His smile is soft as I sob. I’m a complete mess, whereas he’s composed and in control as ever. He reaches out and smooths the tears from my cheeks before he continues.
“I promise to love you as deeply as the ocean, with all its mystery, beauty, and power. Like the waves that crash against the shore, my love for you is unending and unstoppable. My love for you is like the sea, fathomless and infinite.”
I hiccup and he pulls me into his chest, letting me hide my face against him while he whispers soothing words into my ear and smooths his hand along my back. The emotions are so raw, his words so beautiful and heartfelt. I feel each line branded onto my soul.I take a deep breath, his intoxicating sea salt and amber scent fortifying me like it always does, and pull away, grateful for waterproof makeup when his white shirt is streak-free. He gives me a questioning look, checking in. I nod to continue. Noses are blown from our group of family and friends, but I don't dare look. This is all about us.
“I promise to push your boundaries to help you grow, to believe in you ceaselessly when your faith in yourself is wavering, to champion your causes and make your dreams come true. I’ll be the mirror that reflects your accomplishments, talents,and abilities to ensure you know how capable and amazing you are when doubts creep in. There won’t be room for imposter syndrome with us. The storms of life may toss us on turbulent seas, but my love will not waver. I’ll stand firm in my protection, guarding our love against all that rises up against us. You’re my greatest treasure, and I’m your faithful servant forever.”
I smile, knowing how true his words are. He’s always been my biggest supporter, believing in my capability even when I didn’t. He’s the most wonderful man imaginable, and I’m incredibly lucky that he loves me this deeply and this well. He takes a ring from Zander and slides it onto my finger. He recites the vows we decided on together.
“I, Payton, choose you, Ainsley, to be my wife. I will respect you, care for you, and grow with you through good times and hard times, as your friend, companion, and partner, giving all that I can to fulfill our lives together.”
The officiant turns to me and I gulp, knowing the heartfelt words I wrote now have to be spoken out loud, in front of more than just the person they’re intended for.Great.
“Payton, I tried my best not to fall in love with you. I attempted to push you away and tell you I wasn't worth the effort. I wasn’t ready for the kind of love you’re so good at providing and didn’t know what to do with an overly smiley man intent on talking to me even when I growled at him.”
I hear teary giggles along with knowing chuckles from my family and Della. I’m not worried about that because it’s all true.
“Instead of being deterred, you showed me with every action what true love, care, and affection is. You have become my calm before and after a storm. Your patience keeps me grounded when my world is spinning out of control. I promiseto share myself with you in every way. To allow you into my thoughts when I’d rather stay silent. I promise to follow your lead, knowing you want the best for me in everything and will challenge me to be better. You’ve taught me to set aside my pride, to release my prejudices, and to accept that there is more to a person than meets the eye, and for that I’m eternally grateful.”
Payton’s eyes are bright, a tear tipping over his dark lashes as he blinks. I reach up and cup his cheek, his hand covering mine and moving it to his mouth to kiss my palm. When he releases my hand and I pull it back, he mouths, "Thank you, my love." I clear my throat and try not to get choked up. I swipe under my eyes and take another breath, determined to continue without completely losing it.
“I promise to give myself to you body, mind, heart, and soul, knowing I’m safe in your hands. I am yours and you are mine, and our love is a boundless ocean with currents we’ll navigate together. I promise to trust you, to support you, to always keep you on your toes, and discover new things together.”
I hear a snort that quickly turns into a cough that has to be from Zander. I smile mischievously at Payton and he returns the look. I absolutely meant it in a bedroom capacity to tease him, but I wasn’t sly enough. I giggle to move past the silly moment and find my seriousness again with a reassuring squeeze of Payton’s fingers. I give him a grateful look before turning to Della and taking the ring she hands me. I slip it onto Payton’s hand. Holding it tightly, I look up at him with all the devotion in my heart as I recite my vows.
“I, Ainsley, choose you, Payton, to be my husband. I will respect you, care for you, and grow with you through good times and hard times, as your friend, companion, and partner, giving all that I can to fulfill our lives together.”
The officiant closes out the ceremony with words that don’t even register until he pronounces us husband and wife. Payton sweeps me back and kisses me, my hands coming to his face and holding on to kiss him back. This feels like a revelation, life-changing in the best way. With a few simple words, our lives are changed and we belong to each other forever.
The cheers from our family and friends erupt around us as Payton pulls me back to my feet and kisses me several more times. This man is a hands-on, deeply sentimental, sappy romantic, and he will take every opportunity for a public display of affection he can get. I’m laughing as Della hands me my bouquet and we walk back down the middle of the dock, starting our life together as Mr. and Mrs. Payton Olsen.