The remaining members of Holeshot and Avoiding Redemption were here, clustered near the door. Still playing the guitar, Deacon moved into the room behind me. Jenny and Anna were standing to the left of the minister; both of their cheeks were wet. Evan was standing on the right side, and Denny was standing in a spot of great honor beside him. Grinning ear to ear, Denny nodded at me and minutely lifted his candle.
The rest of our massive wedding party was lining the carpet leading to Kellan’s bed, boys on one side, girls on the other. Faces full of pride, Matt and Griffin were standing beside Justin, Gavin, and Riley. Opposite them were the rest of my girls, Rachel, Kate, Cheyenne, Abby, and Hailey. Griffin was rocking Gibson back and forth, the tiny baby fast asleep in her father’s arms. And much to my relief, Griffin was dressed similarly to the other boys in a solid black dress shirt with matching black slacks that I’m assuming had a back to them.
My blurry vision drifted to my husband as my father and I passed by the bridal party and stepped to the foot of the hospital bed. Kellan’s eyes were glossy as he stared back at me. “You’re breathtaking,” he murmured. While I’d been gone, someone had helped Kellan put on real clothes. He was lying on top of the covers and had on a loose, white button-up shirt draped over dark black slacks. And he was barefoot. Even a little banged up, I thought he looked pretty breathtaking too.
I stood at the end of his bed, fully prepared to climb in with him and get married lying down, but Kellan held his hand up to stop me. “Wait.”
Preparing himself for pain, he started to sit up. I immediately took a step away from my father. “No, Kellan, don’t. You’re still weak, you can lie down. You don’t have to stand for this.”
Cringing in discomfort, he grabbed onto his IV stand with white knuckles. “I’ve been waiting my entire life to marry you, Kiera. I think I’ll stand.”
Gavin instantly handed his candle to Riley and rushed to Kellan’s side. It almost made me laugh that both of our fathers were helping us to the altar, but I was too touched by Kellan’s actions to do anything but cry—a happy, pride-filled cry.
After Kellan jerkily made his way to the nurse marrying us, his father stepped back. My dad kissed my cheek before letting me go. Fearful of Kellan toppling over, I rushed in to take the void left by Gavin. Kellan smiled down at me, then let out a low, controlled exhale. “I’m okay.”
Wanting to match Kellan, I kicked off my shoes and tossed them out of the way; rose petals stuck to the soles of my feet. Aside from the IV stand Kellan was holding on to for support, we looked like we were getting married on a beach, and I could easily imagine the sound of the ocean in the background—although that could have been the rustling of all the people trying to pack themselves around the door so they could watch.
Kellan laughed as I curled my toes on the carpet, and he didn’t cringe as much as he had yesterday. While the minister thanked everyone for being there, Kellan reached into his pocket and placed something in my palm. Discretely looking, I saw a rose petal with the words Forever Your Husband written in bold black letters.
I clenched it in my hand as the tears mercilessly rolled down my cheeks. I wanted to lean up and kiss him, but we weren’t at that part yet, so I restrained myself. Not kissing Kellan Kyle is very hard to do, especially when he was looking at me like I was the most miraculous thing he’d ever seen.
I clasped Kellan’s free hand with both of mine as the minister directed her speech toward us. “Kellan Kyle, Kiera Allen, your friends and family are gathered here today to watch your two separate lives merge into one. From this point forward, you will face the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of life as one being. You will be bound together, body and soul, and the desires of the one will be forsaken for the needs of the two. But there is strength to be gained from this bond, for each of you. Where one might break, two can stand tall. Where one might fold, two can hold firm. From here until the end of your days on earth, you will have someone to support you during times of weakness, comfort you during times of grief, encourage you during times of fear, and celebrate with you during times of joy. That is a gift, one that should never be abused or taken for granted. Cherish each other as God cherishes you, and you will both know peace.”
I squeezed Kellan’s hand as I glanced up at him. We’d been through so much already, but she was right—we were strongest when we were together. We lifted each other up, brought out the best in each other. We were better people together. From somewhere behind me, I could hear my mother sobbing.
Looking to the Best Man and Maid of Honor, the minister asked, “Do you have the rings?”
Anna nodded as she wiped her tears away with a knuckle. Kellan and I had handed over our rings while decorating. I was a bit relieved that Anna hadn’t lost Kellan’s. Motherhood had done wonders for her responsibility. Her eyes swimming with more tears waiting to fall, Anna handed me Kellan’s promise ring. Evan’s face was equally emotional as he handed Kellan my wedding ring.