I reached up and cupped his face.
“I changed my mind about the flowers.”
“Yes.”
“The food.”
“Repeatedly.”
“The chairs.”
“Marian threatened to resign.”
“She enjoys threatening you.”
“She does.”
“I changed my mind about suits, music, and whether Owen should be allowed near the microphone.”
“He should not.”
“But I have not changed my mind about you.”
His eyes shone.
“I chose you when I didn’t remember why I had loved you the first time. Then I chose you after I remembered enough to understand what it could cost.”
My thumb brushed the edge of his beard.
“I chose you on good days. I chose you after the hospital. I chose you when fear made me difficult. I chose you when your fear made you worse.”
“That seems unnecessary.”
“It was a demanding period.”
His mouth finally curved.
I leaned closer.
“Today isn’t a test. It’s paperwork and promises and too many people taking photographs.”
“Romantic.”
“It’s also me standing beside you and saying in front of everyone what I have already said in every way that matters.”
“What?”
“That you are my family.”
The tension in his hands eased.
He rested his forehead against mine.
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
“Are you sure about the dark green tie?”
