Page 70 of The Autumn We Fell in Love

She walks through the orchard like a vision from another world, dark curls tangling as wildly as the apple trees arching above her, curves wrapped in swaths of gauzy white fabric, emerald eyes trained on mine from behind her glasses.

Shira. My bride.

We’re in the small orchard my parents seeded so many years ago so they could make apple wine. Now that I’ve taken over the majority of its management, the vineyard is thriving once more. So much so that the apple wine has fallen by the wayside.

Now the once carefully kept orchard is growing wild and free and as beautiful as my bride walking amid its natural splendor.

During an inspection a year or so back, the inspector asked if I’d dig up the orchard to make more space to grow grapes. At the time, I wasn’t sure.

Now, I’m glad I didn’t listen.

The orchard feels like a space between the worlds, green and growing and so damn peaceful. A small handful of our closest friends and family are gathered between the tree trunks, watching as I take Shira’s hands in mind and draw her close.

The non-denominational minister begins the short ceremony. He could be saying anything. All of my awareness is fixed on my bride. I squeeze her hands. She rewards me with a trembling smile, unshed tears glittering in her eyes.

Two years ago, my life had seemed to grind to a halt. My career at Fine As Wine, supporting my parents through Mom’s illness — even just thinking back on that time is difficult. So much was uncertain, and so much was at risk.

But just when things felt darkest, Shira appeared.

My life has never felt quite as dark since she stepped into it. Even though Mom wasn’t out of the woods when I met Shira. Even though I worked at Fine As Wine for another six months. Even though I wasn’t sure what was coming next.

Through it all, Shira was there, and I’ve been there for her.

With investors on her side — and in her pocket — she’s been able to grow Blush beyond what even she expected. Now it’s not only an app. It’s also a holistic relationship training program with educational videos, a podcast, mentoring sessions, and even an annual conference.

I helped advise Shira on some business aspects of her expansions of Blush, but she’s been the mastermind behind it all. And she’s been killing it.

I’m so damn proud of her.

She tugs on my hands, pulling me from my reverie. She’s staring at me with a bemused expression. The minister leans forward and mutters, “Uh, you can kiss the bride, man.”

Shira giggles.

Shit. I nearly missed the most important part of the ceremony. We’d decided ages ago to exchange wedding bands instead of a single engagement ring and to seal our official public commitment with a kiss.

Grinning like a wolf, I sweep my wife into my arms and lower my face to hers. Before I kiss her, I pause and murmur. “I’m the luckiest man alive. I love you so damn much.”

She takes my face in her hands, the tears finally escaping her eyes. “We’re both lucky to have found each other.”

I lay my lips over hers and, before our friends and family, with a heated kiss promise her every part of my life, my respect, my loyalty, and my love.

Even though I hate to release her, I do, both of us staring at one another with shining eyes.

And then, for the first time as husband and wife, we turn to face our loved ones. I take in my parents, leaning into each other, smiling with joy.

To see Mom healthy still feels like a miracle. Her medical team is keeping a close eye on her, of course, but her cancer is in remission and she’s doing great. She’s also free of medical debt, and both she and Dad are signed up for a more comprehensive health plan.

Dad, too, looks like he’s aged backward now that the stress of Mom’s illness and their financial worries have faded. His shoulders aren’t hunched under the weight of the world anymore, and the worry lines on his face have smoothed.

They’re both doing well enough that they help at the vineyard, even though I’d rather they retire. They certainly deserve it. But they’re too stubborn to take me up on it.

I meant what I said to Shira. I feel so lucky to be loved by such a brilliant woman and to get to be her man.

Before Shira, I never understood how people could call their partnersmy everything.

Now I get it.

Big time.

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