Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 150(@200wpm)___ 120(@250wpm)___ 100(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 150(@200wpm)___ 120(@250wpm)___ 100(@300wpm)
I can feel the weight of the moment, but instead of fear, I feel something else—something steady and warm, like the mountains themselves. This is it, I think. The culmination of every twist, every turn, every choice that led me here, to this place, to this man. My heart swells in my chest, not with nervousness, but with a quiet certainty that this is where I’m supposed to be. I’ve found my place, my home, in Barron.
The sound of Barron’s brothers’ familiar banter drifts through the air, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glance over my shoulder to where they’re gathered near the makeshift altar, all dressed in their Sunday best, which is a sight to see. Creed’s tie is slightly crooked, and King keeps fiddling with his collar like it’s choking him. The image of these rugged, mountain men in formalwear is almost enough to make me laugh, but it only fills me with warmth.
They’ve become my family, just as much a part of my life as the mountain I now call home. Their presence makes this moment feel even more real, more grounded. No big, fancy weddings for us—just the people who matter most, the land that’s shaped us, and a view that stretches out forever.
I catch Archer leaning in close to Creed, his voice loud enough for me to overhear. “You notice Betty’s niece, Perry, over there? She’s the one who did all these flowers, right? Damn good job. Pretty, too.”
Creed snorts, elbowing Judge in the ribs. “Betty’s already trying to set her up with one of us, you know that, right?”
Judge rolls his eyes, smirking. “Well, she’s not wrong. This family could use some new blood. You’ve got your eye on her, Archer?”
I smile to myself, the familiar teasing lightening the charged air. This is what makes it all feel so right—there’s no pretension here. Just real people, real love, and a community that’s taken me in and made me one of their own.
Barron steps up beside me, his presence solid, grounding. I turn to face him, and the world narrows down to just him. His gaze meets mine, and for a moment, all I can see is the man who’s changed everything for me. The man who’s become my anchor, my constant, my love.
The officiant begins speaking, but his words blur in the background. All I can focus on is Barron—the way his hand feels as it wraps around mine, warm and rough, like the land he’s worked with for years. His thumb brushes lightly over my knuckles, a small, grounding touch that sends warmth spiraling through me. His eyes never leave mine, and in them, I see everything—the future we’re about to build, the life we’ve already started, the love that will carry us through it all.
The ceremony is simple, just like us. No grand gestures, no long speeches—just two people who’ve found something real, something lasting. I can feel the weight of Barron’s love in every word he speaks, in every glance he throws my way. It’s steady, like the mountains surrounding us, unyielding and vast.
Before the officiant can even finish the final words, Barron clears his throat, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “With all due respect,” he says, his deep voice cutting through the air, “I can’t wait another moment longer.”
Laughter ripples through the small crowd, and I can’t help but chuckle too, my heart swelling at his impatience. It’s so him—direct, no need for long-winded moments. He knows what he wants, and right now, that’s me.
“I need her as my wife, now,” Barron says, turning to me with a look that sends a slow heat curling low in my stomach. His gaze is filled with love, with promise, and in that moment, I know I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. This man—my man—is everything I’ve ever wanted, ever needed, and standing here, on this mountain, I feel like I’ve finally come home.
When the officiant declares us husband and wife, Barron doesn’t hesitate. His arms are around me in an instant, pulling me close, and his mouth crashes down on mine in a kiss that’s deep, slow, and filled with everything we’ve shared. The world fades away, the sound of his brothers cheering in the background fading into the wind.
As we pull apart, Barron keeps his arms wrapped firmly around my waist, his forehead resting against mine. He glances over my shoulder at the view—the endless expanse of mountains and sky—and then his voice drops, low and rough, just for me. “This view,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion, “it’s like my love for you. Unending. As far as the eye can see.”
The words settle over me like a balm, filling every empty corner of my soul. I smile, my chest tight with love. He’s right. His love is vast, steady, and it’s become my whole world.