Page 43 of Beyond the Rainbow (Pride Camp 2025 #11)
Jeff took a steadying breath, his fingers tightening around Trent’s as he gazed into his eyes. For a moment, emotion threatened to overwhelm him, but then he smiled—a soft, radiant expression full of love and certainty.
“Trent, my dream for our life together is simple, but it means everything to me. I dream of a life where we never stop laughing, never stop learning, and never stop choosing each other, every single day. I dream of waking up beside you for the rest of my life, knowing that no matter what the world throws at us, we will face it together. I dream of a home filled with love, warmth, and the family we share—Sophie, you, and me. My dream is you, always you.”
A gentle hush settled over the guests, the weight of Jeff’s words resonating in the quiet morning air. Trent let out a shaky exhale, his free hand brushing away the tear that finally spilled down his cheek.
Colin paused before speaking again, his voice low and steady. “And now, Jeff, tell Trent what you promise him—not just today, but for all the days to come.”
Jeff took a deep breath, his hands wrapped tightly around Trent’s as he steadied himself. His voice, though thick with emotion, was unwavering.
“Trent, I promise to love you with all that I am, for all the days of my life. I promise to stand by your side, to help you up when you falter, and to celebrate every victory—big or small—right alongside you. I vow to listen, to learn, and to grow with you, knowing that love is not just about the easy days, but about choosing each other, even when times are hard. I promise to be your shelter when the storms come, your anchor when the world feels unsteady, and your safe place in a way that no one else can be. I will cherish you, respect you, and remind you every single day how deeply you are loved. No matter where life takes us, no matter what challenges we face, I will always be yours. Today, tomorrow, and for every day to come.”
“And now, Jeff,” Colin said, “please repeat after me: I, Jeff, take you, Trent, to be my lawful wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.”
Jeff lifted his hand to brush away Trent’s tears, while behind him, Sophie let out a quiet sob, her hand pressed over her mouth as happy tears streamed down her cheeks.
“I, Jeff, take you, Trent, to be my lawful wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.”
Colin smiled and nodded to Nate, who handed Trent’s wedding ring to Jeff. “Jeff, as you place this ring on Trent’s finger, repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. Let it be a symbol of my love and devotion, a promise that wherever life takes us, my heart will always be yours.”
Jeff repeated Colin’s words as he slipped the ring onto Trent’s finger, then clutched both Trent’s hands in his own, emotion threatening to overwhelm him.
Colin spoke again: “You have spoken your hearts and made promises that will guide you through every joy and challenge ahead. With these words, you have bound your lives together in love, trust, and faith in all that you will build together.”
“And in conclusion, as I stand before you today, I am moved to share with you some words that were spoken on the most important day of my life—my own wedding day—words that, for Joshua and me, have often proven even more meaningful and important than the vows we exchanged.”
He drew in a deep breath and glanced at his husband, his gaze filled with love.
“Through trials and struggles, in those moments when differences threatened to divide us, when tempers flared, and pride urged us to stand apart, these words lifted us beyond those moments and reminded us that the only thing that truly mattered-or would ever matter—was our love for one another. Trent, Jeff, my deeply loved friends, may these words do the same for you.”
Colin picked up a beautiful crystal wineglass and poured a small amount of wine into it. He glanced over at Joshua and smiled when he saw the tears streaming down his cheeks. He lifted the wineglass in a loving salute to the man he adored, then turned to the two grooms.
“In this glass are the fruits of God, humankind, and Mother Earth. The years of our lives are like a cup of wine that is poured out for the sake of labor, honor, and love. Many days you will sit at the same table and eat and drink together. Many are the experiences you will share. As with a glass of wine, one of you may find it sweet, the other dry. Let the drink you share today serve as a reminder that while you may see the world through different eyes, being right is never more important than being happy.”
He offered the wineglass to Trent, who took it. Trent paused, his gaze locking onto Jeff’s as if the world had narrowed to just the two of them. For a long moment, he stared, emotion flickering in his eyes—love, reverence, the sheer weight of this moment settling between them.
Then, with quiet deliberation, he lifted the glass and took a slow sip, never breaking eye contact.
Turning it gently in his hands, he offered it to Jeff, who cradled it with the same reverence before bringing it to his lips.
As he drank, his fingers briefly brushed Trent’s, a silent promise passing between them.
Colin took the wineglass from Trent and set it on the table.
“May this wine remind you that love is to be savored, cherished, and shared. May you always find joy in each other’s friendship.
Strength in each other’s love. And gratitude for the life you build together.
And may you, together, watch your beautiful daughter grow to womanhood, guided by the strength of your love and example.
” He paused for a moment. “And with that, I now pronounce you two loving and devoted husbands.”
He leaned toward Trent. “You may now kiss the bri—er—the groom .”
A soft ripple of laughter moved through the guests just as Trent captured Jeff’s face between his hands, drawing him into a deep, lingering kiss. Cheers and applause erupted around them, but neither seemed to hear—wrapped entirely in the moment, in each other.
As they finally pulled apart, both men turned just in time to catch Sophie as she flew into their arms, her joyful laughter ringing through the air as the three of them embraced.