[Steadying his expression so it remains 'just' a wide smile is an undertaking far more difficult than Joshua ever expected. He fights back laughter and tears. Lost in the moment, he reminds himself he is an outsider--a close one, but an outsider nonetheless--with the unique and special privilege to lay eyes on a scene so perfect and pristine that he fears shattering it with a sound louder than a breath or a move more drastic than a blink.]

[The moment, as all do, passes, and Joshua has his duty. So he takes that breath and allows himself to blink with a soft happy sigh. It's then that he reaches for the cord laying across the altar. Pastel blue ice contrasted with crimson and housed with a gentle gold, it's as perfect as the couple standing before him.]

[He holds one end of the cord out to Clive, meeting his brother's eye with equal parts solemnity, pride, and joy.]

Clive. You must protect Jill, for she is your soul.

[He then turns to Jill and holds out the other end of the cord for her to take. Although the smile never quite left his face, its corners uptick just a smidge higher.]

Jill. You must defend Clive, for he is your heart.

[Joshua pulls his hands away, then glances at them both. The answer to his next question is clearer than crystal, and he can't help the lilt that sneaks into his tone.]

Are you prepared to seal your vows?