Page 127 of Hometown Touchdown
The crowd laughs softly as I kneel and unclip the pouch, pressing a kiss to her head. “You girls crushed it.”
“We did it,” Evie whispers, smiling wide as she leads Priscilla to the side, standing by Kate and Kinsey.
And then…the music shifts.
The breath leaves my lungs as Brynn appears at the back of the room, her hand tucked into the crook of her father’s arm.Sunlight spills around her like it was choreographed just for this moment. Her gown is soft and elegant, hugging her curves before falling into a train of delicate lace. Her hair’s pinned in loose waves, a few strands escaping like they knew I’d want something to tangle my fingers in later. Her eyes find mine instantly. Steady. Bright. Unshakable.
She’s not nervous. She’s smiling brighter than the sun and walking toward me.
And I don’t blink. Not once. I need every second of this etched into memory.
Her dad moves with a quiet pride, shoulders square, jaw tight like he’s holding back a thousand emotions. When they reach me, he places her hand in mine and looks me straight in the eye. No posturing. Just quiet strength.
“Take care of my girl.”
“I will,” I say, my voice low and sure. “Always.”
He nods, then steps back, leaving her with me—where she’s always belonged.
The officiant speaks, but I barely hear him. My whole body is humming, heart pounding like it might crack wide open from the sheer force of loving this woman.
Then it’s time. I take a breath, place the ring on her finger and begin.
“Brynn, I loved you before I even knew what love really meant. I loved you when we were kids, when life was simple, and all I wanted was to hold your hand and kiss you under the bleachers. I love you now with everything I’ve got. With the bruises and the hard-earned lessons and the miles we had to walk to get to this moment. I promise to protect you, to laugh with you, to be your safe place on the worst days and your biggest fan on the best ones. You are my heart, baby girl. And you always will be.”
Her hands shake slightly as she slides my band onto my finger. Her voice is soft but clear.
“Knox, I came back to Cedar Falls thinking I was broken. But somehow you knew how to love me exactly as I was. Not just in the easy moments, but in the ones I couldn’t even look at myself. You make me feel safe, seen, desired, adored. You make me laugh. You make me strong. I promise to never take this love for granted. I promise to challenge you, champion you, and always,alwayscome home to you. I love you. I have always loved you.”
Cam’s sniffling. Ty’s full-on crying. Levi’s smiling.
The officiant smiles. “By the power vested in me, Knox, you may kiss your bride.”
I don’t wait. I pull her close, tilt her chin, and kiss her like I’ve waited a lifetime—because I have. Her hands curl around my collar, her body pressed into mine. She tastes like promises and every goddamn hope I’ve ever had.
The kiss deepens. Quickly. Her fingers tug at my tie. My hands find her waist. Someone clears their throat behind us.
And then a loud bark breaks the moment.
Priscilla jumps in, barking wildly like we’ve offended her delicate sensibilities with our public display of affection.
Everyone laughs. Brynn grins against my mouth. I kiss her again, because now she’s my wife, and I can.
Forever starts today. And I’ve never been more ready.
Brynn
The reception is golden-hour magic—warm light dancing through twinkle strands, laughter spilling like champagne bubbles. My heels are long gone. My silk dress is hitched up just enough to let me dance without tripping. And Knox has barely let go of my hand all evening.
The food was delicious. The speeches were hilarious. And now, the dance floor looks like a romantic comedy finale.
Except this one? It's mine.
I scan the room as I sip my wine, heart full to bursting. Mom is slow dancing with Dad. Kinsey’s off in a corner schooling Levi in whatever drinking game she invented on the spot. Ty is half-seriously chatting up one of my cousins—who looks both terrified and intrigued. And Evie is curled up on two reception chairs pushed together, tiara askew, a frosting smear across her cheek.
I look over at Knox, who’s just returned with a bottle of water and a smile that makes my stomach swoop.
“You good?” he asks, pressing the bottle into my hand like he didn’t just completely wreck me with that last kiss during our dance.
