a figure of me.

Then we take both of them,

And break them into pieces,

And mix the pieces with water,

And mold again a figure of you,

And a figure of me.

I am in your clay.

In life, we share a single quilt.

In death, we will share a single coffin.”

The poem was written by Kuan Tao-Sheng, one of the first beloved female painters and poets in Chinese history.She’d lived between the 1200s and 1300s and, for a brief time, had been considered the “second” wife of a renowned male painter.After he read this poem, entitled “Married Love,” he’d decided to remain faithful to Kuan only, knowing no other wife but her.The story of Kuan Tao-Sheng had illuminated Lola, Valerie, and Jenny’s lives back in Boston when they’d been scrappy artists and poets in their own right.It felt fitting that Jenny had selected this poem.The words filled Lola’s eyes with tears.

“Both Lola and Tommy have written their own vows for this service,” the pastor continued later.“Which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, given their individualized natures.”

Lola began with her vows, which she’d written over a number of months, editing and rewriting and ultimately throwing out three different versions.

“Tommy.Nearly two years ago, I approached you with an idea for an article about your sailing prowess.I pitched it to you as ‘A write-up on the most courageous sailor on the seven seas.’Throughout that initial conversation, I quivered with fear.Maybe something within me understood that you were it for me.Maybe something within me understood that the moment I got on that boat, everything in my life would change forever.As many of our friends and family know, a storm ripped across the seas that weekend, terrifying me to a degree that I found difficult to describe with words.Me, a writer.”

At this, the crowd chuckled good-naturedly.

“But your strong and capable body and know-how out across the open sea brought us back to clear waters.And after the storm lifted and we sat again, watching the sunset, I thought to myself, ‘I never want anything else but this.’”Lola heaved a sigh and swallowed the lump in her throat, grateful that she’d still been able to keep the tears at bay.“Thank you, Tommy, for helping me ride out the storm of this life.Thank you for wrapping me up in your strong arms, for knowing me and loving me for the wild woman I am.May we always be adventurous.May we always have hope.And may we always have the sea.I love you.”

Lola then slid Tommy’s wedding ring over his fourth finger, making it jump over his knuckle.This was it.

“I don’t know how to follow that,” Tommy joked, taking the microphone.

The crowd laughed again.When Lola glanced over at them, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

“As many of you know, I’m not the writer here.The vows I’ve written are clunky and not poetic.They’re probably filled with grammatical errors and misspellings.But before I get started, I have to say, my vows are totally from the heart.No doubt about that,” Tommy continued.

“Lola.You’re the most creative, intelligent, open-minded, and adventurous woman I’ve ever met.For years, I never thought I wanted a partner by my side until I met you, the only woman I’ve ever known who not only keeps up with me but seems to run circles around me.I look forward to many more decades of wild adventures, long afternoons on the beach, late nights of whiskey and conversation, and, naturally, barbecues at the Sheridan House.I’ve never been included in such a tight-knit family, but I knew, with the engagement to you, that I was latching myself to a large clan of loud, funny, and good-hearted people.I’m pleased to say that from today, they’re not only just like family.They actually are.”

Tommy blinked back tears and glanced toward his side of Grange Hall, where Beatrice sat in the first pew.Lola could practically feel his heartbreaking all over again at the space where his mother should have sat.

“I love you, Lola.And I always will,” Tommy finished before passing the microphone back to the pastor.He then slid the ring over Lola’s finger, a symbol that paired them together for the rest of their days.It glinted beautifully around her fourth finger, adding a weight that Lola had never imagined.

A married woman.Me?

And yet, it feels so right.

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