Renegade Path

It wasn’t fear that had me strung tight. Nope. It was the need to see my bride. To publicly promise to love each other for the rest of our lives.

The moment she stepped on the gravel path that would lead her to our altar, a sense of peace settled over me. Much like the first day we’d met. Every wish I’d made since that day was about to come true. She was the most beautiful bride I could’ve imagined.

Long, wide curls bounced around her shoulders. A filmy white veil billowed behind her as she took slow steps. The ribbons at her shoulders fluttered in the soft autumn breeze. My heart thundered so hard I was afraid it would burst out of my chest.

Dex’s grim face was hard to read as he acknowledged giving Juliet away. He was either trying not to cry or planning to toss me over the cliff. I hoped if it was the latter, he’d wait until after we said the “I dos.” I didn’t want to leave this world without being Juliet’s husband, even if only for a few seconds.

The judge settled his stern gaze on us. He flashed a warm, fatherly smile, then began the ceremony.

“Welcome family and friends. Thank you for your presence today. We are gathered here, surrounded by the beauty of nature, to celebrate the wedding of Juliet and Roman.”

“Woo!” Someone behind us whistled. I turned slightly and caught Griff mid-clap. The grin on his face faltered as no one else joined in.

“Too soon?” he asked.

Everyone laughed, even the judge.

Juliet grinned up at me.

I couldn’t help but go off script. I leaned down and whispered in her ear, “You look beautiful.”

She peered at me from under her lashes. “You’re quite dashing yourself.”

Dashing. I liked that. It was worth all the discomfort the fitted dress shirt and tie around my neck had caused me this morning.

The judge cleared his throat.

I stood straight and faced him again.

“We’re here to celebrate the love this young couple has discovered in one another and to support their decision to commit themselves to a life of happiness together.”

The judge closed the book in his hands and dropped it to his side. “Love is not a fairy tale. But it is your story, Roman and Juliet. The deep, enduring affection two people find is both magical and irresistible.”

Magical. Yes, that’s how I felt when I was with Juliet. Irresistible. A grin tugged my cheeks up. It’s like the judge could tell how much trouble I had keeping my eyes and hands off my fiancée.

Wife.

Holy shit! Juliet’s about to be my wife!

I tuned into the judge’s words again. “The world is a tough place.”

Understatement of the century. I peered down at Juliet. We both knew better than most how cruel the world could be.

“Life can be rough. Show each other tenderness. Make your marriage a refuge from life’s harshness.”

That’s exactly what Juliet and I had managed to create together—a safe haven.

“Put down roots together wherever you create your home.”

Juliet and I had never had roots. We grounded and centered each other. Home to me was wherever she was.

I wanted to love and protect this woman for the rest of my life. Together we had everything.

“Finally, I hope you will have many long years together to delight in each other’s company.”

“Thank you,” Juliet whispered. She stole a quick glance at me as if she feared she wasn’t supposed to say anything.

The judge bestowed a fatherly smile on both of us. “Now, Roman Hawkins and Juliet Hayworth, do you both present yourselves of your own free will to be joined in marriage?”

We turned to face each other and smiled. “We do,” we answered together.

“Do you promise to care for each other through every twist and turn of the sometimes-rocky paths you might face?”

“We do.”

“Roman, do you take Juliet to be your wife and promise to love, comfort, and honor her, in sickness and health, as long as you both live?”

“I do.”

“Juliet, do you take Roman to be your husband, promising to love, comfort, and honor him, in sickness and health, as long as you both live?”

“I do.”

“Wonderful.” The judge glanced at each of us. “For thousands of years, couples have exchanged rings as a token of their vows.”

Dex nudged me with his elbow. I glanced down and accepted the slim wedding band he passed to me. Juliet tucked her flowers under her arm and took my ring from Vienna.

“Your rings are a symbol of the past, present, and future of the love you share.”

I took Juliet’s hand and slid the ring on her finger. “This ring is my promise to be your husband, partner, and best friend to the end of my days.” My voice cracked on the last word, but I smiled through the emotions crashing over me.

Juliet paused and cleared her throat. “Roman, this ring is my promise to be your wife, partner, and best friend to the end of my days.” She slid the gold band into place, pushing so hard it was as if she wanted to mark me for eternity.