Then back at me.
“With everything I have.”
Dad nodded.
Then stepped back.
The preacher began speaking.
Words about love.
About promises.
About choosing each other.
But I barely heard any of it.
Because Beast kept looking at me.
Like he still couldn’t believe I was there.
Like he had spent his whole life waiting for this moment.
When it was time for vows, Beast took both of my hands.
His voice was low.
Steady.
But I could hear the emotion beneath every word.
“Sadie, I promise to stand beside you when life is easy and when it isn’t. I promise to make you laugh when you forget how. I promise to repair every fence you don’t need repaired.”
A soft laugh moved through the chapel.
I smiled.
Beast’s eyes never left mine.
“I promise to protect your heart as fiercely as I protect your life. I promise to be your home. Your partner. Your best friend. And I promise that no matter what comes, you will never face it alone again.”
Tears slipped down my cheeks.
Beast wiped one away with his thumb.
Then it was my turn.
I took a breath.
Looked at the man I loved.
The man who had come back into my life when I needed him most.
The man who had shown me that love could be safe.
Strong.
Patient.
