"Dude, quit squirming or I'm going to have to start over."
"I can't help it, Kenji, I'm nervous as hell!"
"Just one more knot and... Done!"
        I turn to the mirror to inspect my bow tie, looking as if it were done by a true professional. I thank Kenji and then begin to pace back and forth, only to notice Kenji laughing at my nervousness. "Just relax, its all going to be alright." 'I certainly hope so,' I think to myself biting my nails. It took a lot of balls, to propose to someone like Emi, and it nearly sent me into cardiac arrest when she so gleefully agreed. For months she has been running around trying various dresses and shoes whilst I planned and got fitted for a monkey suit. Today is the day, that I get to tame the free spirit known as Emi Ibarazaki. I look towards the door, awaiting the arrival of the priest while Kenji lectures me on how funny it is to see me surrender to the female gender like this, some comrade he is.
        Before long, the priest sticks his head into the door and nods before retreating. As I head for the door, Kenji grabs my shoulder to stop me. "Hey Hisao.. I envy you, man.. I would love to catch up with Yuuko and do the same thing you're doing.." he pipes up with a choked voice. Consoling him, and sharing a final manly handshake, we head to the alter. As I stand, waiting for Emi, I look around and spot my mother sitting next to Emi's, both in tears about their babies growing up. My dad locks eyes with me and gives me the most approving and reassuring smile and nod I've ever had the honor to receive. As soon as my head rises from the nod, Emi appears in the doorway of the chapel, with our old High School nurse in arm. The organist begins playing, signaling everyone to arise and honor the coming bride.
        Slowly but surely, she arrives at the alter, looking nothing short of absolutely stunning as I lift the veil from her face. We listen intently as the priest goes about the cookie-cutter speech before signaling us to say our vows, starting with Emi. "Hisao... I know I told you all those years ago at Yamaku that I couldn't depend on you.. I take it all back, I love you and I feel that I can depend on you. You've made me the happiest thing on no legs." She says with a wide smile, causing some people in the benches to giggle to themselves.
        The priest then nods at me and I begin to speak. "When I first met you, I thought you as a health obsessed, adorable ball of energy. The minute I stared into your green eyes, I fell in love with you. I love you more than anything, and nothing will ever get between us."
The priest begins to speak "Hisao, do you take Emi as your lawfully wedded wife, through sickness and health and for better or worse?"
I say the words without so much as a second thought, "I do."
"And do you, Emi, take Hisao as your lawfully wedded husband, through sickness and health and for better or worse?"
She answers with the same gusto that I had, "I do."
"Then by the powers invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
        As I lean down to kiss Emi, her face is already there to have her lips meet mine, and the room erupts with cheer and applause. After our embrace, I take her by the hand and lead her down the aisle and out of the chapel. Today is the day I get to spend the rest of my life with her, and I could never be happier.