Tom the Fireman Part 29
Nifty is kind of enough to host/publish this and other stories, lets show your appreciation by donating to defray costs, they need your donations so they can continue to host other stories for your enjoyment. Go to: http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html.
Tom got in the passenger side of Steven's truck, he was excited that they were finally tying the knot. Though it wasn't long ago, he thought he would never find his soul mate. Today was the day for which he was waiting. He would finally say `I do' to the person he truly loved. His hand rested on Steven's leg, the memories of the first time he looked into Steven's eyes and felt that special connection kept going through his mind. He could feel the beating of his heart.
He looked in the side-view mirror to make sure Rex was following them. The ride seemed longer than expected. He smiled as he looked at Steven and then would glance out the side window. He gripped Steven's leg tighter smiling from ear to ear. He thought he was the luckiest guy in the whole world. Occasionally, Steven would look over to flash him a smile. Steven's smile made him feel secure, warm and fuzzy; for him this is what it meant to be in love.
When they pulled into the park, he realized their moment arrived. He took a deep breath, looking at Steven and asked, "Are you ready?" Steven nodded, reaching over to grab Tom's leg saying, "You bet." They sat in the truck taking deep breathes. Tom leaned over and nervously kissed Steven. They each reached for their perspective doors, climbing down from the truck. Tom took another breath, looking around saying "Gorgeous day!"
Steven smiled from ear to ear, as he reached for Tom's hand, and said, "Perfect, just like you!"
Skeets pulled the horse and carriage in front of them. Tom smiled at Steven as he gestured that Steven be the first to board the buggy. Tom followed right after him, once settled Skeets clicked his tongue and snapped the reins. The horse pulled the carriage towards the pavilion where the family and friends were waiting. As they were approaching, Tom noticed the crowd, he wasn't expecting all the people which caused him to get emotional as he started to cry when he realized they were there to share his special day. He heard a voice from behind; when they both turned around Bev was running toward them. They asked Skeets to stop, when the horse came to a halt, she climbed up apologizing with tears of joy in her eyes. Tom extended his hand to help her up and the two slid over making room for her to sit between them.
Rex and Evan ran ahead, taking pictures, while Bev dried her tears saying how happy she was for both of them. Tom and Steven held her hands as the driver clicked his tongue and snapped the reins, the horse continued toward the destination.
They rode in silence when Steven looked at her and said he loved her- giving her a kiss on the check. Tears kept rolling down her face, and Tom wiped one saying "Now, that isn't allowed." He put his hand around her shoulder, pulling her to his side. He whispered he loved her too as he kissed her on the other cheek. Bev was fighting back the tears.
When they arrived, Melinda walked toward the carriage. Greeting them with outstretched arms, she hugged both as they got down from the carriage. The two men helped Bev down. Melinda wrapped her arms around her saying she looked lovely. Bev took Melinda by the hand as both cried while making their entrance. Steven and Tom held hands as they walked behind them. They slowly walked to the pavilion; the excited crowd grew silent as the minister walked up to the fireplace.
Tom looked around to see his mother, his brother and brother-in-law. He saw Tonya sitting next to her grandmother thinking how stunning she looked. Several of his friends were there as well, Larry, Gary and Joe. He looked around, saw Lois and Herb as well as Steven's brother. Wayne and Fred greeted Tom and Steven with hugs as tears of joy appeared in their eyes, not believing they were witnessing this day.
When Skeets joined the crowd, the minister asked the two to join him. Bev and Melinda followed behind standing by their sides. The minister welcomed everyone telling them what a perfect day to join these two in matrimony. The minister nodded to Laura, who sang "This Years love" a cappella. Bev's eyes swelled with tears as she listened to Tom's young niece sing the song so beautifully. Tom's eyes were glued to his niece and thought it was the MOST fitting song for the day -- one of his favorites. He was thrilled that she remembered how much he liked it, as he would sing it to her when she was younger.
The minister thanked Laura for the beautiful rendition of the song. She returned to the picnic table to be with her parents. Steven wiped a tear from his eye as he faced Tom. They both looked at each other before turning toward the minister. The minister announced he had the pleasure to marry these two gentlemen. He looked at Bev acknowledging how she was able to make this special day come true. He reminded the men about the special love she has for both and she personally told me of your special love for each other.
He introduced Melinda, who was more than willing to stand by her brother when he marries this fine gentleman. He thanked her for her unconditional love she had for her brother and welcoming Steven to the family. He asked Melinda to turn around to speak.
Melinda wiped the tears from her eyes and faced the audience, "First, I would like to thank Minister Lynch for making himself available on this fine day. When I called him to ask if he could do me a favor, to officiate at my brother`s wedding, he gladly accepted. I thank him for making this possible. We gathered here to witness the commitment of these two men who are about to begin sharing their lives together. I am so glad Tom met this gentleman, and after I met him so am I. My family discovered that her older brother, Tom, finally found the true love he deserves. Tom always loved his kids and they came first in his life, he beamed when he was with them. Tom is a great father to his two children, but I always saw the sadness in his eyes not being able to share his joy for them. Tom has a lot to give but he didn't have that someone to share with. When he called me to tell me about some stranger driving by on a country road while he was holding a fireman's boot, he knew something was special when their eyes met."
"He told me how he searched for the man, the only clue was a sign on the side of his truck which he tried to memorize. Knowing my brother, through his excitement he got a little dyslexic remembering the number or name. We both were searching for some name he was trying to remember. This was something I haven't seen from Tom since we were kids - knowing he wanted something more with this mystery man."
"When Tom called me and told me he saw him again, he was like a little kid in the candy store; he was so excited that it was all he could talk about. I was rooting for him, hoping the man would kindle a spark that would make him feel the same way."
"He called me the night before their first date: he was nervous, he wanted to make a good impression, he asked my advice. He called me when he got home after the date talking a mile a minute, I was so happy for him. He called me after each date with each call more promising than the previous."
"He asked me if it was too soon to ask him to be his life partner. From our conversations, realistically in my head the answer was yes, but with our special bond, in my heart I knew Tom knew this was the one. I told him to listen to his heart."
"Then I got the invitation to come meet him as he wanted my blessing because he popped the question and the answer was yes. He told me how Steven also proposed and I thought how sweet and knew this is the one. We all trekked up north from Florida to meet this mysterious man. When we met him, I think we all fell in love; not like Tom did, but we knew that this wasn't one sided. We could see that Steven loved him back, he was the guy the whole family dreamed Tom would meet. I don't feel we are losing Tom but we are gaining a great addition to our family. I can honestly say he completes Tom, and that is something I wished for a long time. Tom has been more alive since he met Steven than I had seen in a long time. If two people really deserve to be together, it is the two of them."
Tom and Steven held hands tightly as Melinda spoke. Tom reached over and grabbed her hand. He looked at her thanking her. He wiped a tear from his eye.
Minister Lynch thanked Melinda for giving a beautiful account of their love for each other as it is very evident on this day. He turned to Bev, letting her know it was her turn.
Bev said, "I had the pleasure to get us together in the short time. Thank you all for coming. With some small miracle we all could meet. We had a small hiccup when Tom realized his family was here yesterday, but we pulled it off. What can I say about Steven, I love him with all my heart. When Steven first told me about Tom, I knew this was something different and something good. I could hear it in Steven's voice. I could see in his demeanor that this was the beacon he was seeking. You and I had a very rocky road, but we got through those rough times. My dreams were answered when Steven was able to realize he found what he was missing. The hole in his heart was repaired and Tom, I thank you for that."
"Steven was excited that he met this wonderful man and he hoped their paths would cross again. When he met him again, I was probably the first to know. Like Tom, he was a boy in the candy store. He wanted to get to know this person, but first he had to find him again. I figured if it was meant to be, it would happen. With some perseverance, he got to see him again. This time they exchanged phone numbers - which was the catalysts for this wonderful day. When I met Tom the first time, I couldn't believe he was real, I think I acted like a teenage girl seeing a cute boy for the first time. I saw how Steven blossomed with him: I saw how happy Steven was. I couldn't believe how fate brought these two together; when I see them together they complete each other. I knew I had to set the one I love free, and he flew, not away from me, but back to me and this time not alone. I nursed, nurtured, and cared for this wounded creature - all my hard effort paid off."
"Steven was finally set free. He soared through the sky. I didn't feel like I was losing Steven, but I did feel I gained another best friend, someone who I trust, relieving me of my duties to look after him to continue to nurture him. I never feared Steven leaving our friendship behind, but it would make it stronger by sharing his love for Tom with me and his family. I can honestly say, I trust Tom with all my heart the way I have trusted Steven since we met. I have welcomed Tom into my family just as he did with me. I am so glad of being part of this today."
"I have the pleasure of getting to know his wonderful daughter and through her I see the exceptional father. Not a day goes by when she doesn't show me the lovely words he sends to her. He always makes time each day to see how she is doing and letting her know he loves her. That beautiful smile I see on Tonya's face and the willingness to share her personal conversations with her dad make me realize how special he truly is."
"I'm so glad to see these two unite in marriage to be able to watch the journey of these two special men."
The minister put his hands on their shoulders. He asked Tom to say a few words. Tom looked at Steven while holding both his hands. "I know I'm not the best for words or even speaking in front of people, but Steven I love you, and because of this love, I am able to stand in front of my family and friends and let them know how I feel about you about us."
"Steven, the first time I saw you, I knew you were going to be special for me, we got to know each other and I feel complete with you. I sometimes do crazy things, that's because you make me want to live life to the fullest. I want to do that with you. You have welcomed my family like no other and that speaks volumes. I miss when you are not by my side, I knew I would have you by my side and I took a big chance the night I asked you to marry me. When you said yes, that's when I realized just like Mason and Tonya, you are my world."
"You have seen my simple world which you naturally engaged in. You did not judge me, in fact you included me in your world. It meant a lot to me when you took my mom to see my dad when she arrived. You didn't realize how happy that made her."
"You took me in, shared your home the day you moved in. You have a warm heart and are very generous. You listen to me, you're concerned about me, always there for me and I think we make a pretty good team. You pitch in and I can count on you, you are my rock."
"I want to share the ups and downs with you, get through the good times and the bad times together. I want to grow old with you. You showed me love; I'm glad I have someone to love and share our lives together. That's why we are here now, we are going to be married!"
Steven looked into Tom's eyes, "You know the road I travelled was not an easy one, and I had my baggage - you were able to accept it, in fact you helped me carry it. You were the one that brought me out of the fog and into the light. You showed me how caring and loving you are. You are beautiful inside and you make me feel complete. Without you, I couldn't be standing here with our friends and family. Without you I would have never seen the light at the end of the tunnel. You brought life back into me. I want to share whatever it pitches at us- together. When you asked me to marry you, I always knew the answer. I said yes, because you are part of that answer."
"I believe I was to find you, I was given guidance and when I did, I woke up to my handsome prince. I thank him for guiding the way and finding a place in your heart. As you are the one that fills mine."
"You have the qualities that make you the special man in my life. You make me smile, you make me feel, you make see and you make me care. I want to be the man that grows old with you; that's there when you come home; that can comfort you when times are rough."
"To me, you're a very giving person- you can be seen as a hero to those around you, but you're my personal hero."
"I thought I knew what loves was, and I have known love for a while. It slipped away, but when it finally returned, it was stronger than ever. You are the man I want to share my life with, and you're the man I want to marry. I love you and without you, we wouldn't be here today. And yes, we're going to be married!"
The minister thanked them asking the two men to face him. He looked at Thomas to ask, "Thomas you have chosen Steven to be your life partner. Will you love and respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come?"
Tom replied "I will."
The minister turned to Steven placed his hand on his arm to ask "Steven you have chosen Thomas to be your life partner. Will you love and respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come?
Steven replied, "I will."
The minister continued, "And do you both promise to make the necessary adjustments in your personal lives in order that you may live in a harmonious relationship together? "
They answered, "We do."
The minister smiled at them asking, "Now in the spirit of joy and affirmation, I want to ask your families and friends a question. Do you, the families and friends of Thomas and Steven, give them your blessing and support this day, wishing them a wonderful life together? "
The audience answered, "We do," as joyful sobs could be heard from the attendees.
The minister looked at both and proceeded, "Thomas and Steven, now we come to your vows. May I remind you that saying your vows are one thing, but nothing is more challenging than living them day-by-day. What you promise today must be renewed tomorrow with each day that stretches out before you. Will you now please turn and face each other: holding hands, looking at each other."
They turned and faced each other, Tom was nervous as he reached for Steven's hands.
The minister turned toward Tom saying, "Thomas, please repeat after me: In the presence of our family and friends, I, Thomas, choose you, Steven, to be my life partner,"
Tom looks at Steven nervously repeats, "In the presence of our family and friends, I, Thomas, choose you, Steven, to be my life partner"
The minister continued "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,"
Tom repeated, "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,"
The minister returned, "In joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow."
Tom repeated, "In joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow."
The minister turned toward Steven, "Now Steven, please repeat after me: In the presence of our family and friends, I, Steven, choose you, Thomas, to be my life partner."
Steven smiled from ear to ear as he looked at Tom, repeating," In the presence of our family and friends, I, Steven, choose you, Thomas, to be my life partner."
The minister continued, "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health."
Steven loudly repeated, "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health."
The minister added, "In joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow."
Steven confidently said, "In joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow."
The minister looked at Laura, "May I have the rings please."
Laura got up and opened the plush sack that contained the rings, she looked inside the rings reading the inscriptions before she handed them to the minister. He thanked her as she stood next to Melinda.
The minister asked Tom to repeat, "Steven, I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, my respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you."
Tom held the ring in his finger as he looked at Steven and repeated, "Steven, I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, my respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you."
And placed the ring on his finger.
The minister turned to Steven - asked him to repeat, "Thomas, I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, my respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you."
Steven laughed and looked at Tom, he bit his lip and Tom noticed, Tom bit his lips as he looked at Steven when Steven repeated the words, "Thomas, I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, my respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you."
The minister continued with the ceremony, "Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days. Now may the love, which has brought you together, continue to grow and enrich your lives. May you continue to meet with courage any problems, which may arise to challenge you. May your relationship always be one of love and trust. May the happiness you share today be with you always. May everything you have said and done here today become a living truth in your lives."
"Thomas and Steven, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made here this day before each one of us as witnesses. Therefore, in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, by the power vested in me by the State of Pennsylvania, it is my honor and delight to declare you married and partners in life for life."
"You may seal your vows with a kiss."
Tom and Steven leaned toward each other and kissed. They both were smiling ear to ear and were relaxing.
The minister turned to the audience and announced, "It is now my personal privilege and great joy to be the first one to introduce Thomas and Steven as the newly married couple. Partners in life for life."
The minister put his arms around their shoulders and said, "Please greet them warmly."
The audience clapped. They came up one table at a time to greet, hug and give their congratulations to the newlyweds, Melinda, Bev, Laura and the Minister.
Tom and Steven went off into the woods with Rex and Evan for more wedding pictures. Melinda, Bev and Laura followed along. Soon a farmer appeared riding a white stallion got off the horse offering the two to get on. Rex took his pictures with the grooms and their attendants.
As the newlyweds were busy with the pictures, Herb and Lois quickly got the food ready, others quickly helped with the celebration, covering the picnic tables with clothes, starting a fire in the fireplace and hanging decorations for the reception.
When everything was set up, Melinda let Bev know it was time to start the festivities. Bev gathered her boys and brought them back to the pavilion. She held a microphone announcing she was glad to introduce the newlyweds, Tom and Steven. Tom and Steven walked hand in hand into the middle of the pavilion and bowed, thanking Bev. The crowd clapped and they began the celebration.
As Bev gave the toast, Warren and Luann with Mason appeared. Warren walked up and hugged both men, thanking them for the invitation and congratulating them on their day. Bev gave the first toast, thanking everyone for coming and here is for the love between these two fine gentlemen, may it grow stronger every day. The group raised their glasses, chanting that Tom and Steven should kiss. Tom took Steven in his arms, bending Steven backwards as they kissed him on the lips. They walked hand in hand to the main table. When they sat down at the main table with Bev and Melinda, everyone else sat down.
Warren got up for the second toast, the crowd was shocked as he raised his glass, "I got the chance to get reacquainted with Tom over the last few days, and what I saw with him and Steven is real! Tom is one fine standup gentleman, the father of my grandchildren, who kept his family together and Steven you have impeccable qualities that I admire. When I see you together, I know it is meant to be. I wish the best to them and to their future!"
The celebration continued with the food and drink, everyone was huddling by the fire as the cool evening air started to settle. Sam and Jake unveiled the wedding cake and everyone gathered as the two grooms cut the first pieces. Steven was the first to cut the cake, he knew he was going to be wearing his, he could see it in Tom's eyes. He distracted Tom by pointing to something on his shirt, Tom fell for the oldest trick as Steven squashed the cake in his face. Icing covered the lower half. Tom wiped what he could, and he looked at Steven as he cut the cake.
He told Steven he was going to be nice and gently raised the cake to Steven's mouth. Steven opened his mouth expecting it to land any other place, Tom smiled his devious grin before he smashed the cake against Steven's chin. Steven leaned in and Tom tried to back away, but he pulled him closer, kissing Tom and squishing whatever was their faces together. Rex was snapping the pictures as the crowd laughed. Lois laughs the loudest came running up with the paper towels to clean up the mess.
The guys sat down and Jake and Sam cut the cake for the guests. As the evening got darker and cooler the guest slowly left. Wayne and Fred stayed behind to clean up with Bev and Melinda.
The remaining guest followed the two newlyweds to the truck. They wished them well as they drove off into the night.
Wayne and Fred commented on how nice the ceremony was. Bev agreed, saying it was simple and beautiful. Rex and Evan offered to help the four of them clean up.
Afterwards, they all sat down and reminisced about the first time they met Tom or Steven. Bev seemed to be forming a bond with Evan, but then again, Bev was always drawn to handsome gay men. Stan stood behind her, wrapping her arms around her pulling her to his chest. Evan walked over to Rex resting his head on his shoulder. Rex turned his head and kissed him on the forehead. Special thanks to Zach