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I nodded, my stomach full of flutters. Still hadn’t come up with a more manly description for butterflies—I was still working on my pride.

“You ready?” he asked.

Remembering his words from his wedding day, I said, “Been ready since I first laid eyes on her.”

He grinned. “Right answer.”

We walked back around the house, and he passed baby Cadence to his mom, who was helping keep the flower girls on track. Then, as guitar music started playing, I held out my arm for my mom and walked her down the aisle with everyone watching.

She looked up at me as we walked and said, “I thought this day might never come.”

I laughed. “A gentleman never comes first, Mother.”

She hit my arm. “Rhett!”

Everyone around us laughed, even though they hadn’t heard my first comment.

The laughter died down as we reached the end of the aisle. I gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then she sat next to Dad and Grandpa Griffen while I continued to the altar made of reclaimed barnwood from the original Griffen homestead.

Music continued as Cooper and Camryn walked down the aisle together, and then Liv and Fletcher, Tyler and Henrietta, and finally Gage and Farrah.

With all my loved ones standing around me, the preacher said, “All rise for the bride.”

I felt like everything moved in slow motion as the back door to our home opened, and Maggie stepped out with her dad.

All my breath left my lungs as my eyes connected with hers. Her sky-blue eyes caught every ray the sun had to give. Her cheeks were warm, and her red lips drew my attention, just begging to be kissed.

My eyes slid over her curves, noticing her dress with loose lace sleeves and a flowing tulle gown. It moved and swayed with her every step.

But so much more than her personality and her looks was the woman behind it all.

This woman had enough spark to light the night sky.

She had enough heart to put the ones she loved ahead of herself.

She had enough bravery to forgive and give second chances to people who might not deserve them.

And she had the drive and vision to create a business and a home that were safe havens to everyone who came in. I knew, with her by my side, I would always be home.

I sniffed in a deep, shaky breath and wiped at my eyes because the future with her was so damn beautiful I couldn’t hold it in.

I saw her in this beautiful house we’d built, adding art and personal touches to every room. Saw her carrying a child of our own. Saw dance parties in the kitchen, cartoons on Saturday mornings, and nights full of passion where we got to choose each other, over and over again.

So when the preacher asked me that question, it was so damn easy to say, “I do.”

* * *

After the ceremonybut before the reception in our shop building, we were mingling with all the guests. Grandpa came up to me leaning on his cane. “Kid, I’m happy for you.”

I grinned at him and gave him a hug. “This wouldn’t be here without you, Grandpa.”

He clapped my shoulder, and when I stepped back, he said, “It’s damn good getting to see this while I’m still here.”

My lips lifted, because he was right. Even though he gave this to me, he was getting something as well: the opportunity to see his grandson and his wife start their life together. I didn’t need to be so independent, so proud, because we were truly all in this together.

“I love you, Gramps.”

He grinned at me. “Love you too.”