Page 70 of Torqued

Sandy taps on the door, peeking in. “She’s ready.”

“She is… she’s ready.” I stuff my shirt down my pants as the room moves into action.

I make my way toward our alter, on the beach, by Malone’s home. The minute Spencer said she wanted a beach wedding; her family opened their home to us. Everything has come together perfectly.

I take my place with Margo by my side and Crank beside her. Yes, my best man is actually a woman. Is there any other way to do it? Spencer, Margo, mom, and now – my daughter have been the biggest blessings in my life. It stands to reason she’d be by my side.

The music starts to play, and I’m immediately drawn to the back entrance. Spencer’s there, holding on to her father’s arm. She glows as she descends the aisle as if she’s floating toward me like an angel.

Spencer’s white lace gown flows from the waist down. A ribbon ties it together in the back, crisscrossing up and over her shoulder. It forgives her growing belly.

Avery pats Spencer’s hand, and she kisses him on the cheek. He grips it, handing it to me. I take Spencer’s hand, turning to shake Avery’s. His eyes glisten with unshed tears.

“Be good to her, she’s all I have.”

“With my whole heart.” I squeeze his hand with a smile. Avery turns, taking his seat on the front row alongside his family.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to join in holy matrimony Rush Samuel Hatcher and Spencer Avery Woods. It is my understanding; they have written their vows.” Minister Van nods. “Spencer.”

“Rush Samuel Hatcher, I take thee to be my lawfully wedded husband, and partner in sickness and in health from this day forward, death never do us part. That word, death. It’s always frightened me, and now that I have you, it scares me even more. Losing you would never be a choice, I thought I did that once, and my heart was decimated.

“I fell in love with you the moment I fell into your arms. I thought I was crazy for feeling that way about you. For needing to just be in your presence, by your side, or cheering you on. Loving someone for simply being alive, but that’s how you make me feel. Loved and alive.” I reach up, catching a tear from her eye, and her breath hitches.

“Your love fills me up and gives me a reason to hope for a future and a life well-lived. Your love of life and fearlessness are the things I pray our children inherit from you. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side, racing the night and chasing that checkered flag as we cross every line that’s ever been drawn across our path to love. I will love you forever.”

“Rush.” The minister inclines his head, and I gasp from Spencer’s words.

“All my life, I’ve looked in all the wrong places, and people for lasting love, much like my parents have. I’ve prayed for you, searching heaven and earth to find you. My heart knew yours even before I found you. It will know yours even after this world cannot contain us.

“The first time I held you in my arms, I knew I could never let you go again. You are my true north, the reason I pushed every limit until I found you. The heart does genuinely know it’s counterpoint, and when you’re lucky enough to find it, you grab it and run.

“Many doubted us, a few fought us, and those blessed to be in the presence of our love knew we are a force, and together, we’ll face this world, running down the sun. I say, to hell with those that can’t open their heart and mind enough to know a love that transcends all time. One that shelters us from the storms give us the power to take up arms, and that will live through the test’s life throws in our paths.” I clutch my heart when it skips a beat from gazing into her blue eyes.

“I choose you, Spencer Avery Woods, to be my lawfully wedded wife, and partner in sickness and in health from this day forward, death never do us part. Because I’d find you and choose you all over again. May our daughter be as brilliant and beautiful as her mother. As for the rest of our children, may they be as lucky as the first.

“Your love makes me better; it fills me up and makes our house a home. Life in the fast lane would be nothing without you riding shotgun. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, chasing down the sun and living our best lives. There is no trophy better than your love. I love you, Spen. Forever.”

“With the powers vested in me by the State of South Carolina, I pronounce you husband and wife. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Rush and Spencer Hatcher.” Reverend Van leans in. “Time to cross the finish line, and kiss her like you mean it.”

Spencer giggles as I wrap my arms around her, hauling her to me. Our eyes lock, and I take her mouth, pressing her lips to mine. I never want this to end, but now is not the time to throw her over my shoulder.

We break our kiss, nuzzling for a brief moment before turning to our family and friends. Spencer glows under the evening sun, warming my heart beyond any dream I could ever have.

“We’d like to thank you all for being with us today, to be witness to this love granted to us. A special thank you to Colton, for bringing this incredible woman into my life. Not only do I get to call her my wife, but I get to say she’s the mother of our soon to be born daughter.” The crowd melts into oh’s and awe’s and finally clapping. “Please join us in celebrating our love.”

As we walk through the crowd of our family and friends, I can’t help but think of the obstacles we’ve faced and those still to come our way. The one thing I know for sure is that no one can tell you how to fall in love or when to.

Love is love, no matter who, what, when, or how, it never changes or dies. Love lives forever. Allow it to fill you up and never allow someone to tell you how to do it. Because love is only…

The Beginning.