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“See, I like that one better than darling,” I say before I kiss him hungrily, wondering how I could have fallen so madly in love with him in such a short time. I let our souls entwine, picturing the story of our life together—one filled with sorrow, love, laughter, and everything in between.
Epilogue
Sutton
Three months later. . .
I take a deep, calming breath as I loop my arm through my father’s. He gives me a small, reassuring smile. “It’s your turn,” he says after my friends and River’s sisters have walked down the aisle.
“Thank you for being here,” I say sincerely, giving his arm an affectionate squeeze.
“No, thank you for giving us a chance,” he replies, patting my hand gently.
My relationship with my parents is a work in progress. We’re taking it a day at a time, but they’re both trying hard to stay in my life. Today, Dad stands by my side, ready to walk me down the aisle, just like he’ll do in a couple of years with Sailor.
As we approach the shoreline, the guests rise with anticipation. My gaze meets River’s, and my heart swells. River cuts a striking figure in his tailored black tuxedo. The jacket fits smoothly across his broad shoulders, accentuating his strong build. A crisp white shirt and sleek black bowtie complete the look.
His hair is neatly combed, but a few unruly curls fall across his forehead in that casual way I adore. The shadow of stubble along his jawline hints at his ruggedness, contrasting with the formal attire. There’s an air of easy confidence about him, yet his smile holds a touch of endearing nervousness.
When our hands join, I’m struck by the contrast between his rough, work-worn grip and my smooth fingers. He’s still working at the ranch, but we’re hopeful that someday he can live a more normal life where we can travel and maybe move to a small town where he can study for a degree or . . . who knows what else we can do. The possibilities are infinite.
“Who gives this woman to be married?” Gina’s dad, who’s kind of officiating this ceremony, asks.
“Her mother and I do,” my father announces proudly. I squeeze his arm, so thankful to have both my parents’ blessing on this joyous day.
My father places my hand in River’s warm grasp. As we turn to face each other, River brings my knuckles to his lips. “You look radiant, my darling,” he murmurs.
This isn’t our wedding, just a celebration of our love. We can’t get married until he either becomes River Kershaw or goes back to being Thorndale. Either way, we wanted a ceremony with our family and friends.
Everyone is here, even my brother and sister, who, like my parents, are changing gradually. I had no idea they were feeling just as worn out as I was with our mother’s demands, but I’m glad we’re finally trying to become a real family.
When it’s time to exchange our vows, I look up at River, who pulls out a piece of paper.
“Darling Sutton. Ever since you propose we have a dirty secret love, I felt a shift deep within my soul and my …” He trails and I glare at him.
“This isn’t the time for dirty jokes, Mr. Kershaw.”
He leans in and kisses the tip of my nose. “Fine. I’ll make it more serious just for you, my love.” He clears his throat. “Honestly, those times alone in the library while I searched for the perfect book, and we shared a few words were almost enough to know that I wanted you to be a part of my life. In some way, a part of me already knew you, like our hearts recognized each other from lifetimes ago.
“You have taught me the beauty of vulnerability, that opening myself allows deeper connections. With you, I am not afraid to let the walls come down. I vow to honor your tender heart and to nurture your dreams as if they were my own. I will treat your worries as my worries, your joys as my joys.
“In the darkness, I will be your lantern. In the cold, the warmth that guides you home. I will laugh with you, cry with you, grow with you. With this ring, I take you as my partner in all things. I promise my eternal love, fidelity, and respect. Come what may, I am devoted to sharing this adventure of life with you. You are my once-in-a-lifetime, my always and forever. I am the luckiest man to call you my wife.” River gently slides the band onto my finger, then brings my hand to his lips and places a tender kiss on my knuckles.
Jez hands me a handkerchief, so I can dab the tears rolling down my cheeks before I start my own vows. “River, with you, I am free. Free to be myself unapologetically, free to dream big, and free to love fully with no reservations.
“I vow to nurture our bond, to speak the truth with kindness, to trust in us above all else. In sorrow, I will be your comfort. In joy, your partner in laughter. You’ve become my best friend, my home, my heart’s destiny. With this ring, I take you as my husband, now and for all our tomorrows.
“In your eyes, I have found unconditional acceptance. In your arms, I have found home. I am honored to call you mine and cannot wait to build a beautiful life together.”
As I slide the ring on his finger, my vision blurs with tears. River sweeps me into his arms. Our kiss tastes of forever.
What’s next?
Through It All . . .
What happens when the revel of town comes back to Heartwood Lake and meets with the good professor?
Find out on August 5th 2024
