Nearly the entire town has turned out, I realize with surprise. From Sage and Jabari near the front, to Luna managing the music, to Micah and his brothers in the back row. Even the Ridge brothers have come down from their timber operation, uncomfortable in suits but present nonetheless.
"Quite the turnout." I murmur as we approach the aisle.
"People love a good love story." Judith squeezes my hand. "Especially one as unlikely as ours."
As we walk forward together, no traditional processional, just two equals approaching a future they've chosen together, I reflect on how much has changed in a single year.
The cabin has expanded, a new wing added to house Judith's home office. My workshop has grown too, accommodating the apprentice I finally took on. The playroom remains our private sanctuary, though now decorated with items we've chosen together, each with meaning beyond the physical pleasure they provide.
We reach the arch, facing each other under dappled sunlight filtering through newly leafed trees. Silas begins the ceremony with warmth and humor, recounting how he witnessed our "whirlwind romance" from the beginning.
If only he knew how accurate that description had been.
When it's time for vows, I speak first, words I've practiced for weeks yet still feel inadequate.
"Judith. When you answered my classified ad, I thought I was getting a business arrangement. A temporary solution to a legal problem." My voice carries clearly across the hushed gathering. "Instead, I found a partner. A match. A woman strong enough to surrender in the bedroom and stand her ground everywhere else."
A few knowing chuckles ripple through the audience, but I focus only on her.
"I promise to never make decisions that affect us both without consulting you first. I promise to respect your independence while protecting what we've built together. I promise to show you every day that control and care can exist without possession or dominance."
Her eyes shine with unshed tears as I continue.
"Most of all, I promise to love you as completely and thoroughly as you deserve. In all the ways you need. For as long as you'll have me."
When I finish, she takes a steadying breath before beginning her own vows.
"Dario. I came to this mountain looking for escape, for safety from a relationship that diminished me. What I found was a man who makes me feel more myself, more complete, than I ever thought possible."
Her voice strengthens with each word.
"I promise to trust your strength without fearing it. To speak my truth even when it's difficult. To build our future as equal partners, respecting the unique gifts we each bring to this marriage."
Her smile turns mischievous. "I promise to challenge you when you need it, support you when you don't, and surrender to you in all the ways that make us both stronger."
Silas guides us through the exchange of rings we didn't have during our courthouse ceremony a year ago. Simple bands of wood and metal I crafted myself, hours spent ensuring they were perfect.
"By the power vested in me by the Province of British Columbia, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Silas's smile is genuine. "Again."
Our kiss is met with cheers and applause, the celebration spilling into laughter as we turn to face our community. Our friends. Our home.
The reception unfolds across the town square, tables laden with food prepared by every household, music provided by local talents. I find myself constantly searching for Judith in the crowd, drawn to her like a compass finding north.
Late in the evening, as the celebration continues around us, I pull her away from a conversation with Sage and Jabari, leading her to a quiet corner beneath strings of lights.
"Happy?" I ask, though I can read the answer in her expression.
"Complete." She corrects, arms circling my neck. "Who would have thought temporary could become forever?"
"I did." I admit, surprising us both. "Not at first. Not consciously. But from that first night in the playroom, some part of me knew."
"Knew what?"
"That I'd never let you go if I had any choice in the matter."
Her smile warms me more than the spring evening. "Good thing I never wanted to leave."
Over her shoulder, I spot the newly installed sign at the edge of town. "Welcome to Crimson Hollow," it reads. "Where temporary visitors become permanent residents."
