Page 101 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

“Mr. Hayes, pleasure,” the officiant drawls, shaking Connor’s outstretched hand.

“Miss Tate, lovely to meet you,” he says, kissing the back of my hand.

Connor’s less than pleased and possessively wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me closer to him.

I secretly love it, being cherished and fiercely protected.

The officiant steps back, a knowing gleam in his eye, resuming his post. “Are we ready to get married?”

“You sure about this, doll? Once you’re mine, I’m never letting you go.”

“I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life. I’ve always been yours,” I promise.

“Please, stand here for the photographer and join hands.” I forgot about the photographer. Glee bubbles inside me at the promise of our day memorialized in photographs. I chuckle at the “X’s” taped to the flagstone marking our places.

Connor takes my hands, his thumbs soothing me, any nerves melt away at his touch.

The morning sky is brightening more by the minute, the oranges, pinks, and purples blending into the lightening blue sky. The rising sun creates an ethereal glow over the garden.

I couldn’t have planned a more perfect wedding.

“We’re gathered here, with this sunrise as our witness, to celebrate the union of Connor and Delilah. Today, we affirm your bond, uniting you as husband and wife.”

Connor squeezes my hand, and I beam at him—looking just as excited as me, a glimmer of the boy who I fell for all those years ago.

“Connor, when you’re ready…” the officiant leads.

Connor’s Adam’s apple bobs with a thick gulp, the only hint of his nerves showing.

“I’ve never doubted the existence of soulmates, because I found mine when I was eight years old. I was riding my bike, and I rode farther than I was supposed to, because something was telling me to keep going. I know now, the heartstring that connects us was pulling me forward to find you. I found a little doll sitting in the dirt in her pretty yellow dress, like an angel fallen from the sky, changing my life for the better.

“From that moment on, I’ve had a steadfast best friend who quickly became the love of my life. You’re it for me, Delilah, you always have been. Life took us on a winding path to get here, but all that matters is you’re standing here with me, and I’m eternally grateful you’ve chosen me to be your husband. I wanted to marry you at sunrise because you are my sunshine, the light of my life. I promise to love and protect you until my last breath. As sure as I live, this love that I give, is gonna be yours until the day that I die.”

Through the happiest of tears pouring down my face, I reply, “Oh baby, I’m gonna love you forever.”

“Forever and ever, amen,” Connor finishes.

I can’t help it—I’m kissing him before my next heartbeat.

The officiant wipes a tear from the corner of his eye before continuing.

“Delilah, if you have anything you’d like to say to Connor…”

A rush of nerves hits—I’m completely unprepared for this moment. But Connor’s loving expression tells me whatever I say will be perfect, and I relax.

“This has been the most unexpected, magical day of my life. I always dreamed of becoming Mrs. Connor Hayes, but I never dared hope it would come true. You’ve been my hero since the day you found me—a broken little girl who needed you more than you’ll ever know. Wherever you were is where I wanted to be. The connection between us is something from a fairytale—I was destined to be yours, and you mine.

“I love you for your unwavering loyalty, your integrity, and fierce protectiveness. I love you in the big ways that make you the remarkable man you are, but also in the quiet ways. The way you look at me like I’m the only person in the world. The way you always find me in a crowded room, because our hearts are strung together. The way you stand behind me and give me the confidence to follow my dreams. I’ve never wanted to be anything more than I want to be your wife. I promise to devote my life to giving you the love you deserve.”

Connor sniffs, holding back tears. His quivering lip makes me love him more than ever.

I whisper, “I love you, baby.”

The officiant clears his throat, drawing our attention from our little world back to the sun-brightened gazebo.

“Connor, do you take Delilah to be your lawfully wedded wife? To cherish, honor, and love, in sickness and in health, in seasons of plenty and in seasons of need, and to be true to her in all things as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” The heartstring binding us glows golden in the sunlight.