After a quick twenty-minute form on the internet, he’s now ordained. We will have to do the whole marriage license bit tomorrow, but the part I care about is happening right now. Marrying the woman who is my everything.
We stand in her grandpa’s backyard, surrounded by his bright blooms of flowers, and of course, perfectly mowed grass.
Hand in hand we look over to Vern.
“I’ve done a lot of great things in my life, the greatest was raising you, Lolo. I am so proud to be marrying you today. Do you two have vows prepared, or should I do the textbook version?
I chime in and say, “I have some,” just as Willow says, “No.”
She looks at me, surprised. “How do you have vows prepared? We decided to get married one hour ago.”
“If you think I need more than three seconds to adequately put together how I feel about you, you don’t grasp exactly how much I love you.” I mean it wholeheartedly.
“Well then, looks like I will leave you two to your vows, Weston son, you first.”
“Willow, I knew from the minute I met you that you were something special. I had no idea until we were old enough to bridge that gap from friends to more, exactly how damn lucky I was. You work harder than anyone I have ever met. I cannot believe how blessed I am to be on the receiving end of your love. You are everything I've ever needed,” tears stream steadily down her face, and I let go of one of her hands to brush them away, “and I promise to be the man that you need,every day until death do us part. There is no river I wouldn't cross, sea I wouldn't swim to get you what you desire. There is nothing on this earth that matters more to me than you; you are my life, my family, and my future. I cannot wait to see what life has in store for us. As for me? I’ll die a happy man as long as you are mine.”
When I finish, I feel a tear trail down my cheek and a shuddering breath leave my lips.
Vern clears his throat. “That was beautiful, Weston. Willow, do you have any words you would like to share?”
She nods and looks back at me, the softest smile dancing across her face. “I think I have loved you from the minute I met you. I looked for reasons to talk to you in school, and once we were friends, I wanted more. I don’t think I will ever have enough of you. I think I was born with my soul tied to you. Every time we are not together, I feel like a shell of myself. You complete me in the best way. You steady me, encourage me, and love me like no one else can. You are truly my best friend, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Together, you and I can build the family I dreamed of. I’ll love you long after my last breath. Forever.”
“I love you, too.” I fight the urge to lean toward her and kiss her now, but that time is coming.
“Alrighty, love birds, let’s exchange some rings.” Grandpa claps his hands together and looks so damn excited to be a part of this.
“Weston, we don’t have rings.” Her shiny eyes are wide now.
“Well, I’ve got a ring for you; we can worry about mine later.” I shrug. The most important part is that she gets what she needs.
Vern clears his throat. “I’m not sure if you’d want to, but I’d love to give mine to you guys, too. I loved my wife, and I loved the marriage we shared. It would mean a lot to me to see you two follow in ourfootsteps, if you would like, that is.” He runs his hand over his neck nervously.
Willow’s tears are back with a vengeance and so are mine. “That would be amazing, Grandpa. Are you sure?”
“Sure about you two making it to the finish line together? Yes. This ring deserves another round of everlasting love.”
“Thank you.” She grabs the ring gingerly from him after he takes it off, holding his hand between hers for a second. A silent conversation happening between them.
“I don’t really know the exact next words, but I think I can pull something together.”“Weston, do you promise to love, protect, and always admit when you’re being a stubborn jackass?”
My chest shakes with laughter. “I do.”
“Willow, do you promise to love, stand by, and accept help from your husband without him having to force it?” He cocks an eyebrow at her.
She sighs heavily before saying, “I do,” looking directly into my eyes with a piercing type of love.
“Beautiful, now exchange those rings.” Vern clasps his hands in front of him and looks between us.
We look up, and a sense of relief and calm washes over me. I have her, she’s mine for the rest of my life.
I grab her hand, steady as ever, and slide her grandma's gold-banded solitaire ring on. It’s perfect for her. It’s timeless, just like our love.
She slides on my gold band, and I can’t take my eyes off it. I have physical proof that I’m as much hers as she’s mine. It knits together the last piece of my broken heart, making me whole again, making me hers.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” Vern's eyes glisten as he looks between us like he’s watching his own dream come true.
My lips lock with hers, and I feel peace like I’ve never known. I get to spend the rest of my life with the only girl who’s ever held my heart.
