Page 376 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Pastor Ronald hands Annette my ring. She smiles through tears as she takes it.

Her fingers tremble ever so slightly. Not with fear. With joy.

She slides the ring onto my hand.

Jamie, every time you look at this ring, I hope you remember one thing.

You never have to carry the world by yourself again.

With this ring...

I promise you'll never have to face another day alone.

I'll stand beside you.

I'll walk with you.

I'll pray with you.

And I'll love you...

...for all the days of my life.

***

Pastor Ronald closes his Bible.

“Jamie, Annette...

You have declared your love before God, before your families, and before the friends who have walked beside you.”

His smile reaches all the way to his eyes.

“It is my great honor...

...to pronounce you husband and wife.”

A quiet gasp runs through the chapel.

“You may kiss your bride.”

I don't hesitate. I step closer. One hand cups her cheek.

The other rests at her waist.

For just a moment...I simply look at her.

My wife.

The word is almost too wonderful to comprehend.

She smiles.

“What are you waiting for?” someone calls from the pews.

Laughter ripples through the chapel.

“So impatient,” I stage whisper, and she laughs.