Millennium Love Brian 48

I glanced at Brian and smiled, not quite believing we'd actually made it to this point.

"You ready?" I asked softly.

Scott smiled. "Absolutely." He raised my hand to his lips and kissed me before we started to walk down the aisle.

We walked, hand in hand, down the aisle through the chairs filled with our families and friends. I saw Andre reach the front and carefully sit in the chair right at the corner, holding his little pillow on his lap. Harold and Nick separated, Harold going left, and Nick to the right. Then Kevin and Drew reached the front and went to the left and right, respectively.

Scott and I reached the front and stopped in front of Ellen. The music stopped. Scott and I turned sideways, facing each other. I could not, nor did I want to, tear my gaze away from his.

Ellen began to speak. "Private love has public consequences. Any act of love, made public, teaches everyone who witnesses it a hard lesson each of us must learn over and over. Love desires to be spoken. Like God, in creation, love endures all things save silence. The world we shall leave for the next generation will be only as noble, as good, as we have kept it. Thus it is, we memorialize, we commit, and we make public our love. It is our human duty, and our mortal imperative, to respect love wherever we find it; we must nurture and parent it under whatever conditions it struggles to exist. In a world governed so often by hate and expedience, all love is an important and moral act." (1) I listened to her words and realized how true they were, especially for a gay couple facing the prejudices of the world.

"By entering into this marriage Brian and Scott are stating publicly, the feelings and commitments they have held privately between them. They are proclaiming their love for; their trust in, and their loyalty to the one they cherish above all others." Scott squeezed my fingers and smiled as Ellen continued. "Marriage is the most intimate of all relationships. It is the ultimate commitment to love, share, trust and grow with another person. It is the beginning of a whole new life. Marriage has been described as living in love with your best friend. Love is one of the few constants in the Universe. It is reality, affinity, and communication. Marriage is a symbol of the commitment to create a lifelong partnership based on love."

Ellen paused, letting her words settle. She stepped closer and indicated the best men should move closer. "The marriage of Brian and Scott is more than just the union of two people in love. It's also the joining of two families, of two sets of friends, and of two patterns of life." She looked to the men standing beside me. "Who stands with Brian in support and blessing of this marriage?"

"We do." Kevin and Harold said in unison.

The reverend looked beside Scott. "Who stands with Scott in support and blessing of this marriage?"

"We do." Drew and Nick replied together.

"As these two people join together in marriage, they ask for the support and love of not only their families, but of their friends as well. On this day, they ask that you be more than only friends of Brian or only friends of Scott. They ask that you recognize their special union and welcome them both as friends in your lives. Will you?" she asked of the assembled group of family and friends.

"We will!" resounded loudly through the room.

Scott and I grinned at each other. I glanced over as Sheri rose to stand at the front of the room. "I chose to do a reading from the bible. 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 4-8. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." Sheri finished her reading, folded the piece of paper she had read from and returned to her seat. Scott smiled at her in gratitude.

Scott and I and the rest of the people turned to the doorway of the foyer as we heard the first strums of a guitar. Howie was sitting on a stool with a guitar on his lap. He smiled when he realized he had everyone's attention. He looked at me. "You couldn't have picked a simpler song to have as a favorite, huh?" he asked. People smiled and laughed softly. I knew immediately what song he was going to do. Howie started to play and I'm sure everyone quickly recognized the song. He began to sing.

When you're down and troubled
and you need a helping hand
and nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
and soon I will be there
to brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,
and you know where ever I am
I'll come running, oh yeah baby
to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
all you have to do is call
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You've got a friend.

If the sky above you
should turn dark and full of clouds
and that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
and soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
all you got to do is call
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold.
They'll hurt you and desert you.
Well they'll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Oh babe, don't you know that,
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
Hey now, all you've got to do is call.
Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
You've got a friend. (2)

Part way through the song, a number of people, Kevin and Nick included, started to sing the chorus along with Howie. It was a beautiful song and Howie sang it wonderfully. Scott and I were moved by the performance. Scott glanced at me and noticed the trickle of tears falling. He squeezed my hand.

There was stunned silence as Howie finished the song. Finally the minister spoke. "Thank you Howie. That was beautiful and very appropriate. We have one more reading from Alex."

AJ moved to the front and began to read a poem.

Is it too much to ask
That I should be
Allowed to prove
God's gift of infinite variety
In human love?

I do not seek that
All should understand,
Much less forgive;
But surely heed man's
Common sense command
"Live and let live"

And, if the Greatest Lover's
Mind divine
Further can move -
(Who had Himself all natures,
even mine,)
Love - and let love. (3)

AJ returned to his seat and we turned back to Ellen. She continued the ceremony. "Scott, do you come here today with both heart and mind filled with love, and a desire to commit yourself, body and soul to the man before you? Do you promise to share your life with all the joys and sorrows it may bring? To grow with and support Brian as he strives to become the man he is destined to be?"

Scott's incredible emerald eyes gazed into mine. "I do."

"Brian, do you come here today with both heart and mind filled with love, and a desire to commit yourself, body and soul to the man before you? Do you promise to share your life with all the joys and sorrows it may bring? To grow with and support Scott as he strives to become the man he is destined to be?"

I smiled gently at Scott. "I do," I replied.

"Brian and Scott wish to speak vows from their hearts. Scott, will you begin?" Ellen asked.

"Brian, although it may sound cliché, I knew from the first night we met, that there was something special about you. Without knowing much about me, you were willing to take a chance and open your heart to me. And what I found in your heart is what I fell in love with. You are kind and gentle, honest and loving. You love, and are loved, by family and friends. You want what I want from life, a lover, a home and happiness. I will try with everything that I am, to give you all that you want and deserve." The beauty and emotions of Scott's words awed me. I knew he was close to crying, and I could feel the tears trickle down my cheeks. I thought I might burst with my love for him.

Scott released one of my hands and gently brushed the dampness away. I smiled. "Scott, I didn't know I was searching for something, until I met you. You saved my life then you saved my heart and soul by treating me, not as an icon, but simply as a man made of flesh and blood. Despite our ups and downs during the past year, one thing that has remained constant, whether I let myself believe it or not, is our love." I remembered the words he had spoken at the end of his vows and repeated them. "As a man, I can only promise that I will try, with everything that I am, to give you all that you want and deserve."

It was Scott's turn to cry. I could tell he was moved that I used his own words. So there we were both of us with tears on our cheeks.

"Andre?" the minister spoke softly. Scott's nephew stood up and walked over holding up the pillow to the minister. She opened each box carefully and removed the rings, putting them on her pinky fingers. "Thank you Andre," she said. Andre smiled and returned to his seat.

Ellen looked up and spoke again. "Rings are an ancient symbol, a circle, representing a love that never ends, a circle for arms that embrace; round like the sun, like the eyes. These rings made from the metals drawn deep from the earth will remind you that your love is drawn from deep within your heart and remind you of the necessity of grounding your love in passion and compassion and the daily giving and forgiving that makes a marriage.

These rings, beautifully crafted, will remind you that your union must be carefully crafted, as a work of art. May the bright gold and gems of these rings remind you that your love, like the sun, is meant to illuminate; that your love, like the eye, must see clearly, that your love, like arms that embrace, is a grace upon this world."

Ellen took the smaller ring and handed it to Scott. "Scott, please put this on Brian's finger and state your intent," she instructed.

"Brian, I give you this ring as a sign of my love," as he spoke he slipped the ring onto my finger. "And with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you, and take you for my husband." Scott's voice trembled slightly, a testament to the emotions we were both feeling. Normally that line was given by the minister and repeated by the groom. But Scott and I had decided to memorize it. I was afraid I would forget the words so I was glad Scott had gone first.

Ellen repeated the process, handing me the other ring.

My voice quavered as I spoke. "Scott, I give you this ring as a sign of my love, and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you, and take you for my husband."

We clasped our hand tightly in front of us. I could feel both rings touching each other, joining, as Scott and I now were joined.

The minister placed her hands on our shoulders and blessed us.

Now you will feel no rain, for your love will be a shelter for one another.
Now you will feel no cold, for your flame will be warmth for one another.
Now there will be no loneliness, for your eyes will be mirrors for one another.
Now you are two lives, but there is only one path before you.
Go now to your dwelling place, to enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon this earth. (4)

She turned us towards our family. "As Scott and Brian have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands, and with the exchange of rings, in the presence of God, family and friends, I pronounce them married. Gentlemen, you may kiss your husband," she said.

I turned to look at my Angel and tuned out everything else. He had never looked more incredible than he did at that moment and I had never loved him more than then. He gently put his hands on my cheeks and I reached up copying the movement. There was so much that could be said, but I couldn't find the words. We moved forward at the same time and our lips met. It was certainly not our first kiss, but it felt like a whole new world was explored by our lips in those brief moments. And I guess in a way, we were entering an entirely new world. The kiss was sweet and gentle, conveying love and promises. As much as I would have loved to kiss him voraciously and passionately, I didn't want to embarrass us in front of everyone. I think Scott felt the same.

We pulled apart and gazed at each other. I finally realized the sounds I was hearing were clapping and talking, laughing and whistles coming from our family and friends. I smiled at Scott making him smile too. "Love you," I mouthed. Scott leaned down and gave me one more, quick kiss. He pulled me into a brief hug before pulling back. With clasped hands we turned back to our family.

Everybody was standing. We had decided to have sort of a receiving line right there since there wasn't anywhere else in the house. Our parents stood and joined the six of us at the front. The line started along the outside wall, so once people had gone past, they could continue to the library, kitchen or downstairs to the rec room, until things were set up for the meal.

Scott and I waited as people greeted my parents, his parents, then Harold, Kevin, Nick and Drew before they reached us. Neither Scott nor I could stop leaning over to steal a kiss whenever we could. If I didn't know how much work everyone had done, and how excited they were for us, I would simply grab him and run for the bedroom. Finally the line ended and our parents walked over to us.

After hugs and kisses from everyone Mom suggested we could go up to the study for a few minutes, while the food was set out and the dining room prepared. Scott and I looked at each other.

"Thanks Mom, but I think we'll just go over to the library. If we go upstairs we may not come back down," I added. I could tell Scott was thinking the same thoughts.

I grabbed Scott's hand and led him through the foyer and into the library. Our best men were roped into helping move the chairs from the living room to the card tables in the dining room. In the library we found Scott's brother Charlie, Kevin's older brothers Tim and Gerald, and Scott's brother-in-law Denis. The ladies had apparently volunteered to help set things up. Everyone else must have been in the living room, outside or downstairs.

"So how does it feel to be part of the married crowd now?" Tim asked. He was the only unmarried man in the room.

Scott sat down on one of the large chairs and pulled me down onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me as he rested his chin on my shoulder. I relaxed back against him. "Works for me," I said.

"I think I can live with it," Scott added.

I turned to look at him. "You better!" He grinned and I kissed his nose softly.

I started to turn back around but Scott leaned forward to kiss my lips. We broke apart a few seconds later.

"Would you two like to be alone?" Denis asked jokingly.

Scott and I looked at each other and laughed. "Yes!" we said together.

The other men laughed. We chatted for a little while then Carrie found us to let us know the food was ready.

We walked down the hall and into the dining room to find it transformed. The chairs used for the ceremony were now situated around card tables in the dining room. Each table, was covered in a blue or green tablecloth, and had four or five people sitting at it, with a bottle of wine and glasses for each person. Scott and I were led to a table located between the dining room and the sunroom. Kevin, Harold Jr., Nick, and Drew were at the tables beside us.

Mom stood up to speak. "I just wanted to thank everyone for coming, and for the help in planning and setting up things for this wonderful day. I know we're a little cramped here, but we're all family now! The food is set up buffet style in the kitchen. I thought we'd let the wedding party, and those directly in the wedding, Sheri, Alex, Howie, Andre and Reverend McGrady, get their plates filled first. Then we'll work through the rest of the tables. And don't worry, I know how my boys eat so there is lots of food!"

Everyone laughed. Scott and I rose and made our way around the tables to the kitchen. We gasped at all of the food there. More tables had been brought in and lined the edges of the kitchen as well as one in the middle. The kitchen counters were also laden with food. We found prime rib beef, baked potatoes, assorted vegetables, roasted chicken, vegetarian lasagna, pasta salads, leaf salads, rolls and more.

I grinned. "You'd think our parents didn't think we eat enough," I commented, making Scott laugh. I handed him a plate. "You start here Angel and I'll start over there. Fill your plate, then we can share!"

I started to put a little bit of everything on my plate. I found my eyes constantly wandering over to where Scott was. He noticed me watching and we smiled as we continued to get our food.

Finally our plates were filled and we returned to the dining room and our table. Before anyone else could leave, Kevin stood and called for attention. I wondered what he was up to.

"We all know the tradition at a wedding reception is to get the newlyweds to kiss." I groaned and heard Scott groan too. Everyone else simply grinned at us. Scott reached under the table to grab my hand as we listened to Kevin continue. "We decided to try something a little different. On top of each wine bottle is a small bell. Under the bottle is a stack of pieces of paper. On each paper is the name of a song. If you would like the happy couple to kiss, ring the bell and randomly select one of the song titles. The trick is, you must sing two lines from the song, and one of the lines must include the word love!"

Nick stood up then. "Of course, we made it fairly simply, the songs are all ours, and I can't think of one that doesn't include the word Love!"

Everybody laughed and someone rang a bell. It had begun. Howie and AJ stood. They looked at each other and started to sing. "Love is like a river, peaceful and deep..." Every person in the room started to object.

"Oops, sorry," AJ apologized, obviously not sorry at all. "Let's try that again. I don't care who you are, or where you've been, as long as love me!" he and Howie sang in harmony.

People clapped and Scott and I stood to kiss. Just a sweet, brief one, then we sat down and started to eat our dinner. Fortunately every one else was hungry too, so we had a reprieve while people got their food. The next hour or so went by with people standing every few minutes to ring the bell and sing one of Backstreet's songs. It was fun watching some people trying to remember the lyrics. Scott and I enjoyed ourselves because we got to kiss, frequently.

Eventually my Dad stood and called for attention. "If everyone would like to proceed downstairs to the rec room, Brian and Scott will be down shortly for the first dance."

Scott looked at me in surprise. I knew he hadn't even thought about that. "First dance?" he whispered to me.

I grinned and nodded. "Yeah. I found a song I hope you like. I thought we could use it since we didn't get a chance to discuss it."

Scott nodded. "Okay Love."

We remained at the table while people began to file downstairs, until only Scott, myself, our parents, and the minister remained.

Ellen walked over to Scott and I and held out her hand. "I just wanted to congratulate both of you again. You are both so lucky to have such loving and supportive friends and families. It was a pleasure conducting the ceremony for you and I wish you every happiness in the future," she said sincerely as she shook our hands.

"Thank you Ellen. Scott and I both appreciate you being here for us today, especially on Christmas Eve. If there is ever anything we can do for you, let us know. After the New Year, the world will know about us so we won't have to hide," I said.

She smiled. "Well, I'll try not to bother you too much, but I might ask you to come as guest speakers to my church some time. I think people could learn a lot from both of you."

"Merry Christmas Reverend McGrady," Scott said.

"Merry Christmas to both of you too!" she replied.

Our parents spoke to the minister for a moment before walking with her to the front door. Scott and I took the moment alone to lean against each other and hug.

"I can't believe how wonderful this has been," I murmured as I tried to nibble his ear.

Scott bent his head away from my tormenting lips and teeth. "I know. I never thought it would be like this. But if you don't stop that, I'm going to carry you upstairs and ravish you!" he told me as I followed his head and resumed nibbling on his ear. I laughed through my clasped teeth, but released his ear.

"Sorry Angel, but you taste so good!" I said softly.

"Later," he promised. I knew that would have to do.

We walked downstairs to the recreation room and were shocked again. At some point people had been down here putting up more decorations, streamers, balloons and candles. All of the regular furniture had been removed and chairs lined the room's walls while the bar was flowing with drinks of all kinds.

AJ was acting as DJ and spoke when he saw us. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you would please clear the dance floor, the newlyweds would like to have their first dance."

The crowd dispersed and I led Scott to the center of the room. I wrapped my arms around his waist and the music began.

Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away

I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss

The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby you surround me
You touch everyplace in my heart
Oh it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spent the whole night in your eyes

Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Oh, every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you (5)

As the music faded Scott continued to hold me to him tightly. The song had been wonderful, powerful and described our emotions completely.

"Did you like it," I asked softly as I lifted my head from where I was leaning against Scott's chest.

He smiled and brushed my lips with his. "It was perfect."

New music started up and AJ invited everyone out onto the dance floor. At one point I noticed AJ had left his post to dance with Drew. The dancing continued until Kevin finally took the mic. "I'd just like to say, Merry Christmas everyone!" he announced. It had just turned past midnight. "I know a few people asked if there were going to be speeches, but after conferring with the other best men, we decided not to. Everyone here knows what incredible men both Brian and Scott are. And so it follows that the friends and families of both are also wonderful." People laughed at that. "Everyone here is truly blessed to be part of this large family. I think I speak for every person here when I say we wish Scott and Brian all the happiness in the world. And when I remind them that they will always have us, their family and friends, to support them."

Scott and I stared at Kevin with watery smiles. People raised their glasses and saluted us.

"Do you want to say anything?" I asked Scott softly.

He shook his head. "Not really. I know we should thank everyone. Do you want to do it?"

I was more comfortable addressing groups of people so I nodded and took his hand as we walked over to the microphone. Kevin handed it to me and we turned to face the rest of the room. "Well, this day has certainly been filled with surprises starting with the breakfast in bed Scott and I had this morning," I started. Everyone laughed. "Scott and I really need to thank all of you for making this day so incredible. But there are a few more personal thanks we need to give starting with Sheri and AJ, for the readings, Howie for the beautiful song, Harold, Kevin, Drew and Nick for standing beside us and the Reverend Ellen McGrady for conducting the ceremony. We also need to thank our parents for being who they are, and helping Scott and I become the men we are."

I looked at Scott for anyone else we needed to thank. He leaned in closer. "Jackie," he whispered.

I nodded. "There is one more personal thank you Scott and I would like to make. A few weeks ago I came up with the idea of surprising Scott with a commitment ceremony. As it turns out, Scott had the same idea. Both of us turned to my Mom Jackie, for her assistance. And despite having to try to keep everything a secret and deal with two different sets of instructions, she pulled it off. She blended what I wanted with what Scott wanted, right down to our beautiful rings. You are amazing Mom and we love you," I said emotionally. I glanced around until I found her. She was obviously moved by what I'd said. "I think that's it. Now, for those who want to dance until dawn...keep on going. But I think now is the perfect time for my husband...doesn't that sound nice...and I, to move our fun upstairs!" I finished and people laughed as I dumped the mic and pulled Scott towards the stairs.

Hand in hand we walked upstairs to our bedroom, entering the room together, for the first time as a married couple.

(1) (Reverend Edward J. Ingebretsen, FCC www.edwardingebretsen.com)

(2) (You've got a Friend - written by Carole King)

(3) Toleration by John Barford (1886-1935)

(4) I'm not sure who to credit this to...I saw a number of different versions. Some can be found on the websites listed below.

(5) Amazed by Lonestar

Other references: Much of the rest of the ceremony was compiled from a number of websites, a key one being gnosticway.org: http://www.gnosticway.org/commitment.htm

http://www.ritualarts.com/commitmentceremonies.htm
http://www.unionoflove.com/vows/index.html
http://www.ultimatewedding.com/vows/
http://www.buddybuddy.com/vows.html

Note, no copyright infringement is intended against any of the above sites, writers or musicians. I just found that I couldn't have written the words any better than they already were!

To be continued...

Email me at kenitra_canada@hotmail.com