Welcome to Valley View (Valley View Book 1)

Chapter 31

After what feels like a ten-minute walk, I finally arrive at the altar with only minimal tears. I’m still gripping my dad’s arm tightly, but he gently rubs my hand, giving me permission to relax. Jimmy takes a step towards us and he reaches out to shake my dad’s hand. He shakes his hand and my dad gives him a big strong hug and whispers something in his ear. Jimmy nods and takes my hand. 

“You look stunning.,” he leans in and whispers into my ear with a small kiss on my cheek.

I smile big and look him up and down, “You’re pretty handsome yourself.” We turn to face the preacher and he begins the ceremony.

“Welcome, family, friends, and loved ones. We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of Jameson and Tiffany. You have come here to share in this formal commitment they make to one another, to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow Jameson and Tiffany to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.”

“So welcome to one and all, who have traveled from near and far. Jameson and Tiffany thank you for your presence here today and now ask for your blessing, encouragement, and lifelong support for their decision to be married.” I look up at Jimmy and he smiles at me again.

“Jameson and Tiffany have chosen to write their own vows. Jameson, you may begin.”

“Tiff, my city girl, I had all but given up on love before I met you. I thank the Lord every day that I didn’t, because I may not have been prepared for you and everything you have to offer. I’ve never smiled more, I’ve never laughed more, I’ve never been happier than I am with you.” He takes a moment to pause. I see him swallow and his Adam’s apple bob up and down.

“Today, in front of our family and friends, I want to make a few promises to you. I promise that I will provide for you in every way possible, but I also promise that I will always treat you as an equal in this relationship.  I promise that I will love you through everything we go through as a couple. My love will never falter. You are my one and only and that is how it is meant to be.”

“I will be your shoulder to lean on, your shoulder to cry on, your shoulder to smack when I’m being an idiot.” The sound of laughter comes from our guests and Jimmy looks up and smirks at me. ”I will always be by your side, through everything this life has to offer. This is my promise to you, Tiffany. The promise of my never-ending love.”

Jimmy takes a tissue out of his pocket and hands it to me. I hear some of our guests laughing. I dab my eyes, but thank goodness for waterproof makeup.

“Thank you, Jameson. Tiffany, go ahead with yours.”

“Jimmy, I once thought that I was broken down and stranded in Valley View, but what I learned was that I may have been broken down, but I certainly wasn’t stranded. Instead, I was where my future was supposed to take me and that future is you. Today on our wedding day I promise that I will give you my everything as a wife, best friend, and partner. Perhaps even one day as a mother to your children.”

“Jimmy, I love you in a way that I am almost unable to put into words, but I know that right here,”

I point to my heart, “you are here with me at all times. You are part of my heart, part of my soul. Forever my love, forever my cowboy.”

Jimmy mouths, “I love you” to me and I mouth it back to him.

“Beautifully spoken, both of you.” The pastor moves on. “Now if we could have the rings?”

Wes digs into his pockets and hands the preacher the ring box that contains our wedding bands.

“Jameson, please take Tiffany’s ring and place it on her finger.”