Page 82 of Found By You
“To support your passion for the truth, even when it leads us into adventure or danger. To love you fully, completely, all the days of my life.”
I took a deep breath, fighting back happy tears. “McCrae, you found me when I was lost in every possible way. You gave me shelter, safety, family. But more than that, you saw me—the real me—even before I remembered who that was. I promise to stand strong beside you through every storm. To build a life with you filled with laughter and adventure. To love your family as my own. And to cherish every moment of this unexpected life we’ve found together.”
Pastor Jones guided us through the exchange of rings. “By the power vested in me,” he said finally, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He smiled at McCrae. “You may kiss your bride.”
McCrae’s hands were gentle as he cupped my face, his eyes full of promise as he leaned in.
Our lips met in a kiss that sealed our vows, our future, our hearts.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, but I barely heard them.
In that perfect moment, with the lake stretching behind us and the mountains standing witness, I knew with absolute certainty that I would love this man forever, whatever life threw at us next.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Pastor Jones announced as we turned to face our guests, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong!”
The reception was a blur of joy; our first dance to a slow country song McCrae had chosen, cutting the three-tiered cake Ella had somehow managed to bake between taking care of her baby and helping with wedding plans, and finally speeches that made me laugh and cry in equal measure.
As night fell, the lanterns glowed among the trees, and lights twinkled everywhere. It transformed the lake house into something from a dream.
We moved among our guests—our family now, all of them—accepting congratulations and well-wishes.
“I’ve never seen a more beautiful ceremony,” McCrae’s mom said, hugging me tight. “You’re officially an Armstrong now, my dear.”
“Thank you for everything,” I whispered. “For taking me in when I had nothing, for loving me like one of your own.”
“You are one of our own,” she replied simply.
Later,I found myself alone with McCrae for a brief moment near the dock. Music and laughter drifted from the party, but here it was peaceful, the water lapping gently at the shore.
“Wife,” he said, testing out the word with a smile.
“Husband,” I replied, loving how right it felt.
He took my hand, his thumb brushing over my wedding band. “Are you happy?”
I looked up at him; my protector, my partner, my love. “Happier than I’ve ever been.”
“No regrets about marrying a man you’ve known for little over a month?” he asked, his tone light but his eyes searching mine.
I shook my head. “I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. Like maybe I was always walking toward you, even when I didn’t know it.”
He pulled me close, resting his forehead against mine. “I love you, Azalea Armstrong.”
My new name. My new life. Yet somehow, it felt like coming home.
“I love you too,” I whispered. “Always.”
He nodded. “Always, because … I did find you and I am responsible for you,” he teased.
I kissed him, grinning. “Yes, you did find me. And now you have to keep me.”
**
