“We are here today before God; because marriage is one of his most sacred wishes. We gather to witness the joining in marriage of Jak and Karter. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now, through me, he joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.”
He smiled and lifted his bible to his chest. This was the part we both decided we liked the most.
“This is a beginning and a continuation of Jak and Karter’s growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one’s own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for their friendship. These two fortunate souls have never known friendship; only the deepest of love, from the first day they met and her feet were lifted from the floor,” he grinned and nodded his head.
I smiled at Karter. God, I loved her. Only a few more minutes, and I could call her my wife.
“Do you, Jak, Take Karter to be your constant friend, faithful partner, and love from this day forward? In the presence of God, your family and friends, I ask you to provide your solemn vow to be her faithful riding partner and loyal friend in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. What say you, Jak?”
“I do,” I said proudly.
“Do you, Karter, Take Jak to be your constant friend, faithful partner, and love from this day forward? In the presence of God, your family and friends, I ask you to provide your solemn vow to be his faithful riding partner and loyal friend in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. What say you, Karter?”
“I do,” she responded.
He nodded his head. Oscar and my mother carried the rings to the preacher.
We placed our rings on each other’s fingers.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. After you lift Karter from the floor and her legs dangle, you may kiss the bride,” he grinned.
For the first time, I lifted her into my arms and kissed Karter as my beautiful wife.
And her legs dangled six inches from the floor.
KARTER Page 18