Is it the fair that the brave deserve?

I went to my friend's wedding today. Her new husband gave an extraordinarily powerful speech. It was honest, well put, nicely delivered, and showed clear understanding and great emotional courage. He thanked his parents for their unconditional love and support, told his in-laws that their relationship's obvious love and sharing was a model for him, told his siblings that he was very glad to have them by his side, and said to his best friends they are like brothers to him. He told his children that he loves them, enjoys their company and that they make the world a happier place. He finally turned to my friend and said "You're beautiful, absolutely stunning, especially today" and then told her that she is responsible for him having become the man (as in adult) that he now is.

We met them at natural birth classes four and a half years ago, and four years ago when our first-borns were little babies they separated. About three years ago both we and they conceived our second children, which was a bit of a surprise on their part as they were officially not a couple at the time. They've been back together since before that second child was born and they've been engaged for a year, but even this morning I was wondering why my friend, who is bright and unusually lovable, wants to be married to him. He's pretty enough, and interesting to talk to, but I had been wondering what he has that is rare.

Good luck to them.