***
“I can’t wait to see it on your finger,” Shane said softly, interlacing their fingers together on the counter. “Fuck, I can hardly believe you’re almost mine.”
“I was yours from the very first moment I laid eyes on you, baby. And that has never changed.” Chris murmured, pressing a soft kiss against Shane’s temple.
“Hello.” Said an elderly man in an elegant suit. He was being followed by a younger man, also in a suit who had a wide smile on his face. “I understand you’re interested in our beautiful platinum pair.”
“We sure are,” Chris responded smoothly.
“This way please.” He said as he gestured towards his office. “Make yourselves comfortable, gentlemen.” The elderly man waved them into the comfy-looking chairs in the office. “I’m Marlowe, the owner of the shop. And this is my son, Stephen, the manager.” He said as he took his seat behind the desk. “I can tell you for a fact that you’re buying the best…”
“Err… with all apologies, Mr. Marlowe.” Chris began. “You don’t need to convince us to buy the rings. Much as I would love to listen to just how great and spectacular the rings we’ve picked are, we don’t have the time. You see, we’re getting mar…” As Chris spoke, Shane took out his credit card and handed it over to Marlowe. “Shane…” Chris growled.
But Shane leaned closer to him to murmur into his ear. “Don’t worry, love. You’re going to pay with that sweet arse and beautiful cock for the rest of your bliss-filled life.”
Chris’ face reddened so fast Shane couldn’t control his laughter. Then he shocked Chris even further by leaning closer to capture his parted lips in a soft sweet kiss.
“Oh fuck.” Chris whispered when Shane released his lips. “What happened to not kissing in front of people?”
“Well, I decided you’re mine, and I can kiss you whenever and wherever I want,” Shane growled. “Have a problem with that?”
“You know I never have.” Chris grinned.
“Shane Lewis?” Marlowe couldn’t hide the shock in his voice.
“Yes. Is there a problem?” Shane raised an eyebrow.
“No. No.” The flustered man replied quickly. “It’s just…” The man was looking at Shane with eyes filled with awe. “Never mind.”
“Good,” Chris said curtly, quickly recovering from Shane’s surprise stunt. “As I was saying, we’re getting married today and are yet to make arrangements at the town hall.”
“Allow me, Mr…”
“Donovan.”
“Mr. Donovan. Stephen?” Marlowe turned to address his son. “Bring the form and take down their names and get things set for them immediately at the chapel. And please call Dennis to come and take their measurements.”
“Thanks,” Shane said with a surprised grin.
“That’s the least we can do for our cherished customers.” Marlowe chuckled, turning to look at the man who entered the office. “Dennis will take your measurements and whatever you want to be inscribed inside the rings please.”
Shane and Chris stared at each other in surprise as Dennis took the measurement of their ring fingers. They hadn’t thought about the inscription part at all.
“We’ll give you some time alone to think about that,” Marlowe said as he got up to leave.
“Can I have a pen and piece of paper please?” Shane asked, tearing his eyes from Chris’.
“Sure, sure.” The elderly man said, placing a sheet of paper and a pen in front of Shane.
Then with a naughty smile on his face, Shane boldly scribbled on the sheet, ‘My Donovan, You’re The Center of My World. S. N. L-C. D’. Then he placed the pen on the sheet. Chris read what Shane had written and couldn’t stop the smile that split his face. He picked up the pen and scribbled his. ‘Nick, My Love, My Heart, My Life. C. D-S. N. L’.
“There.” Chris pushed the paper towards a surprisingly emotional-looking Marlowe. “That must be in his ring.” He said, pointing at what he’d written.
“I understand.” Marlowe rasped. “I’ll be right back.”
And even before the door closed behind the man, Chris was leaving his seat to kneel in front of Shane. Then he wrapped his arms around Shane’s waist and simply laid his head in his lap. He just wanted to be held, to be close to Shane, to feel their bodies touching. Chris gave a deep sigh of contentment when he felt Shane bend over his back and lay his head on him. No words were needed. They simply drew strength from each other, relishing their love.
***
“You can now turn to face each other and say your own vows.” The officiating minister announced with a smile.
Mr. Marlowe had organized for a Minister to officiate their marriage in a small chapel. And the man had actually come to witness their marriage with his son. Some people sure did take customer service to another level, both Chris and Shane had concluded. They turned to face each other as the minister had instructed, both looking smart casual and smoking hot in their jeans, un-tacked white button-down shirts, sexy jackets, and boots.
“You really wanna do this?” Chris asked with a smile that could neither hide his love nor adoration of Shane.
“Hell yes. Do you?” Shane couldn’t suppress his own smile.
“More than anything I’ve ever wanted.” Chris actually managed to sound cocky, making Shane smirk.
“Good, ’cause I’m not letting you get away from me…ever!” Shane husked.
“I’m holding you to that.” Chris rasped.
“Good.” Then taking Chris’ finger, Shane said in the sexiest voice Chris had ever heard. “I give this ring as my gift to you, a symbol of all that we have promised and all that we shall share. Wear it and think of me and know that I love you. I pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your husband.” Shane slipped the ring on Chris’ finger. “I love you, Chris Donovan.”
Chris had to swallow hard around the huge lump in his throat as Shane reached up to catch the tear shimmering on his eyelash, with his thumb. Chris didn’t care that he had tears in his eyes in front of strangers. He’d never felt so overwhelmed in his life. He wanted to crawl inside Shane and be one with him. As he reached for Shane’s finger, his hands trembled so bad he had to pause and take a deep breath.
“God, I love you so fucking much.” Chris gasped, making both Shane and the minister and the few people seated inside the small chapel burst into laughter. Then as if he couldn’t help himself, he leaned in and kissed Shane.
“We haven’t gotten to that part yet, Mr. Donovan.” The minister said with amusement.