The officiant clasps his hands together. "We're here today to celebrate the union of Alyssa Summers and Luke Lawrence. Today, you will promise your lives to each other." He looks at me. "I understand that you have written your own vows."
I start. "Alyssa, you're the stars in my sky. My life is cold and gray without you. But with you, it's warm and vibrant. It's perfect." I look into her eyes. Everything about this moment is perfect. "I don't know where life will lead us, but I promise to stay by your side on this journey. I promise to love you forever. I promise my life to you."
She smiles, a tear of joy rolling down her cheek. She shakes her head, wiping it away and mouthing a curse.
The officiant turns to her. She nods, taking a moment to catch her breath.
She looks me straight in the eyes. "This isn't a vow. It's a privilege. I have the privilege of spending my life with you, of growing old with you, of sharing every bit of joy with you. For that, I am the luckiest girl in the world. And I promise to share every day with you. I promise to love you until the end of time."
The officiant turns to me.
"Do you take Alyssa to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
I smile. "I do."
"And do you take Luke to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Alyssa nods. "I do."
Everything around me is so vibrant. So perfect. Alyssa squeezes my hands, smiling like she's so happy she could die.
He opens the ring box and hands Alyssa's wedding band to me. "Please place this ring on her finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a daily reminder of our love."
I nod and slide the ring onto Alyssa's finger. "I give you this ring as a daily reminder of our love."
She's brimming with joy and everything is so colorful, so beautiful.
The officiant hands Alyssa my wedding band. "Please place this ring on his finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a daily reminder of our love."
She slides the ring onto my finger, her hand lingering on mine. "I give you this ring as a daily reminder of our love."
I hold her gaze for a moment. I can see everything inside her, and she can see everything inside me, and I'm sure we're going to be happy for the rest of our lives.
The officiant nods. "You have made your vows as promises to each other and sealed your promises by exchanging rings. So now, with the power vested in me by the great state of Hawaii, I pronounce you man and wife and invite you to kiss each other."
I lean into Alyssa, pulling her close. She smells so good, looks so good, feels so good. I press my lips into hers. I can feel every doubt inside her crumbling. She loves me, and I love her, and, as long as we're together, everything is going to be okay.