“This is a day of celebration,” Momma said. “Not just for Mitch and Lacy, but for all of us. It is such an amazing reminder to see such love, and I encourage anyone who needs to examine their own relationships to do so, because of this event.”
Momma went on to talk about marriage as a sacred covenant built on love, trust, respect, and faith. “It requires two people to choose each other every day, to support each other through joy and sorrow, to grow together while remaining true to themselves.”
Momma always had such a great way with words, and Mitch loved listening to her talk. She knew how to remind people of who they were—a child of God—and how to encourage him specifically to renew his relationship with the Lord.
She cited a couple of scriptures, each speaking of love and commitment, and then she beamed at Mitch. “It’s time for the vows, which I believe Mitch and Lacy have written and will speak for each other.”
Mitch nodded, his stomach suddenly tight all over again. But the moment he faced Lacy, he didn’t care who else saw or heard him—as long as she did.
Lacy, he started, using the name-sign he’d given her: the letter L in ASL which started at his shoulder and then cascaded down to his waist in a frilly series of movement.
From the moment I met you, I knew you had a good heart. You care so much about helping others, and it’s that kind, loving spirit that kept drawing me back to you over and over again. You’re stunningly beautiful, but it wasn’t your outward appearance that captured my heart. It was your strength, your compassion, your hardworking attitude, and your unwavering dedication to helping others find their voice.
Lacy wept, the tears slipping down her face unchecked. But she never removed her gaze from Mitch’s, and her smile never wavered.
You saw me—really saw me—in a way no one else ever has. You didn't see someone who was broken or lacking. You saw a man with dreams and passion and love to give. You made me believe I was worthy of being loved completely.
His hands paused for a moment as emotion threatened to overwhelm him.I promise to love you with everything I have, every day for the rest of my life. I promise to listen to you, to support your dreams, to stand by your side through whatever challenges come our way. I promise to make you laugh, to hold you when you cry, to be your partner in all things. You are my heart, my home, my future. I love you.
He nodded at her, his own smile so natural on his face. He leaned forward and breathed her in, never able to get close enough to her. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and looked back to his mother.
She nodded, then switched her attention to Lacy, who used her free hand to quickly wipe her tears.
Then she pulled her hands from Mitch’s completely, for she needed them to talk.Mitch, when I came to Three Rivers, I was running from so much, convinced that opening my heart againwould only lead to more pain. But you were patient with me. You showed me that love doesn't have to hurt, that it can heal and strengthen and make us better than we ever imagined we could be.
Her hands moved with grace and certainty, each sign infused with emotion as she added facial expressions to her words. She didn’t speak out loud, and Mitch loved her, loved her, loved her for that.
This wasn’t about anyone else but him. His mother could translate her words, which she was doing, but Lacy silently signed just for him.
You gave me purpose, a place to belong, and a great big family to call my own. You showed me that I didn't have to choose between honoring my past and embracing my future. With you, I can have both.
I promise to love you fiercely and completely. I promise to be your partner in building the life we've dreamed of, to support your vision for the Academy, to stand with you as we help others find their voices. I promise to challenge you when you need it, to comfort you when you're hurting, to celebrate with you when you succeed. You are my greatest blessing, my deepest love, my forever. I love you.
She moved into him too, her lips like branding irons as they touched his. She pulled back, pure love and desire in her eyes, and Mitch really wished they didn’t have to endure a few more hours of dinner, dancing, and partying.
Momma stepped forward again, her own eyes shining.By the power vested in me by the state of Texas and by God above,she signed with a radiant smile,I now pronounce you husband and wife, a brand new Missus and Mister Glover.
She clapped her hands together.Mitch, you may kiss your bride.
Mitch cupped Lacy's face in his hands, feeling like he held everything in that moment. He simply looked at her, taking in the reality that they were married, that he was now hers and she was his.
Then he kissed her, pouring all his love and joy and hope for their future into that single moment. His watch vibrated mightily then, surely set off by the cowboy whooping of his friends and family.
Mitch broke the kiss, his smile too big to contain. He turned to face the crowd and found them applauding wildly—visual applause with hundreds upon hundreds of hands raised and shaking in celebration.
Then Daddy made his name-sign by forming the M for Mitch and pressing his fist to his heart. He didn’t pull it out to finish the sign, because Daddy was committing Mitch to his heart for now and for forever.
All the Glovers did the same, from his siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles, right down to Link’s three-year-old son. Mitch faced them, this solid wall of love and support, and he made the same sign back to them, for he belonged to them, and it meant a great deal to be a Glover.
32
Finn:Merry Christmas, everyone!
Alex:Wow, you guys are good lookin’
Merry Christmas to all.
Finn:We love you all, and Edith is hoping you can all make it to our family-friendly New Year’s Eve party.
