Page 284 of Fame & Chaos

“My life is yours.

“I promise to love you, honor you, support you, and make you proud to call me your husband.

“You’ve saved me more times than I can count.

“You are my true saving grace.

“My angel.

“My best friend.

“I love you, Indi Malone, and I’m honored to become your husband.

“I’ll cherish you for the rest of our lives.”

By the time I finish, tears shimmer in her eyes, and I brush one away with my thumb.

I love you, she mouths.

The celebrant can wait… I lean in and kiss her anyway. She kisses me back as Mum and Dad laugh behind us, and the celebrant sighs dramatically.

“How am I supposed to follow that?” Indi whispers.

“You don’t have to.”

She takes a deep, steadying breath and tries. “Caleb…

“Loving you has always been the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

“Life hasn’t always been easy for us, but being without you is harder than anything we’ve faced.

“When we’re apart, the world loses its color.

“But when I’m with you… I’m home.

“You make me stronger.

“You make me happier.

“You make me feel safe enough to be exactly who I am.

“You are my home, my heart, and my future.

“I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love another person.

“I’m honored to become your wife.

“And I’ll cherish you for the rest of our lives.”

Another tear slips down her cheek, and I wipe it away before it can fall.

God… I love this woman.

She throws her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly, and I hold her just as fiercely.

“Would you like to exchange rings now?” the celebrant asks dryly. “Or shall I just stand here while you two do whatever this is?”

I laugh while Dad hands me the ring.