by A. C. Grey
Kate was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of thunderous applause. Emmy smiled, waved, and headed off stage.
“Well?” Emmy asked, clearly wanting Kate’s opinion.
“You were amazing, Emmaline.” Kate pulled Emmy into her arms, placing a lingering, sensuous kiss on her lips.
Emmy smiled into the kiss before pulling back slightly to look into Kate’s eyes. “What was that for?” Emmy said, grinning, her eyebrow arched slightly.
“Yes,” Kate replied simply.
Emmy was confused for a moment, but after studying her girlfriend’s expression for a moment, it hit her. Her eyes brightened with joy. “Yes?”
Kate grinned, revealing her dimples, before nodding. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you, Emmaline.”
Epilogue
One beautiful June day, the American public witnessed the first President to get married in the White House in almost 130 years, and the first ever same-sex union.
It hadn’t been an easy fight. After Kate’s shooting, public support had been even stronger for the gay marriage issue. The fact that Kate had been willing to risk her life for the woman that she loved had helped to soften the hearts of some former opponents. Despite this, however, there was still enough resistance in some circles that the amendment had not passed right away. It had taken time to get it through Congress, and to get the requisite number of states to ratify it. But they had done it. Gay marriage was legal. Or, in reality rather than saying gay marriage was legal – marriage equality had been achieved. In addition, perhaps bolstered by the public support for marriage equality, Kate won re-election easily over her more conservative opponent.
Both clad in beautiful white dresses, they took turns walking down the aisle on the arms of their fathers. The White House Rose Garden had been chosen and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful setting. Beth, who had gotten her non-denominational minister’s license just to preside over the ceremony, led them through their vows.
The two brides smiled at each other, unable to fully believe that this day had arrived. Their vows, which they had crafted themselves, were simple and yet so meaningful to each other.
As they exchanged rings and words of love, they both giggled, giddy at the thought of spending their lives together. Their “I love yous” said so little, but said also so much. They said all that needed to be said.
As Beth pronounced them “wife and wife,” it simultaneously hit both women. This was for real. This was forever. This was their happily ever after.
