Part 22

When her father was seated, the priest said, "Before Howard says his vows, he has something he would like to say to Sarah."

Howie looked Sarah in the eyes and started, "Angel, from the minute I met you, I knew that you were the one for me. I wrote this for you and it’s called ‘The Perfect Love’….You whisper in my ear, You gently touch my cheek, You help me, oh, so quietly, To find the things I celebrate. And when I feel blue, It seems you’re always by my side, We’re like one, not two. You guide me ever so patiently, With tender loving care. It seems that you were made for me, We are a perfect pair. You know my moods, and I know yours, Together our love will grow. To find a world of happiness, That everyone should know. Our love will never die, I know that this is true. ‘Cause every time I see you, I fall in love anew."

Sarah had tears streaming down her face and Alison handed her a handkerchief to wipe them away. Howie even reached up to wipe away some of her tears.

Then, the priest had Howie say his vows. The emotions that flowed in Howie’s voice had everyone in the chapel teary-eyed now, including the other four men as they sat watching their best friends getting married.

It was Sarah’s turn now and she spoke softly, "Howard, for as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of this day. I knew too that day in the parking lot when Aaron introduced us that you were the man I’d been dreaming about. You put me at ease, you heard my story, and you never gave up on us. I wrote this when I was seventeen for the man of my dreams and this is the FIRST time I have ever read it, recited it, or let ANYONE hear it.

"Just once in a lifetime, the right one comes along. The feeling is immortal, to know you belong. Just once in a lifetime, you see his honest face, you touch his loving hand, you feel his warm embrace. Just once in a lifetime, everything feels right. You see his shining face, and your darkness turns to light. Just once in a lifetime, the feeling is so new, to say three words and mean them, the words are…I love you."

That was the undoing of the entire chapel and soft sobs were heard throughout the church. As she said her vows, Sarah’s voice faltered and she had to stop to regain her composure.

The priest whispered, "It’s okay. Take your time."

Howie reached up to wipe her tears. "It’s gonna be okay, Angel," he whispered.

Sarah finished her vows and it was time for the other surprise that Howie and the guys had planned.

Howie said softly but so that everyone could hear him. "Sarah, the five of us have worked really hard to get this ready for JUST this day. It comes from my heart…all the words, not just the part I do."

Kevin, AJ, Brian, and Nick took their places with Howie surrounding Sarah and Kevin said, "Sarah, you have been a part of us for some time now. You’re our sister just as Howie is our brother and we’re honored that we can do this song for you. You’ve stuck by us despite your own problems and been OUR strength when we needed. You’ve shown us what true love really is and that it is worth fighting for. This is our way of thanking you for all that you’ve given us."

John started the music for the guys and they sang….

As each man sang his part, he sang it to Sarah, taking her hand in his and sharing the feelings that they had put into the song. It was more than Sarah could stand and she was sobbing by the time the song was done. Each one gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek before returning to their seats.

The service continued and Howie and Sarah managed to do all the right things and say all the right things when necessary. They held each other’s hand tight and Howie caressed the back of hers with his thumb whenever she started crying.

The priest looked at the two standing before him and said, "You may kiss your bride."

Howie grinned as he faced Sarah taking her in his arms. He leaned to her slowly, deliberately and kissed her, a tender, passionate kiss that touched her soul. Pulling back, Howie leaned his forehead against hers and whispered, "I love you!"

The priest then said, "I would like to present to you for the first time, Mr. And Mrs. Howard Dwaine Dorough."

Part 23        The Dance Index