Free The Game of Denial by Brenda Adcock

him quite a distinguished appearance. His smile and demeanor were friendly. He looked at those gathered in the living room.
    His gaze stopped when he reached Brad and Fran. He strode toward them, his hand extended. "Is this the happy couple preparing to embark on the journey of a lifetime?"
    Brad took a step forward. "Bradley Chase and this is my fiancé, Francesca Carmichael."
    "Francesca. What a lovely name for such a beautiful young woman." Nagle winked at Brad. "You are indeed a lucky, and blessed, young man, Brad. My heartiest congratulations to you both."
    "Thank you, Reverend," Brad said.
    "Doctor, if you don't mind," Nagle corrected. "Reverend is a nickname my colleagues at the university have given me because of the subject-matter I'm interested in." He saw the look on everyone's face and nodded. "I am licensed by the state, but have not been ordained as a minister in any church. I suppose I am rather like a civil servant, a justice of the peace if you will." His gaze traveled from person to person. "Were you expecting a man of the cloth?"
    Brad looked at Fran and shrugged. "I don't really know, Dr. Nagle. You were recommended to us by Dr. Bernardy of the English Department at William and Mary."
    Joan watched as the man rocked back and forth from his heels to his toes.
    "Bernie is a colleague. I teach Comparative Religions and Religious Philosophy at the university. In fact, it hasn't been that long ago that I officiated at his wedding celebration. I have my license with me if that would put you more at ease."
    "No, Dr. Nagle, I think you will do just fine," Joan said as she stepped forward. She offered her hand and said, "I am Joan Carmichael, the mother of the bride."
    "A pleasure, ma'am," Nagle said. "Well, now that we've taken care of the momentary confusion and since all of the parties are present, I suppose we can either stand around making civil small talk or discuss what Brad and Francesca have in mind for their ceremony."
    "I thought we could sit at the dining room table," Evey said.
    "An excellent idea," Nagle said. "Frankly, I suck at writing on my lap."
    His unexpected comment seemed to put everyone at ease and freer to speak openly without fear of offending Nagle. Joan, in particular, appeared relieved.
    Nagle opened his briefcase and took out several papers, spreading them out on the table. "There are a few forms that need to be filled out and signed in order to satisfy the state" He handed some papers to Brad and Fran. "This is the application for an official copy of your marriage license. To save you a little time after the ceremony, I've brought a name change request form for your Social Security card, Fran. Am I correct in assuming you will be taking your husband's last name?" .
    "Yes," Fran answered with a nod as she squeezed Bran's hand.
    "It's not required by law and many women are opting to retain their maiden name," Nagle explained.
    "I understand," Fran said, "but I'm not planning to ever divorce Brad and will be proud to have the same last name."
    "Very well," Nagle said. "Have both of you had blood tests to rule out any venereal disease and a genetic test to detect any disorder that may affect children in the future?"
    "Those tests are not required for a marriage," Joan said.
    "You're correct, Mrs. Carmichael. However, I believe anyone getting married today would be wise to rule out any potential problems."
    "It can't hurt anything, Mom," Fran said. "Better safe than sorry."
    Once all of the paperwork was completed, Nagle rubbed his hands together. "Now comes the fun part. I will be asking each of you to pledge yourself to one another. Other than the standard vows, is there anything different or special you would like said."
    Fran took Brad's hand. "We would like the obey part removed."
    "Is there anything you wish to replace it?"
    Fran shrugged and looked at Brad. "I will promise to love, honor, and respect Brad for the person he is."
    "And you, Brad?"
    "That works for me, too."
    "Do you