The Only

And Always

"Max and Chloe."

"Chloe and Max."

"Have there ever been two more perfectly aligned pieces that fit together this magnificently? I'd say the answer is no. It's like the universe made them out of the same material tethering them as one until the end of time." The bearded man performing the ceremony had a serious yet jovial look on his face. Despite this being his first ceremony, the cadence of his words confidently rolled from his lips as if he had performed it hundreds of times. "Our lovely brides wanted to welcome and thank you for being a part of this magical stop on their voyage through life. I am humbled and excited to be the officiant for this joyous occasion, and it makes me happy beyond measure." Brody held out his arms and continued. "Please be seated."

After the wedding guests sat, a brief silence fell over the crowd. "Look," Chloe whispered, as she pointed with her eyes and a marginal movement of her head. Max peered out over the seating area where her partner was motioning, and an almost invisible ovular, golden-rimmed window hung where they could see themselves witnessing the wedding for the first time a month prior. The blunette wearing the turquoise feather earring winked at herself and turned back towards her beautiful bride as the brief sight faded from view.

"Max Caulfield and Chloe Price... damn. After today, I've been told these beautiful women will forever be fused together as 'Caulfield-Price'. When two souls become one, something amazing happens. Time seems to lose its meaning, as selfishness vanishes like a shadow in the night. A new singular existence begins where both hearts start beating as one. But imagine, if you will, that today isn't a day where these two souls merge... no, not today. What if they were predestined to be together? What if they perfectly matched before even existed in this reality? Think about what we know. They were best friends, were split apart, quickly rekindled their love for one another, and now they're in love at such a profound level. All the while, their souls were entwined in cosmic bullshit that we'll never understand, connected beyond time." The man spoke beautifully, and Chloe was proud she fed him the ideas to put in the script. It seemed his blogging experience was paying off with the incredible way he put words together.

"Now, Chloe," the officiant remarked, turning his attention to the taller girl. "I realize we had a chat prior to today so you could help me get the script together, but I want to do something we didn't discuss." Standing with the love of her life in front of the world gave the girl an immeasurable sense of courage. She knew the two of them were in this thing together and the thought filled her heart with joy. Being put on the spot, however, wasn't something she anticipated. A murmuring fear struck her demeanor, and Max lowered her brow at the girl's changed expression.

"I'm going to ask you two to say one word, and the idea is for you to respond at the same time. So... what is one word you would use to describe your relationship? What word would you say sums up everything you mean to one another?" His eyes darted back and forth several times from one set of clear blue eyes to the other. "Now, we've not rehearsed this and by the looks on their faces I'm not so sure they won't kill me when this is over, but trust me here, ladies. On the count of three, say your word.

1, 2..."

The duo hadn't moved their gaze from one another but once to look out over the crowd a few minutes before. Like an unspoken communication from one girl's heart to the other, both knew the exact word to say. Adoring grins formed on their faces knowing their hearts were wound like a clock and set on each other.

"3."

Simultaneously, Max and Chloe revealed their word, "Destiny." Their souls danced together in rhythm, swaying back and forth through the ether and synchronized for all time.

"I've gotta be honest, ladies, I'm damn relieved you said the same word." The wedding guests laughed as the swell of anticipation departed the area. Brody allowed the laughter to subside then continued. "To be fair, there was little doubt in my mind that you would say the same thing. I mean, look at you two. The way you look at each other is hypnotic and electric, and your connection is infallible. You guys are so in love and your care for one another permeates the space around you."