The other surprise is my dad walking next to her, followed behind by all of Em’s brothers. The symbolism and significance of the moment brings tears to my eyes and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Because the woman walking toward me is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. She’s the other half of my soul, my One, the woman I want to give everything to and love for the rest of my days.
I think back to the last letter I read from Henley to Marion on their wedding day.
I promise to spend the rest of my days giving you everything you’ve ever dreamed of until the day I take my last breath.
That is the vow I silently make tomyMarion as she finally comes to a stop in front of me, neither of us able to look away from one another.
Cap chuckles, breaking me from my trance. When I glance his way, I find his eyes shining bright. “There was never a doubt that you two were meant to be” he says before looking to Em. “Your dad would be so proud of the journey you’ve taken and where you’ve ended up. You, my new daughter, are the breath of fresh air this family–thismountain–has always needed. I wish you and my son a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories.” He dips his head as he drops his voice to a whisper for our ears only. “Though I knew you were the one when you told me you liked crab fishin’ shows.”
A giggle bubbles out of Em. Though, father or not, right now he’s standing between me and my One.
“Think you could let me greet my wife, Cap?” I say in jest.
“Do I have to?” he counters, making Em laugh again.
“Thank you for walkin’ me toward my forever,” she says to him, lifting her veil to kiss him on the cheek. “But I think I’m in safe hands now.”
Dad shoots me a proud smile. “I think you’re right about that.”
Em’s teary eyes lock with mine and just like the first time we were in this same position, everything and everyone around us fades away.
This time though, there’s zero doubt in my mind about what the future might bring.
Iknowshe feels our connection. Iknowwe're walking the same path toward a happy and fulfilling life together. And this is the start of a love the likes neither one of us have ever–or will ever–know again.
This time, this moment is for the two of us.
How it was always destined to be.
As the mountain–now united–always intended.
It’s a little while after we exchanged vows under the big old tree on Cooper Ranch. Our families are gathered inside the house waiting for us to join them.
There's just one thing I wanted to do with my wife before we join them.
Pulling Gramps’s old carving knife out of its leather satchel, I turn to meet Em’s curious gaze. “What are you doin’, hubby?”
“When we first saw these initials on the tree, I was fascinated by them,” I explain. “First, I couldn’t believe we never saw the HC 4 MW there before.”
She frowns as she looks over to the letters. “How is that possible? Did someone put them there again? You know, after Henley and Marion’s ones had faded?”
I shake my head. “There’s no way of ever knowin’. But given the mountain chose me, Jude Henley, andyou, my Marion, as soulmates, I felt it was fitting for us to honor them by addingourinitials next to theirs. Maybe one day, our descendants might find them too.”
Her eyes soften. “I love that.”
Tilting my head, I sweep her hair away from her face before cradling her jaw and pulling her in for a soft kiss.
“Ladies first,” I say, stepping back and holding the knife out for her.
“How ‘bout we do it together. Start as we mean to continue and all that.”
So that’s exactly what we do, carving our names next to the Henley and Marion who came before us.
The couple whose love divided the mountain joined by the two of us, Jude and Em Wilson-Cooper, the couple who brought it back together.
Epilogue - Wyatt