Chapter 15

Rue POV

I studied and practiced my magic for four hours a day. Joshua would come after work and check my progress. We would have sex and hangout every day. I am taking a vacation, everyone who knows me knows about the suitcase is encouraging me to take a vacation. We were having dinner when Joshua got down on one knee, pulled out a small black box. He opened the box, and it revealed a beautiful ring. "Will you marry me?" he asked. I grabbed the ring, put it on my ring finger, got down on my knees, and hugged him. He kissed me on my cheek, and went back to hugging me. I called my friends, except Nathan, and family, and told them the news. Everyone but my dad was happy. I heard tires screeching in the background while on the phone. My father came to Joshua's house in eight minutes. I let him inside, and he walked past me. He walked up to Joshua, and gave him the "If you make her cry, I will bust you in both eyes." That unfazed Joshua, he has gotten used to my dad's threats. Mom hung up on me and called Dad, scolding him for leaving so abruptly and threatening Joshua.

Two days later

We are at the courthouse with friends and family, not Nathan. I am wearing a little black dress, while Joshua wears a black business casual outfit. My dad was silently weeping, which freaked us out, but Joshua wondered why we were surprised that my dad was crying. This was probably the first time I have seen my father cry. Mom and Grandma were comforting him while Granddad said sarcastically, "Wow, he can cry." Leslie gave him a quick pinch on the arm, while JJ, who is also sobbing, gives our grandfather a death glare.

The justice of peace had us repeat this marriage vow:

"We are one, we are friends, lovers, and partners. Rue is the lawful wife, and Joshua is the lawful husband. We will be there for the good and the bad, richer or poorer, until death will separate us. We will love and cherish each other for as long as we will live. Furthermore, we will take each other with all our faults and strengths. We will help each other, and communicate with each other. We will spend the rest of our lives together. Likewise, we will honor each other, it will be two against the world."

The justice of peace turned to me, and had me repeat while facing Joshua:

"I love you, Joshua. You are my lover, my best friend, and partner. I will encourage and inspire you. I will laugh with you, and comfort you during the hard times. Not only that, but I promise to love and honor you, I will hold you in the highest regard. I will never forgive you if you betray me in any way. You will have my love and loyalty, and in return will have your love and your loyalty. When I first saw you, I saw a handsome, smart, and resilient man who overcame a lot."

The justice of peace turned to Joshua, and had him repeat this to me:

"When I first met you, I had the deepest joy in my heart. I saw a strong, smart, beautiful, and capable woman when I first met you. I promise to love, honor, protect, and cherish you. I pledge my life to you as your best friend, lover, partner, and protector. Likewise, I will always care for you, no matter how far apart we are. We will show interest in the things we do and each other's ideas. When you are happy, I am happy. We will make each other happy and smile when we are sad."

The justice of peace had us repeat this vow:

"We vow to fight each other's battles, and protect one another. We will help each other with our responsibilities, and make each other's problems our own in order to spread the weight on our shoulders evenly. Our friendship and our love will get through hardship and achievements. We will both take care of any child we have together. We will be each other's confidant and rock. Likewise, we may not be perfect, but we are unique in our own way. Not only that, but we are each other's half, each other's soulmates. We will be patient and forgiving towards each other."

"Now you may kiss the bride." the justice of peace said. We kissed while our loved ones cheered. My twin and mother started crying out of joy. Dad is wiping their snot and tears with his hands, which grossed out my grandparents and Leslie. Victoria and Chris are hugging Joshua and me, while trying to be careful not to hurt their unborn baby.

Joshua POV

I am married to the most amazing woman I have ever met. I imagine us in the future, we'll have kids and hang out with family. Not only that, but I have a feeling Victoria will have a little boy, I bet her $50 if it was a boy. I imagine Rue fixing one of our cars and teaching the kids about tools and cars. Leslie and JJ will come with their brood. I have a feeling the kids will be her personal pit crew. Her mom wants grandchildren, and I heard that she has been hounding JJ and Leslie on when she is going to have them. I have caught her looking at babies and small children. "Six is a good number," I heard her say. I am not having goddamn six kids, three kids is my limit. I want one or two boys, but I am okay with girls. Since Rue and I will both have jobs, we would need a nanny to watch the kids. I am not having my mate give up the job she loves to be a housewife. Being a housewife/husband is not for everyone. Plus, Rue wants to work and so do I. She can work however long she likes, it is her choice, not mine. We agreed to have our own bank accounts, but will make one for household expenses.