Joey Hopkins stood between us, excited to be officiating her first wedding since becoming ordained for the occasion. She began to speak and everything around me faded away as I stared into Kacey’s eyes. The eyes that first attracted me to her. The eyes that still had me captivated. I was surprised when Joey announced it was already time to read our vows to each other. With a shaky hand, I took the paper from Bo that I had my vows written on. I took another deep breath before I started to speak. “Just over fifteen years ago, I quite literally ran into you for the first time. I thought my dignity was the only thing I lost that night, but it turns out I also lost my heart. Without even realizing it, I gave my heart to you and never got it back. The years we spent together in college were some of the best years of my life, but they don’t even compare to the past few years we’ve spent together. You and Bailey are the greatest gift I ever received and I’m so happy that I get to spend the rest of my life with you guys. I can’t wait to make our little family even bigger and to fall more and more in love with you every single day. I promise to love and support you for the rest of our lives. You’re my past, present, and future. I love you, Kacey Grace Caldwell. I always will.”
I watched as Kacey took her own vows from Bo and stared down at the piece of paper in her hands. She looked up and scanned the crowd, laughing slightly. “Before I start, I just want to say that I promise I didn’t sneak a peek at Kari’s vows. Any similarities are an absolute coincidence.” Her eyes went back to the piece of paper and she cleared her throat. “Kari, a kiss wasn’t the only thing I gave you that first night we met. I also gave you my heart. I went to college searching for a fresh start and ended up finding my soulmate. We were destined to be together and the fates were going to assure that happened. In college, it came in the form of you clumsily running into me a few times. As adults, we miraculously became next door neighbors. If that’s not fate, I don’t know what is.” She studied the paper for a few seconds, then rubbed her eyes before focusing her attention on me. “You’ve given me so much throughout the years. But above all else, you gave me a home and a family. Getting to fall in love with you, not just once or twice, but every single day, is one of life’s greatest blessings. Watching you love my daughter and accept her as your own has been the greatest blessing of all. I’m so excited for everything the three of us have to come. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know I can face it with you two by my side. I love you, Kari. Forever and always.”
We exchanged rings and shared a kiss before heading back down the aisle and into the refurbished barn where our reception was being held. The night was filled with singing, dancing, and lots of love. When the time came for the bouquet toss, I gave Bo a knowing smile as the DJ asked for all of the unmarried people to come out to the dance floor. Kacey and I turned our backs to the crowd and acted like we were winding up to throw the bouquets, but instead, I walked my bouquet over to Bo and she gave hers to Kylie. Kylie looked confused as Bo dropped the bouquet and walked toward her, fishing for something in his pocket. The DJ handed him the microphone as he pulled out the ring box. “Since Kari used your big day to propose, we both thought it was only fair that I should use hers to do the same. I never thought it would happen, but the day Kari gave me permission to date you, I knew I would never date another girl for the rest of my life. We’ve been through a lot together in the time we’ve been dating, and I can honestly say that I love you more every day.” He dropped onto one knee and held out the ring. “Kylie Bree Adelberg, will you marry me?”
“Isn’t love sweet?” Kacey asked as she sidled up beside me and put an arm around my waist.
I stared at the love of my life, then leaned in close to breathe her in. “It sure is.”
Kacey kissed my forehead then let out a sigh. “K Squared forever, babe.”
My smile grew as I stared into my future with my wife. “K Squared forever.”