The isle was laden with rose petals and an organ was playing; my father wrapped his arm in mine and we began to walk.

Here comes the bride… here comes the bride…

Everyone was standing and smiling. I saw James not far away in front of me.

My father whispered that he loved me in my ear while I tried not to trip on my dress. We got closer and I was surprised to find that I’d been holding my breath.

Finally, the music stopped as my father handed me over to James.

“Take care of her,” he said softly, and walked away.

James wrapped my hand in mine as the Minister nodded.

“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

"Through marriage, James Potter and Lily Evans make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. James and Lily will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.

"We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of James and Lily. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.

"Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?”

My father stepped forward. “Her family and friends gathered here today do.”

“This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one’s own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally…”

I found myself zoning out at the man continued. It soon came to me that I was thinking about James and Milo all over again… and if it would ever happen once more...

I leaned in towards James. “Tell me truthfully, James. When you kissed her, were you happy?”

His eyes grew wide and I could tell that he didn’t find this an appropriate time to discuss this. However, he answered just as quietly as me, “Who? Milo? No, Lil, I wasn’t. The whole time I thought of you, and I felt horrible.”

“Do you, James Potter, take Lily Evans to be your wife – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?”

I bit my lip a little at the last sentence, but James looked at me lovingly. “I do.”

“And do you, Lily Evans, take James Potter to be your husband – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?”

I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. This was the time. Now or never. I sighed and met his eyes. “I… I…”