“We are gathered here today to join Emiliano and Cole on the most special day of their lives. Today, we will see them bind themselves and their lives to each other—for all eternity.”
The officiant talks a little more about our love, how strong it is, how much we’ve overcome. It brings a smile to my face, and before long, it’s my turn to say my vows.
“Emiliano.” I breathe in through my nose to stop myself from sobbing. “I take you today to be my husband. I promise to always choose you, forever and always. I’ll love you fiercely until the day that I die, and even in the afterlife. I will always find you, in this life and the next. You will always be mine.”
Emiliano’s eyes widen and he sniffles. Tears stream down his face as he looks at me, and his eyes dip to my lips as if he wants to kiss me already. I grin and squeeze his hands, reminding him it’s his turn to say his vows.
“Cole.” Emiliano clears his throat. “I promise to always fight for you and love you unconditionally for the rest of my life. You are my one and only, and that will never change. I’ll love you until my dying breath, and even after that.”
The officiant grins. “I declare you husbands.” I look at Emiliano expectantly, dropping his hands and stepping closer to him. We cup each other’s cheeks and gaze into each other’s eyes. “You may kiss now.”
This kiss is different from any other we’ve shared. It feels more meaningful.
The first press of our lips I feel in my chest. It’s as if he has a direct line to my heart, and when I part my lips and let him stroke his tongue along mine, my heart squeezes in my chest.
This.
This is what I had been waiting for all my life. This is what I had been yearning for. This love.
It’s everything.
He is.
