And then I see Dylan.
He’s standing beneath a wooden arch draped with pine boughs, fairy lights, and white roses. His black suit is impeccable, but it’s his face that captures me completely. The way his eyes never leave mine, the way his smile grows wider with each step I take toward him. He looks at me like I’m the only person in the world. And every doubt, every insecurity, every fear I’ve ever had melts away like snow under sunlight.
Our friends form the wedding party around him. Kade stands beside Dylan as his best man, with Blaze, Cam, and Paul lined up in their groomsmen suits. On my side, Genna waits as my maid of honor, followed by Ella with her adorable baby bump, Addy, and Nila, all in matching emerald bridesmaid dresses. They all beam at me, these people who’ve become our family through choice rather than blood.
Mom squeezes my arm one last time before placing my hand in Dylan’s. His fingers are warm and steady around mine, anchoring me to this perfect moment.
“You’re breathtaking,” he whispers, his voice choked with emotion.
I drink in the sight of him. And as the officiant begins speaking, I barely hear the words. All I can focus on is Dylan’s thumb gently stroking the back of my hand and the way he can’t seem to stop looking at me.
When it’s time for our vows, Dylan goes first. He takes a deep breath, and for a moment, I see a flash of the nervous boy who carried a silver charm in his pocket for a week, waiting for the right moment to return it.
“Cheyenne,” he begins, his voice carrying clearly through the December air. “Before you, I thought I knew who I was. I was the hockey star who didn’t get attached. I thought I had it all figured out.” He shakes his head slightly, a self-deprecating smile tugging at his lips. “And then there was that New Year’s Eve, stuck in an elevator with you, finally being honest about what I really wanted.” He squeezes my hands. “It’s you. It’s always been you. And I promise to be your biggest fan and strongest supporter. To cheer the loudest when you succeed and hold you tightest when you struggle. I promise to remember that we’re a team.” His voice cracks slightly. “And I promise to choose you—every morning, every night, every moment in between—for the rest of my life.”
Tears blur my vision as I start my own vows. “Dylan, I spent too many years making myself smaller, hoping to be seen, chosen, told I was enough.” My voice steadies as I continue. “Withyou, I never have to wonder. You see all of me. The good, the bad, the parts I try to hide … and you love me anyway. Because of those parts, not in spite of them.” I reach up to brush a tear from his cheek, amazed that this strong man is shedding a tear because of me. “I vow to choose you every day, just as you chose me. To be your safe place and your greatest adventure. To support your dreams while we build new ones together.” I smile through my tears. “And I promise to never let you forget that night in the elevator when you finally admitted I was more than ‘just a friend.’”
Dylan’s grip on my hands tightens.
The moment for the rings arrives, and the crowd’s attention shifts to the back of the aisle. Jhett trots down the pathway, a small pillow with our rings attached to his collar. He’s surprisingly dignified in his doggy bow tie, at least until he reaches us and decides my dress needs investigating.
“Jhett, no,” I whisper-laugh as he sniffs enthusiastically at the lace.
Dylan crouches down to detach the rings, giving Jhett’s ears a quick scratch. “Good boy,” he murmurs before rising again.
The silver band Dylan slides onto my finger feels like it belongs there, like it’s a piece of me that’s been missing. His fingers brush against my charm bracelet as he holds my hand, a silent acknowledgment of our journey. I place his ring on his finger, struck by how solid it feels.
“By the power vested in me,” the officiant says, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Dylan’s eyes lock with my own, a world of promises in their depths. Then he pulls me close, his lips finding mine in a kiss that feels like coming home. His arm wraps around my waist, and suddenly I’m being dipped backward, Hollywood-style, as he deepens the kiss.
Our friends cheer and whistle. Blaze lets out a particularly enthusiastic whoop that makes everyone laugh, flooding this moment with pure joy.
When Dylan sets me upright again, we’re both laughing. He keeps his arm around my waist as we face our loved ones. The officiant introduces us for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Williamston.
As we walk back down the aisle together, confetti flutters around us like snow. I catch sight of my bracelet glinting in the light. Dylan and I went from “just friends” to husband and wife. Sometimes the most unexpected journeys lead you right where you’re meant to be.
And I’m exactly where I belong—with the man who taught me that I’ve always been enough, just as I am.
Dylan
I can’t stop staring at her.My wife.The words feel foreign and perfect on my tongue, like I’ve been waiting my whole life to use them.
Cheyenne glows in her white dress as we enter the barn, her hand in mine. The new ring on her finger catches the light from a thousand twinkling bulbs strung across the wooden beams overhead.
I’ve scored game-winning goals with less pride than I feel walking into this reception with Chey by my side. The crowd erupts in cheers and applause as we’re announced.
The barn has been transformed into something out of Cheyenne’s dreams, with pine garlands draping from rafter to rafter and tables adorned with miniature Christmas trees, tiny white lights twinkling among their branches. The scent of evergreen and cinnamon permeates the air, mingling with the delicious aroma coming from the catering stations.
It’s surreal, looking out at a room full of people who’ve come to celebrate us. Two years ago, I was standing in a gym, confessing to my teammates that I was terrified of my feelings for Cheyenne.
Now I’m herhusband. Now we’re building a life together.
My eyes scan the crowd, taking in familiar faces. My teammates are in the corner warming up for what will undoubtedlybe a night of shenanigans. Blaze is attempting to twirl Addy around while she wears their son Benny in a baby carrier on her chest. Cam has his arm around Nila as they chat with other guests. Kade sits at a table nearby, watching over everyone with his usual paternal vigilance. His pregnant wife Ella is by his side along with his adopted son Colton, who’s downing some appetizers with a grin.
“Champagne, Mr. Williamston?” A server approaches with a tray.
Mr. Williamston.That’s me now. No longer Dylan the hockey player, Dylan the teammate, Dylan the eternal bachelor.
