Page 97 of The Man I Love

That was the point of marriage. Why “through good times and bad times” were often part of the vows.

Finally, at the edge of the dock, they stopped. The water was calm, and the lake peaceful. February was the off-season for the town, which meant they had the entire place to themselves. It was just before sunset, and the lake was cast in a warm glow.

Tristan took a deep breath, then turned toward his mother and handed her the baby. She stood by Phin, who held Sophia on his shoulders.

Although the two cousins were only a few months apart, they could easily have been mistaken for twins. Both had the Montgomery blond hair, blue eyes, and a dimpled chin. Sam smiled, remembering how she and Renee had often dreamed of being related. Now, their daughters would forever be mistaken for sisters.

Renee stepped toward the middle of the dock, wearing a blush-colored dress. She opened a notebook and gripped it tightly in her hands. “Good evening,” she said, trying not to laugh at being so formal in front of her family. “I don’t know why Tristan and Sam chose me, but the bride and groom have asked me to officiate their wedding.” She cleared her throat, as though trying to make things more official. But her chin wobbled slightly, and Sam could tell she was fighting back tears.

Renee glanced around the dock, making eye contact with each person. “Tristan and Samantha first asked that I thank you all for being here today. For taking the time out of your busy lives to join them in this truly special moment.

“Today is especially special for me though, as I get to be the one to marry both my big brother, and best friend on the same day.” She laughed. “Three years ago, if any one of you would have told me I’d be here, I would have laughed in your face. But thinking back on it, I really wassoblind.” Her voice broke a little, and her eyes locked on Samantha’s. “I’m sure everyone here has borne witness to their love story. The moments when they were young and thought no one saw them looking at each other. The way they both avoided eye contact for no reason whatsoever.”

Everyone in attendance laughed, and Sam only looked at Tristan. Had they really been that obvious?

Renee took a step closer, shifting her weight to her other foot. “We all watched when they fell in love years later, then traveled the world, and shared a romance that was so sweet it was like it came straight out of a movie. But just like that movie, they faced strugglesand stubbornness that made us all want to beat them over the head with a stick!”

Everyone laughed again, and Rene paused, letting their enjoyment settle. “Their love is a reminder that stories come inall sorts of packages. Some are short, some are long, and some wind around like a roller coaster until they get to the good part.

Despite all their differences, Tristan and Samantha were meant for each other. As bothhissister andherbest friend, I can attest to that. They balance each other well. Where one is weak, the other one is strong, and they love each other more fiercely than should be humanly possible.

“Today marks their first day as husband and wife, but their incredible journey can’t be summed up in a single moment”—she waved her arm toward the lake, gesturing to the picturesque scene around them—“not even this breathtaking one.

Their love is made up of a million tiny moments that have built the foundation they stand on today. One single kiss that took place in this very spot. The spot where their story began.”

Tristan and Samantha then shared traditional vows, because as they searched the internet for inspiration, nothing else resonated quite as much.

“...to have and to hold from this day forward, through good times, and bad, for better, or worse, for richer, or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, till death do us part...”

In one way or another, they’d already survived all of it, and their story was just getting started.

When the ceremony was over, they went back to the Montgomery cabin, where a gourmet chef had prepared the fanciest version of a hamburger and fries Samantha had ever seen. Dessert was a cheesecake, specially ordered from their favorite bakery, which read “Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery” on top.

In the evening, when it was quiet,the family changed into pajamas, sat at the large farmhouse table, and exchanged memories that hadexpanded over decades. They all knew each other as neighbors and friends, and now they were united as a family.

Samantha found Tristan standing at the foot of the table, smiling as he watched their family laughing at a game of charades. Even his mom, dad, and stepmom had formed a friendship through their union.

Sam walked up to him after putting Sawyer to bed and slipped her arms around his waist. “Hello, husband,” she whispered so only he could hear.

He took a deep cleansing breath, and his eyes shifted downward. They were so crystal blue she could practically see her own reflection. “Hello, wife.”

The simple greeting caused goosebumps to cover her from head to toe, and she took a moment to compose herself. “I have a surprise for you,” she whispered.

He grinned, then leaned in to bite her earlobe. “Does it involve a private cabin, and you naked?”

She pushed him backward, grinning as she shook her head. “No,” she said, but then her hand trailed down his armuntil she took hold of his hand and led him out into the night. “Come on,” she said quietly, like they were teenagers again, and sneaking out without their parents' permission.

She led him out on the porch, down the steps, then into the woods.

“Why am I nervous?” He chuckled.

She bit her lower lip, then took a blindfold from the pocket of her robe and handed it to him.

His eyes widened, but his expression became mischievous. “What are you up to, Mrs. Montgomery?”

Giddiness over her new name made her shiver as she looped the blindfold around his face and tied it behind his head.

“Can you see anything?” she asked, waving her hand in front of his eyes.

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