Page 86 of Hot Shot
Getting married, having kids, was always an abstract thought. I knew it would happen at some point in the future. It was the man that was crystal clear. But even then, I was mid-twenties before those thoughts solidified, before I knew who it would be.
Now here I am. Standing in a pair of skates I haven’t worn in years, my hands gripping Bran’s, in the basement of my parents’ house, my brothers and friends looking on.
And it’s perfect.
I don’t know how Mom did it. How she got this gorgeous setting put together on such short notice.
There are small potted trees lining the rink, the same ones that edge the pond out back. We’re standing beneath an arched trellis of climbing roses, as well as pots of colorful mixed flowers lining the aisle I just skated down with Dad and spread out around the two sections of white carpet everyone is congregated on.
If I didn’t know there was roof over my head, I’d think I was outside.
She’s turned this cold, artificially lit basement rink into an outdoor wonderland.
Our plan to marry on the pond got washed out by the storm that rolled in while we were in town applying for our license.
I’d been so disappointed on the drive home, my dad’s words of reassurance doing nothing to lift my mood. Then I walked through the front door to findallmy brothers at the house. I knew Landon and Corbin were here, but the sight of Mason and Sutton had tears streaming down my face.
Four hours later, minutes before Dad was to skate me down the aisle, Oakley, Cami, Nat, and Walker came through the front door.
Their arrival prompted excited chatter and a round of hugs and more tears, but the slightly red, puffy eyes that are sure to show in my wedding pictures are worth it to have them at my wedding.
Everyone who’s important to me is here. Even Cash. How Mason got him from Emma in enough time to make the drive up from Toronto I don’t know but I’m grateful.
Almost as much as I’m grateful for being here. For finding my way back to Bran. Or him finding his way back to me.
It doesn’t matter who found who. We’re where we should be.
Where we should have always been.
“Welcome. Thank you for joining me in celebrating the love Blake and Branton have for each other. They are thrilled you were able to join them at such short notice on this special day to witness them take this next step, to see them join their lives from this day forward.”
I glance at Callum. I’ve known him my entire life; he’s been one of my parents’ closest friends since before I was born, and I had no idea he could legally perform marriages.
When he arrived, he sat us down and asked what we would like to do in the way of vows. Having talked about that very thing while waiting for our license, we knew we wanted to say our own, that we wanted to speak from our hearts more than have him repeat something generic he’s used multiple times in the past, so we asked him to keep his words simple, quick.
“Branton, do you take Blake as your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.” Bran’s words are clear, strong, and the smile on his face has mine growing to match.
“Blake, do you take Branton as your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.”
“I believe you both have some words you would like to say to each other.”
“Yes.” “Yes.”
I grin at Bran, and he squeezes my hands, holds them tighter.
“Bran, would you like to go first?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
With another squeeze of my hands and a deep breath, Bran begins.
“Blake. You are, have always been the light in my days, the star that lights my nights. Without you, my life is dark, bleak, not a life at all, and I will spend every minute I have left on this planet earning my place in your light. I can never thank you for what you give me, what you will give me for the rest of my days. I can only offer myself, my heart and soul, my devotion, and with each breath I take, I’ll strive to be the best man I can be for you. Because my heart beats for you. Has always beat for you. Only you.”
My eyes well with tears and I have to swallow hard, blink several times, before I can see him clearly again.
