Chapter 96 - The Wedding

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The ranch stretched out in every direction, framed by the towering mountains that rose like sentinels in the distance. It was a picture-perfect day—the kind where the sky was a vibrant blue and the sunlight kissed everything with a golden hue. The scene was serene, yet there was an undercurrent of excitement buzzing through the air.

Today was Georgie and Morgan's wedding day.

They had chosen an outdoor venue, surrounded by nature's beauty, with the mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. Wildflowers lined the aisle, their soft colors complementing the rustic wooden chairs that had been set up for the guests. At the end of the aisle stood a simple arch made of weathered wood, draped with white fabric and ivy, the perfect touch of country charm.

Georgie was inside a cozy cabin just a short walk from the ceremony. The bridesmaids bustled around her, making last-minute adjustments to their dresses and touching up their makeup. The air in the room was filled with excitement, but for Georgie, there was also a quiet sense of peace.

She stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection. Her dress was everything she had imagined—elegant, timeless, with delicate lace that flowed down her frame and ended in a soft, sweeping train. But it was the little details that made it hers. White cowboy boots peeked out from beneath the hem of her gown, and atop her head, a white cowboy hat completed the look. It was a tribute to her country roots and to the woman she had grown into, one who wasn't afraid to blend tradition with her own personal style.

As her bridesmaids tied up their infinity dresses—each wearing the same gown but styled in a way that suited them individually—Georgie's heart swelled with gratitude. They looked beautiful, their dresses flowing in the gentle breeze that drifted through the open window. The deep, midnight blue fabric contrasted perfectly against the greenery of the ranch, making the entire bridal party feel like they were part of the landscape itself.

"You ready?" her maid of honor, Tessa, asked, stepping up beside her and giving her a gentle smile.

Georgie nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah. I think I am."

Her heart fluttered with both excitement and a pang of sadness. Today was a day she had long dreamed of, but it wasn't without its bittersweet moments. She couldn't help but think of her daddy, the man who would have walked her down the aisle. He had passed away earlier in the year, and though he wouldn't be there physically, she could feel him in her heart, walking with her in spirit.

Her brother, Ben, knocked lightly on the door before stepping inside. Dressed in a sharp, dark blue suit to match the groomsmen, he gave Georgie a warm, reassuring smile. "You ready, sis?"

Georgie's eyes softened as she looked at him, tears welling up. Ben had stepped in when their daddy passed, becoming her rock, just as he had always been. She couldn't have asked for a better brother.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she whispered, her voice catching slightly.

Ben walked over and offered her his arm, his expression one of quiet understanding. "He's with us today, you know that."

Georgie nodded, blinking away the tears. "Yeah, I know."

With her brother by her side, Georgie took one final look in the mirror. This was the moment. She smoothed the front of her dress and adjusted her hat before glancing back at her bridesmaids, all of whom were beaming with excitement.

"Let's get you married," Tessa said, winking at her.

Outside, Morgan stood at the end of the aisle, his heart pounding in his chest. He was dressed in a black suit, but true to his country style, he wore a black cowboy hat, and on his feet were the same brown cowboy boots he wore almost everywhere. His groomsmen flanked him, each dressed in matching dark blue suits, their cowboy hats perched at rakish angles as they waited for the ceremony to begin.

Morgan ran a hand along the brim of his hat, nerves bubbling up inside him. He had never been more sure of anything in his life, but still, his hands fidgeted as he looked down the aisle. Soon, Georgie would appear, and nothing else in the world mattered except seeing her walk toward him.

The guests, a mix of family and close friends, sat quietly, anticipation humming through the crowd. Everyone was aware of how special this day was. Morgan and Georgie had been through so much together, and now they were about to seal their love story with the vows they'd waited so long to exchange.

The mountains in the distance stood tall and proud, a silent witness to the day's events. It felt right, Morgan thought, to be marrying Georgie here, surrounded by nature, by the land that mirrored so much of who they were.

His best man leaned over, whispering, "You look like you're about to pass out, man. You good?"

Morgan laughed, though his heart was still racing. "I'm more than good. Just ready to see her."

Back in the cabin, Georgie's breath hitched as the music began to play outside. The time had come. She gripped her brother's arm a little tighter, her nerves finally hitting her.

Ben smiled down at her, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "You're gonna knock 'em dead, Georgie."

Georgie laughed through the nervous energy that coursed through her. "Let's just hope I don't trip over my boots."

Together, they stepped out of the cabin and into the soft sunlight. The wildflowers lining the path swayed gently in the breeze, their colors vibrant against the backdrop of the green hills. Georgie could hear the murmurs from the guests as she and Ben approached, and soon, the aisle stretched before her.

The sight of the ceremony space took her breath away. The wooden arch draped in white fabric and greenery was simple but beautiful, perfectly in tune with the rustic charm of the ranch. And there, standing at the end of the aisle, was Morgan, his black cowboy hat casting a slight shadow over his face.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, the world seemed to stand still.

With each step, Georgie felt her heart grow lighter, her nerves replaced with a deep sense of peace. The mountains, the wildflowers, the golden light—it all faded into the background as she focused on the man waiting for her.

This was it. The life they had dreamed of, the love they had fought for, all leading up to this moment.

As she and Ben reached the aisle, the soft murmur of the guests quieted, and Georgie's heart raced as she took that first step toward Morgan. The weight of her father's absence pressed lightly against her chest, but Ben's arm kept her steady.

And with each step, she got closer to the man who was about to become her husband.

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