AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I walk with the others to the gazebo and take my place. Henry stands next to me as my best man. Brock’s best man is his brother, Bradley, and Donny’s is Dale. Jesse’s is Dragon Locke. He’s been out of rehab for a few months now.
All of the wedding guests are dressed to the nines, some opting for black tie, while others have donned western formalwear. Lots of cowboy hats, lots of bowties, and even a few bolos. My throat catches ever so slightly when I see Uncle Joe, who’s making one of his first public appearances post-surgery and post follow-up chemo and experimental treatment. He looks remarkably good with no hair, and he’s opted to not wear a hat to conceal his baldness. He’s lost some muscle mass in his chest and his face is a bit gaunt, but according to Aunt Melanie, he’s been fighting his cancer like a champ, and we’re all optimistic that we’ll get to hold on to him for a little while longer.
I’m glad he’ll at least get to see Brock get married. His face has been lit up since he got here.
The string quartet is done warming up, and finally, Mozart’s Wedding March begins.
First comes Brianna on the arm of her father, Uncle Talon.
Then Rory with Frank Pike.
Once he’s deposited Rory with Brock, he turns and says to the guests, “Be right back.”
Laughter fills the yard as he goes back down the aisle. He returns with Callie, and then again with the most beautiful of all.
My Maddie.
He gives her to me with a stern look.
“I’ll take good care of her,” I tell him.
He smiles and takes his place next to Maureen in the front row.
“Welcome,” our officiant says. “Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we are gathered here today in the beauty of nature to celebrate not one, but four incredible unions. It is a rare and wonderful occasion to witness the coming together of not just two hearts, but eight, all intertwining in the bond of love and commitment.
“As we stand under the open sky, surrounded by the beauty of this Colorado day, we are reminded of the vastness and depth of the journeys these couples are about to embark upon. Today, we are not just witnesses to their vows. We are participants in a joyous celebration of love, friendship, and the shared dreams that have brought them to this moment.
“Each couple here today brings their unique spark, their individual stories, and their personal promises to each other. Yet they also share a common thread beyond their family ties—a belief in the power of love, in the strength of unity, and in the promise of a future written together.
“Let us open our hearts and minds to the beauty of this day as we join these four couples in celebrating one of life’s greatest moments. To the couples, may this day be the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with love and laughter. To everyone here, thank you for being part of this unforgettable moment.”
He walks to the first couple, Jesse and Brianna.
We all chose traditional vows, and as I listen to my cousin make hers to Jesse Pike, I think about the timeless words they’re speaking. They resonate with me, reminding me of the profound commitment we’re about to make. It’s not just about the good days, but also standing together through life’s challenges—and there have been many since Maddie and I got together. Soon, it will be our turn to speak these same vows, and I feel a surge of determination to live up to every word, to honor and cherish my partner through all the days of our lives.
Brock and Rory are next.
Donny and Callie.
Then—
“David Steel Simpson, do you take Madeline Jolie Pike to be your wife, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
And it’s absolutely no hardship to look into Maddie’s beautiful brown eyes, cup her soft cheek, and say loudly and proudly, “I do.”
Epilogue
Jonah Steel and family…
Jonah Steel will defy the odds and become part of the one percent. He will live fifteen years after being diagnosed with glioblastoma and will always live life to the fullest. And yes, his gorgeous hair will grow back!
Dr. Melanie Carmichael Steel, his wife, a retired psychiatrist, will mentor her niece, Angie Simpson, as she goes through medical school with plans to pursue psychiatry.
Bradley Steel, Jonah and Melanie’s older son, will continue his work with the Steel Foundation, the Steels’ charitable arm, as its chief executive officer. He is not in a relationship.
Brock Steel, Jonah and Melanie’s younger son, will continue his work with his father, Jonah, on the beef ranch side of the family business. He is married to Rory Pike Steel. Rory is one of the lead singers of the band Dragonlock, which, after opening for Emerald Phoenix a few more times, will embark on its first headlining tour across the United States. Brock and Rory are also expecting their first child, a boy to be named Jonah Francis after his two grandfathers. He will be called Little Joe.
Talon Steel and family…
