I wasn’t softening anymore. I was already there, but only with them and those who mattered. It was worth it to see the looks on Hartley’s and Vail’s faces while Cat had us recite vows. We didn’t want to write our own, opting for what Cat put together.
They were words of love, devotion, and at the end of the day, remembering why we were together, because we couldn’t bear to have it any other way. We weren’t complete unless we were together. And we each played a role in our relationship.
Vail was the caretaker. He wanted us to be fed, happy, and fulfilled. He wanted those around him to smile. He loved when we were full of his delicious cooking and had people around the table with us who laughed. Vail deserved everything good in life.
Hartley was our light in the dark. No matter what was going on, he found a way to bring levity to situations, even though half the time he didn’t realize he was doing it. He clothed us, would rush to our sides when needed, and hold us through our troubled moments.
And I was their protector. I would lay down my life for them without a second thought. I would do whatever it took to ensure they had everything they wanted in life, even things they hadn’t realized they needed.
Together, we were a dynamic I couldn’t have dreamed up if I’d tried. I never thought I deserved them or any of this, but now that I had them, I wasn’t letting go.
When we slipped rings on each other’s fingers and kissedin front of the people who mattered most, I smiled big and bright. It didn’t feel wrong or like my face was stretching more than it should. It felt perfect, just like they did in my arms.