Page 372 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I lean to her and touch her lips for the briefest kiss before Pastor Ronald clears his throat rather pointedly.

A ripple of laughter moves through the chapel.

Without looking away from Annette, I whisper, "Worth it."

She laughs. And somehow...she becomes even more beautiful.

***

Pastor Ronald smiles warmly as the last notes of the processional fade into silence.

He glances from Annette to me, then out across the chapel.

"Family and friends..."

His familiar voice settles over the room like a warm blanket.

"We gather today to witness one of God's greatest gifts."

His smile deepens. "The joining of two lives."

I continue to look at Annette. She's still looking at me. Still smiling. I don't think either of us has blinked in the last minute.

Pastor Ronald chuckles softly. "I can already tell these two would very much like me to hurry."

Laughter ripples through the chapel. Even Annette laughs.

"So, I'll do my best."

More laughter. Then his expression grows thoughtful.

"Marriage isn't built in grand moments alone. It's built in ordinary mornings. In forgiveness offered quickly. In choosing one another again and again.

It's found in laughter around the dinner table, in hands held during difficult days.

In friendship. In faith in God.

And in the quiet decision that no matter what tomorrow brings...

...we will face it together."

Every word feels written for us, for the months when she fought for my recovery.

For every argument that slowly became trust.

For every time she believed in me before I believed in myself.

Pastor Ronald turns toward Annette's father. "Who presents this woman to be married?"

Her father smiles. He looks at me. For a moment, it's just the two of us. He gently places her hand in mine. "Her mother and I do."

I quietly say the only words to him that matter. "Thank you."

His eyes glisten. He gives my shoulder one firm squeeze. "Take good care of her."

I smile. "With everything I have."

He nods once. "I know you will."