Page 36 of Protecting Bree
“I’d like to welcome all of Remi, Kevlar, Josie, and Blink’s friends and family to this wonderful occasion. It’s a chance for us to get together to celebrate love, friendship, strength, and resilience. Because without those things, these couples might not be joining their lives together with all of us as witnesses. Adversity is usually thought of as a negative thing. Something to get through. To survive. But I think most of us here would agree that sometimes it can be seen as a set of circumstances that allow our greatest strengths to shine.
“The four people in front of me met under the worst of circumstances. Many would say it was the worst days of their lives. But together, they persevered. I don’t care what anyone says, life is full of bumps in the road, and hills and valleys. Things that can break a person if they aren’t careful. But with the right partner at your side, you can weather those ups and downs. You can overcome whatever life throws at you. I think these four amazing human beings have proven that to us all.
“Together, Remi and Kevlar, and Josie and Blink, are stronger than they are individually. That’s what today is all about. Joining two couples who were meant to be together.
“But look around you. The people here in this roomarealsoour strength. The ones who prop us up when we need it the most. The ones who are there when we need them. When we need a timeout. There’s nothing more important than having a support system.
“Now, I could stand here and hog the spotlight all night, but no one’s here to see me, or hear me blab on and on.”
Everyone laughed.
“Kevlar…the floor is yours,” Wolf said, nodding at his friend.
Remi let go of Josie’s hand and turned to face her almost-husband.
“Remi, from the first day I met you, there was something about you that called to me. It wasn’t just the way you dealt with the shit…er…sorry…thestuffthat was happening. It was a connection I’d never felt before. To be honest, it was confusing, but I wasn’t going to let you go without figuring out what was between us. Wolf said that might be the worst day of our lives, but I think it was one of mybestdays. Who forgets the day they meet the other half of their soul? The person who makes you want to get out of bed each day and makes you a better human being because they’re at your side?
“I promise to always trust and value your opinions. To travel beside you in whatever adventures await us. To always fight for us, because that’s what I feel as if I was born to do. Be by your side. I’ll protect and honor you. Laugh with you. Sometimesatyou, because let’s face it…you’re hilarious.”
Everyone around them chuckled, and Kevlar smiled at his bride.
“Most of all, I promise to love you the way you deserveto be loved. To brag about you to strangers in the grocery store, to keep you forever in my heart and mind whenever we’re separated. And in good times and bad, I’ll be there.Foryou andwithyou. Forever.”
“Crap, I have to go after that?” Remi complained, as she wiped away a tear.
Once again, the room broke out into laughter.
Remi took a deep breath before speaking. “Can I just say ditto and be done?”
“Yes.”
But Remi shook her head. “No, I can’t. Okay, here goes. Vincent, I had no idea how much my life would change when I went to Hawaii on my own. When I went outside my comfort zone and decided to go on that snorkeling trip by myself. The truth is, I was terrified when I realized what was happening to us, but with you there, I found that it was easier to stay calm. You do that for me. You ground me. Make me feel as if I can do anything. You laugh at my Pecky the Traveling Taco comics, you support me, but most importantly, you love me. For who I am. And that’s worth more than anything in the world.
“I love you. I’llalwayslove you. I’ll support and protect you if need be. And…I’ll be there for your friends too…” She turned her head and looked at Blink. “I’ve learned the hard way that just because someone says they’re your friend, doesn’t mean they have your best interests at heart. But the true friends, the ones who will go to hell and back for you…they’re gold.”
Blink put his hand over his heart and nodded once at Remi.
By now, most of the women in the room were crying, and Smiley had to admit he was feeling a little emotionalhimself. Remi and Blink had a special bond, one born out of tragedy.
“Right, so…” Remi said, looking back up at Kevlar. “Vincent. I choose you. Today, tomorrow, and the rest of our days.”
There was an awkward silence at the end of her declaration.
“Are you done?” Wolf asked quietly.
“That wasn’t enough?” Remi asked.
Chuckles rang out around the room.
“It was perfect,” Kevlar answered for her.
Wolf turned to Josie and Blink. “Your turn.”
“I’m going first!” she blurted.
Blink’s lips curled up in a huge grin.
“I love you, Nate. Exactly how you are. You’re my everything. My light in an otherwise dark world. You swooped in and gave me back my humanity. My life. You’re a man of few words, but each and every one is carefully chosen and has meaning. You make me laugh, you’ve taught me what love is. You’ve provided a safe place for me, unlike anything I’ve ever known. I can be myself with you, and that’s more than I’ve had with anyone else. Ever. I’ve found my place. My home. You make me whole. I love you.”
