“Ember and Dalton have written their own vows.” Turning to Dalton he said, “Dalton, let’s hear it, bro.”
We all laughed as Dalton gripped my hands tighter, “Ember, I never thought I would meet someone who I would fall crazy in love with. When you walked into my life, it was all over. I never second guessed my feelings, never tried to understand why I felt the way I did, I just knew that I loved you and that I had to make you mine. We have been through tragedy after tragedy, but we always come out stronger than ever. You and Harlee are my life. You took a piece of my heart the first day we met, and I love you more and more every single day. I promise to love you more than you have ever been loved, and to take care of you in every way possible.”
When he reached up and cupped my cheek with one hand, I leaned into his touch as he wiped my tears away.
“Ember, I’m not sure how you are going to compete with that, but you’re up.”
I rolled my eyes at Blake as I turned back to Dalton, “Dalton, when we met, I was at a low place in my life. I had convinced myself that I would have to spend the rest of my life in misery. You brought me hope when I had none and you relentlessly fought for me. We have been through storm after storm, but we worked together to come out closer and stronger than ever. You helped me find out who I was, the girl I thought was lost after enduring everything I went through. You were always there, always pushing me. Words cannot describe how much I appreciate and love you, but I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me. From now on, when I look at the sky, it will only be to Thank God for all the blessings in my life. You saved me, Dalton. I love you.”
After re-gaining control of our emotions, we exchanged rings. “Dalton, Ember, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss her, man.”
Dalton closed the space between us as his hands cupped my face and his lips met mine. His kiss held every promise he has just made to me. He is my husband, my savior, my everything. My future is filled with endless possibilities because of him. He fought with everything he had to be with me and I know we will be stronger than any obstacle we ever face, because we have each other.
“Moose. I need you, Madison, and Chloe to go tell everyone it’s time to eat while I pull the chicken off the grill.”
“Okay, Daddy. HEY! IT’S TIME TO EAT!”
“Seriously, Moose. I could have easily done that myself. I wanted you to go tell everyone it’s time to eat, not shout it from the porch.”
“Ooooh. Whoops.”
As I closed the grill, Ember slid behind me and wrapped her arms around my waist, “Hi, handsome.”
I set the plate of chicken down and turned to face her, “Hi, my beautiful wife.” I said as I placed one hand on her swollen belly and gently pressed my lips to her forehead.
“I love you, but I also hate you right now. It’s your fault my feet are so swollen. I’m miserable.”
“I’m okay with you blaming your pregnancy issues on me, babe. As long as you keep baking me cheesecake, I will take the blame for anything.”
Ember stood on her tip toes and sucked my bottom lip into her mouth, “If I don’t let you have any cheesecake, will you punish me later?”
“Mmm, I’ll punish you regardless.”
Ember reached around me and grabbed the plate of chicken, “I’m looking forward to it.” She winked at me, then waddled across the porch and disappeared inside.
All of our friends and family are here today. The girls just graduated kindergarten, so we decided to have a big cookout to celebrate. As everyone piled their plates with food and headed back outside to eat at the picnic tables, I stood on the porch for a moment, soaking in the scene when Blake came up behind me.
“Hey, man. Brian just called. They accepted our bid on the mansion.”
“Are you serious? When do we start building?”
“Next week. This is huge, bro. Do you have any idea how much money this project will pull in, not the mention the exposure?”
After we got married, Blake and I got out of the Army and we all moved to Alabama. Trent got out about six months ago and they moved here as well. Ember’s dad needed help around the farm and the guys and I decided to open our own construction business, Alex and Cliff included. The five of us have built a very successful business in a short amount of time.
Last week we put in a bid to build a two million dollar home, and hearing that our bid was accepted is indescribable. This is huge for us.
“A lot of money. I know. This is awesome, Blake. After we work out the details, we’ll have to hire a few more guys. This project will take up most of our time.”
“I’m already on it.”
Life is amazing. We have all faced endless obstacles in our lives, but it only made us stronger. If you would have told me three years ago that I would be out of the Army, happily married with a daughter and a baby on the way, I would have told you that you were insane. Now here I am surrounded by everyone I love and the future just keeps looking more perfect than ever.
“Dalton! Don’t just stand there, come try these cupcakes.”
“You know I can’t say ‘no’ to cupcakes, Magnolia.”
Piper, Magnolia, and Sidney opened a bakery in town. They have people lined up outside every morning waiting for their amazing pastries. The girls have been working hard to create new flavors of cupcakes to add to their menu and lucky for us, we get to be the taste testers.
As Magnolia lined one of the picnic tables with twenty different flavors of cupcakes, the guys and I dug in. They all tasted amazing, but I expected nothing less.
Blake and Piper got married a year ago and they just found out last week that they are expecting.
Ember and Harper work at the hospital together in labor and delivery with Ember’s mom. After Harper had Bryson, she was told she would never be able to get pregnant again, so she and Trent have been fostering a little girl Harlee’s age. When the paperwork is complete, they will officially adopt Chloe. I would say we are all doing extremely well.
After the accident, Ember begged Blake to let us keep Sniper, and after a week, he finally gave in. Hero dog is still going strong and he has become best friends with Wilbur. Oh, I should probably mention that the people who sold me Wilbur lied, because I’m fairly certain a micro pig is not supposed to be three hundred pounds.
So yes, life is amazing. I have a beautiful wife, an amazing little girl, and a son on the way. We struggled, we fought, and we endured tragedy after tragedy, but in the end, Haywood’s words ring loud and clear, reminding us that no matter what, our love will conquer anything.
Mom: You have always believed in me. No matter what dream or passion I pursued, you always pushed me and encouraged me. I love you more than you will ever know.
Bethany Hunt: You are my rock. You keep me grounded, positive, and inspired. Our lifelong friendship has been through every test imaginable, but we always come out stronger and closer than ever. I love you!
Lacey Belen: I love you! We push each other, encourage each other, and are always there for each other. “We shall never drift apart.”
Author Danielle Ione: You are my sprinting partner, motivator, and friend. You kicked my ass into gear and I finished Ember Skies because of you. I love you and stuff.
Mandy Sawyer: You are the absolute sweetest woman on the entire planet. You are supportive, encouraging, and so damn amazing. Words cannot accurately express how much I adore you and how grateful I am to you. I love your face.
Author Rachel Caid: I would be lost without you. You make me laugh, give amazing suggestions, and are always so encouraging. Plus, your bubbly personality always makes me smile. I love you.
Author K. Webster: Thank you for designing my beautiful cover, for answering my never-ending slew of questions, and for being so inspiring. You truly are superwoman. <3 <3
Spring Farrow: I lost count of how many times you said, “Finish your damn book so I can finish reading it.” Ha. I needed your crazy ass to push me. We have been through
a lot together, girl. Nothing can eff with our friendship! I love you.
Andrea Brown: You are strong, beautiful, and encouraging. You’re one of those once in a lifetime friends. I love you.
Author Emma Scott: I just <3 you. You’re amazing, helpful, and your books make my soul happy!
Marci Berens: Thank you for being the most detailed beta in existence. You saved me from hours and hours of editing.
To all my author friends who encouraged me, gave me advice, and put amazing books out there to inspire me, thank you! I love you all!
Ember Skies Page 25
