Page 41 of Pitch for You

“Of course, sweetheart,” I replied, watching him take center stage.

Max cleared his throat, his hands clutching a crumpled piece of paper. “I just wanted to say that I'm really happy for you and Brett,” he began, his voice wavering but resolute. “You've both been there for me, and I know you'll always be there for each other, too.”

A soft murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd as Max continued. “And I just wanted to say...thank you, Brett, for being my friend and for making my mom smile again. I love you both very much.”

Tears glistened in my eyes as I looked down at him, overwhelmed by the depth of his love and support. I glanced over at Brett, who was blinking back tears of his own, his broad shoulders shaking with suppressed emotion.

“We love you, too. More than anything.”

“Please present the rings,” the officiant said, voice strong and clear.

Max, his face serious and focused, stepped forward with a small pillow that cradled two simple yet elegant bands.

“Thank you, Max,” the officiant smiled, taking the rings from the pillow before handing them to us.

“Repeat after me,” the officiant instructed me. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Wi-with this ring,” I stammered, eyes locked onto Brett's steady gaze, “I thee wed.” I gently slid the band onto Brett's finger, hands trembling ever so slightly.

“Your turn, Brett,” the officiant prompted.

“Alright,” Brett began, his voice deep and filled with emotion. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He placed the ring on my finger, completing the circle that would bind us together for eternity.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant declared, her voice ringing with authority. “You may now kiss the bride.”

My pulse raced, and my breath caught in my throat as Brett leaned in to seal our vows with a kiss. As our lips met, time seemed to stand still, and all the pain and heartache of the past melted away, leaving only the joy of love.

A thunderous applause erupted, pulling us back to the present moment. Grinning from ear to ear, Brett and I turned to face our loved ones, who showered us with cheers and well-wishes.

“Congratulations!” Diane called out, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“Way to go, you two!” Helen added, clapping.

Hand in hand, we took our first steps as husband and wife.

“Are you ready for the rest of our lives?” Brett whispered into my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

“More than anything,” I replied, voice brimming with happiness and certainty. Together, we continued down the aisle, ready to face whatever challenges life would bring, knowing we would conquer them side by side.

Rustic wooden tables adorned with wildflowers stood proudly around the dance floor, each one set for the guests who eagerly awaited our arrival.

“Wow,” I breathed as I took in the enchanting scene. “It's perfect.”

“Almost as perfect as my bride,” Brett whispered, his eyes dancing with love and admiration.

“Everyone did an amazing job,” I marveled, eyes welling up with gratitude as they scanned the room.

“Shall we?” Brett asked, extending his hand toward the dance floor.

With a nod, I placed my hand in his, heart pounding with anticipation. As the music began to play, our bodies seemed to meld together in seamless harmony, effortlessly moving with grace and fluidity. The world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us wrapped in each other's arms.

“Remember when we used to dance under the stars?” Brett murmured, his breath warm against my neck.

“Of course,” I replied, a tender smile playing on my lips. “Those were some of the best nights of my life.”

“Me too.”

“Life has a funny way of bringing people back together,” I mused, thoughts drifting back to the winding path that had led us here.

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