I walk slowly towards Connor, and the moment he sees me, his face lights up with the brightest smile I've ever seen him wear. It makes my heart sing, and I wish I could run towards him and jump into his arms. I contain myself and keep walking at the steady pace set by the music.
When I finally reach him he whispers "You look beautiful" to me, and I thank him with a smile. I hand my flowers to Sasha and join hands with Connor. His hands are warm and steady, making me feel loved and cared for. We finally turn to Brody, who is officiating the ceremony today.
I hear Brody speaking, but all my attention is on Connor. He seems genuinely happy to be here with me, and I am in awe of his love for me. He shows me he loves me every single day with actions. Little tokens of love, meals, time spent together. He's just all in.
It's the start of a life together, and I'm enjoying every minute of it. When it comes time to say our vows, I cry as I say mine and Connor manages to stay dry eyed. It's a very emotional moment, and we're sharing it with our closest friends.
That actually means most of Hunter's Peak, because they wouldn't let us celebrate without them. They arranged everything so that there was enough food and drink for everyone. It was a relief, and made it easy for me to relax today. I'll forever be grateful to them.
When Connor puts the wedding band on my finger, I cry again, assuring him they are happy tears. Later the photographer takes a gazillion pictures of us and the park ranger's crew. Me, I can't wait to get him alone.
Right now, however, we're dancing the night away, holding each other close.
"How does it feel to be a wife?"
"How does it feel to be a husband?"
"I asked you first."
I try to wrack my brain to get the right words out.
"It feels like I've come home, Connor. Everything is in the right order and I am safe. So far, I really like being your wife."
"So far, I really like being your husband."
"Is it unreal to you that we're here dancing together on our wedding day?"
"Not unreal, perfect. This is just perfect."
"I love you, Connor Michaelson."
"I love you, Freya Michaelson."
We spend at least an hour dancing and talking to the guests, sharing stories and having fun. At the end of the night, though, comes my favorite part, where I get to undress my handsome mountain man and let him ravish me until the early hours of the morning.
Epilogue
5 years later
Freya
I'm re-reading a letter from my father. I got it a few weeks back, and now I'm waiting for him to come to my homehere in Hunter's Peak. Connor and I are wary of his visit, but it feels right to give him a chance after he's made the effort of communicating with us.
He wants to meet his grandson, he says, but I worry he might want to treat him like an 'heir' and use that excuse to control him. Ian is just three years old and enjoying life in the mountains.
At exactly three in the afternoon, a black car arrives at our doorstep, and my father gets out of it. It seems he came alone and I take a breath in relief. No brothers to muscle their way into my life and try to take me away.
I'm sitting on the porch swing, and when he comes closer, I place a hand over my big belly. Ian's sister will be here in less than three weeks. I soothe her often by rubbing my belly, and I swear she loves it.
"Hi, Freya."
"Hi, Dad."
"Thank you for letting me come for a visit."
"You are welcome here as long as you respect me and my choices."
"About that…"
