Chapter 14
Toby stood staring out the window, trying to collect his thoughts. Any moment now, the string quartet would begin playing and he would take his place.
"Why am I so nervous?" he thought to himself. "I don't remember being this nervous when I married Andi."
"Are you ready, Toby?" Justice Mendoza asked as he walked towards the groom.
"As I'll ever be," he replied and shook Mendoza's hand. "Thank you again for agreeing to do this."
"Well, I figure I owed you one after everything I put you through during the confirmation process."
"One?! You owe me a lot more than just one, your Honor," retorted Toby.
Just then the quartet began to play and the two men walked into the Mural Room to take their places.
C.J. and Danny walked down the aisle together arm in arm. C.J. carried a bouquet a white and lavender roses while Danny wore a lavender rose boutonniere on his tuxedo lapel. A few of
the guests remarked on what an attractive couple the Press Secretary and the reporter made.
Then Kelsey appeared at the end of the aisle and Toby felt like his heart might beat right out of his chest. She looked incredibly beautiful in her flowing, white wedding dress. It was
sleeveless with tiny roses at the neckline, waistline and along the hem. A train extended down and fanned out from the dress. In her hair, she wore a beautiful tiara. In her hands, she
carried a small bouquet of lavender and white roses. As she walked towards him, Toby mouthed the words, "I love you" to her.
Kelsey held onto to Bartlet’s arm tightly afraid that if she let go, she might faint. All she could think about was getting to the end of the aisle and marrying the handsome man with the soft
brown eyes who waited.
Bartlet shook Toby’s hand and then kissed Kelsey's cheek before placing her hand into Toby’s. The music ended and the ceremony began.
"We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Toby Ziegler and Kelsey Saufl. If there is anyone here who can show just cause as to why these two should not be wed, let him speak
now or forever hold his peace," Mendoza paused for a moment.
"Kelsey and Toby have requested that two very special poems be read today. Abigail Bartlet has been asked to read the first selection, which was chosen by Kelsey. Mrs. Bartlet."
Abbey stepped forward and opened a small book.
"My true love hath my heart and I have his,
By just exchange one for another given;
I hold his dean and mine he cannot miss;
There never was a better bargain driven:
My true love hath my heart and I have his.
My heart in me keeps him and me in one;
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides;
He loves my heart for once it was his own;
I cherish his because in me it bides;
My true love hath my heart and I have his."
"The second selection, chosen by Toby, will be read by Leo McGarry," announced Mendoza.
Leo accepted the book from Abbey and then turned to his reading.
"Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this is error, and upon me prov'd.
I never writ, nor no man ever lov'd."
He closed the book and returned to his seat. Justice Mendoza then stepped forward and spoke.
"Toby and Kelsey, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"
"We have," the bridal couple answered.
"Will you love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?"
"We will."
"Please turn and face each other."
Kelsey handed her bouquet to Danny and then joined hands with Toby.
"Toby, you may recite your vows to Kelsey."
Toby cleared his throat and then began.
"I make my living writing words, but, as you know, Kelsey, it is difficult for me to express my feelings in front of others, especially my very private feelings for you. But, here today as I
stand in the presence of our family and friends, I want to publicly declare my love for you. And why do I love you so much? I love you because you are the finest person I have ever
known; you are unselfish; loving; gentle; loyal; tender; trustworthy; sympathetic; and a joy to be with. Your laughter, your smile and your unfailing optimism buoy me, lift me and make
me better person. What could I have done in my lifetime to deserve such a treasure? It is a great mystery. My heart overflows with my love for you and I give myself to you unreservedly
today as your faithful husband and I promise to treasure you always, just as I do at this moment."
"Kelsey…"
She wiped away the tears that were beginning to fall down her cheek and then recited her vows.
"Toby, you are my first love and my last love. Until I met you, I didn't give true love much thought. But since you came into my life, I struggle desperately to find the words to tell you
how much I love you - how much I adore you. It is difficult for me to put into words my feelings for you, because mere words cannot begin to express my deep love. Today, I pledge
myself to be your ever-faithful wife. I give you my body, my mind and my heart. I promise to sleep by your side, to be the joy of your heart, the food to your soul and the best person I
can be for you. I promise to laugh with you when times are good, and to suffer with you when they are bad. I promise to wash away your tears with my kisses and to hold you sweetly
and gladly until our days on earth are over."
"The rings?" Justice Mendoza asked.
C.J. and Danny handed Toby and Kelsey the rings.
"You are my life, my love, my best friend and with this ring I wed thee; may it be a reminder of my love and the commitment I have made here today," Toby said as he slipped the gold
band onto Kelsey's finger.
"You are my life, my love, my best friend and with this ring I wed thee; may it be a reminder of my love and the commitment I have made here today," repeated Kelsey as she placed a gold
ring on Toby's finger.
"In as much as you have consented together in marriage, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," Mendoza
finished.
Toby pulled Kelsey close to him and kissed her tenderly. Danny then placed a wrapped glass at Toby’s feet, which he stepped on.
"Mazel tov!" Everyone cheered, as the glass was broken.