The wedding planner opened the door and stepped aside, motioning Avery forward, taking him away from his musings. The notes of the organ rang out and everyone in the church stood. Avery immediately cut his eyes to the left to see Kane as he entered. The plan had them entering at the same time, walking the aisles until they met together at the front. But he saw nothing over the sea of heads in the room.
Everyone who had been invited had come. All three hundred fifty guests on the list came for their wedding. Dignitaries, business acquaintances, and long-time family friends were all present, including the current vice president of the United States. Avery had avoided mentioning that one to his already nervous bridegroom.
There were no real sides of the church for Kane's family as compared to Avery's. Kane's list of attendees had been small, twenty-three plus their guests, and every one of them sat in the family section up front. Avery had only found out Kane had invited his biological family when they sent back a mean-spirited, ugly refusal to attend. One he decided not to share with Kane. Avery was certain Kane had to know they weren't here, and Avery had no idea how to make that better—except to devote himself to making sure every one of Kane's minutes were filled with happiness for the rest of the evening.
When Avery rounded the corner and headed down his aisle, he gave a few nods along the way as he recognized faces in the crowd. Paulie's voice could be heard above the murmur of the congregation. Avery couldn't quite make out what he said, actually there was no telling what Paulie was saying as he leaned in to speak to his mother who had the pleasure of being seated next to him.
Avery smiled at the lack of decorum, and he looked up again, his gaze connecting to Kane's for the first time today. He almost tripped over his own feet. Kane looked gorgeous. To Avery, he was the most handsome man he'd ever laid eyes on. Kane was almost too handsome to look at and still remain upright. His knees always went weak when he was around the man and today was no exception.
Avery was so glad Kane had chosen the silk tie. The style polished him up and made him perfect.
Kane's eyes held his. Emotion churned through that blue gaze, and Avery prayed Kane felt all the same deep emotional connections that coursed through him. Again, he resisted the urge to run his hands over his hair to make sure everything was in place. He prayed he looked his best in order to stand next to this fine man he was fortunate enough to be marrying. Avery was a couple of steps ahead of Kane, and instead of stopping at the priest, he continued walking directly to Kane.
As he came to a stop, he reached out, taking both Kane's hands in his, holding them tightly. It wasn't until Kane gave him a questioning look, that he realized they were completely off center of where they were supposed to stand. The guests chuckled, so did Avery, because apparently his soul mate had just robbed him of all ability to think.
"Hi. You're beautiful," Avery whispered as they moved together back to the front, taking their place before the priest. The notes coming from the organ came to an end. Kane's nervousness showed on his way too serious face. Avery gave him his best grin and winked, watching until his mister's facial features lightened and finally Kane smiled back. That sweet smile robbed Avery of any functioning brain cells left in his already fragile mind.
Avery kept a tight hold on Kane's hand. He had to touch him, like he had to breathe, and the feel of Kane's warm skin helped to settle Avery's nervous energy. It calmed him enough to focus on the female priest as she began the service.
Avery stayed quiet. He couldn't keep his eyes off his beautiful lover for the entire service. He moved when he was supposed to move and kneeled when he was told to kneel, but he never let go of Kane's hand throughout the ceremony.
When the vows began, Avery listened intently to each word Kane repeated from the pastor. Kane's voice broke as he said his vows, and Avery could feel how deeply Kane meant each word. From this moment forward, Kane would always be his and he would be Kane's. Avery swore he wouldn't let anything come between them, ever. That thought settled in his soul and brought a huge smile to Avery's face.
Avery began his vows, making sure his voice was loud and clear as he gazed into Kane's eyes with each word spoken. After the last repeated line of their pre-written vows, he continued talking.
"The first moment I saw you, I knew we would be standing here today. There has always been certainty between us. That day, in La Bella Luna, you stole my heart. Today, I give you my soul. And from this day forward, I vow to never be without you again. Kane, I choose you to be my partner in life, to be the person I share all life's ups and downs with. You are the one I want to laugh with, cry with, and grow old with. I promise to love you, honor you, and cherish you, not only on this precious day but, always." Avery stepped closer to Kane and lightly brushed his lips across Kane's before stepping away and turning back to the pastor. "I've said everything I wanted to say. You may finish."
She gave him an indulgent smile before continuing, "Avery and Kane have pledged themselves to each other by solemn vows with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings. May the grace of Christ attend you, and the love of God surround you, the Holy Spirit keep you, that you may live in faith, abound in hope, and grow in love, both now and forevermore. It is now my privilege to announce you united as one in love and marriage. Those whom God has joined together let no man put asunder. You may kiss your groom, again."