The simple but timeless words were spoken as Freddie and Barney made their pledges to one another. They promised to join their lives together; to grow in love and be loved; to grieve together in sorrow and laugh together in joy; to be friends and partners and to share with one another, all that life brings.
The rings were exchanged. Barney and Fredericka presented each other with plain, white gold bands, each ring inscribed inside with their name and the date of their wedding.
Then the Minister announced, “Now, the bride and groom may kiss.”
As Barney and Freddie wrapped their arms about one another, the Minister leaned over and, with a twinkle in his eye, whispered, “Please don’t make it too long a kiss as the mosquitos are biting me something awful.”
This caused Barney and Freddie to laugh so hard that a kiss was almost impossible.
When the ceremony ended and the clapping began as Freddie and Barney turned to face their friends, a sudden shaft of sunlight broke through the clouds and shone down on the couple. However, that beam could not even compare to the radiance on Freddie’s face nor the pride and happiness on Barney’s.
Just as everyone began to congratulate Freddie and Barney, the sudden sound of music came from the Gazebo. It was the voice of Frank Sinatra crooning A garden in The Rain. Everyone stopped to listen to the beautiful, nostalgic words before turning towards the house and the reception that awaited.
T’was just a garden in the rain
But then the sun came out again
And sent us happily on our Way.
THE END
