Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Arizona
S itting in my bedroom, I gazed at my reflection in the vanity mirror, feeling like I had stepped into a surreal yet undeniably perfect fairytale.
Today was a day I’d never imagined in my wildest dreams, a moment far beyond anything I’d ever pictured for myself.
Today, I was becoming Mrs. Jameson Fisher.
Growing up, I never allowed myself to believe marriage was in my future. After my mom passed, the heartache I watched my dad hide from the world behind closed doors was too devastating to ignore. The knowledge that time couldn’t erase the ache left behind felt like an open wound that never healed, leaving a scar that shaped everything I believed to be true about love.
But Jameson had completely turned my world upside down, dismantling the walls I’d carefully built around my heart. With every touch, gaze, and whispered word, he convinced me that our once-in-a-lifetime love and connection were worth every ounce of risk.
Everything had fallen into place exactly how it was supposed to happen and when it was our time. It was as if fate had carefully orchestrated it all, like a mastermind pulling the strings behind the scenes.
After Jameson proposed, we both agreed we didn’t want to wait. He said he would have married me right then and there in his living room but asked for a few days and to trust him. Just because I didn’t want a long engagement didn’t mean I shouldn’t get a wedding worthy of a princess—his words, not mine. All I had to do was find a dress and promise to be ready by seven p.m. on Christmas Eve. I knew Lily wouldn’t be comfortable attending our wedding ceremony in person, so I enlisted her help in finding a dress so she could still feel involved.
I dropped my eyes to the envelope in my hand, my mom’s cursive handwriting adorning the front: ‘Arizona (Wedding Day),’ and absentmindedly ran my finger along the edge.
When my dad arrived an hour ago, he handed me a letter along with two meaningful items: something old and blue—my mom’s lace garter, which had been handed down to her by my grandmother—and something new, a stunning gold butterfly pin. Since the butterfly was known for symbolizing the connection between life and the afterlife, my dad thought it was the perfect something new.
I immediately fastened the pin inside my dress, wanting it close to my heart. However, I had yet to summon the courage to open the envelope. What hit me the hardest—nearly stealing my breath before I even tried to open the letter—was the realization that I was about to read her inner thoughts and hear from her for the first time in nearly twenty years, since she passed away.
My final thought before opening the envelope was a gentle, wistful longing: If only I could remember the sound of her voice. But then, a wave of warmth and bravery washed over me, filling me with the quiet strength I needed to open it.
My dearest Arizona, my precious baby girl, I sincerely hope this letter will never see the light of day; however, if you are reading it, it means I can no longer be by your side on what is to be one of the most important days in your life. Please know my love for you has never wavered; it remains as strong as ever. I will be with you in spirit as you embark on this new chapter and find peace and comfort in knowing you’ve found a love beyond compare like I shared with your father. While love may not always be perfect, like sunshine and rainbows, the storms can lead to growth, renewal, and a deeper bond. You are incredibly strong; always remember that. Embrace your journey, celebrate what brings you happiness, no matter how big or small, and never forget that you are, and will forever be, my greatest pride and joy, my heart, and my daughter.
I love you so much, Arizona Grace.
Forever your Mom (and guardian angel) xoxo
I tucked my lips between my teeth and fanned my face with my hands, frantically trying to ward off my tears from ruining the makeup that Lily had done earlier.
“Knock, knock,” my dad announced his arrival. “Everything okay?”
I closed the distance between us, wrapping my arms around his back as he pressed his lips to my forehead in return.
“I never knew I needed something so badly . . . her words—” My throat grew unbearably tight.
“I know, sweetheart, I know.”
“I’m not sure I’ve ever told you this, but as I look back, I realize I didn’t always make things easy for you. You had the impossible task of being both parents, yet you never wavered in your devotion, always ensuring you were there for me. Through it all, you’ve been my steady rock and constant support, and I can’t imagine my life without you. I love you more than words can say, and I always will.
“I love you too, and you’ll always be my baby girl. No matter where you are in life or the situation, I will always be your biggest supporter. I’m so proud of you, Arizona.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” He squeezed me tighter.
A gentle, crisp breeze brushed against my bare arms as my dad helped me out of his truck. Blindfolded and unable to see, I had to rely on him as he drove me to the location Jameson had chosen for our wedding.
“Okay, stand right here; the ground is flat around you. I need to move my truck quickly.”
I heard the rumble of the engine as his truck pulled away to my left. Aside from that, my surroundings were silent, offering no hints as to where we were other than I smelled cedar.
“All right, are you ready?”
“Yes.”
I sensed my dad move behind me, and when he removed my blindfold, I immediately reached out to grab his arm as my knees threatened to give out. My jaw dropped in utter disbelief at what I was seeing.
The whole scene was picturesque. The sun had begun its descent, casting warm, golden tones out over the horizon, painting the sky with graceful brush strokes of color that created a stunning backdrop for the main focal point standing before me—a new greenhouse.
In the same spot where my mom’s original greenhouse once stood, a brand-new structure had been built using thick cedar beams, polycarbonate paneling on the pitched roof, and glass windows on the sides. Light filtered in from every angle, while Edison bulbs strung along the roof’s exterior framed it like Christmas lights.
When I looked inside, lush greenery stretched the length of the greenhouse until my gaze landed on Jameson, standing proudly at the end of the aisle wearing a black tuxedo. His posture was assertive yet effortlessly composed, but it was his mega-watt smile—beaming with warmth and sincerity, filled with undeniable love—that stole my breath. He looked devastatingly handsome, like my very own prince charming.
My dad then presented me with a beautiful bouquet of red roses before escorting me down the aisle, adorned with flameless candles in glass vases, while the wedding march played from nearby speakers.
With every step, my heart swelled. Jameson looked just as moved with emotion, standing alongside his proud brothers, Jaxon and Ford. Seated nearby were his parents, Brock and Camilla, with Maxim, along with Boden and Lakelyn. The ambiance was enchanting and intimate, genuinely perfect in every aspect, and far exceeded anything I could have ever dreamed of.
Jameson stepped away from the makeshift altar, a table covered with a white cloth, and held his hand out to my dad. “Thank you, Dustin.”
“You take good care of my girl.”
“As long as there’s a breath in my body, that is my vow to you,” he replied, then took my hand, gazing deeply into my soul. “Ari, you take my breath away in the most wonderful way. You look positively stunning.”
I stood before him in a white silk gown that was minimalist yet dramatic. Its mermaid silhouette and scooped neckline bodice made me feel like a princess.
“Thank you! You look quite dashing yourself.” I beamed before asking, “Did you do this?” My eyes lifted to take in the new construction.
“I might have had some help.” He shrugged innocently.
Jaxon then stepped out from behind Jameson to stand in front of us both. “Wait, are you—” I began asking in confusion as he opened a book filled with notes. “Since when are you ordained?”
“As of two days ago, at the request of this big guy, and because apparently, I like seeing him ridiculously in love, so I couldn’t say no.”
Everyone chuckled, including me.
“All right, I think it’s time, so without further delay,” he cleared his throat, “we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Jameson Trea Fisher and Arizona Grace Rhodes as they reaffirm their love and commitment to one another and exchange their vows in marriage.”
Jameson took my hands and tenderly ran his thumbs over my skin.
“Love is often described as a profound connection felt deep within. While love is one of the most precious gifts you can offer someone, it’s also a conscious choice, as love isn’t always easy. Love can be messy, test our boundaries, and force us to confront our deepest fears and worries head-on. Yet, we also discover strength, resilience, and forgiveness through love. It shapes our path, offers comfort, and has the power to heal. Love feels like home, not in the physical sense, but in the emotional connection it fosters, because when you’re with the one you love, you feel the most understood and safe enough to lower your guard without fear of judgment. It is with that person you celebrate the good times and weather the storm together with.”
I exhaled a shaky breath, overwhelmed as Jaxon’s words washed over me. I realized how safe everything felt when you were with the person you were destined to be with.
That was what Jameson was to me; he was my home.
“Do you, Arizona, take Jameson to be your lawfully wedded husband to love and cherish, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“Do you, Jameson, take Arizona to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“And now the rings.” Jaxon bent down to take the pillow from Ford’s adorable little boy, Maxim.
I slipped the thick titanium band on Jameson’s finger, right over his new tattoo, symbolizing that a piece of me would always be with him since it wasn’t safe for him to wear the ring at work. “This ring, along with the letter A tattooed on your finger, represents my love and commitment to you, forever and always.”
We both beamed as a tear ran down my cheek.
“This ring,” I watched as he slid an eternity band on my finger, “represents my love and commitment to you as it is a circle with no beginning and no end; it is proof that I will find you in every lifetime because my soul can’t live without yours. I love you, Arizona.”
“I love you too, Jameson.”
“By the power vested in me by the Internet gods, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may—” Jameson didn’t let his brother finish before his lips were on mine as he dipped me backward amidst cheers, laughter, and applause. “Do exactly what you’re doing because, in typical Jameson fashion, you’re defying orders since you’re already kissing your bride.”
Jameson was my happily ever after, my everything, my home.
“Bro.” Jaxon clapped his hand on Jameson’s shoulder. “There is one more order of business you need to attend to before we all go home and tuck ourselves into bed, hoping Santa comes to Mom and Dad’s, and I, for one, have been a very good boy this year.”
“Doubtful, but all right.” Jameson smirked.
“Hey, I got myself ordained for you; that automatically absolves me of any past or future wrongdoings.”
“True story.”
My dad got up and handed Jameson a wood carving tool, then pulled the white cloth off the table to reveal my mom’s workbench underneath—the very one I had been devastated to lose in the fire, along with all our other tangible memories.
“Oh my God.” I pressed my hands together in front of my nose and mouth, unable to look away from the workbench. I was stunned, my thoughts spinning in disbelief and awe. While there were obvious signs of additional wear and damage, it had been saved by some miraculous intervention. “How?”
“It was the item I was trying to protect when I lost consciousness. After Jameson saved me, he went back and got it out.”
“You guys, I don’t know what to say,” I expressed through clogged emotions. The truth was, there was so much to say, and yet I struggled to find the right words to adequately describe my gratitude.
It wasn’t just the appreciation I felt bursting out of my heart to be standing there with my husband and my dad; it was also about being surrounded by my mom’s love and spirit.
“You don’t need to say anything because we all know what this means to you. Now, what do you think about adding our mark to this workbench?”
“I say, I like how you think, Mr. Fisher.”
“Perfect, because it’s you and me forever, Mrs. Fisher.”
Together, we carved into the wood: J + A = 4EVER.
Our love became the defining rhythm and the solid foundation that united us when the timing was perfect for our story—our journey.