Hank straightened his spine when Bree’s father approached.
“You ready?” Roland asked.
“I am,” Hank said. “More than ready.”
Bree’s father studied him, then nodded once. “Good. My daughter deserves steady.”
“I’ll give her steady,” Hank said. “Every day.”
A slow smile broke across Roland’s face. “Then welcome to the family.”
Music floated from the speakers Colby had set up. Guests rose to their feet.
Bree stepped out of the farmhouse and onto the porch.
Hank forgot how to breathe.
Her dress wasn’t extravagant. It was simple, soft, flowing around her legs like something made to move with the breeze. Her curls were pinned back loosely, a few strands brushing her cheeks. She wore little jewelry. Just the small necklace Bryn used to wear, a gift from Charlie, who stood near the back, blinking furiously.
She looked like every moment of his future.
She looked like home.
Her gaze found his through the rows of people, and the nervousness he’d seen earlier vanished. Her smile grew, slow and certain.
She walked toward him with her mother, Mary, and her father at her side.
Hank swallowed hard.
When she reached him, she slipped her hand into his.
“Hi,” she whispered.
“Hi,” he whispered back. “You’re stunning.”
“Your tie’s crooked,” she murmured.
He laughed softly. “I had help.”
The officiant cleared her throat. The ceremony began.
Vows were simple. Honest. No grand speeches, no overblown metaphors. Just two people promising to keep choosing each other, even on the days when choosing felt harder.
When Bree said “I love you”, it went into him like a vow she’d carved straight onto his ribs.
When he said it back, her eyes filled.
“You may kiss the bride,” the officiant said.
He cupped her cheek, leaned in, and kissed her slowly, with an intimacy he didn’t hide from the crowd. This wasn’t for show. This wasn’t for the photographs. This was the beginning.
The guests cheered. Someone popped the champagne early. Brian shouted something that earned him a fierce elbow from Colby.
Bree laughed into Hank’s shoulder.
“Married,” she whispered.
“Married,” he echoed.
