Living on Pluto

After a twenty minute walk, David came back and held his daughter for the first time.  The little girl didn't seem to know how to react.  Then she spit up on daddy's shirt.  Julie and Cassandra both had to laugh at the irony of it.  After a while he sat and played GI Joe with the boys for a while until supper was ready.  The ladies invited him to stay, but he declined saying that Tiffany had a special dinner planned.  This got a double eye-roll from the pair of women.

The meeting that Cassandra had with the lawyer went very well, she helped Cassandra get a restraining order started, and divorce papers started.

 

The next couple of months went pretty smoothly for the ladies.  Julie went back to work after her maternity leave was over.  Cassandra started a daycare out of their home.  The daycare business was slow at first, then when Julie posted an ad at work, it filled up in no time.

So life wound up settling down to a semi-normal.  The girls leaned heavily on each other when they started getting depressed, but usually they were way to busy to worry about it.  David took the kids pretty much every weekend, Johnny often tagging along. 

As luck would have it, both ladies had their court hearing to finalize their divorces the same week.  You can believe they had an enormous divorce party the following weekend.  All of their family and friends were in attendance, and the alcohol flowed freely.

After the last guest had stumbled out the door, the ladies were left with a trashed living room.  Cassandra was still slightly tipsy.  Julie was absolutely trashed.

"You are my bestest friend in the whole wide world Cassy," slurred Julie, "I want you to live with me forever and ever and ever and ever!"

"I love you too Julie."

"You don't understand, I want you to live with me until we die!"

"I know sweety, let me help you up to bed."

 

The next morning, Cassandra wass cooking breakfast when Julie came downstairs.  She had a decidedly greenish cast and wsa wearing sunglasses.  She carried with her a bottle of aspirin.

"Some night last night," Cassandra stated as she handed Julie a glass of orange juice.

"Yeah, no doubt," Julie commented as she accepted the orange juice and popped a couple of aspirin.

"You got kind of crazy last night."

"I promise I'll name it after you."

"Nothing like that.  You just got all lovey dovey.  I almost thought you were going to propose to me."

Julie laughed.  "What did I say or do?

"You kept going on about how I was your best friend and you wanted me to live with you forever."

"Why not?"

"What?"

"Why not live together forever."

"What if I meet my dream guy?"

"You already did and he was an asshole."

"Ha ha very funny."

"Seriously Cassandra, who can take better care of you then I do?  Who can love your son any more than I do?"

"I'm not gay Julie"

"Neither am I."

"Then go date someone."

Cassandra looked puzzled.

"What are you suggesting Julie?  Explain it to me."

"I heard a report on the news a couple of weeks ago on same sex marriages.  I got to thinking about it and how I would like to make a commitment to you."

"I reiterate...I'm not gay!"

"Neither am I...Please let me explain."

"I'm listening."

"We have been friends forever, I can't imagine being closer to any guy than I am to you.  Our children look at both of us as being their mothers.  I could never imagine separating those two little boys....they are like brothers.  No one can love each other's  children more than we do."

"A woman has needs."

"I know, but why does a marriage have to be about sex?  If you want physical and romantic love, go find a bofriend, but never get serious and always come back home to your wife and kids.    I think marriage should be based on a deep emotional love and affection, that is what I want to offer you.  I don't feel it necessary to include physical love, we can go elsewhere for that if we are so inclined."

Cassandra opened her mouth to reply, but no words would come out.  She felt she had reason to argue against it, to tell Julie she was insane, but each argument she came up with seemed ludicrous.  Part of her wanted to make that commitment.  Hell, Julie and her were better than best friends.  They shared the same brain, they were soulmates.  Wait a minute soulmates?  That suggested romantic involvement.  Why should it?  Cassandra was actually considering this wild idea. 

She knew that they could simply live together, but she knew there were legal privledges to marriage.  Why not have legal custody of each other's kids?  Why not have the power to speak for each other if they were incapacitated?  There is no one she would trust more with that power.

She chuckled to herself, she did  want to grow old with Julie.  She could imagine it now, two old spinsters sitting together, each in their own rocking chair, each knitting their own project, and talking about their grandchildren.

In today's society where divorce is running rampant, where some people seem to treat marriage like it is a more formal form of dating, this marriage seemed to make sense.  She felt she could make a deeper, longer lasting commitment to Julie than she could to any man.

"Cass!  Hey Cassy!  Earth to Cassandra!" Julie was waving her hand in front of Cassandra's face.

"Huh, what?

"You were daydreaming.  So what do you say Cass?  Is there wedding bells in our future?"

Cassandra's expression started troubled, then suddenly cleared up.  She had a look of ecstacy on her face.  She straightened up tall and proud.

"Julie Alexander, I would be proud to be your wife."

Julie cheered and threw her arms around Cassandra.

The ladies decided to wait until Thanksgiving to tell their families.  They figured they would answer everyone's questions at one sitting instead of repeating themselves with each individual.  They started making calls to invite everyone on both sides to their home for the holiday feast. 

Halloween was a lot of fun.  Cassandra oted to stay at home with Rose, passing out candy while Julie took the boys trick-or-treating.  The boys dressed as Captain Hook and Peter Pan.  Julie was fine going as Wendy since all she had to do was wear a simple dress.  They dressed little Rose as Tinkerbell.

As Thanksgiving started to approach, the ladies' anxiety started rising.  They got a lot more affirmative responses than they expected.  Julie and Cassandra sat down one evening to start planning for the meal.

"Lets start with your side," Cassandra stated, sitting down with a notebook and pen.  "Mama Sandy and Papa Henry coming?"

Julie looked at Cassandra indignantly, "Of course mom and dad are coming."

"Susan and...and"

"Jay.  Yes they are coming with their two little girls, Katelin and Alexis."

"Your brother Dex, I'm guessing, is not coming?"

"No, he is, him and his boyfriend Jim are flying in from CA."

"Did those two ever get hitched?  They have been dating forever."

"I think its been five years maybe 6.  No, they never took that step, I think they should."

Cassandra looked at Julie skeptically.  "You are excited about our wedding, we're doing it, you feel everyone should."

"No, just a little nervous about being the center of attention.  Maybe I should call Dex, we could have a double ceremony."

"We agreed to wait till Thanksgiving.  You know how gossip runs between our families."

"You got a point."

"Besides, if they're not ready, they're not ready.  Let me see, that makes, wow, 8 guests already."

10 month old Rose crawled up to Julie and pulled herself up to a standing position using the couch.  Julie's heart leapt, she knew her little girl would start walking soon.

"Let me see, my mom and dad are coming of course."

"Is Mama Rachel bringing her sweet potato pie?'

"Of course she is," laughed Cassandra.  "It will be amazing if our moms let us cook anything."

"Please tell me you didn't invite Mitch."

"I did, and get over it.  It's been 10 years since he dumped you."

"I know, but it might be kind of awkward having his wife and daughter in my home."

"Don't worry about it, he's been divorced for two years."

Julie perked up. "What?  Why didn't you tell me?"

Cassandra glared at her.  "You were married, besides you have been pretending he doesn't exist."

A blush started to rise in her cheeks.  "I guess it will be nice to see him again."

Cassandra glowered over her growing list.  "Just be careful, I don't want to see either of you get hurt, and I don't want to see either of you go back into avoidance mode."

Julie just sat there with a dreamy look on her face. 

"Brad is coming."

"Poor Dex, Brad ever forgiven him for coming out of the closet?"

"I don't know, he just became squeamish because they had been such close friends."

"Is his wife and son coming?"

"Yes Denice and Jeremy are coming too."

She looked at her pad and started counting.  "So that is 8 for your side, 6 for mine and 5 for our family."

"Oh my God, that is 19 people, can our poor little house handle it?

The day before Thanksgiving Mama Sandy and Mama Rachel invaded with a flurry, accompanied by what seemed like the entire grocery store.  Julie and Cassandra were unceremoniously kicked out of their own kitchen and told that their mothers would prepare the feast.  Julie and Cassandra left under protest.

Throughout the day they could hear the laughter and chatter coming from the kitchen that showed the easy familiarity that only a 44 year friendship could produce.  Papa Henry and Papa George sat sullenly on the couch, mostly in silence as they watched whatever was on TV.  They knew each other well, however they never shared the closeness that their wives did.  Both men lit up when the ladies suggested they take Johnny and Franky out for ice cream.  Smiles filled the room as the men and boys prepared to leave.

The warning, "Be careful not to spoil your supper," followed them out the door from one of the older ladies in the kitchen.

Cassandra and Julie tried to go into the kitchen to fix supper and ran into a stone wall named Mama Sandy.  They were told beyond a shadow of a doubt that the kitchen was now the territory of their mothers.

 

That evening supper was a lot of fun.  The Mamas regaled the table with tales of their mischievous childhood.  The boys laughed raucously as their grandmas told the story of a mudfight they had when they were 13.  Apparently there had been a young man that had caught the attention of both girls.

That night Julie and Cassandra gave up their rooms to their respective parents, and talked long into the night sitting on sleeping bags in the living room.  Both of them almost, but not quite forgot about their impending announcement.

 

The next morning the Mamas relented and allowed the ladies to eat a late breakfast in the kitchen.  They did not allow them to touch any of the cookware or appliances.  The four ladies were chatting cheerfully about their families when the doorbell rang.

"Why don't you answer that Julie,"  Mama Rachel commanded, barely hiding a smile.

Julie obediently left the room.

"I wonder who is coming so early," said Cassandra.  "We aren't eating till 2:00."

"Oh was it 2:00," Mama Rachel mused.  I told Mitchell that it was at noon.  I also requested he come early to help set up.  I asked him to be a doll and bring a dozen roses for Julie to put on the table."

"Mom you're evil," laughed Cassandra, looking up at the clock and seeing it was just after 10.

Mama Rachel winked.

 

Julie was taken aback to find Mitch standing on her doorstep holding a dozen white, yellow and pink roses.  Her tongue was so tied she couldn't even say hello.  She just stood there gaping at him.

"Good morning Julie," he said warmly, "these are for you."

Color started to rise in her face as she stammered a quiet thank you. She turned and fled into the kitchen to escape her embarassment.  She was closely followed by Mitch.  He gave both Mamas a warm hug. 

"Hi mom.  Hello Mama Sandy, nice to see you again."

"I know I am not your mother, but you should visit more often," Mama Sandy said patting Mitch fondly on the arm.

"Nonsense Mama Sandy, you've always been a second mother."

"You flatter an old woman," she chuckled.

"So what can I do to help?"

The two mothers shared a quick glance.  "You and Julie should go and get some ice cream for desert.  Can't have pie without ice cream."

Mitch cleared his throat.  "Where's David, it would surely be more appropriate to go to the store with him."

"Mitch sweety,"  she laughed, "David left almost a year ago to be with some tart."

"Oh," he said startled, suddenly realizing the trap set by his mother.  "Sorry to hear that."

"Oh and sweetheart."

"Yes mom."

"Take your time, there's no rush, dinner is at 2"

"Yes mother," he laughed.  He approached Julie with a grin on his face.  "Shall we?"

 

They went to the park first and walked and talked easily for a long while, mostly about their children.  They found some shade by a small duck pond and sat down close to each other in the grass.  He turned and faced her and picked up her hand and gazed longingly into her eyes.

"I am so happy to see you again."

He gently kissed her hand, then she could resist no longer, and leaned toward him.  His lips grasped her passionately.  The longing they had could be clearly felt by both of them.  The kiss seemed to last forever.  He gently brushed his hand against her cheek.  "I'm sorry I was such a fool."

"Quiet," she whispered as she pressed her finger to his lips.

He gently took her hand and gave it a tiny kiss.  He glanced at his watch then stood up.

"It's 12:30 we better get the ice cream and get back."

 

When the feast began they all sat around a long dinner table.  The Mamas sat on either end with their husbands sitting to their rights.  The children sat at a separate small table.  Julie was sitting between Cassandra and Mitchell.  Electricity shot through her every time Mitch accidentally bruched against her.  He quietly layed his left hand on her knee while he ate.

About halfway through the meal Cassandra stood up tapping a spoon against her glass.  Julie froze.  She had forgotten to tell Mitch about the announcement.  Would he ever understand?  She considered stopping Cassandra, but she still knew that she did want to marry her so she instead grabbed Mitch's hand, entwining her fingers with his.

"I have an announcement to make," Cassandra said in a loud voice.

Julie tried to lean over to whisper to Mitch but he waved her away gesturing toward Cassandra.  Julie slumped in her chair feeling helpless.

"You know that our families have been joined together for a long time, ever since our moms met when they were 10.  Julie and I have been best friends practically since the day we were born, supporting each other, helping each other, laughing together, crying together and defending each other.  I would even dare say we are more than friends, we are soulmates.

"So even though we are not physically attracted to each other," she gave Julie and Mitch a knowing look, " there is no one else I would rather spend the rest of my life with.  Julie and I are getting married."

Gasps surrounded the table.

Mitch's hand slackened.  He stood up and glared at Julie.  He shook her hand free of hers.  "What kind of game are you playing Julie?  Are you bi or gay?  Is this some sort of plot to get revenge on me for what I did 10 years ago?"

"No, its not like that, and we are not gay or bi."

"Then what is it like?"

"You know how close are, there is no one I will ever trust more4 than her, so we decided to marry.  That doesn't stop us from having other relationships that are romantic."

He shook his head looking lost.

"I need time to think."  He walked out of the house.

Julie felt bad, but she shook it off.  She realized it was much to early in the relationship to be too attached.

Mama Rachel stood up.  "Everyone," she started, "as strange as it seems I completely understand how these two young ladies feel."  She smiled at Mama Sandy, who nodded slightly.  "I have a friend that I have had for only about 85% of my life, but it has been a very long and full friendship that has lasted 44 years so far.  I can understand how these two young ladies feel so close, especially with how flippant young kids are with marriage these days.  I for one give you two my blessing."

She raised her glass.  "To family."

"To family," was the loud reply.

Mitchell never returned that day, which disappointed Julie but she tried not to let it bother her.  Julie and Cassandra did catch a couple of disapproving looks from other family members, but the stern looks from the Mamas kept everyone silent.

Dex was thrilled.  He gave both of them big hugs.  He told them that he was definately coming to the wedding even if he had to walk from California.  Julie noticed Dex throwing Jim a couple of wistful looks Jim's way.

Brad gave them a forced congradulations.  He didn't leave early, but he and his family did say their good-byes almost as soon as dessert was finished.

The Mamas stayed late playing with their grandchildren.  When clean up time came the Mamas made it clear that it was someone else's turn since they had prepared the feast.  The ladies gladly took care of the cleanup.

 

"Hello."

"Hello mom."

"How are you doing sweetheart?"

"Not good mom."

"Are you still upset about the announcement last week?"

"No mom."

"Liar."

"It has nothing to do with me."

"You know very well that it does."

"It does not."

"You like her don't you?"

"Okay...yes mom I do."

"Then why don't you visit her?  You know she likes you too."

"She's getting married."

"You heard Cassy, they are not romantic.  They have an understanding, otherwise she wouldn't have spent so much time with you."

"What kind of life is that, being an understanding?  Her heart obviously belongs to Cassy."

"You will find that a person's heart truly belongs to themselves.  Julie has a very big heart capable of loving more than one person deeply."

"But what of our future?

"That will be up to you and her.  You never know what the two of you would come up with.  You may find that you could have great happiness with whatever you decide."

"Thanks mom, I feel better, still uncertain, but better."

"You're welcome son.  The future is always uncertain.  Don't worry so much about what is yet to come."

 

Cassandra and Julie decided that they would set the date for May 15th.  They had originally said they would marry at the courthouse and soon, vut the Mamas would hear none of that.  They said that their marriage needed to be celebrated by everyone.  So May 15th was it.

 

It was about a week and a half after Thanksgiving and the ladies were making up their guest list so they could figure out how big of a wedding to plan.  The Mamas kept adding people and the ladies kept trying to subtract people.  Cassandra and Mama Sandy were having a VERY vocal discussion about one particular guest when the doorbell rang.

Julie, who refused to add her opinion went to answer it.

There on the doorstep stood Mitchell.  He looked very handsom wearing a black silk shirt and black dress pants.  He carried in his hand 2 dozen red roses and 1 dozen white.  Under his arm there was a box of chocolates.

Julie stood there looking at him, stunned.  "Never thought I would see you again."

"I considered calling, but I feel it's better to apologize in person.  Julie, I was wrong and I'm sorry."  He offered her the red roses and candy.

She accepted them then stepped aside.  "Come in."

Julie went into the kitchen to grab a vase.  Mitchell walked into the living room. 

Cassandra and the Mamas all smiled at him warmly.

"Hey sis," Mitchell said as he approached Cassandra offering her the white roses.  "I am sorry about Thanksgiving."

"With a present like this," Cassandra laughed, "who can stay angry?"

"Can I talk to you a minute in private Cassy?"

"Sure."

They walked out onto the front porch and sat on a couple of chairs.

"I have a serious question to ask you Cassy."

"Okay, what is it?"

"Do I have your permission to date your fiance?"

"What kind of question is that?  Its not like you are going to marry her."

"That is exactly why, you are.  You are my sister Cass.  I know you two have an understanding that allows for outside romance, but I don't want to hurt you or interfere with your plans."

"It's simple, Mitch, a woman needs a little romance in her life.  I can't give it to her, so who should I trust more than my brother not to hurt her, or to expect too much of her.  Yes Mitchell, you may date my fiance."

"Thanks sis, I had a feeling you would be fine with it."

Mitchell darted excitedly back into the house and threw his arms around Julie.  They shared a long lingering kiss.  He smiled at Julie.  "So do you forgive me?"

Julie laughed.  "Yes of course."

"Would you like to join me for dinner?"

"I'd love to."

They kissed again, even more passionately.

 

Julie and Mitchell enjoyed a lot of time together for the next few months.  The had candle light dinners, walks through the park.  They even spent time with the whole family including Cassandra and the children.

In the mean time the wedding plans went forward smoothly--for the most part.  There were times when there were long debates between the two brides and their mothers over little details.  One time none of them would speak to each other for two weeks because they couldn't decide between daisies and lillies.  After so much sniping at each other Mitchell finally stepped in and suggested they have both.

David wasn't quite as amicable about the impending wedding as the Mamas were.  He tried to get custody of the children because of the situation.  This was quickly blocked by the ladies' lawyer.  It was pointed out that custody would not be awarded on the basis of a male/female engagement, and since same sex marriage was legal, it also was not a basis for losing custody. 

David's mother, was catholic.  She was even less amicable then David, in fact she was vehimently against the union.  She avoided the ladies at all cost.  She stopped visiting her grandchildren when they were with there mother.  It all culminated one day when Mrs.  Alexander decided to call.

Julie had just gotten home from work.  She had hung up her coat, was taking off her shoes when the phone rang.

 

"Hello."

"Julie," came the stern voice on the other end.

"Mrs. Alexander , what a pleasant surprise."

"Did you know homosexuality is a sin against God?"

"I know some people feel that way, but it doesn't appy to me."

"You are entering into a sacreligious homosexual marriage."

It is not sacreligious because it is not against my religion, and it is not homosexual because neither of us is bi or gay."

"What?!  Then why pray tell are you marrying a woman?"

"You would never understand the deep platonic connection we share."

"So you would be willing to live a life of celibacy for a woman?"

"Yes."

The silence became very heavy over the phone line.  Then a quiet voice came back.

"Let me think on this."

 

Julie wasn't lieing.  She would be willing to live a life of celibacy if that was what Cassandra expected.  Her thoughts began to linger on Mitchell, his boyish smile, his easy going laughter, the way he always seemed to understand.Yes, she could even give him up if necessary.  Thank God it wasn't necessary.

 

After that Mrs. Alexander became more cordial to the ladies, less afraid to come visit her grandchildren, often coming to pick them up for impromtu ice cream runs.  Sometimes she would even invite the ladies along.  She even spoke warmly with Cassandra.  Julie figured it was her way of giving her blessing on the wedding without admitting she was.

 

Julie and Cassandra's biggest dilema came from what last name they would take.  Neither of them favored keeping or sharing their married names.  They both felt that a hyphenated last name would be cumbersome.  They also felt that they did want a unifying name to show they were a family.  That is where the biggest difficulty brewed.  Mama Sandy sid that of course they should take the name Woodall.  Mama Rachel felt they should take on Brown, it was a simple solid name.

The two ladies wound up rolling their eyes at their mothers and decided that they would go with Brownwood.  The Mamas both grudgingly agreed there was a certain poetry to the name.  It was decided that they would both legally change their last names just before the wedding.

The months seemed to crawl by.  The only thing that seemed to speed up was how quickly Rose was growing.  At 14 months she was walking, however unsteadily.  Franky and Johnny both adored their little sister.  Even Johnny referred to her as such.

One day Julie was getting very sick in the bathroom.  Cassandra was a bit concerned.

"Julie are you arlright?"

"I'm fine Cass, just something I ate."

"When was your last cycle?"

"About six weeks...I'm sure its just nerves, wedding being so close and all."

Cassandra shook her head.  She still picked up a pregnancy test when she went to the store.

Late that afternoon Julie took the test at Cassandra's insistence.  Afterward they sat in the living room to talk.

"Do you still want to marry me?" Cassandra asked in a concerned tone.

"Of course, if you will still have me, and the baby."

"Come on Julie, I love your other two, I am sure I will love this one just as much."

Julie smiled cheerfully, "I had a feeling you would."

"What about Mitchell?"

"He'll have to deal with it."

"You two have been getting pretty close, if it weren't for me, I would be expecting wedding bells for the two of you pretty soon.  I don't begrudge you your romance sweety, but I have been expecting you to call it off for a while now."

"I look at it this way Cassandra:  Most people with close friendships prioritize the romance, but still spend a lot of time with their  best friends.  We are prioritizing the friendship and still spending a lot of time on the romance.  This way I feel our life will be more stable.  We have the home and children without the rose colored glasses of romance clouding our judgements."

Cassandra chuckled, "I wish I could get a little cloudy judgement too.  You're having all the fun."

That night Mitch picked up Julie to go for a walk in the park.  They wound up setting up a sunset picknick on a hill overlooking a lake.  The orange and rose colors of the setting sun bounced off the water making an unbelievably breathtaking view.

Mitch sat quietly while Julie curled up with her head in his lap.  He was absentmindedly stroking her hair.  There was a comfortable silence while they were enjoying each other's presence.

Julie smiled up at him.  "I have pleasant news."

He smiled back.  "What can it be my dear?"

"I am going to have a baby."

The look of shock on his face was unmistakeable.  "How can that be pleasant given the circumstances?"

Julie sat up, rage barely in check.  "I talked to Cassy about it, we would adore having another child in the house."

He looked baffled.  "So this doesn't change your plans?"

"Why should it?"

"Shouldn't a child be raised by its mother AND father?"

"It will be."

Mitchell gave her a puzzled look, now quite saying "How?"

"The child will live with Cassandra and I, but I want you to see the child as often as you can.  Besides we'll still be dating."

Mitchell sat gazing out across the lake for a minute in silent contemplation.  The oranges and reds were starting to disappear and the slightly darkening sky of dusk had started to appear.  Julie sat patiently by, she realized that he needed to mull it over for a bit.

After what seemed like hours he smiled warmly at Julie.

"Of course my child is going to be the luckiest child in the world, being under the constant nurturing care of both its mother and its aunt."

"I knew you would understand," beamed Julie, "you have proved that you are as good and wonderful a man as I thought you were."

He smiled and held her in a close hug.  "If you weren't already engaged, I would marry you."

"Take no offense my dear," she said, losing herself in his embrace.  "I don't believe I would accept, my trust for men has been severely injured."

He considered this, knowing her past and realized that it ws no fault of his.  He settled himself to be a constant companion for this woman, knowing she would return his favor as fully as she was able.  He held her a little tighter.

"That's okay," he whispered.  "I only hope to be worthy of your trust as time goes on."

 

After that Mitchell was at the house every day.  He was trying to wait on Julie hand and foot.  This lasted about two days until Julie looked at him pointedly and said, "I am not an invalid, I am pregnant."

He decided to back off a bit and just offered his warm company.

 

The morning of their wedding bloomed crisp and clear.  The sun was shining, and not a single cloud was in the sky.  The morning dew glistened off the flowers in the garden.  Cassandra floated through the house with the feeling of ultimate peace.  The Mamas had invaded their home the night before, taking their kitchen hostage.  The ladies had been so nervous, anxious and excited that they didn't complain.

The Mamas made a big breakfast with bacon, eggs, sausages, waffles, yogurt, and almost every other breakfast food one could imagine and a few that one couldn't.  Both ladies tried to decline breakfast, but after a few hard looks and some threats of force feeding from both mothers, they ate.

The ladies rode in a limo together to the theater where they retired to their individual dressing rooms.  They were waited on hand and foot while they relaxed and got ready.

The scene on the stage was beautiful.  The best man and maid of honor on each side looked stunning.  There was  a cascade of flowers that spilled over the ceremony arch and covered the entire floor of the stage.  The scent of fresh flowers permeated the entire auditorium.

When the bridal march started both brides entered at the same time from opposite sides of the stage.  Each woman on the arm of her father.  Julie shared a quick secret smile with her best man Mitchell as she walked by.

They stood next to each other in front of the Justice of the Peace.  Their dresses, while each seemed unique and beautiful, when they stood together completed a picture of a sun in beautiful rhinestones rising behind lace hills.

 

"Dear friends and beloved relatives," the Justice of the Peace began.  "We gather together today to celebrate the union of these two honorable ladies as their two separate paths in life converge to make one."

"You have each written your own vows, so Cassandra Ellen Brownwood, would you please recite your vows."

Cassandra took a deep breath.  "My dearest Julie,  When I first considered your proposal I thought it was the craziest idea I ever heard.  When I thought it over, it made the most sense in the world.  There is no one else I would trust to help raise my son.  There is no one else I would trust to stand by me in all my endeavors.  There is no one else I would trust to grow old with me and share my golden years.

"With this ring I promise to be your helpmate as we forge through life's joys and sorrows.  Till death do us part.

With one glistening tear on her cheek, Julie presented her hand and accepted the ring that Cassandra offered.

"Julie Ann Brownwood, will you please recite your vows."

"Darling Cassandra,"  Julie started without hesitation.  "No one has been closer to my heart for nearly as long as you have.  From my earliest memories you were there to share and create joy, as well as a support during the sad times.  I feel closer to you than mere friendship.  My platonic connection to you runs deeper than even that of a sister."

"With this ring I vow to always be there for you, reguardless of what life throws in our path.  Until my dieing breath I will always call you my beloved wife."

Not a dry eye could be found in the entire theater as Julie placed the ring on Cassandra's finger.  Even the Justice of the Peace had to clear his throat before continuing.

"By the power invested in me by the State of Colorado, I present to you Julie and Cassandra Brownwood."

A roar rumbled through the theater as everyone cheered the newly married couple.