Chapter 35
The burnt oranges and vibrant yellows of the autumn skyline is the perfect backdrop for today – a day I never thought would happen.
Fidgeting with my tie proves pointless. I’m too nervous to do much of anything today.
Maybe nervous isn’t the right word – anxious, excited, elated; those are more appropriate ways to describe the emotions running through my head as I get ready for my wedding day.
A light tap on the door pulls me from my thoughts and stills my hands. “Come in.”
“They’re just about ready for us.” Conner looks absolutely stunning in his classic black tux. The chocolate brown tie and vest match his warm eyes and perfectly messy hair.
“You look good, real good.” My tongue feels thick in my mouth as I scan him from head to toe.
“So do you. Need help?” he asks, pointing to my untied tie. Before I even nod, he deftly ties it for me, gracefully looping each side over the other, adjusting it carefully at my neck.
“Can you believe this is actually happening?” There’s an awestruck and far-away quality to my question, but there’s also reverence and love.
Conner sits next to me on the edge of the bed as I slide on my dress shoes. “I’ve told you this before, but I knew from the second I saw you that you’d be a part of my life. Thought I might have to take you away from Reid first, but I knew I wanted you in my life.”
“And here we are.” Conner drags my hand into his and we walk over to the large window overlooking the open field where our close friends and family are assembled to watch us exchange our vows. “I really love this place,” I say as I recall the many vacations we’ve taken here in the last year.
Conner chuckles. “Can’t believe you got me to go camping.”
I laugh at him. “I’d hardly call a bed and breakfast camping, but it’s a great compromise.”
Maddy and Reid are huddled in the shade of a large tree.
Mom looks up at us, waving wildly and blowing kisses to the sky before tapping the face of her non-existent watch, letting us know it’s time.
Scanning the rest of the crown, I can’t help but smile when I see John and Elise mingling with my family.
It’s been far too long since I’ve seen them, and that’s been no one’s fault but my own.
Conner and I walk out onto the open field, hand in hand, ready to commit ourselves to one another at the same place where I asked him to marry me. It’s odd how things come full circle, how one person can bring you back to life and make you happier than you’d ever thought possible.
Rachel and the girls took care of the details – flowers, decorations, things like that. And I’m sure it all looks beautiful, but every single detail fades into the background as the music starts, prompting me and Conner to walk down the aisle, together.
We decided on a simple ceremony, needing no more than vows we’d written together to commit ourselves to one another. The justice of the peace addresses the small crowd, welcoming them and thanking them for joining in our celebration.
When she turns to Conner and prompts him to share his vows, he pulls a piece of folded up paper out of his jacket pocket.
“Dylan. There was a time, not so long ago, when I’d thought I’d lost everything I had.
When everything I thought I’d ever be, faded into the dark.
When I was at the most unsure point in my life, starting over with practically nothing, you came into my life.
” He clears his throat, washing away the rising emotion I hear building in his words.
He joins our hands and continues, “Before all our friends and family, I vow to make your life as bright as you’ve made mine. I promise to love you…forever.”
With a shaky hand, he takes the ring from Rachel, who is standing by his side. The cool, silver band fits on my finger as if it’s always belonged there.
“Dylan, please share your vows with Conner,” she prompts as Conner tightens his hold on my hand.
“Conner,” I say, reciting my memorized vows.
“Before you came into my life, I was a completely different person. I was angry at the hand the world had dealt me and I didn’t know how to recover.
Then I met you and everything changed. You brought me back to life.
You woke up my heart and made me realize that all I was doing before you was existing.
I vow today and every day, to live with you, to hold you by my side and in my heart. I promise to love you…forever.”
Turning to Reid, I take the ring from his hand and he pats my back in congratulations. Looking down at Conner’s matching wedding band settles something in me that I thought would remain in upheaval for as long as I lived.
When the justice of the peace announces us as “Forever joined in life and love,” we seal our vows in a kiss.
As Conner’s lips seal over mine the fissures and cracks that I thought would be permanent on my heart, heal, allowing it to beat once again.