Page 91 of From Grumpy to Forever
And it was perfect.
I smoothed my hands over my dress and tried to calm my racing heart as the music changed.
Everyone stood and turned as I made my way slowly down the steps and up the short, grassy aisle past our guests.
Friends and family who’d all become part of our story.
But I couldn’t focus on any of them. Because he was there. Standing in front of the two stunning yellow larch trees, waiting for me.
My husband.
* * *
Reid
She was stunning. I was the luckiest man in the world because not only did I get to marry Avery, I got to marry her twice.
Her dress swayed in the soft breeze as the yellow larch needles drifted down all around us. “You look gorgeous,” I told her as she reached me.
Her fingers slid into mine, warm and steady. There was nothing to be nervous about, after all. The hard part was over; this was just for us, and I’d never been so sure about anything in my life. Spending my life with Avery was everything I wanted. Even if I didn’t know it a few short months ago.
“You good?” I murmured.
She let out a small breath and smiled. “Never better. You?”
“It’s the best day of my life, sweetheart.”
That made her laugh. A sweet, soft sound.
Brody, who’d offered to lead the ceremony considering we were already legally married, cleared his throat after a moment. “Are you two ready?”
I nodded but still didn’t look away from Avery.
“Friends. Family. We are gathered here today,” Brody began, his voice booming over our heads to address our guests, “to celebrate Avery and Reid and their love for each other. And because they didn’t invite any of us the first time,” he quipped, and the crowd laughed. “But we’re all here now,” he continued after a moment. “And I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we couldn’t be happier for both of them and the love they’ve found together.”
A whoop went up from the crowd. I still didn’t look away from my bride, but I did not doubt that it was my youngest brother. I winked at Avery, who laughed again.
“The happy couple have opted to share the vows they’ve written for each other with us, their closest family and friends to bear witness. Reid? Would you like to go first?”
I inhaled, gathering my strength and nodded. Reluctantly, I released Avery’s hand so I could retrieve the piece of paper, where I’d written down a few things I wanted to share.
“Avery, I never planned on getting married. Not like this,” I began. “Not at all. Not because I didn’t believe in love or happily ever afters, but because I hadn’t met you yet. The moment you stormed into my life, all sunshine and determination, everything changed. And somehow, without even trying, you made me want things I’d never even let myself consider before.” I looked directly into her eyes. “A home. A future. A forever. And now, I want all of that. With you.”
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. I swallowed hard before continuing because I, too, could feel emotion welling up.
“You see the best in people, even those who don’t deserve it. You find beauty where others only see ruin. And I’ll be forever grateful that when you looked at me, you didn’t just see the stubborn, grumpy guy who didn’t want his life to change—you saw something more. You saw me.”
Her breath hitched, and a tear slipped down her cheek.
“I can’t promise you I’ll be perfect, Avery. I’m probably always going to be a little too gruff and a little too set in my ways from time to time. But I do promise to love you.” I tucked the paper away—I didn’t need it anymore—and reached for her hands. “I promise to wake up every single day and choose you. Over and over again. Just like I’m choosing you now.”
She smiled through the tears that streamed unchecked down her cheeks now.
“I love you, Avery.”
“I love you, too.”
There was no way I could wait a second more. I reached out, wiped the tears from her cheek, and kissed her gently.
