Page 105 of Parentmoon

Coming for me.

My heart pounds rapidly, matching her rushing footsteps. I can’t stop the smile spreading over my face.

Matching the laughter written in her expression, I chuckle as well, deep and hardy. When she reaches the end of the aisle, she comes to an abrupt stop before me. A little breathless. A lot flushed. She’s the prettiest woman I’ve ever known. Beauty is radiating outward from within.

I grip both her hands and tug her to me. “Hello.”

“Hello.” Jo gives me that look, the one that makes me feel like a fucking king. Like I’ve created the moon and the stars for her. Like I’ve slayed all her dragons and rescued a queen from a tower.

Leaning forward, I whisper. “I love you, but I can’t wait to ruin your lipstick.”

She giggles. “I love you, too, baby.”

Heart. Melts.

A small cough comes from beside us and we turn to Michael holding Jo’s bouquet.

“I think you forgot something.” He smiles broadly at his mother, holding up the flowers before handing them over to Keli who was waiting opposite me for Jo’s entrance.

Jo reaches out to Michael, and he catches her hand. Her other hand is still clasped in mine. “Thank you, honey.”

With a squeeze, she releases Michael’s fingers, but he pointedly looks at me. “Take care of her.”

He doesn’t have to doubt I will. Jo moved into my house a month ago. She found a job working at a local healthcare center for women. I told her she didn’t need to work, but she told me she wasn’t ready to sit still. Her drive is still strong, but her heart is stronger.

“Gonna do my best,” I tell Michael.

“I love you,” he directs to his mother.

“I love you, too.” Jo’s emotions are in every word.

I glance over Jo’s shoulder to Keli and give her a wink.

If it hadn’t been for Michael and Keli, Jo and I wouldn’t be standing here.

Michael steps over to stand beside me as my best man. My brother Jett is next in line matching Jo’s sister, Cass, beside Keli. With our wedding party in place, the priest begins, and Jo and I hold hands through the entire ceremony, where we promise to hold each other’s hands through life.

Jo had told me that love was greeting each other every morning. Asking about our days. Listening to what is said. Giving our nights to one another. And I was committed to making all that a reality for her.

For us.

Our honeymoon phase might have happened a bit out of order, but my word is my vow.

We’ll hug. We’ll make love. We’ll stand by each other’s side through the next phase of our life.

For better or worse. For richer or poorer. With love and honor.

In our marriage.

+ + +

+ + +