“Paolo,” she picked up his ring and began to do the same, “come health, happiness, and prosperity, I will stand with you; come illness, trouble, or poverty, I will stand with you. Take this ring as a sign of my love and commitment.”
“Is there anything else either of you would like to add?”
He nodded with a smile. He pulled out a folded sheet of paper. With shaky hands, he began to read. “I love you. You are my best friend. Our love is so strong. I believe our love can do anything. So today I commit to give my life to you in marriage. You have taught me what it is to truly love something more than my own self. I commit to you that I will love you forever. I will give my life for you. And I promise to always protect your life with mine. I will celebrate with you in times of great happiness and I will not just stand by you, but carry you during times of life’s greatest sorrows. I will cherish your health, but one day when it fades I will be with you in any sickness or weakness you face, from now until the day that I die. I will always stand by you, and you will always be taken care of. I will never give up on our love. You’re the answer to every prayer I have ever prayed. You are the only one for me, and from this day fourth I will forsake all others and be bound only to you. I love you, and now I get to spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”
She had tears brimming her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she began to say her own addition. “Because of who our families are, the thought of us together seemed crazy and impossible. I tried to let you go; but you wouldn’t let me. We became closer over time and my feelings only strengthened. I can’t imagine living without you, and I won’t. Today I am the luckiest woman alive. I love you more than I can ever tell you or show you, and will love you forever and always.”
They stared at each other for a moment, just in their own little worlds.
“Well, then. If there’s nothing else, by the power vested in me by the state of Louisiana, I now pronounce you man and wife. You make kiss your bride.”
She leaned in close, resting her head against his. “I love you.”
The end.