Page 112 of Crossroads of Love

There’s no one else. Just him. Just us.

His smile widens as I get closer, and I can see the emotion in his eyes, the way his lips press together like he’s trying not to cry. I know exactly how he feels because I’m right there with him, trying to hold it all in, trying to keep from falling apart with the weight of how much I love this man.

As I reach the front of the barn, my dad gently squeezes my hand before passing me to Gavin. The officiant starts speaking, but I barely hear him. I’m too focused on the way Gavin’s thumbbrushes over the back of my hand, grounding me at this moment and reminding me of all the reasons I love him.

When it’s time for our vows, I take a deep breath and begin, my voice trembling but strong. “Gavin, from the moment I met you, my world shifted. You’ve taught me what it means to be loved and truly loved, and every day with you feels like a gift I don’t deserve. But today, I promise to spend the rest of my life deserving it. I promise to love you with everything I have, stand by your side through every storm, and build a life with you as strong and beautiful as the love we share.”

Gavin’s eyes glisten with unshed tears, and his voice is thick with emotion when it's his turn. “Lena… you came back into my life when I didn’t even know how much I needed you. You’ve made me a better man, and every day with you and Jayla has been more than I ever could’ve dreamed. I promise to love you, protect you, cherish you, and never let a day go by without reminding you how much you mean to me.”

By the time he finishes, there isn’t a dry eye in the barn, least of all mine. We exchange rings, and when the officiant finally pronounces us husband and wife, Gavin pulls me into his arms and kisses me like it’s the first time all over again.

The applause from the crowd fills the air, and as we walk back down the aisle, hand in hand, it feels like we’re floating.

We have the reception in the barn, with fairy lights casting a soft glow over the wooden beams and rustic tables set up with mismatched plates and wildflower centerpieces. The food is home-cooked and made by the women in town, and music, dancing, and laughter fill every corner of the space.

I watch as Jayla twirls around with the other kids, her face flushed with happiness, and I catch Gavin’s eye from across the room. He’s laughing with a group of friends, but when he sees me looking, he excuses himself and walks over to me, pulling me into his arms.

“How are you feeling?” he asks, his voice low and teasing as his arms wrap around my waist.

I smile up at him, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. “Like the luckiest woman in the world.”

He leans down, pressing his forehead to mine. “I’m the lucky one, Lena. Always.”

And as we sway together in the middle of the barn, surrounded by everyone we love, I know with absolute certainty that this is just the beginning of the most beautiful adventure of our lives.

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