? Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
Callie
I stand alone behindtwo antique double doors, clutching a bouquet of anemones and wildflowers as I wait to walk down the aisle to the love of my life. The music shifts to Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts, and the doors swing open.
My breath catches in my throat as I come face-to-face with Jaxon in his black four-piece suit with the black-and-white paisley pocket square. He’s holding out his hand. “My beautiful bride. You’ll never again have to walk alone.”
Tears spring to my eyes as I slide my palm against his. He places it in the crook of his arm, and we walk down the aisle together. We decided to have the ceremony at the house, with an arch placed at the top of the porch steps. Our home is where our love story truly began, and I couldn't think of a more perfect place to promise him forever.
His father is waiting at the top of the stairs, bracketed byOlivia, Clio, and Lexi on one side, and Griffin, Wilder, and Mo on the other.
By design, the ceremony is brief. We read off simple, handwritten vows and exchange rings. Mine is a band of tiny diamonds that nestles up against my oval engagement ring. Jaxon’s is a black band, inset with a ring of wood from the very first barrel of Hayes Brothers Bourbon. The distillery is officially up and running, and apart from Atticus and me, it’s become his pride and joy.
The ceremony goes off without a hitch, and we make our way to the wedding barn for the reception.
Planning a wedding when you have no family to speak of is not for the faint of heart, but Jaxon offered me comfort and reassurance every step of the way.
When we discussed the all-important first dances, Jaxon offered to skip the mother-son dance, but I refused to let him miss out on that special moment with his mom.
He guides her around the dance floor with practiced ease, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears and unmistakable pride.
When the song ends, she hugs him, then whispers something for only the two of them to hear.
Jaxon returns to the table, taking his place beside me. His eyes are swimming with emotion as I press my lips to his cheek.
“You ok, Cowboy?”
He sweeps a loose curl away from my forehead and gazes at me like I’m his entire world, but all I ever wanted was to be a part of it. “Never better.”
“If the bride would please make her way to the center of the dance floor,” the DJ says.
I look at Jaxon, brow furrowed.
He gives me a reassuring nod. “Go, Wife.”
My heart swells, and I lean in for a chaste kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” he murmurs.
I grip my dress, the crinoline swishing with each step as I walk to the center of the dance floor, coming to a stop under the massive chandelier. All eyes are on me, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. My breath catches as Russell strides toward me. “May I dance with my new daughter?”
I give him a jerky nod and let him pull me into his arms. My Wish by Rascal Flatts starts playing, and Russell leads me around the dance floor like a father leading his daughter. Tears stream down my face unbidden. I never thought I’d get to have this moment, but Jaxon has found yet another way to make me feel irrevocably loved.
A giggle bubbles free as Russell spins me around.
I stumble in my heels, but before I can fall, I’m caught between two strong arms.
“Hey, baby sis,” Griffin says. “Dance with me?”
I choke on a sob as Griffin takes over.
“I’m not the best dancer, but I didn’t think I was that bad.”
I let out a watery laugh and shake my head, unable to form words. Even if I could, I don’t know what I would say. There aren’t enough words in the English language to express my gratitude to this family.Myfamily.
His rough thumb glides over my cheekbone, capturing a tear. “He wanted you to have everything, Callie girl.”
“I do.” The words are barely audible beneath my rapid heartbeat. We make one full trip around the dancefloor before he returns me to the center.
