"Always," I promise, meaning it more than any vow I'll make today.
Savannah squeezes my hand, tears already glistening in her eyes. "Hi," she whispers.
"Hi yourself," I whisper back. "You look incredible."
"So do you." Her gaze travels appreciatively over my suit. "Worth the wait."
Judge Martinez clears his throat, beginning the ceremony. I hear the words dimly, focused on Savannah's face, on our joined hands, on the future spreading before us like an open road.
"The couple has written their own vows," the judge announces. "Colt, if you'd like to begin."
Unlike five months ago, I have no paper to read from. These words are etched in my heart, needing no reminder.
"Savannah." I take both her hands in mine. "When you stormed up to me that day with your wild proposal, I thought you were crazy. I had no idea you were also the bravest, most amazing woman I'd ever meet."
She laughs softly through her tears, remembering.
"You saw something in me worth fighting for when most people only saw my past. You stood up to your father, to this town, to everyone who said we couldn't work." I take a steadying breath. "And when things got complicated, when we both realized what was happening between us was real, you had the courage to stop everything and demand truth."
Her hands tighten in mine.
"I promise to love you with that same courage. To fight for us every day. To support your dreams as fiercely as you've defended mine." The words echo my courthouse vows, but carry new weight now. "I promise to be your partner in every sense. Your champion. Your safe harbor. Your home."
Tears spill freely down her cheeks now, but her smile never wavers.
"I promise that what began as an arrangement will continue as the greatest adventure of our lives. I love you, Savannah Parker. Today and always."
The chapel is silent when I finish, the emotion in the air palpable. Judge Martinez clears his throat again. "Savannah, your vows."
She takes a moment to compose herself, her smile wobbling with emotion. "Colt. My impossible man. The last person I ever expected to fall in love with."
Someone in the congregation chuckles. Probably Sylvie.
"Five months ago, I stood in a courthouse ready to marry you for all the wrong reasons. Today, I stand here for all the right ones." Her voice strengthens with each word. "Because you've shown me what real partnership looks like. What it means to be truly seen and accepted, flaws and all."
I swallow hard against the tightness in my throat.
"I promise to keep seeing the man you truly are, not the labels others have placed on you. To remind you of your worth when you forget it. To build our home and our future with the same care you put into everything you create."
Her thumb traces over my knuckles, a familiar gesture that never fails to center me.
"I promise to cook you meals that don't involve expired condiments." This draws laughter from those who know us well. "To challenge you when you need challenging and support you when you need supporting. To love you through whatever life throws at us."
She takes a deep breath, eyes never leaving mine. "What started as a business deal has become the greatest gift of my life. I love you, Colton Reeves. Today and always."
The rest of the ceremony passes in a blur. Rings exchanged. Pronouncements made. And finally, permission to kiss my bride. I cradle her face in my hands, pouring everything I feel into the kiss. Her arms wrap around my neck, holding me just as fiercely.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Judge Martinez announces as we break apart, "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Reeves."
Cheers erupt throughout the chapel. Savannah laughs, radiant with joy as we turn to face our guests. Her hand finds mine again, our rings catching the light.
"We did it," she whispers. "For real this time."
"For real," I confirm, squeezing her hand. "And forever."
Later, at the reception in the community center, I hold my wife close as we sway to our first dance. The renovated grandmother's house waits for us, our home already filled with memories and plans for the future. Her catering business growing. My commissions increasing now that the town's perception has shifted. Everything is falling into place in ways neither of us could have imagined almost six months ago when she proposed our arrangement.
Over Savannah's shoulder, I spot Jax and Riley slow dancing nearby, their foreheads touching as they move to the music. My brother's wilderness program and Riley's social services background make them the perfect professional match, just as they're perfect for each other personally. Their engagement last month surprised no one who'd seen them together.
