Page 331 of Under the Summer Sky

Its wings open and close. Jude squeezes my hand, and I look up to find his green eyes waiting for me.

And somehow, I smile.

The vows begin.

Jude looks down at our joined hands for a moment before lifting his eyes to mine.

“I was a man content with his life.”

A few quiet laughs move through the chairs.

“Horses. Work. Simplicity.” His mouth twitches. “Loneliness.”

I smile through my tears.

“I thought that was enough.” His thumb brushes over my knuckles. “Then one day I saw the most beautiful creature to ever walk this earth surrounded by sunflowers, and I knew I was wrong.”

My lips part.

“My life would never be complete without her in it.”

Oh God.

“Nora, you’re sunshine and rain. Joy and fury. Water and fire. Sunsets and falling stars.”

A tear slips down my cheek.

“You shine so fucking bright people turn towards you just to catch some of your light.”

Someone laughs softly at his language, but Jude doesn’t even seem to notice. He’s only looking at me.

“I’ll never get enough of you. I’ll never stop protecting you. I’ll follow your dreams with my own, and I promise I’ll spend the rest of my days making sure that smile is lifted up to a new sunrise every morning.”

I’m openly crying now. His own eyes shine.

“Because Nora...” His voice breaks slightly and he clears his throat. “Short stuff.”

I laugh through my tears.

“You’re my home. My safe place.” He presses my hand against his chest. “And my heart.”

I shake my head. “You’re not supposed to make me ugly cry before pictures, Grumpy.”

Laughter ripples around us.

“Still beautiful.”

That makes it worse.

I wipe beneath my eyes and take a shaky breath. Then it’s my turn.

“Jude.”

He squeezes my hands.

“From the first day I arrived in Lander, you were my rock. You never left my side, even when you probably should have.”

His mouth lifts.