Page 78 of Pretty Like the Wildflowers
I give her another quick kiss, and she loops her arm with mine, and we finish walking down the aisle to where Briar is officiating.
My future sister-in-law smiles when we reach our spots. “Welcome, friends and family. Today, it is my honor to officiate the wedding of Juniper Calhoun and Addison Riley…”
I only half pay attention to what she’s saying, too mesmerized by how the late afternoon sun hits Juniper’s eyes and makes them sparkle.
“Addison and Juniper have decided to write their own vows today, so we’ll start with Addison.” Briar steps back and smiles at me.
I take out the worn piece of paper from the pocket of my jumpsuit. I’ve had my vows written since the first wedding date was set, but nerves still wash over me at the thought of saying them aloud.
“Juniper,” I say, clearing my throat from the emotion clogging it. “When I first came to Forget Me Not Ranch, I was lost in a cloud of grief, trying to get back on the path I was on before I lost Artemis. Sometimes, meeting the right person shows you why the direction you were going isn’t working out. Your sunshine led medown a fork in the road, to a better path filled with more happiness than I could ever imagine.
“I vow to you today that I’ll always be next to you, through the good and the bad, the days filled with sunshine or the days filled with clouds. I promise to hold your hand and be here in whatever way you need. You’ll never have to question if I want you, because every day, I’ll show you. I promise to celebrate your wins and commiserate with your losses and love you through the mundane days. Being with you is the greatest gift I’ve ever received, and every day I wake up grateful to be with you. I love you.”
Juniper’s eyes are shiny with tears, and Briar pulls out a tissue and hands it to her sister. I want to kiss her tears away, but it’s not the time for that yet.
Juniper takes a steadying breath and gives me a small smile as she pulls out her own paper.
“I thought I was content with my life before you came along and shook up everything. After a rocky start, you became my safe space, the anchor I didn’t know I needed, and our brief months apart showed me what I was too scared to admit before: that to grow, things can’t stay the same. That stepping out of my comfort zone is necessary if I want to experience the joys of life.
“I promise to love you through the challenges we face and to always be honest about what I’m feeling. I promise to give you my heart and to keep yours safe. I can’t promise there won’t be dark days, but I know the sun will always shine after. You’re my anchor when I feel adrift. I promise to always be yours when you are. I love you so much.”
Briar passes me a tissue, which I take, even though I didn’t realize I was crying.
Rings are exchanged in what feels like no time at all. Then, Briar says the six words I’ve been waiting to hear all day. “You may now kiss your bride.”
Tugging mywifein by her waist, I dip her slightly and press mylips firmly against hers. Our friends and family cheer and clap, and somewhere someone yells, “Get a room.”
I plan to, as soon as it’s socially acceptable.
When I help Juniper stand again and break our kiss, she blinks a few times, her cheeks cherry red from all the attention. We walk down the aisle together as people congratulate us. At the end of the aisle, I can’t help but kiss my wifeagain.
I never pictured a summer job turning into me finding the love of my life, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
THE END
