Page 132 of Lassoed Love

Tennessee Whiskey (Acoustic) - Amber Leigh Irish, Kevin Simm

I GetTo Love You - Ruelle

In the months following Christmas, Isla had summoned the courage to sell her apartment, marking a significant milestone in our journey together. With her official move back into her family home, following her dad’s passing, I joined her by officially moving in not long after.

Amidst managing the family farm, I devoted my spare time to renovating the house, tackling projects like fixing old foundations, fencing, and refurbishing the shed out back. I enlisted the help of Bradley, Harrison, and Michael to redo the pavements out front and replace all the timber flooring. Though there were still major remodelling tasks on the horizon, we were in no rush. After all, we had forever.

Now, I stand at the altar, my heart racing as I take in the sight before me. The makeshift arch, lovingly crafted by Olivia and Amelia, frames our intimate gathering perfectly. Isla and I agreed on asmall, intimate wedding, surrounded by only our closest family and friends. The guests, a mix of neighbours, Harrison and Michael’s family, Imogen’s parents, Claire, Isla’s work friends, Molly and Katy with her husband, and a few of Bradley’s work friends, create a warm and familiar atmosphere.

Beside me stands Bradley, Harrison, and Michael, the three men I’ve chosen to stand by my side on this momentous day. The thought of it all being real, of it being our wedding day, feels surreal to me. As Imogen, Claire, and Olivia walk down the aisle to join us, the celebrant instructs everyone to stand.

Tennessee Whiskey, a rendition by another artist, fills the air, its soulful melody wrapping around me. A tingling sensation spreads throughout my body, amplifying the significance of this moment.

I recall the boys’ bets from this morning, their doubts about whether I’d cry during the ceremony. I had been adamant then, but as I watch Isla walk down the aisle with my father by her side, the sight of two of my most respected people together, hand in hand, overwhelms me. Just the sight of her knocks the breath out of my lungs. My eyes start to well up as the lyrics of the song filter through my mind.

But you rescued me from reachin’ for the bottom and brought me back from being too far gone.The words resonate deeply with me, reflecting our journey and the profound impact Isla has had on my life. She is my rock, my guiding light, my love.

You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey,

you’re as sweet as strawberry wine,

you’re as warm as a glass of brandy, and honey,

I stay stoned on your love all the time.

As I reminisce on our time together, every moment, every laugh, every tear, floods my mind, bringing all my emotions to the surface. In this moment, watching Isla walk towards me, I know with absolute certainty that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

As I wipe at my eyes, trying to compose myself, I hear Harrison’s voice next to me, teasing, “Looks like the boys won their bets, eh?” Michael snorts, and I can’t help but chuckle through my tears.

Bradley, always the supportive one, pats me on the back, resting his hand on my shoulder. Their presence, their support, grounds me in this moment of overwhelming emotion.

I steal a glance back at Isla, her eyes now locked on mine, a mixture of love and happiness shining through her tears. Seeing her, so beautiful and radiant, walking towards me, fills me with a sense of awe and gratitude. I never imagined I could be so lucky, so blessed, to have her in my life.

She’s wearing a figure-hugging lace dress, accentuating the curves that I loveandworship, with a long trail at the back. Her veil rests over her head, and over her shoulders her hair falls in loose waves. In her hands, she carries a bouquet of daisies and wildflowers, her mum’s once favourite, and now hers. She looks like a vision, a dream come true, and I can’t believe she’s about to become mywife.

As she finally reaches me, I clear my throat, trying to compose myself. My father steps forward, lifting her veil over her head and planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. From where I’m standing, I cansee Isla’s eyes, blurred with unshed tears.

My father whispers something into her ear, and they both smile softly, sharing a moment that I know will stay with us forever. He then turns her to face me, and as our eyes meet, I feel a rush of emotion unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. This is it, the moment I’ve been waiting for, the moment when I promise myself to Isla, for all eternity.

Isla turns to face me, and I grab hold of her hands, looking into each other's eyes. I whisper out, “Hi,” and she replies with the same, “Hi.”

We share a smile, a moment of quiet connection, before turning to face the celebrant. The celebrant begins his speech, his voice gentle yet firm, filling the air with warmth.

“Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Xavier and Isla in marriage. Today is a celebration of love, of commitment, and of two souls joining together as one.

“As Xavier and Isla stand before us, they do so with hearts full of love and devotion. They have chosen to take this step together, to embark on a journey of love and partnership, promising to support each other through all the joys and challenges that life may bring. As they exchange their vows and rings, let us all bear witness to the love that they share, and let us all offer our support and encouragement as they begin this new chapter in their lives together.”

The celebrant pauses, then adds, “Xavier and Isla have decided to share their own personal vows with each other. Isla, would you please go first?”

As Isla’s shaky yet feminine voice fills the air with her vows, I feel my heart swell with emotion. Her words are like music to my ears, each one resonating deeply within me.

“Xavier, from the moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you. You have shown me what it means to be truly loved, cherished, and supported. You are my rock, my best friend, and my soulmate. I promise to stand by your side, to support you, and to love you unconditionally, for all the days of my life.”

She pauses, as if reflecting on the twists and turns that brought us together. “If it weren’t for the clinic shutting down, looking for new management, our paths probably wouldn’t have crossed again. Fate most definitely brought us back together, although not on great terms to start off with,” she adds with a chuckle, earning laughter from our friends and me.

“The day you stormed back into my life, with that damn cowboy hat, permanent scowl, ‘n all, will be one that I’ll never forget.” She looks up at me with a smile, and suddenly, it’s like I can’t breathe.

She continues, her voice quivering with emotion, “We’ve come a long way since high school, and for years after, you’d intruded on my thoughts. Never in my life did I think I’d be standing here today. Yet here we are.” She takes a deep breath.

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