Page 53 of Roots of Redemption (Hicks Creek #4)

Sutton

One year later

I ’m standing in front of the mirror in our bedroom, the soft glow of morning light spilling through the windows and illuminating the lace details of my wedding dress.

Mrs. C is fussing with my veil, her gentle hands smoothing it over my curls, while Kelsey adjusts the hem of the dress where it pools on the floor.

The house feels alive, buzzing with the anticipation of the day. The faint sounds of laughter and chatter drift up from outside, where friends and family are gathering in the sunflower-filled meadow that Wade insisted would be the perfect spot for our wedding.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” Mrs. C says, stepping back to admire her handiwork. Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, and I’m reminded again of how much she’s become like a second mother to me.

It’s almost like having my mom here with me. They’re so much alike.

“Absolutely stunning,” Kelsey adds, grinning as she hands me my bouquet. It’s a simple arrangement of sunflowers and wildflowers tied with a ribbon that matches the soft blue of the sky outside.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice catching. My heart is pounding, a mix of nerves and excitement. “I can’t believe that this day is finally here.”

“I officially get to call you my daughter.” Mrs. C grins. “And you’ll call me Elena from here on out.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I giggle.

Taking a deep breath, I glance out the window.

The meadow looks like something out of a dream.

Sunflowers stretch as far as the eye can see; their golden faces turned toward the sun.

Beyond them, the cliffs rise majestically, a stunning backdrop that feels like a little piece of heaven right here on the ranch.

It’s perfect. Everything about this day is perfect.

The ceremony is a blur of emotions. I walk down the aisle on my dad’s arm, his grip steady and reassuring.

It’s been a long road to get here, but we’ve repaired our relationship, and having him by my side today means everything.

Wade is waiting for me at the end of the aisle, his eyes locked on mine.

He looks devastatingly handsome in his suit, and the rugged cowboy edges softened just enough to make him look like he stepped out of a dream.

When I reach him, he takes my hands in his, and the world narrows to just the two of us. The officiant begins, but all I can focus on is him.

Wade clears his throat. “Sutton,” he begins, “you’re the most stubborn, headstrong woman I’ve ever met.

But that’s exactly why I fell in love with you.

From the moment we met, or I guess I should say, reintroduced ourselves—even under those false pretenses in Texas—I knew there was something special about you.

You challenge me, you push me, and you make me a better man.

I’ve loved you since the moment you put me in my place, and I’ll keep loving you for the rest of my life.

You’re my partner, my best friend, my everything.

I promise to stand by your side, to support you, and to love you with everything I have. ”

Tears stream down my face as he speaks, his words raw and sincere. When it’s my turn, I take a shaky breath and smile through the tears.

“Someone once told me that it’s a beautiful thing when a cowboy finds a cowgirl to love because that love is special and real.

It’s true because I’ve seen sides of you that no one else gets to see.

The way you care, the way you love—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever known.

You’ve shown me what it means to be truly loved, and I promise to spend the rest of my life loving you in return. You’re my home, my heart, my forever.”

The officiant pronounces us husband and wife, and as Wade pulls me into his arms and kisses me, the world erupts into cheers and applause. It’s the happiest moment of my life.

The reception is filled with laughter, dancing, and more love than I ever thought possible.

Wade spins me around the dance floor, his grin infectious as he twirls me under the string lights.

Caleb gives a heartfelt toast that has everyone in tears, and Mrs. C and Kelsey hug me so tightly I think I might burst.

As the night winds down, Wade and I steal a quiet moment under the stars. The meadow is quiet now, the sunflowers swaying gently in the breeze. He pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me as we look out at the cliffs in the distance.

“You know,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my temple, “this is just the beginning.”

I smile, leaning into him. “The best beginning.”

And as we stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I know that this is our happily ever after.