In the name of the Father

Epilogue - The left hand and its right

Epilogue – The left hand and its right

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Together they signed to give respect to the Lord. Out of all the days they had to choose a Monday. They stood in the middle of the aisle, front and center. Behind them were tearful eyes, lighthearted laughter, and colorful characters churches were known for. Today was their day.

Driven by anticipation, mischief, and yes, boredom, they waited for the ministrations to swiftly pass by. Thoughts of forever were in their minds as they searched each other’s eyes. His docile gray eyes captured his deep dark blues. They eyed one another and saw a life together. Theirs was a future that was beautiful. They were happy. They had kids. And they had Ralfie the dog.

They exchanged vows and the unspoken words they had for one another. It was a promise of now and forever. In sickness and in health. In the good times and the bad. For better or for worse. Till death do they part. The passion they felt for each other was strong. His love equaled his. And as the rings were worn they understood the commitment the two of them had to share.

They kissed, and it was one of many to come. Choked gasps and heartfelt sighs were heard from those who witnessed a union that no one saw coming. Their friends had nothing but acceptance for these two souls, whose spirits have crossed and re-crossed paths like lines on a skating rink.

The voice of the priest rose from where they stood. He delivered news of a union that was honest, beautiful, and true. The couple smiled at each other. They knew the future was hard to fathom and explain, but they liked the thrill of it all. They knew it was going to last. They just knew.

“Will you hold my hand?” Gray appealed with an emotion he knew was deeply embedded in his heart.

“That and more, my love,” Jake responded with a feeling he knew was sincerely etched in his heart.

“I’ll hold on to that promise, Jake,” Gray responded with a choked sentiment, his heart felt it so.

Jake leaned into Gray’s ear to whisper, “I will love you, always … in the name of my father.”

Gray’s lips quirked into a smile that Jake had come to love and understand, “I can’t wait to spend Tuesday with you…” he whispered lovingly with a dull ache in his heart.

Jake felt his heart animate with love, “Make that every day of the week,” he kissed the ring in his hand.

Gray loved Jake not for lack of a choice, but because he knew he was a man whose love for him blossomed and matured. It took time but it was worth the wait. His left took his right, and together they gaited hand in hand as they left the Church of the Epiphany in Washington, D.C.

END.