EPILOGUE
AUSTIN
Two years ago, if you had told me I'd be this happy – all I could do would be to imagine.
But now, I live that reality.
A year has passed since the day I ran after Hayley, and today, my heart is full of joy. It's our wedding day, and I can hardly believe it's real.
The old barn has been transformed into a rustic wedding hall, and almost the entire town is present – from the cops to the florist, to the nurses, my business partners, Hayley's clients, our parents… each and every one of them is here to share in our excitement.
In the groom’s room with the guys busy on other preparations, I pull up my guitar to calm my nerves, and soon it’s time to begin. With one last going-over, my guys give me the go-ahead to follow them. They move to the altar but leave me at the entrance.
I stand greeting guests as they arrive. Russell is the first to approach me, wearing a smug expression. "Well, look at you!" he exclaims, clapping me on the shoulder. "Remember the day I delivered the horses? You said the lady business wasn't true. I bet you want to eat your own words."
I laugh, adjusting my bolo tie. "You're right. I should have snagged her up earlier."
Sebastian and his wife are next in line. His usually gruff demeanor has softened for the occasion. "Boss," he says, shaking my hand firmly. "You picked a good one. Hayley's a keeper."
"Don't I know it," I reply, unable to keep the smile off my face. I nod to his wife and then hug him, as far out of character as it could ever be.
All the rest of the ranch hands follow, each offering their congratulations. Noah, is the only one openly crying, and he runs to hug me. "Boss I’ll never forget you. I'll always support you and Ms. Hayley." He sniffles. "Come on fireman, don't slobber over the boss." One of the ranch hands teases, pulling him away.
Mrs. Beatrice bustles up next, her hat adorned with an enormous floral arrangement. "Oh, Austin dear," she gushes, dabbing at her eyes with a pink handkerchief, "what a lovely day for a wedding! I always knew you and Hayley were meant to be."
I bite back a chuckle, remembering how she'd been the first to spread the news of our relationship around town. "Thank you, Mrs. Beatrice. We're glad you could make it."
Mrs. Jenkins, the florist, appears at my elbow, a gentle smile on her face. "Austin," she says warmly, "I've never seen you look so happy. The flowers you chose are beautiful, aren't they?"
I nod, gazing at the wildflower arrangements she'd crafted for us. "They're perfect, Mrs. Jenkins. I know that Hayley will love them too. Thank you for everything."
My mother, Jenny, and Sarah come to hug me; mom crying, of course. It’s a wonderful moment with them and I am so very grateful at how much they love and accept Hayley.
Suddenly, the soft murmur of conversation dies down as the first notes of the organ fill the air and my family and other guests move to take their seats. I head to the altar. My heart leaps into my throat as the barn doors swing open, revealing Hayley.
I feel a stream of sweat roll down my back, tremors climbing over my hands.
This is it…
Am I good enough for her?
Will I be able to make her happy?
Please… I'll do anything to be with her.
Then I see her…
My angel …
I suck in a shaky breath, taking a step back.
She's absolutely beautiful. Her dress is simple, an elegant gown that flows around her like a dream. A delicate lace veil frames her face, and her eyes... oh, her eyes are shining with such love that I feel my knees go even weaker.
My lower lip trembles as I fight back more tears. I know without a doubt that Hayley is the love of my life. This is my own Redstone romance, a love story straight out of a country song.
Hayley's parents give me an approving nod as they walk her down the aisle. They've flown in from their latest trip to attend the wedding, and I'm touched by the effort they've made. They'll be staying in Hayley's old cottage for a while, a thought that warms my heart since Hayley will be so happy to have them nearby.
As Hayley draws closer, our eyes meet, and I can see she's struggling not to cry, too. "I love you." I whisper, emotions swelling in my chest.
"I love you too." She mouths back.
I hope I’m looking at her just like how she told me that her dad looks at her mom. It’s that unconditional love I want to convey to her today and for the rest of our lives.
Santiago, who had mediated between us back then, stands at the altar, ready to officiate. He had been one of the people who really brought us together. And all these years, I’ve never known that he is an ordained minister at the small Spanish church in the next town. As Hayley reaches me, I take her hands in mine, marveling at how perfectly they fit together.
Santiago clears his throat and begins. "Friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Austin and Hayley. I've had the privilege of watching their love story unfold, from their first meeting to this beautiful moment." The rest of his dialogue is lost to me as I cannot take my eyes away from this angel standing next to me.
He pauses, his eyes twinkling and I do hear him add: "Now, I'm no expert on love, but I know what I see when I look at these two. I see a partnership built on trust, love, respect, and a whole lot of stubbornness."
A ripple of laughter runs through the crowd, and I feel Hayley squeeze my hands.
Santiago continues, "Austin and Hayley have written their own vows. Austin, would you like to go first?"
I take a deep breath, looking into Hayley's eyes. "Hayley, from the moment I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. You challenge me, you inspire me, and you love me with a fierceness that takes my breath away. I promise to stand by you through every trial and triumph, to be your partner in all things, and to love you more each day than I did the day before. You are my home, my heart, and my forever."
Hayley's eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she speaks her vows. "Austin, you came into my life when I least expected it and showed me what true love really means. You've been my rock, my safe harbor, and my biggest cheerleader. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support your dreams as you've supported mine, and to face whatever life throws our way. You are my best friend, my soulmate, and my happily ever after."
Santiago smiles, looking between us. And who has the rings, my friends? “They do.” I reply as I point and snap my fingers. Duke and Rusty come trotting down the center aisle on command with the rings tied around their necks. “Yes, our fur babies!” Hayley exclaims, obviously happy at the surprise.
After the exchange of rings and exit left of the dogs, Santiago continues. "By the power vested in me by God and by the state of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Austin, you may kiss your bride."
I take Hayley's face gently in my hands and lean in, pressing my lips to hers in a kiss that shows all my love. The crowd erupts in cheers, and suddenly we're showered with flower petals, the sweet scent filling the air around us.
"Go, boss!"
"Our little girl is married!"
"Bravo. Kiss her!"
I can also hear Ms. Beatrice, along with, of course, Noah, crying in the background. I can’t help but smile.
As we break apart, both laughing and crying, I look at Hayley – my wife – and feel my heart swell with love. This is just the beginning of our story, and I can't wait to see where life takes us next. To grow old together, to build a family… whatever it is, I'll always be there with her.
My Redstone romance.
And later as we dance slowly and dreamily, I sing from the depths of my heart for her ears alone.
I’m sure I heard her purr.
***