Page 50 of Betting Brett

Thesunisbarelypeeking over the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow that illuminates the intricate details of Wyatt’s ranch. The sprawling fields, rustic barns, and the gentle rustle of the leaves in the early morning breeze paint a serene backdrop. It’s a day of new beginnings, one I’d been waiting for what felt like years.

Today, I marry Andy.

I’m standing by the window, lost in the quiet contemplation. The reflection in the glass is a man shaped and molded by trials, triumphs, and an unwavering love that stood the test of time. It started when we were just kids and grew and grew into what it is today. Strong and powerful, like an oak tree stretching up toward the bright blue sky. Similar to the one we were now going to get married under.

The Tom Ford suit I have on feels foreign to my skin. I look at the golden mirror across the room from me. My shoes are shining, and my tie is a deep evergreen that matches the rich-looking pocket square in my suit. I have a fresh haircut, and I shaved just last night, so I look the sharpest I have in a long while.

A soft knock pulls my attention. The door creaks open, and my daughter’s bright eyes meet mine. “Daddy, are you ready?” She asks.

“Come on in, sweetheart,” I reply, my voice steady, not quite betraying the storm of emotions raging within. She steps in, a vision in her green dress, the rings safely ensconced on the pillow she clutches with the seriousness of her role—our ringbearer.

“You look handsome, Daddy,” she says, giving me a hug.

“And you look beautiful, Izzy,” I reply, the kiss on her forehead, a silent promise of the love and protection that will forever be hers. Forever.

The door opens wider, and my Dad steps in. The passage of time is evident in the lines that mark his face, likely made deeper by all the stress he’d been under recently. However, I had to say that he seemed much, much happier now that he wasn’t with my mother. There was a newfound lightness to him that I think bodes well for his future.

“Hi, Dad,” I smile, glad he’s here today.

“You look good, son,” he says. “Like James Bond.” He smiles and claps a hand on my shoulder, his suit looking just as sharp as mine.

“Dad,” I begin, the word carrying the weight of a thousand emotions. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what happened with Mom and what happened between you two, and it hurts my heart that you were ever in pain, but I’m glad that you were able to break out of the cage she put you in. I’m proud of you.”

“And I’m proud of you, son.”

“I love you, Dad,” I say. “You’ve shown strength and courage in standing up to her, and that’s... it’s inspiring.”

Jim’s gaze drops for a moment. “It took losing nearly everything to realize the value of what I had, Brett. Your mother…” his voice trails off, the pain of that chapter a ghost that still clearly lingers.

“It’s ok, Dad. What she tried was malicious and cruel, but we fought it, and you helped us with that. If it wasn’t for your letter, who knows what the judge would have decided? And look at us now, stronger, happier, and together. We’ve come a long way, Dad,” I say, hugging him.

“And we get to keep going, son,” Jim replies, “Now let’s get you married to the man of your dreams.”

“Let’s,” I say, nearly knocked over by hearing him say those words.

The sun is high in the sky now, casting its golden embrace over Wyatt’s ranch as my dad and I head out of the room we were getting ready in, Izzy with us. I let her take her spot before Dad walks me down the aisle. Everyone grows quiet, and the music plays a little louder. The guests are all seated, their faces glowing with anticipation, their eyes fixed on the space where Andy will soon appear.

I stand at the altar, my heart pounding with nerves and excitement. I look out to the crowd and see all of the boys. Sam and Paul, their hands clasped together, were sitting in the front row next to Hank and Lee. Wyatt and Mark are to their left, Wyatt already dabbing at the corners of his eyes.

I see Jen.

Jen, another of the rocks in my life. Mother to Izzy and one of the strongest allies in the fight to keep her. Seeing her sitting in the front row with a smile that stretches from ear to ear only makes me that much surer that this was all meant to happen. That this is absolutely right.

Izzy glides down the aisle. She’s old enough to take this seriously and move elegantly, but young enough that she has a giant grin on her face. She looks so grown-up and beautiful that it makes my chest hurt. She takes a seat next to her mother when she reaches the front, waiting until the right time to hand us the rings.

And then, there he is. He’s perfect, a vision of handsome beauty, his black suit tailored perfectly. The sunlight dances in his hair, casting a halo that illuminates his features, making his eyes sparkle with a captivating mix of beauty and excitement that I don’t ever want to look away from.

He steals my breath away, completely and utterly. The world fades, the guests, the trees, the radiant sky – all dissolve into the background. There’s only Andy, his presence a magnetic pull that draws me into the orbit of our shared past and our promised future.

“Brett,” Andy says in a low whisper as he reaches me, his father giving him a hug and a kiss before going to sit down in the crowd.

“You look incredible,” I respond, my voice trembling with the emotion that courses through me.

The altar around us is a masterpiece of nature and artistry, nestled under a cloudless sky. We stand under a trellis, its wooden beams aged and strong, creating a beautiful contrast to the softness of the greenery. Ivy, lush and verdant, weaves through the beams, its leaves whispering in the breeze.

Our officiant begins the ceremony, and my heart nearly beats right out of my chest. I’m holding Andy’s hands, seeing the man I love smiling back at me.

Then, it’s my turn to say my vows. I want to press pause to take in every second of this day. Instead, I look into Andy’s eyes and begin, my voice trembling slightly. “From the moment our paths crossed in our seventh-grade homeroom class, you’ve helped me grow, stood by me, and captivated me. You’ve been the reason for my greatest joys and stood beside me through the darkest nights, making sure I never forget the sun would come up, no matter how dark it might seem in the moment. And you reminded me that because you yourself are the sun, bright and powerful. You give me life.”

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