The justice of the peace steps in a few minutes later, warm-faced and efficient. She smiles at us like she’s seen every kind of couple come through here and has already figured out our story.
“Well,” she says, looking between us, “are we ready to begin?”
Presley’s hand finds mine.
I wrap my fingers around hers. “Yes, we are.”
The justice starts the ceremony, and it’s simple and pretty straight to the point. She speaks about partnership and trust and working through the hard days together.
The hard parts for us? We’re in it right now. And Presley has seen me at my worst.
She’s there to hold Rhyan when she wants her mom. She sits with Remy when he’s silent after school. She’s been beside me in attorney’s offices, the funeral home, and the silence of my sister’s house.
Presley knew what she was doing, especially when I didn’t. And just like she’s said, she’s still here.
The justice looks over at us over her glasses. “Before we exchange rings, would either of you like to say something?”
Presley nods, takes a deep breath, and turns toward me. “Saint,” she says softly.
My throat closes before she even continues.
“You’re the best man I know.”
I look down for a second because her saying that to me hits deep.
She waits until my eyes find hers again.
“You’re thoughtful, and so loving. You show up for the people who need you, even if you don’t know how to fix it.”
Her voice shakes slightly, but she holds my gaze.
“You’ve been my best friend for over a decade. You’re my safe space.” She smiles through the emotion in her eyes. “You’ve always been the person I trusted most. So today, I’m choosing you. I’m choosing to be your partner in marriage.”
My chest aches, and I can’t speak right away.
This wedding may be happening for other reasons, but what she just said means everything.
I take the flowers from her hands and give the bouquet to her sister. Then I take her hands in mine.
When I find my voice, it sounds rough.
“Presley.”
Her eyes soften.
“I’m not as good with words like you are.”
Her lips twitch.
I smile, and the knot in my chest eases just enough for me to keep going.
“But I can promise you,” I start. “I promise I’ll take care of you,” I say.
She goes still, and her breath catches.
“I promise I’ll show up, even if I’m tired. Even when I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”
My thumb brushes over her knuckles.
