Page 12 of Hitched to the Lumberjack

Judge Whitaker’s eyes twinkle. “Then, by the power vested in me by the state of Colorado and the good people of Pine Peak, I pronounce you husband and wife, again. You may kiss your bride.”

Forrest doesn’t hesitate. He cups my face in his big hands and kisses me slow and deep, full of a year’s worth of love, laughter, and the quiet certainty we’ve built together. The whole town erupts in cheers and applause. Whistles from the lumber crew, happy sobs from Mabel and Lila, and Rosie’s loud whoop cut through the noise.

When we pull apart, foreheads still touching, Forrest rests one hand on my belly and whispers against my lips, “I love you, Mrs. Kane.”

“I love you too,” I whisper back. “So much.”

The reception that follows is pure Pine Peak joy. Long tables are set up under the trees, loaded with food brought by neighbors — casseroles, pies, fresh bread, and grilled meats. Music plays from a speaker someone rigged up, and children run between the chairs while adults laugh and share stories.

Forrest keeps me close the whole time, one arm around my waist or his hand resting protectively on my belly. Every few minutes, he leans down to kiss my temple or whisper something sweet in my ear. When someone teases us about our whirlwind beginning, he just grins and says, “Best thing I ever did.”

Lila pulls me into a tight hug, tears in her eyes. “You’ve made my boy so happy. And you’re giving me a grandbaby. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Mabel presses another slice of pie into my hands. “Eat up, honey. You’re eating for two now.”

Ryder claps Forrest on the back, smirking. “Still can’t believe you went from single grump to married and expecting in one year. Proud of you, man.”

As the sun begins to set and the string lights glow to life, Forrest takes my hand and leads me a little away from the crowd, to the quiet spot on the property where we once stood and dreamed about additions to the cabin. The same spot where we’ve already started framing the nursery.

He turns to face me, both hands resting gently on my belly.

“A year ago, I never imagined this,” he says softly. “A wife I love more than anything. A baby on the way. A future that feels so full I don’t know how my heart holds it all.”

I cover his hands with mine, tears pricking my eyes again. “I never imagined it either. But I’m so grateful we found each other. I’m so grateful I bumped your truck.”

He laughs, low and warm, then leans down to kiss me, full of all the love we’ve built in twelve short months.

When we pull apart, he rests his forehead against mine. “Thank you for choosing me. For choosing us.”

“Thank you for giving me a home I never knew I needed,” I whisper.

We stand there together as the celebration continues behind us, laughter, music, the warmth of a town that has become family. My hand stays on my belly, feeling the faint flutter of our little one, while Forrest’s arm stays wrapped around me, solid and sure.

A year ago, we were two strangers who got married on a whim.

Today we are madly in love, months away from becoming parents, and surrounded by a community that celebrates us every single day.

And I could not be happier.

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