"That's super romantic," Ava says. "I love that you met years ago, then reconnected as adults. It's like the heavens were just guiding you through life until it was time to meet each other again."
"You think?"
She nods. "I know."
"OK. I think it's time," Jade says, glancing out the window. "You ready?"
I take a deep breath and then nod. "Never readier."
"Then let's go get you your man."
When we arrive at the rose garden, my breath catches in my throat. I'd seen the progression of it through the past week, but seeing it finalized is even more breathtaking than I could imagine--lush roses of all colors line the aisle, while a gentle breeze carries their sweet scent in my direction. When the music starts, and my misty-eyed father takes my arm to walk me down the aisle, I can hardly wipe the smile from my face.
Everyone around us is smiling and happy, overjoyed for me and my union to Theo. Cameras and cellphones click to capture our special moment, and when we reach the arch where Theo and the rest of the bridal party are waiting, I only have eyes for one man and one man alone.
"Theo," I whisper, feeling a warm tingle flow up my arm the moment we join hands.
"You look radiant," he whispers back, tears in his eyes as we just stare at each other like we can't believe how lucky we are.
The officiant begins the ceremony, and we take turns exchanging our vows.
"Theo," I say, unable to keep the tears from spilling down my cheeks. "I can't believe that this day is really happening. Most of the people you meet as a child are forgotten with time. But you somehow made a place for yourself in my heart without even knowing. The moment I saw you again, I knew that it was in your arms that I belonged. You are my rock, my confidante, my soulmate, and my love. And you'll be that for all eternity. I am blessed to be able to call you my husband from this moment forward."
Theo's eyes brim with emotion as he takes a deep breath before saying his vows. "Dottie," he says, his voice rough as he grips my hands tight. "I never knew home until I saw you again. And just like the North Star you tattooed on my chest, my heart will always come home to you. Before you, I was lost. But now, I've found my true north, and the silver lining to any dark day. You are my one true love, the joy in my life, and the only person who can make me feel truly alive. From this day forth I will do what I can to make sure that you are happy not only today but every single day after. I promise to be your rock, your confidante, your soulmate, and your love, forever."
And as the officiant declares us husband and wife, we seal our union with a kiss before I throw my arms around Theo's neck and squeeze him tight. I can't believe I'm finally Mrs. Dottie Oliver, and that we get to spend the rest of our lives together. I can only imagine all the wonderful things we'll experience in the coming years. Because I know no matter what happens from this moment onward, the one thing that will make every day perfect will always be each other's love.
"I love you, Theo Oliver."
"I love you too, Dottie Oliver."
EPILOGUE - THEO
Five Years Later...
"Theo! I'm home!"
I smile at my wife's voice as she lets herself into the house from the attached garage of our fully renovated farmhouse. Dottie has been working on a massive back piece at the tattoo parlor that's been keeping her late for the past week. I co-manage the garage part-time to share the responsibility with Duke, and manage the vineyard the rest of the time. So between that, I've been watching her plan out the piece in the evenings after our little one, Rayna, goes to bed. I'm endlessly amazed by her talent. She'd already made a name for herself before we got married, but in the years since, word of her talents has only spread. She constantly has people traveling far and wide just to get inked by her. I'm honored to be married to such an amazing human.
"In here," I call out, standing over the stove while preparing chicken marsala which is a favorite of Dottie's. It's going with a salad of baby greens, and I've also made garlic bread to make sure our bellies are good and full.
"Oh, this smells delicious," she says, kicking off her shoes and coming over to the stove to give me a kiss.
I smile at her as I ladle some sauce into a small bowl over some rice. "Hopefully the little one will eat it," I say, continuing the same process with the next two bowls. Our four-year-old daughter is a little picky when it comes to meals.
"She'll be fine. There's rice and chicken, so she’ll eat some of it. How was everything today?"
"Pretty darn good. Your brother and I were out in the vineyard, and it looks close to harvest time. I hope you've got your grape squishing feet ready for when we're through."
Dottie pours us both a glass of white wine--that we didn't make since our first grapes are only just coming in, and our first full harvest is still a year off--and hands one to me. "I can't wait. I'll be like Lucille Ball."
"Well, I can't wait for that," I say, clinking my glass to hers then kissing her on the nose before taking a sip. "Why don't you tell me about your day while I carry all this to the table and get little miss ready?"
"It was good. We’ve almost finished all the line work, so I should get to start putting color into it during our next sitting," she says, tilting her head to illustrate her point with her own tattoos covering her left arm.
"I'm sure it'll be amazing. You always do amazing work," I say, kissing her on top of the head as I pick up our plates and walk through to the dining room.
Dottie hangs her coat on the back of her chair as I serve us both some chicken and salad before she holds her wine glass up. "This dinner is so wonderful to come home to, Theo. You take such wonderful care of us. Thank you."
