Chapter 60

Judge Booker began the ceremony. “It is your duty, Etienne, to be to Julio a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving Mate. To support, guide, and cherish him in prosperity and trouble, to behave thoughtfully and enlarge carefully the place he holds in your life. To constantly show to him tokens of your affection, to shelter him from danger, and to love him as your Mate in unalterable love for eternity. Do you do as I say?”

“I do.” Etienne kissed Julio’s forehead.

“It is your duty, Julio, to be to Etienne a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving Mate, to support and cherish him in prosperity and trouble. To give him counsel and help him to bear his burdens with grace, to comfort him in need and rejoice with him in plenty—to love him as your Mate for all eternity. Do you do as I say?”

“I do,” Julio replied in a soft voice.

“Do you have the rings?” Donal and Alexei stepped up. Alexei gave one to Etienne, and Donal gave one to Julio.