Page 81 of Heartstrings & Horizons
I peek around the doorway, soft music humming through the speakers as the final guests make their way to the grass separating the house from the dock. I take in the stunning scenery, trying to hold my tears at bay. This whole day has been a rollercoaster of nerves and emotions.
The weather is mild, the sweet scent of flowers mingling with the early spring air. The back yard has been transformed into a romantic oasis. Wildflowers adorn every surface of the deck, their delicate petals adding splashes of color against the backdrop of the cool lake. String lights and lanterns are strung overhead, casting a soft, warm glow that will become even more enchanting as the sun begins to set. Flower petals line the aisle between rows of mismatched rustic wood chairs, adding a bohemian vibe, each one adorned with a small cluster of wildflowers and a wedding program.
I spot Cade standing beside Liam at the end of the dock under a gorgeous floral archway, gratitude and peace settling in my bones.This feels right.
The men are all wearing navy blue suits with wildflowers in their breast pockets instead of pocket squares. The hint of whimsy makes me smile. Every little detail is meticulous, and exactly what I would have chosen for myself.
The opening notes of our song fill the air, accompanied bytheRuby Lynn Hayes softly singing along as Dean leads Mags down the aisle. I'll have to circle back tothatlittle detail later.
The maid of honor and best man take their places on either side of the archway. Ivy and Miles are next, with Cara and Liam following behind. Finally, Aidan and Rylin walk down the aisle hand in hand and the small crowd lets out an “aww” in unison. Rylin has a very serious look on her face as she tosses wildflowers, and Aidan is grinning ear to ear.
My breath catches as I step out onto the deck, my hand in the crook of Archie’s arm. My eyes lock with Cade’s, and even from a distance I can see the unshed tears glistening in his irises.
The walk down the aisle feels like an eternity. My heart races with a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement. The soft rustle of my gown echos in the hushed silence, only the delicate sound of Ruby’s voice surrounding us. My eyes scan the faces of our gathered friends and several people I've never met.
A pang of sadness hits my chest, a longing for my own people to be present, but I tamp it down, not letting anything overshadow the utter bliss I feel in this moment. Bringing my gaze back to Cade, I feel a rush of emotion engulf my chest, momentarily knocking the breath from my lungs as the previously unshed tear finally escapes below his lashes, my own tears following suit.
Each step feels surreal, almost like floating on air.
“I love you.” I mouth the words hoping he can read my lips. I don’t think I can ever adequately repay him for everything he’s done for me. This is a dream come true —heis a dream come true.
Reaching the end of the dock, Archie kisses me on the cheek and places my hand in Cade’s.
“Cade,” I whisper as the tears I’ve been trying to hold at bay slowly track down my cheeks.
“Hey, Sunshine.” He smiles, his eyes alight with affection and adoration.
The officiant begins the ceremony as the sun dips lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lake. When we get to the part of the ceremony where the “for better or for worse” would be, Cade gives the officiant a knowing look before pulling out a small piece of lined paper from his jacket pocket.
There’s an audible gasp in the audience — I guess he didn’t tell anyone he was going to write his own vows.
“Paige, I stand here today, in awe of you. Of your compassion, your kindness, and your perseverance. From the moment you came into my life, you have filled my world with warmth and light. Each day with you feels like a new adventure, a promise of endless possibilities and unwavering love,” he lowers the paper before continuing.
“With you by my side, every sunrise is more meaningful. I am endlessly grateful for the chance to walk through this life with you. I love you, Paige.” His face is blurry now, my eyes filled to the brim and my hand in his trembles for a minute before I compose myself. Obviously, I didn’t have time to prepare any vows, so I don't think he was expecting me to say anything, but I open my mouth and speak from my heart as a stunned expression momentarily takes over his face.
“Cade, I think all of my sunrises have belonged to you for a long time. Though we tried to fight it, we are, and always have been, inevitable. Every step we took led us back to each other, for better or for worse. Nothing has ever felt more right than this moment. I promise to cherish you, and to honor the love that has brought us together. I vow to embrace every new beginning, and to stand by your side through every challenge and every success. You are my peace; my home. I love you.”
As though he can’t resist the temptation, Cade gently cups the back of my head and places a reverent kiss on my forehead. I look around at the faces of our friends and family, not asingle dry eye to be seen.
“I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Cade dips me backwards as we seal our vows with a hungry kiss. The intimate crowd of gathered friends and family erupt into cheers and applause.
“I love you, Wife.”
“I love you, too, Husband.”
Cade
She’s stunning in her wedding dress.My wife.Her wild curls are pulled back on one side by some kind of flowery hair clip and her makeup is soft, accentuating her gorgeous brown eyes and soft features. Her signature red lipstick makes me want to kiss her breathless; fuck the consequences.
After the ceremony, the photographer whisked us away for a few group shots and some couples portraits before we headed back to the reception to celebrate with our guests. “I’m going to need to know how you pulled this off on such short notice.”
“I have my ways,” I say with a cheeky grin. “I hope you love it.”
“It’s perfect, Cade. Absolutely perfect.”
We’re standing inside the house near the doors leading out to the deck, awaiting our first introduction as Mr. and Mrs. Brooks.
