The second Forrest saw her step out, his breath caught like it had the first time, and hell, maybe even more this time. The sun cut through the trees just right, casting that soft gold light across the field, and there she was, walking toward him with that smile. His girl. His wife.
Her dress moved with the breeze. Heels in the grass, flowers in her hand, and not a damn doubt in her eyes. His heart thudded like a drum in his chest, steady and certain, and for a second, he swore time slowed just to make room for her.
He looked out at the rows of chairs. His mama was already crying, digging in her clutch for a tissue. His dad smiled proudly. Even Henley was dabbing at her eyes, and that meant more than he could ever say out loud.
This felt right. Probably how they should’ve done it the first time. Big white tent off to the side, family and friends all dressed up, Shari’s peach cobbler already filling the air with sugar and butter and warmth. Still, Forrest didn’t regret a thing. Not the little chapel, not the secret. It had always been her. They could’ve gotten married in a damn feed store and it still would’ve been the best decision of his life.
When Anissa reached him and took his hand, he gave it a small squeeze. Just enough to let her know he was steady, even if his stomach was turning and his throat was tight.
He cleared his throat and looked right at her when it was time for his vows. He didn’t have anything written. He didn’t need to.
“I don’t have a whole speech,” he started, his voice rough around the edges. “You already know I’m not always good with words. But I do know what I want, and that’s to spend the rest of my life making sure you feel safe, and loved, and never have to carry anything alone again.” He glanced down at her hand in his, thumb brushing over her knuckles. “I’ll protect what we’ve got. I’ll work hard, I’ll come home to you, and we’ll build this life slow and solid, like we always talked about. A family. A home. All of it.”
His voice dropped lower, almost like he was only talkin’ to her now. “You’re my best thing, Cutie Pie. And I promise I’ll never forget that.”
She smiled, tears shining in her eyes, and he knew right then that this was it. This was what home really meant.
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