Page 94 of Keeping You

He kisses my cheek and offers me his arm before leading me to the back door. The girls line up, and music drifts in as they open the door. It’s one of the songs from my wedding binder. The girls make their way down to the yard, and when Dad and I stop in the doorway, I can’t stop my tears. Grayson has transformed his parents’ backyard into my dream wedding. An arch with my favourite flowers, lilies, is behind Grayson as he waits for me. Red and pink rose petals line either side of the aisle where white chairs are set up. Beside each aisle chair is a mason jar with lit candles on top of beach rocks.

When Dad and I reach the top of the aisle, Grayson wipes at his own tears, and it helps to know this is hitting him as much as it is me. Dad shakes Grayson’s hand when we meet him and passes him my hand. Dad heads to his seat and Caleb, who’s officiating our renewal, starts.

“Welcome, everyone. I’ve never been a man of many words. I’m not too sure why Grayson chose me for this, but I’m going to do my best. We are here to celebrate Grayson and Hannah’s love for one another. They have chosen to spend their lives together and declare their love in front of you, their family and friends. Today, they renew the promise they made to each other one year ago. Grayson, do you have vows?”

He nods.

“Hannah, we did this all backwards. Normally, you date, fall in love, and then get married. I fell in love with you three years ago. Getting drunk with you in Vegas was the best thing I’ve ever done, because I got to marry you. I know it wasn’t what you wanted, but I knew that any time with you would be worth it. To have you love me even a fraction of the way I love you is my greatest blessing. You’ve accepted every part of me. My past, mypresent, and my future. Everything I am, and everything I have, belongs to you. I love you more today than I did yesterday, and I will continue to find new ways to love you for the rest of our lives.”

I let out a breath and squeeze my eyes shut, pushing past the emotion so I can say my vows.

“Hannah,” Caleb says.

“Grayson. When we first met, I was completely enamoured by you. Life had other plans for us and pulled us apart. Finding my way back to you has been the best thing to ever happen to me. You’ve stood by me during painful decisions, showing me love and compassion along the way. You have been my strength in times of need and a safe place to land when I’ve needed it. You care for me in all the ways I need and make me feel seen. It was after my mother’s party that it hit me how much I love you. Having you near me gave me strength to do something I should’ve done long ago. And after, you were the safe space I needed. More and more every day, you own me body, mind, and soul. I promise to love you today and until forever, for the rest of our lives.”

“You may kiss the bride,” Caleb says, and Grayson dips me as his lips find mine and he kisses me in a soul-consuming way.

When we’re back to standing, we make our way back up the aisle and head inside. Grayson and I take twenty minutes to ourselves inside before joining everyone outside. There are tables scattered around the yard and buffet tables along the edge. We make our way through everyone, thanking everyone for coming. Music plays from large speakers, and people take off their shoes, enjoying themselves as they dance in the grass. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”comes on, and I drag Grayson out to the dance floor, laughing as I try to dance in my wedding dress.

The night is a blast. We’re surrounded by friends and family, laughing and dancing into the night. I’m standing on the edge,watching everyone, when Grayson’s arms wrap around my waist. I lean into him.

He kisses my neck, and I hum in contentment.

“I love you,” I say, as he nips my ear.

“I love you more,” he whispers back. “I have something for you.” He releases me a bit before his hand comes back in front of me holding an envelope.

I look at him over my shoulder. “What is this?”

He grins. “Just open it, Spitfire.”

I open the envelope slowly, trying to see if I can get any hints, but I can’t. I pull out a folder and open it. Sitting inside are two plane tickets out of Vancouver to Paris. My jaw drops, and tears fill my eyes. My trip. I didn’t think I could love this man any more than I already do, but he’s making my dreams come true and so much more.

I turn and face him, placing my hands on either side of his face. “I love you, Grayson Randall Maxwell.” I go up on tiptoes and kiss him as his arms wrap around my waist and hold me close to him.

He rests his forehead against mine and whispers, “I’ll spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to make you happy, Hannah Marie Maxwell.”

I grin, loving the sound of my full name like that.

I turn back around and face our party. As we stand here in each other’s arms, watching everyone who came to celebrate our love dance and laugh together, I’m happier than I ever thought I’d be.

THE END