Chapter 20 #3
“Thank you all for being here on our special day,” Karen said. “We hope you’ll understand when we share with you that we will not be exchanging vows today.”
Lots of folks clutched chests and pearls, covered their mouths, and gasped. The reactions were strong, to say the least.
Todd smiled at Karen and turned to address the crowd.
“Karen and I have been in love since we met our freshman year at Sacramento State. Our families have become close, our friends have become close, and we’ve grown so much during this time.
Part of that growth occurred when we discovered that Karen’s mother, Angela, was diagnosed with cancer.
Our families supported us as we tried to go to school and also help out at home.
We’re all trying to support Angela through her journey, and our one wish was to give her the opportunity to see us married.
That still may happen someday down the road.
” He tugged on Karen’s fingers, and she smiled, but her tears had begun to fall.
“But today, while we may not be joining the ranks of married folk here in Foggy Basin,” he continued, and the crowd all chuckled softly, “we would like to offer you the opportunity to renew your vows with your partner. This life is short. And precious. And for that reason, we must not rush to make decisions that will last a lifetime. Karen and I would like to invite you to come on up here, renew your vows, exchange new vows, whatever your heart desires. Dianne Kent, the pastor of our nondenominational church here in Foggy Basin, has generously agreed to oversee this celebration. However, if this is your first nuptials, you won’t be officially hitched until you get an actual marriage license. ”
More chuckles from the audience
“We would like to begin our celebration,” Karen said, “by witnessing my parents, Adam and Angela Deevers, as they renew their vows in front of the most important people in their lives.”
Karen’s father stood and wheeled his wife’s chair to the base of the gazebo steps, where Pastor Dianne joined them with a loving smile.
She spoke some words of welcome. She invited people to say a prayer of thanks to whichever power they desired, or to give a moment of silence, and then she introduced the Deevers, who had been married for 30 years.
When it was time to exchange their vows, Karen’s father got down on one knee and took her mother’s hands.
There was not a dry eye in the house as the two of them smiled at each other, even laughing at their lack of preparedness.
They agreed to continue to love and cherish each other for the time that they had left, and to be reunited in the next life.
Karen stepped forward and hugged her parents, and when it was finished, the family turned and smiled at the crowd, who all clapped and cheered as the photographer they’d hired took various pictures of the family.
Karen’s father wheeled her mother down the aisle, and Todd and Karen followed them into the house.
Evelyn stepped forward to address the crowd.
“I know this isn’t the wedding you expected, but seeing my son and his darling wife share their happiness with all of you makes today worth it for our family.
I would like to invite any other couples who wish to exchange their vows to come on up, and, when we’re all finished, we’ll celebrate together as a community.
There’s food, there are drinks, there’s cake, and there will be dancing.
We hope that you’ll all take this day to appreciate what you have and let the people in your lives know just how you feel about them.
And we’d like to encourage anyone who brought a gift to either take it back home with you, or, if you’d like, to leave it with us, and we’ll be donating all the gifts to a local shelter for the houseless, who will put them to good use.
Thank you all again for the love and support you’ve shown my family, today and always. ”
Evelyn thanked Dianne and followed her family into the house.
After a few moments of more nervous chatter, an older couple stood and walked carefully toward the gazebo.
Two of Todd’s groomsmen assisted them as they climbed the steps.
Dianne greeted them, asked their names, and did the same routine.
Two same-gender couples followed, and the vibe was so welcoming and warm. There were smiles all around.
I felt something bump me in the back, and I turned to find Shay and Anne looking conspiratorial.
“Yes?”
“Do it,” Shay said.
My mouth fell open.
“At least ask him,” Anne said. “This is one of those times when the universe is giving you a sign, Kendall.”
“Dad! Hurry. They’re almost finished.”
Shay was right. The last couple who’d stepped up was kissing on the steps as the crowd clapped.
I didn’t see Francis anywhere as I walked with purpose right up the center aisle like I knew what I was doing.
What am I doing?
But as I reached the gazebo—our gazebo—the weight of the rings against my chest gave me the courage I needed.
I smiled at Dianne then turned around and scanned the yard.
“Francis Liang? Where are you?”