The Next Chapter (NEW VERSION)

Chapter 33

—Asher's POV—

I tried, I really tried not to cry but one look at him and I broke. So did he, we look like wrecks. The pictures are going to be shit. But I couldn't care less. Dad was right, it's just him and me. All the nervous thoughts and feelings disappeared the second I saw him. It was like magic.

We finally, after what feels like hours, get to the front of the aisle. Dad smiles and then takes his seat beside mom, I take the three final steps up to Oliver. We're now face to face, it feels like ages since we were this close.

"Hey." I whisper.

"Hey. We're getting married." He smiles.

"I know." I chuckle.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today, to join Oliver and Asher in matrimony commended to be honorable among all; and therefore, is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly, and solemnly. Into this, these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Silence. "Good. The couple would now like to share with you the vows they wrote to each other. Oliver, will you do us the honor to start?"

"Yes, I would." He smiles and clears his throat. "I kept this short and funny, just like my Asher. When I met you I was just a guy, who thought he was bi. You walked into my life with such joy and made me feel once again like a little boy. We went on dates, to the theater, to parks, and immediately I felt sparks. I may not be the best at this, but life with me will feel like such bliss. Now we stand here together, us two. And I promise to always love you. Through sickness and health, poorness and wealth. I promise you that this marriage will blossom, just as I promise you I am awesome. I love you so much and can't wait to build a future with you. Now and forever, us two."

Everyone starts clapping and some are crying. How the hell am I supposed to up that? Even I started crying. I just know he spent so long on that. And he's so proud too.

"That was lovely, thank you, Oliver. Asher, would you like to share your vows?"

"Yes, thank you. I may not have any funny rhymes or stories to share, I can only say this. Since you walked into my life it's been a rollercoaster. Not one of those scary ones, the ones where you can't stop laughing or smiling so much that your cheeks and stomach actually hurt. The ones where the butterflies in your stomach won't ever go away. That's what your presence did for me. You made everything easier, without even trying. I will forever be thankful for you, and I'd like to thank your parents for creating you." Everyone starts laughing. "We're about to embark on one of the biggest adventures of our lives and I could not ask for anyone else to do this with. You're my best friend and about to become my husband, I promise to love you no matter what. I promise to always support and be there for you, as long as you're always there for me. I love you, Oliver, so so much." Now he's the one crying. The pictures are really going to be shit.

I love it.

"Thank you for those touching words, both of you. Now, who has the rings?" We take the rings and take a step closer to each other. "Oliver, repeat after me, please. 'I Oliver, give you Asher this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you.'"

"I Oliver, give you Asher this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." He places the ring on my finger and it fits perfectly like it has been waiting for that exact ring.

"Wonderful, now Asher, repeat after me, please. 'I Asher, give you Oliver this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you.'"

"I Asher, give you Oliver this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." I say and place the ring on his finger, we keep on holding hands. They're so warm and welcoming. I've missed these hands.