Jay’s sudden presence was the only reason Devon relaxed. Closing his eyes, he hugged to Jay’s arms as he drew a deep breath. "I’m past ready."

Simply shaking her head as she smiled, Sheila silently left the room.

The music started up then and Jay stood to Devon's right, giving him a soft smile and a kiss. "Love you, baby."

"Love you too, or I wouldn’t be doing this." Grinning over at him, he took hold of Jay’s hand. Outside the room, they crossed the small hallway then entered the center of the hall. Their family and friends were seated on both sides of the aisle. A sea of smiles and a few teary eyes greeted them as they slowly approached the small dais where Rev. Theson, Devon's mother and Jay’s sister waited for them. Naturally Devon had chosen his mother as his best man, and Jay had chosen his sister.

When Devon caught sight of his dad, James grinned at him and gave him a thumbs up.

As they stopped just at the foot of the dais, the reverend smiled at them. Jay squeezed Devon's hand gently, fighting the urge to bounce. Beside him, Mary looked almost as ecstatic, her smile wide and bright.

"Friends and family, we are gathered here this day to witness the union of Jayson Alistair George Wharton and Devon James Brooks. They've written their own vows and will now share them with each other." Looking to Jay, he continued, "Jayson, please turn toward Devon and take his hands in yours."

Jay turned and laced his fingers in Devon's, his eyes watery as he looked into Devon's eyes. "Devon, I love you more than life itself, and I promise to love and honor and cherish you through the end of time. I crossed an entire ocean for you, and to see you here, with me and smiling, just reminds me how special you are to me."

Devon couldn’t contain his smile as he watched and listened to Jay. His heart was in his eyes, and his hand clung tightly to Jay’s. "Jay, with free and unconstrained soul, I give you all I am and all I am to become. As your devoted husband in times of sickness and health, for richer and poorer, and for the soul purpose that God has brought us together till death do us part.

I join my life to yours, not merely as your husband, but as your friend, your lover, and your confidant. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life. With you I will walk my path from this day forward. I love you."

Jay smiled and lifted Devon's hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to each one. "I love you," he whispered.

Nodding first to Mary and then to Sheila, Rev. Theson said, "If I may have the rings." Both women placed the matching gold claddaghs on the reverend's open book, then stepped back into place.

"Jay, as you place this ring on Devon's finger, please repeat after me: with this ring, I thee wed."

Taking the smaller of the rings, Jay lifted Devon's left hand and slid the ring over the fourth finger, saying, "With this ring, I thee wed."

Drawing a slow breath, Devon stared at Jay mesmerized. The feel of the ring on his finger solidified the reality to him.

Quietly, the Reverend addressed him, "Devon, as you place this ring of Jay’s fingers, please repeat after me: with this ring, I thee wed."

At first Devon didn’t seem to hear him. When the Reverend quietly cleared his throat to get Devon’s attention, Devon blinked then looked quickly at him. A small rustle of laughter ran through the assembled crowd as he reached for the ring and placed it on Jay’s finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."

"By the power vested in me, by God and the province of Nova Scotia, I now pronounce you as married. You may kiss."

Jay pulled Devon close then, the kiss soft and light, but full of a world of promises and words he simply didn't know how to say. "I love you so much," he murmured.

Devon returned the soft kiss. They were married. Truly and irrevocably married, and he could barely take it all in. "I love you, Jay."

Beaming, the Reverend watched both of them as they turned and walked back down the aisle to the cheers of their family and friends. There was barely a dry eye in the room. They led the way to the reception room further down the hall so everybody could celebrate their union.

Arms wrapped around Devon's waist, Jay lifted him up and spun him around the middle of the reception hall, laughing as everyone came in.

"We're official, baby!"