Pitch For You (Texas Heat)

Epilogue

Sofia

I stood before the antique mirror, reflection framed by the delicate lace of my wedding gown.

“Your hair looks lovely,” Helen said, carefully arranging the last strands into an intricate updo. My eyes met her own in the mirror, filled with gratitude for my friend's unwavering support.

“Thank you,” I whispered, running my fingers over the intricate lace sleeves, feeling the familiar callouses earned from years of hard work on the ranch. It was a reminder of the life I built and the love that finally found me.

“Are you ready?” Diane asked, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. She had been there for me, offering advice and laughter when needed.

“Almost,” I replied, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “I just need a moment with Max.”

“Of course.” Diane nodded, understanding the bond between mother and son. She and the other bridesmaids exited the room, leaving us alone.

“Mom!” He wore a miniature suit, tailored to fit him perfectly. In his hands, he clutched a small velvet box containing the rings. “It's almost time!”

“Come here, sweetheart.” I knelt down, eyes filling with tears as I took in the sight of my grown-up little boy. The weight of the responsibility I carried as a mother, the struggles we face together, it was all worth it for moments like these.

“Max, I know things have been challenging, but I want you to know how much I love you and how proud I am to have you as my son.” I brushed a stray lock of hair away from his forehead.

“Mom, I love you too. And I'm really happy for you and Brett.”

“Thank you, sweetie.” I hugged him. “Now, are you ready to walk down the aisle as the best man?”

“Absolutely!”

“Let's do this!” I whispered, taking one last deep breath. I stood up, ready to embrace the future that awaited at the end of the aisle.

The ranch transformed into a fairy tale. Rows of white chairs lined the aisle, each adorned with bunches of vibrant flowers, their petals fluttering gently in the soft breeze. Delicate fairy lights twinkled from above, weaving through the branches of towering oak trees, while the scent of fresh greenery and blooming flowers filled the air.

A rustic archway stood proudly at the end of the aisle, its wooden frame lovingly wrapped in an array of lush greenery. It was the perfect symbol of love, strong and unwavering, just like the bond between Brett and I.

“Mom, it's time,” Max whispered, taking my trembling hand in his. I looked down at him. He wanted to walk me down the aisle so I wouldn’t have to do it alone. My little boy had grown up to be quite a sweet boy.

“Ready?”

“Ready!” Max beamed, his eyes shining.

As the music began to play, I took a deep breath, feeling the butterflies swarm in my stomach. With every step I took down the aisle, the memories of my past struggles seemed to fade away, replaced by the warmth of love. My veil danced gracefully behind me.

As I approached the altar, I locked eyes with Brett, and the world around us seemed to blur into a haze. His blue eyes sparkled, reflecting the depth of his feelings for me. The corners of his mouth turned up in a tender smile, sending a wave of reassurance rushing through my veins.

“Hey,” Brett whispered.

“Hey.”

This was where I was meant to be - standing beside the man who reignited the fire within my soul.

“Are you ready?” Brett asked, his fingers brushing against mine in a comforting gesture.

“More than ever,” I answered with a smile, eyes shining with unshed tears. The past had been a journey full of obstacles and heartache, but now, as I stood before her future, it had all led me to this moment of pure happiness.

The ceremony began and I tried to keep my composure, but once it was time for vows - my nerves got worse.

“Today, I promise to stand by your side,” Brett began, his voice strong and steady as he gazed into my eyes. “To support you through life's challenges and to cherish every moment we share together. I vow to always do my best to give more than I take, and not keep score.” He wiped a tear from his eyes. “And the most important of all, if fortunate enough to have children with you, I’ll consider myself lucky. I’ve had a front row seat to see you as a mother and the way you love him is unmatched. I’m madly in love with the person you are and the person you will become.”

My heart swelled with love as I listened to Brett's words. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle around me like a comforting embrace. “I promise to believe in us, even when the world may have doubts,” I said, voice trembling slightly with emotion. “To trust in our love, our strength, and our bond. I promise to always fight for you, pursue you, and love you wholeheartedly and unconditionally for the rest of my life.”

I glanced out at the sea of faces - my friends, my family, my community.

“Mommy?” Max's small voice echoed across the ranch, drawing everyone's attention. Dressed in his miniature suit, he stood proudly before the crowd. “Can I say something?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” I replied, watching him take center stage.

Max cleared his throat, his hands clutching a crumpled piece of paper. “I just wanted to say that I'm really happy for you and Brett,” he began, his voice wavering but resolute. “You've both been there for me, and I know you'll always be there for each other, too.”

A soft murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd as Max continued. “And I just wanted to say...thank you, Brett, for being my friend and for making my mom smile again. I love you both very much.”

Tears glistened in my eyes as I looked down at him, overwhelmed by the depth of his love and support. I glanced over at Brett, who was blinking back tears of his own, his broad shoulders shaking with suppressed emotion.

“We love you, too. More than anything.”

“Please present the rings,” the officiant said, voice strong and clear.

Max, his face serious and focused, stepped forward with a small pillow that cradled two simple yet elegant bands.

“Thank you, Max,” the officiant smiled, taking the rings from the pillow before handing them to us.

“Repeat after me,” the officiant instructed me. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Wi-with this ring,” I stammered, eyes locked onto Brett's steady gaze, “I thee wed.” I gently slid the band onto Brett's finger, hands trembling ever so slightly.

“Your turn, Brett,” the officiant prompted.

“Alright,” Brett began, his voice deep and filled with emotion. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He placed the ring on my finger, completing the circle that would bind us together for eternity.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant declared, her voice ringing with authority. “You may now kiss the bride.”

My pulse raced, and my breath caught in my throat as Brett leaned in to seal our vows with a kiss. As our lips met, time seemed to stand still, and all the pain and heartache of the past melted away, leaving only the joy of love.

A thunderous applause erupted, pulling us back to the present moment. Grinning from ear to ear, Brett and I turned to face our loved ones, who showered us with cheers and well-wishes.

“Congratulations!” Diane called out, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“Way to go, you two!” Helen added, clapping.

Hand in hand, we took our first steps as husband and wife.

“Are you ready for the rest of our lives?” Brett whispered into my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

“More than anything,” I replied, voice brimming with happiness and certainty. Together, we continued down the aisle, ready to face whatever challenges life would bring, knowing we would conquer them side by side.

Rustic wooden tables adorned with wildflowers stood proudly around the dance floor, each one set for the guests who eagerly awaited our arrival.

“Wow,” I breathed as I took in the enchanting scene. “It's perfect.”

“Almost as perfect as my bride,” Brett whispered, his eyes dancing with love and admiration.

“Everyone did an amazing job,” I marveled, eyes welling up with gratitude as they scanned the room.

“Shall we?” Brett asked, extending his hand toward the dance floor.

With a nod, I placed my hand in his, heart pounding with anticipation. As the music began to play, our bodies seemed to meld together in seamless harmony, effortlessly moving with grace and fluidity. The world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us wrapped in each other's arms.

“Remember when we used to dance under the stars?” Brett murmured, his breath warm against my neck.

“Of course,” I replied, a tender smile playing on my lips. “Those were some of the best nights of my life.”

“Me too.”

“Life has a funny way of bringing people back together,” I mused, thoughts drifting back to the winding path that had led us here.

As we swayed to the gentle rhythm of the song, I couldn't help but think about how different things might have been if we hadn't found our way back to each other. But as Brett's strong arms held me close, we had chosen the right path—one filled with love and forgiveness.

“Mom! Look at you!” Max called out from the sidelines, his eyes shining with pride and happiness. “You're so beautiful!”

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

“May I cut in?” Max asked, grinning up at Brett.

“Of course,” Brett chuckled, gently releasing me into his embrace.

As I danced with Max, I marvelled l at the depth of love I felt for both him and Brett. I had been terrified that opening my heart would leave me vulnerable, but as I looked around the room, surrounded by friends and family who loved us unconditionally, I realized that love was the strongest force of all.

“Thank you, Mom,” Max whispered in my ear. “For everything.”

“I am so proud of you.”

The barn seemed to come alive with joyful laughter and the sounds of dancing feet, the celebration an echo of the love shared. And Brett took back over, we continued our first dance as husband and wife, we knew that every moment, every triumph and heartache, had led us to this: a lifetime of love, happiness, and boundless possibilities.

The last note of the song drifted through the air, and our dance came to a tender end. As we stepped away from each other, the barn reverberated with applause and excited chatter. The fairy lights overhead cast a warm glow on everyone present, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and inviting.

“May I have your attention?” Helen's warm, clear voice cut through the noise, drawing the focus of the room to the small stage at the front. She stood there, her short gray hair framing her gentle features, her brown eyes filled with affection for the newlyweds.

“Thank you,” she said with a gracious smile as the guests quieted down. “I’ve known Sofia and her family for many years, and it fills my heart with joy to see her standing here today with Brett, a man who has shown us all the power of love and forgiveness.”

My eyes welled up with tears as I listened to Helen's words, feeling the truth behind them resonate. It made me realize just how far I'd come since I'd first met Brett, and how much he had taught me about opening my heart again.

“Love is a journey,” Helen continued, her voice strong and steady. “It's not always easy, but it's the challenges that make it worth it. Sofia and Brett have faced hardships together, and instead of letting those difficulties tear them apart, they've fought for their love and emerged stronger than ever.”

A collective sigh passed through the crowd, as the guests felt the impact of Helen's words. They knew the struggles we overcame to reach this day, and it only made our union all the more precious.

“Second chances are rare in life, and we must cherish them when they arise,” Helen said, her eyes meeting mine. “Sofia, I've watched you grow and learn from your past, and now, with Brett by your side, I know that the future holds boundless happiness for you both.”

A tear escaped my eye and rolled down my cheek, a testament to the depth of emotion my friend's words stirred. I glanced at Brett, who smiled warmly, his own eyes shining with unshed tears.

“Let us raise our glasses,” Helen proposed, lifting her champagne flute. “To Sofia and Brett – may your love continue to grow stronger with each day, and may you always find joy and comfort in each other's arms.”

“Cheers!” The guests echoed, their voices filling the barn with a chorus of celebration. As they clinked glasses together, laughter bubbled throughout the room, creating a lively atmosphere that was contagious.

The music picked up once more, drawing couples to the dance floor as they swayed and twirled to the rhythm, their faces alight with happiness. We danced hand in hand, movements fluid and filled with love, while Max beamed at us from the sidelines.

Even as the night progressed, the energy in the barn never waned; it continued to pulse with life and warmth, reflecting the deep-rooted love between us that had brought everyone together. And in the midst of the celebration, I couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful journey she and Brett had embarked upon, grateful for every moment that had led us here.

In the midst of laughter and clinking glasses, I caught Brett's eye from across the room. He weaved his way through the crowd towards me.

“May I steal you away for a moment?”

“Anything for you, my love.”

We swung by and got Max too and stepped outside.

“Max, we have a surprise for you.” Brett pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to him. “You can open this.”

I placed my hand on Brett’s chest, feeling his heart beating so fast. This was one of the best days of his life for two reasons.

Max unfolded the paper and read it aloud. “Adoption. This says adoption is finalized.”

“And what does the name say?”

Tears started spilling from his eyes and his hand covered his mouth. “I have your last name.”

“You do, buddy. If you’ll have me. I’d be honored to be your dad.”