Page 73 of Learning to Trust

"We are here today to celebrate the joining together in marriage of Andrew Flynn Whyte and David Marshall Pennant with those they love as their witnesses. This afternoon, they will pledge their love to each other, promising to be there for one another through good times and not-so-good. They have written their own vows so I will now pass to David."

Andrew and I turned to face each other and joined hands.

"Wow, where do I start? I had no idea that less than a year after meeting, I would be marrying the man of my dreams. I have to keep this PG because little ears are listening."

Andrew laughed along with our guests.

"Seriously though, Andrew—Less than a year ago you came into my home and were confronted by a wallowing, self-pitying, broken man. You picked up my drunken butt and started firing off orders that made me feel like I'd suddenly landed back in grade school. I didn't realize at the time, the direction you were giving me was exactly what was needed. When I emerged from the fog of drink, I felt more at ease than I had in years and was more than willing to follow your commands. You gave me something I hadn't known I was missing, but it completed me, and I began falling in love. Although I hadn't known I was at first. Despite all the trouble in my life, you stuck by me. Protected me. And somehow worked your way under my skin and into my heart. I fell completely and utterly in love. Andrew, I adore the man you are—kind, caring, protective, and romantic. I promise to always love and care for you. My heart is yours along with all the love within. Thank you for loving a drunken wreck and taking him into your heart."

“Andrew,” Shana prompted.

Andrew swiped a tear from his cheek. "David, you often claim I rescued you, taught you how to love and trust, but you have done that for me along with so much more. When I met you, I felt a spark I'd never felt before, and warning bells sounded. I was determined to keep my distance, to keep my feelings locked away. But, Babe, I had no chance of succeeding. You are sweet, caring, loyal, considerate, and my heart is bursting with love for you. What I appreciate most of all is—you gave me your trust and I knew how hard that was after what had happened in the past. I promise you, without hesitation, I will never break that trust. I may have saved you, David, but you are my savior. I love you, Baby, and I will spend every day showing you how much. You are mine to care for and protect, always."

“Now you two have reduced everyone here to tears, may I have Andrew’s ring?” Shana held out a book I noted was called The Book of Love Dedications.

Leon removed the ring from the box and placed it on the book.

“Andrew, this ring is a symbol of David’s never-ending love for you.”

Shana held the book toward me, and I picked up the ring, lifted Andrew’s left hand, and placed it on the tip of his ring finger before looking into his eyes.

“Andrew, this ring is more than a symbol of our marriage, it is a reminder of my promise to you. Of my love and my loyalty. I will care for you whether healthy or sick, rich, or poor. This ring will be your reminder of my love until death parts us.”

I slid the ring down Andrew's finger and when he noticed the blue stone, his face lit up with a smile. Lifting his hand to my mouth, I placed a kiss on his palm.

Shana asked Kyle for my ring and after it was set on the book, she spoke again of its significance before offering it to Andrew. He lifted it in his hand and placed the ring I knew so well at the tip of the finger on my left hand.

“David, this ring is more than a symbol of our marriage, it is a reminder of my promise to you. Of my love and my loyalty. I will care for you whether healthy or sick, rich, or poor. This ring will be your reminder of my love until death parts us.”

The ring was pushed onto my finger and Andrew pressed his lips over the band and we returned to holding hands.

“Gentlemen, now you have vowed to love, respect, care, and protect each other for the rest of your lives, it is my absolute pleasure, with the power vested in me by the state of New York, to pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss.”

Andrew swept me into his arms and the kiss he gave me was a long way from being PG. Our guests cheered, whistled, and clapped. When Andrew finally removed his lips from mine, I leaned into him, my face flaming with heat.

“Gentlemen, please face your guests.”

We released one hand and keeping hold of the other, turned.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, Children, I am very proud to present Mr. Andrew and Mr. David Whyte." Any tie to my father was broken with my decision to take Andrew's name and discard my own. I'd even started changing everything to do with my business to my new name.

The guests stood and clapped loudly before we were descended upon and smothered in kisses, handshakes, and hugs.

Simon, who had elected himself in charge of the reception, announced the caterers had food laid out inside, drinks were available, and everyone should help themselves.

People started drifting indoors and we followed to mingle. While we spoke with some, others helped themselves to the food.

The music we'd selected played through speakers, and people talked, while kids raced around, laughing, and chasing each other.

I nudged Andrew who was speaking with Steve and nodded my head to where Kyle stood in a corner of our living room cozying up to Phillip, the man who owned a coffee bar Kyle and the others frequented on the ground floor of the building where their electronics business was located. Kyle ran his hand up and down Phillip's arm as they spoke.

Andrew and I turned to each other and raised our eyebrows.

"Another wedding in the near future?" Steve inquired. Like me, my sister and her husband had become close to Andrew's friends after spending time with them.

“This is the first time I’ve seen Kyle show affection for anyone in public and I have known him for most of my life.” Andrew turned back to the couple, as did I, in time to see their lips meet.

“I wonder how long this has been going on and how serious they are?” Andrew mused.