Page 148 of Wedlocked
“Does anyone have any objections to this union? Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
No one said anything, and Bennett nodded.
“Do you, Jessica, take Benjamin to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Jess said.
I bounced on my heels. “Now me. Ask me.”
Bennett laughed. “Do you, Benjamin, take Jessica to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?”
“Hell yes, I do!” I exclaimed.
Elite laughed and cheered. They were some good bros.
“The couple will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment,” Bennett said.
Taking the rings Andrews offered, I slid the new diamond band on her finger and then the two engagement rings after it. When I was done, I kissed them.
Jess slid a silver band on my finger, kissing it the same way I’d kissed hers.
“That’s the stuff,” I said, glancing down at my new accessory.Been waiting on you a long time.
“And now the vows.” Bennett gestured to us.
I cleared my throat. “You know, I had a word salad with some witty croutons and swoon-worthy dressing all ready to serve, but now that I see this ring on my finger, I’m just fucking grateful. Grateful you love me, grateful to have people who support us, and grateful to be locked down. I spent a long time wanting you, Jess. A long time hoping you’d deem me worthy of someone as good as you. And here we are. I’m looking at this ring you put on my finger, and it’s better than anything I could say. I just want you to know you will never regret choosing me, deciding I’m worthy, or being my final girl. I won’t ever stop loving you. I won’t ever stop trying to be the best husband. As long as I’m around, you won’t ever be alone.”
“You won’t ever have any quiet either,” Max cracked.
“Bro, I’m trying to get married.” I scolded him and turned back to my wife. “The best part about life is that we get to choose our people. I choose you. All those years ago, right now, and forthe rest of my life. I’m so ready to start our life together. I can’t fucking wait.”
Jess smiled, and when she reached up to dab the corner of her eye, the rings I’d stacked her finger with nearly blinded me.
Gonna have to get some sunglasses.
“When I was young, I used to dream of a better life. I’d whisper wishes into the dark in the middle of the night. But even the wishful heart of a little girl couldn’t dream up something as good as this. As you. Thank you for choosing me, Ben. For loving me even when it was hard, even when my brain forgot you.”
I scoffed.
“But my heart never could because my heart chose you.”
Damn. Was the wind picking up? My eyes were watering.
“I promise to love you every single day, even when it’s hard. To be not just your wife but your friend and supporter. I believe in you and us and am excited for the life we’re going to create. So let’s skip to the good part already. Let’s skip to the rest of our life together.”
I reached up to brush a tear off her cheek, and she smiled, reached up, and did the same thing to mine.
Bennett cleared his throat. “And so, by the authority granted to me by the great state of Virginia, it is my honor and pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. May I present Benjamin and Jessica Kruger.”
“Kiss already!” Bodhi yelled.
I really liked that bro.
Bennett chuckled. “Ben, you may now kiss your bride.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” I quipped, lunging forward to sweep her close and lean down, bending her over my arm. Her veil and long curls stretched to the ground, and her grip was strong on my arms.
“Wife,” I rumbled, satisfaction filling me like none other.