Page 110 of Changing Lanes

I jump from the sound of tires on the dirt road, it’s him. I lay in wait, hoping he’s surprised. His truck door slams, then he yells. “Mom, what’s going on in the barn?” He pauses. “Why are there lights on in the barn? Where is she?”

The door makes a squeaking sound when he pulls it open. He stands there, quietly. I watch as confusion, shock, bewilderment, amazement and love washes over his face. My heart pounds as a smile spreads across his face, and his eyes sparkle in the twinkling lights.

“Torrie?” he asks sweetly.

“Brannon,” I reply just as sweet.

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” His eyes are glassy.

“Are you asking?” I hold up my hand, the box lays in my palm.

He walks up the aisle created by the chairs which are filled with our family and friends. He doesn’t take his eyes off mine as he reaches me. I wait on him in a beaded full lace, fit and flare gown with illusion sleeves and champagne satin and jewel lace sash. My hair in a French twist with pieces framing my face.

Andi stands to my side, dressed in a champagne lace dress with a burgundy satin flower and ribbon. Her hair has a matching burgundy bow as she carries a basket full of Black Eye Susans. Buckets of yellow and burgundy flowers sit around the barn on bales of straw with white twinkle lights draped from the rafters.

He takes the little black box in his hand. “I didn’t think this day would ever come, so I’m gonna mess this up, baby.” He makes me giggle. Then, he pulls the vintage, one karat, cushion cut engagement ring from the box. “Oh, good Lord Dad, where do I start?” he says out loud.

“Start with love,” I tell him as I gaze into his eyes.

“I love you. I’ve waited all my life to have you as mine. The last ten years have been the hardest, knowing I had found you but that I couldn’t have you. I know you’re scared, I am too. We’ve been given a million reasons to walk away but only one kept us going. Love. I say we allow love to lead us. Will you marry me, forever?” His brow furrows, looking at me as though I may say no.

“I thought you’d never ask, country boy. Besides, that’s how I got here, I was led to you by love.” I lean in, stopping short of his mouth. “Yes. Forever.” Pressing my mouth against his, he wraps his arms around me.

“We’re not there yet, you two,” Hardy says loud enough for everyone to hear. Laughter erupts as we part.

“How did you? When?” He shakes his head as he looks around.

“Let’s get this taken care of, and I’ll give you all the details later.” I wink at him after nodding to the minister.

He looks around nervously. “Oh, yeah. Okay.”

“We are gathered here today to finally,” he says to a round of applause and cheers, “join together in marriage, Brannon and Torrie. Torrie.” He nods to me.

“Brannon, I gave you my heart ten years ago, and I never got it back. I’m thankful you held it with so much care and seen fit to get us here today. From this moment forward, I promise to trust my love for you, my heart is with you anyway. I love you, Bran. Forever.”

“Brannon,” the minister directs.

“You stole my heart all those years ago, Torrie, and you’ve had it since. I’m thankful for our journey, though it may have been long and bumpy, it’s proven our love worthy and strong. Thank you for our son and for loving my daughter. I love you, Torrence.” He knocks a tear away from my cheek with his finger.

“Do you, Torrie, take Brannon to be your husband?” the minister asks.

“I do,” I answer.

“Do you, Brannon, take Torrie to be your wife?”

“I do, forever.” Brannon grins at me.

“By the powers vested in me by the State of North Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride, again.” The minister chuckles as Brannon takes me before he can finish. His lips on mine, soft and commanding, reminding me here is where I belong.

The chairs are pushed to the side as long, wooden picnic tables are arranged quickly. The food is brought in by a caterer hired by my parents’, a down south pig pickin’. I’m told it’s barbecue. The tables are dressed with Black Eye Susans and mason jars. It’s just about as country as a city girl can get. As the music begins to play, we are assaulted by a gathering of family and loved ones.

“Thank heavens. I love you all.” Joyce, Brannon’s mom, throws her arms around us, kissing both our cheeks.

“About damn time. Man, y’all were killing us,” Hardy says as he pulls Brannon into a hug.

“Tell me about it,” he laughs as One gives him a brotherly pat on the back.

“I’m proud of you both. Love doesn’t always come easy, and sometimes you have to fight to keep it. I hope you’ve learned that now,” One says.