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The waves kissed the shore gently, washing away some of the white flowers that had been sprinkled out around us. Tristan and the others had explained this wasn’t exactly a traditional handfasting, since we had no priest and priestess of the Celtic religion to officiate. Father Torres still stood before us, cheery as he welcomed those who had come to witness the act.
“We gather here to celebrate the love of two people,” he declared loudly. “Who have supported one another and toiled together. It is their wish to join today, in front of all of you, and forever remain one.”
Tristan, who had finally been able to get rid of his sling, was wearing his dressier clothes, which had been washed and pressed, the red coat complementing the color of his skin. His smile was infectious, causing anyone who looked upon him to start beaming at everyone else. His eyes stayed trained on me the entire time, hand grasping mine tightly.
“Do you have vows?” Father Torres asked us, turning his attention from the crowd.
“Aye,” Tristan answered, a nervous cadence to his speech. “We do.” Clearing his throat, he squeezed my fingers and smiled. “Samantha. Ye know how much I love ye, and I stand before ye and all creation on this day to make ye a promise. It’s not something I do lightly, but with my whole heart. Never shall ye be alone again, without a family to guide and care for ye. I promise to do for ye as a husband should, to always be there when ye need me, and to take ye as ye are without fail. Ye are my equal and shall always remain so. Till the end of all time, may my soul be joined with yers.”
“Oh lo bonito,” Father Torres sighed. “Muy bien, que era perfecto! And you, señorita?
Grinning, I took a deep breath, steadying myself before speaking. “Tristan. When the time comes for people to tell our story, they might say that we met by accident or luck. I don’t think it was luck that brought me to you, but fate. I stand here now, ready to sacrifice all I have for you, and I do it without hesitation. You have saved me from the horrors of this world and myself. I promise to do the same for you, should you need it, and to always be your right hand. I swear to love you without complaint or distress, just the way you are. We are different people, but we share one heart. So long as I am alive, you will be in me and I in you, no matter the time.”
“Precioso,” Father Torres breathed, watching us joyfully. He stared for a moment, simply beaming before jumping suddenly. “I almost forgot!” he told the laughing crowd, blushing furiously. Laying a chord over our joined hands, he wrapped it around our wrists and tied it, a wide smile on his face. “Do you do this of your own free will, Capitán?” he asked Tristan.
“I do.” He chuckled, crushing my fingers, the tie around our wrists swaying gently.
“And you, señorita?”
“I do.” I couldn’t look away from Tristan, feeling my elation spreading uncontrollably.
“Marriage is an ordinance ordained by God,” Father Torres continued, placing his hand on top of ours. “This knot will hold your love together in this decree for a year and a day, at which time you may be joined together with rings, if you so wish.” Glancing between the two of us, he laughed, tossing his head back and looking at the sky for a second. “It is clear that you will both wish to remain joined!” We hooted with the crowd and he waved his hand to hush everyone, his joy for us like a light to everyone who saw him. “Gracias, mis amigos. It was an honor to be a part of the ceremony. May God bless your union till you both shall part.” Raising his voice to address those in attendance again, which was mostly the crew and the women from the brothel, he called out jollily. “May I present Capitán O’Rourke and his new wife! Kiss your bride, señor!”
To loud cheers and catcalls, Tristan swept me into his arms and crushed his mouth against mine, claiming me completely.