Chapter 40 #2
“I’m terrified,” I admitted. “I’m terrified of letting you down.
Of not being enough. Of making mistakes that hurt you.
But I’m more terrified of a life without you in it.
So I promise to show up. Every day. Even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard.
I promise to fight for us. To choose you over and over again.
I promise to make you laugh when you’re sad, hold you when you’re scared, and remind you how incredible you are when you forget. ”
Harlow was openly crying now, not even trying to stop the tears.
“I promise to be your partner in everything,” I said. “The adventures and the boring Tuesday nights. The highs and the lows. All of it. Because there’s no version of my future that doesn’t have you in it. You’re it for me, Harlow. You’re my person. My best friend. My whole damn world.”
I paused, then smiled, “And I promise to at least try not to burn the bacon. No guarantees, but I’ll try.”
She laughed through her tears, a sound that was half sob, half joy.
Elvis sniffed loudly behind us. When I glanced back, I could swear his eyes were wet behind those ridiculous sunglasses.
“Well,” he said, “that was... those were some fine vows, kids. Real fine.” He cleared his throat. “Now, the rings?”
Jax stepped forward, producing two simple gold bands from his pocket. He handed one to me, then placed the other in Harlow’s palm. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, and he gave a small nod.
We’re good. That’s what the nod said. We’re going to be okay.
I turned back to Harlow, taking the ring between my fingers. My hands were shaking slightly as I slid it onto her finger, watching it settle into place.
“With this ring,” I said, “I thee wed.”
She took my hand, her fingers gentle as she slid the band onto my finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
Elvis beamed at us. “Well then, by the power vested in me by the state of Nevada and the spirit of rock and roll, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He paused dramatically. “You may kiss your bride, son.”
I didn’t need to be told twice.
My hands came up to cup Harlow’s face, thumbs brushing away the tears on her cheeks. She looked up at me, her eyes bright and full of love, and I felt something in my chest expand so much it almost hurt.
“Hi, wife,” I whispered.
“Hi, husband.”
Then I kissed her.
It wasn’t the wild, desperate kiss from the kitchen or the heated passion from last night. It was soft and deep and perfect, and when her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer, I felt like every decision I’d ever made in my life had led me here.
To this moment.
To her.
Applause erupted around us. Someone let out a loud whistle that echoed off the chapel walls.
When we finally broke apart, both of us were crying and smiling and completely wrecked in the best possible way.
“We did it,” Harlow breathed, her forehead pressed against mine.
“We did it.” I kissed her again, quick and joyful. “You’re stuck with me now.”
“Good thing I like you then.”
“Just like me?”
“Love. I love you.” She pulled back slightly, her smile radiant. “I really, really love you, Owen Taylor.”
“I love you, too, Harlow Taylor.”
Her eyes widened slightly, like she hadn’t fully processed that her name had changed. “Harlow Taylor,” she repeated, testing it out. “That’s... that’s me now.”
“That’s you.”
“Forever?”
“Forever.”
Elvis cleared his throat again. “Alright, newlyweds, if you’re done being disgustingly adorable, we’ve got some paperwork to sign.”
We turned to find our friends and family watching us with varying expressions—Syn was grinning like she’d won something, Kaia was crying almost as hard as we were, Jax looked torn between happiness and the overwhelming urge to threaten me again, and Trystan was still holding a sleeping Kailyn, looking amused by the whole spectacle.
“Congratulations,” Kaia said, pulling Harlow into a fierce hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you.” Harlow’s voice was muffled against Kaia’s shoulder. “Thank you for being here. Thank you for the dress. Thank you for everything.”
“Always.” Kaia pulled back, wiping at her own tears. “You’re my sister. Where else would I be? But,” Kaia dragged out the word. “You are going to have to call Dad and Liz.”
Harlow scowled. “They’re…”
“I called them,” I interrupted. “They tried to get here. They just made it to the States about an hour ago. They’re going to plan a big party when we get home.”
Harlow’s face lit up.
Syn appeared out of nowhere, practically tackling Harlow with such enthusiasm that they both stumbled. “You’re married. To Owen. This is insane and perfect, and I can’t believe you almost did this without us.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Harlow said.
“Don’t be sorry,” Syn smiled. “Just promise me I get to plan the reception.”
“Deal.”
Jax approached me, his expression unreadable. For a second, I wasn’t sure if he was going to hug me or punch me.
He did neither.
He extended his hand. “Welcome to the family, brother.”
I took it, feeling the weight of those words settle over me. “Thanks, man.”
“Don’t make me regret this.”
“I won’t.”
“Good.” He pulled me in for a brief, back-slapping hug. “Because Kaia wasn’t kidding about the heart-ripping thing..”
“Noted.”
When we broke apart, Trystan had appeared beside us, still cradling Kailyn. “Congratulations,” he said simply. “You two are good together.”
“Thanks, Trystan.”
He nodded, then looked at Harlow, who had just finished signing the marriage license under Elvis’s watchful eye. “Take care of her.”
“Always.”
“Good.” He shifted Kailyn slightly, and she made a small sound in her sleep but didn’t wake. “Because if you don’t, Jax isn’t the only one you’ll have to answer to.”
“Jesus Christ,” I muttered. “Does everyone have a detailed revenge plan?”
“Yes,” Syn called from across the room. “Mine involves your car and a very creative use of spray paint.”
“That’s terrifying.”
“It should be.”
Harlow appeared at my side, sliding her hand into mine. Our rings clinked together—a sound that would probably never get old.
“Ready to go celebrate?” she asked.
“Absolutely.” I pulled her closer and cupped her face, looking into those blue eyes that had captured my heart years ago, without me even realizing it.
She kissed me, soft and sweet.
“I love you,” she whispered against my lips.
“I love you too.” I smiled, feeling lighter than I had in months.
We were married.
She was mine, and I was hers, and nothing else mattered.
Husband and wife.
And it was perfect.