Page 374 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I take both of her hands in mine.

“They told me I should start by saying everything I love about you.”

I smile. “The problem is, I don’t think we’d ever leave.”

A soft laugh moves through the room, and Annette’s eyes fill.

“You saw me when I’d forgotten how to see myself. You taught me that I don’t have to carry everything alone, and then you gave me something I never knew I was missing—a life I want to share.”

I tighten my fingers around hers.

“I promise to listen. To make you laugh. To stand beside you on the hard days and celebrate every good one. I promise to let you take care of me sometimes, even though we both know I’m going to need reminders.”

She laughs through her tears.

And every morning for the rest of my life...I'll thank God for trusting me with your heart.

“Most of all, I promise to keep choosing you and loving you. Every day, Annette. For the rest of my life.

***

The chapel falls completely silent.

Pastor Ronald smiles at Annette.

"Annette..."

She takes one steadying breath. Then another.

She smiles at me.

"I thought I was prepared."

Soft laughter fills the room.

"Apparently..."

She laughs softly.

"I wasn't."

She squeezes my hands.

“When I met you, I thought my job was to help you heal.”

I smile through my tears. “I had no idea how much my own life was about to change.”

“You showed me what it feels like to be truly known and still completely loved. And I need you to know something I hope you never forget again.”

I hold his gaze. “You never had to earn being loved, Jamie. You were always enough.”

His fingers tighten around mine.

“I promise to tell you what I’m thinking instead of deciding what’s best for both of us.”

A few people laugh softly. So does Jamie.

“I promise to stand beside you, laugh with you, argue with you when necessary—and we both know it will be necessary.”