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Ever met her friend’s eyes in the mirror. She knew both her parents were there in spirit with her. They had brought her back here, helped guide her through her self-discovery and now were smiling down on her as she was about to marry the love of her life.
Making their way out of her room and down the stairs, Ms. Lynette met them in the front entrance handing her a beautiful bouquet of fall foliage tied with a violet ribbon. An homage to her mother.
“You look gorgeous, darlin’.” She cooed, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Everyone is here, so whenever you are ready.”
Ever nodded as Ms. Lynette slipped out to join the rest of the guests on the lawn. The processional music began and Ever smiled. “Amazed” by Lonestar, their song. The song they danced to when they first kissed. The night she knew. The night her life was forever changed.
Giving her a wink, Bea smoothed down her violet dress and walked down the aisle, joining Ben and Hayden at the end.
Ever stepped out onto the porch, the scene in front of her making her breath catch. The aisle was lined with candles and jars full of fall flowers. The walkway was flagged on both sides with hay bales, covered in burlap for seating. At the end of the aisle was a beautiful carved trellis Hayden built as a wedding gift to them. Fall foliage cascaded from the top and flowed down the sides. The late afternoon prairie sky hung before her, shimmering in bands of pink, orange, and gold. She had never seen anything more beautiful. It was everything she dreamed of and more.
Making her way down the stairs, everyone rose as she started down the aisle. Halfway down, Ben stepped forward dressed handsomely in a tailored navy suit, a crisp white shirt underneath, no tie. An easy style that suited him. Her eyes locked with his beautiful blue eyes that shone with tears. Reaching him, he took her in. “You are stunning.” He whispered, putting out his hand, then leading her to the end of the aisle.
Turning to each other, he took both her hands in his. Looking down, she remembered the first time she noticed her small hand in his large one. The day they met five months ago. An unexpected stranger and now someone she could not live without. A full circle.
Mr. Estes, also a local marriage commissioner, looked at them both, giving them an approving smile.
“Welcome friends and family here to this beautiful place, where we have the privilege and honor of witnessing the marriage of Ben Hastings to Ever Wolton. Two incredible people who were brought together by grief and circumstance and found a love bigger than this prairie sky before us.”
Ben looked at Ever and smiled as they looked at the stunning view before them.
“And now for your vows.” Mr. Estes said, putting his hand on both of their shoulders, then taking a step back. “Ben?”
Ben pulled out a paper from the inside pocket of his jacket, unfolding it carefully. His eyes rose to hers, the endearing creases deepening as he smiled at her; so much love and warmth within them.
“Ever, I’m not sure what I did in this lifetime to deserve the love of a woman like you. A woman so beautiful, unique, talented, creative, loving, compassionate and funny, this simple man is humbled that you have chosen to be with me.” Ben’s deep voice cracked as a tear rolled down his cheek.
Ever reached up to catch it with her thumb and gave him a smile to continue.
“You have painted my life with color, and I look forward to the picture we are going to create together. I will love and cherish you always, sweetheart, from this day until we are old and grey.”
Ever’s eyes welled up with tears as she dabbed them with her hands and laughed. “That was perfect, Bear.”
Ben beamed as he stuffed his paper back into his jacket pocket.
Ever cleared her throat and looked up at the love of her life, seeing forever in his eyes as she deadpanned. “You had me at hello.”
Their guests erupted in a mingle of laughter and tears.
Ben laughed as Ever held up her hand to continue, quieting their guests.
“From that first hello on the back deck, I knew that my life would never be the same. I am not sure I have words to fully describe what you mean to me and how much I love you. You are my favorite part of every day, and you are the dream I always hoped to have. I love you today and know I will love you more tomorrow. Said simply, “You complete me.”
Ben beamed at her, his eyes shining with love and devotion for her.
“Rings?” Mr. Estes asked.
Hayden handed two bands to him, and he handed one to Ben first.
“I, Ben Hastings, take you, Ever Wolton, to be my wife. I will stand by you through all of life’s triumphs and challenges and I vow to be faithful to you all the days of my life.” Slipping the band on Ever’s finger, he smiled with joy radiating.
“I, Ever Wolton, take you, Ben Hastings, to be my husband. I will stand by you through all of life’s triumphs and challenges and I vow to be faithful and loving to you all the days of my life,” She vowed,sliding the gold band onto Ben’s finger.
“By the power vested in me by the Province of Manitoba, I am excited to pronounce you officially married! Ben, you may kiss your wife!”
Ever jumped into his arms and Ben crashed his lips to hers as he swung his beautiful wife around. Their family and friends exploded in cheers for the happy couple.
Setting Ever down on her feet, he intertwined his hand with hers. “Are you ready for forever, Mrs. Hastings?”
