Page 111 of The Ballad of Us
“Gray. Always Gray.” I’m quick to answer.
Twenty minutes later, I wait at the end of Main Street, hidden just out of sight behind the corner of the Ink & Embers Bookstore. Andrew stands beside me, ready to walk me down the aisle. He volunteered for this after I told him I had no one else to ask. He glances at me, offering me much-needed support as I adjust my grip on his arm and try to steady my nerves.
“You sure about this?” he asks, his arm holding solid under my trembling hand.
“About marrying your brother? Absolutely.”
“Good. Because he's been ready to marry you since the day you answered his phone call in rehab.”
The crowd quiets, then I hear the gentle strumming of Gray's guitar, followed by his voice, clear, strong, and completely present.
“This is where our story starts, not with breaking but with mending hearts. Every step you take today brings you closer to where you're meant to stay.”
Andrew squeezes my hand. “Ready?”
“Ready.” I release a big breath and prepare myself to face all the wonderful, supportive people who came out to help us celebrate.
We round the corner, and my breath catches. The entire village fills the chairs and sidewalks. But I only see Gray at the altar with his guitar in hand, singing a song he composed just for me for this beautiful moment.
His silvery-blue eyes find mine, and his bluesy, angelic voice carries on with a steady certainty that comes from a man who knows exactly where he belongs.
“Walk to me through morning light
Everything before was worth this sight
My redemption wears a wedding dress
My salvation answers ‘always yes’”
By the time I reach him, there isn't a dry eye on Main Street. The emotion of Gray's song still lingers as he sets down his guitar and takes my hands in his warm ones. I can feel them shaking slightly, not from nerves or craving, but from the overwhelming emotion of this moment, and I allow myself to surrender to it.
“Hi,” he whispers.
“Hi,” I whisper back.
“You came.”
“Always.”
Parker begins the ceremony with beautiful, meaningful words about second chances, redemption, and the kind of love that sees brokenness and chooses to stay anyway.
When it comes time for our vows, Gray pulls out a piece of paper that's been folded and refolded so many times it's as soft as silk.
“Rhea,” he begins, his voice steady despite the tears on his cheeks. “You loved me when I couldn't love myself. You left when staying would’ve destroyed us both. You came back when I learned to show up for my own life. You taught me that love isn't about saving someone, but it is about creating space for them to save themselves. I promise to choose recovery every day, to choose you every day, and to keep building this life we've created on the solid ground of truth, trust, and the belief that broken things can become beautiful. You are my song, my redemption, my home. Today and always.”
I'm crying too hard to read my own vows. Panic threatens to overwhelm me, but then I meet Gray's loving gaze, and the storm shifts into resolve. I draw a shaky breath. My tears become steadier, softer, and I decide to simply speak from my heart instead.
“Gray, you showed me love doesn't have to be perfect to be real. That strength sometimes means letting go and sometimes holding on. You've taught me recovery isn't a destination but a daily choice, and I promise to support you while making my own. I'll love you on good days and bad, in the spotlight and quiet moments. You are my music, my peace, my forever. Today and always.”
Parker, who got ordained online specifically for this moment, pronounces us husband and wife, and when Gray sweeps me into his arms and kisses me, the entire village erupts in cheers that echo up and down the streets of Dogwood Hollow.
The reception follows, taking place on Main Street, which has been closed to traffic until midnight. Leslie and Mrs. Chen have transformed the village square and the entire street into the most magical space I could’ve ever imagined.
Case in Point performs a set that includes all their hits and several new songs from “Solid Ground,” but when it's time for our first dance, Gray hands the microphone to Zep.
“This song,” he says, looking directly at me, “is the hardest song I’ve ever seen Gray write. He’s given me the honor of performing it tonight for him and his bride. This is ‘The Ballad of Us’.”
The band begins the gentle melody that Zep accidentally discovered all those months ago, and Zep’s gravelly voice fills the mountain air with mine and Gray’s soulfully deep story. He sings about the broken beginning, the painful middle, and the beautiful now.
