Feedback: Yes, if you’d like, I'd like.
Rating: PG
Spoilers: None
Genre: Romance
Summary: Tara never died, this is my version of their commitment ceremony.
The Commitment
I stood face to face with the most beautiful woman in the world. Our hands were clasped between us as our fingers mingled with each other’s. She was more radiant than any other time I had known. The love in her crystal blue eyes made my heart swell. Today was the day. Today we would vow commitment to one another in front of our friends, our family.
The sun was about to set over Sunnydale as our friends gathered on the bluffs underneath the oak trees. Giles, Xander, Anya, Buffy, and Dawn stood closest to us. Collected behind them were Cordy, Gunn, Fred, Wesley, and Lorne. Even Oz had come with Devon to give his blessings. When the last rays of sunlight were extinguished over the ridge, Angel and Spike emerged from a long black limousine and assembled at the back. Clem and Riley moved in from the forest and took a place beside them. They were all here, all of our family.
I had chosen the spot and Tara had chosen the decorations, which were few. The arch we stood beneath had orchids laced in the lattice. The only other things she chose to adorn were the trees; on the limbs hung fairy lights, twinkling and illuminating the ceremony.
We chose to wear simple dresses, hers yellow and mine pale green. She pulled her hair back and I wore mine down, only a trace of makeup for each of us. Around her neck as well as mine, dangling from chains, were our rings for one another.
There was no need for someone to preside over our ceremony. In all, Tara and I decided that we simply wanted to announce our love and devotion to one another in front of our family. That was it. There was no need for a big formal procedure. Our love was something we wanted to share with those closest to our hearts.
When the rustle of movement stopped, we nodded to one another and I began first. “I Willow take you Tara to be my partner for life. I’ve never known love like I’ve known with you.” Her eyes watered as I spoke. “You are the most beautiful person I’ve ever met, inside and out. You are the sweetest, most compassionate and caring woman and I want to share the rest of my life with you and only you. When I’m with you I feel complete. My heart is full.” I couldn’t take my eyes away from her face; I stared deeply into her eyes. “I can’t imagine living my life without you. Tara, will you be my friend, my lover, my companion for the rest of my life?”
She nodded slightly and a tear dripped from one of her eyes. Her lopsided grin appeared and she replied, “I will.” I removed the chain from my neck and slipped the ring on her finger. Gaining her composure she started, “I Tara take you Willow to be my partner for life. I’ve never felt as loved as I do when I’m with you. You are the light in my days, the wind in my hair, and the breath in my lungs. I love you so much Willow. You make me the happiest woman on earth.” Her voice cracked but she continued, “From this day forward, Willow, will you be my friend, my lover, my companion for the rest of my life?”
My chin trembled and tears fell from my own eyes, “I will.” She removed the chain from her neck and placed the ring on my finger.
We kissed sweetly, tasting one another’s tears. My arms wrapped her tightly and hers wrapped me right back. We broke the kiss and leaned against each other’s foreheads. We giggled and smiled before looking at our friends to present ourselves as being committed. When we did finally acknowledge them, there wasn’t a dry eye in the group.
THE END
Edited by: terra21 at: 3/11/05 4:15 pm
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