Free His Only Wife by Melissa Brown Page A

help you, to be your sponsor. But I didn’t know that we’d click the way we have. I didn’t know you’d let me in like this. And I’m grateful. What I’m trying to say is…you’re like family to me too.”
    A lump formed in my throat. “Thanks, man.”
    “And I’d love to be there for you on your wedding day. It would be an honor, actually.”
    “Thanks,” I said, shaking his hand. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”
    We drank our coffee and continued our conversation, talking about everything and nothing at all. It was one of the best cups of coffee I’ve ever had in my life, enjoyed as I was filled with relief and understanding. Knowing that I meant as much to Jesse as he did to me was freaking priceless, and I knew our relationship would only grow stronger.
    And that’s how Brin and I came to be standing on one of the many cliffs of the Grand Canyon, holding hands as we overlooked the great unknown together. Tiffany, Jesse, and Audrey were there for support, standing only a few steps behind. The justice of the peace, a tall guy named Justin, greeted us by shaking our hands before starting the short ceremony.
    “Brinley and Porter, today you celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, and give recognition to the worth and beauty of love as you join together in vows of marriage. From what I understand, yours is not the typical love story. You were both raised on a compound, and so I realize your outlook on traditional marriage may have been affected by this. I commend you for making this commitment to each other and for moving forward in your lives together. I assure you that a marriage based on trust, equality, and shared values is one to celebrate, to praise, and to strive for.”
    I looked to Brin and we nodded in solidarity, knowing that we’d weighed our options and we were choosing this life together.
    “I understand you’ve written your own vows?”
    “Yes, sir,” she answered.
    “When you’re ready.”
    Justin extended his arm, giving me the floor, and I cleared my throat, preparing myself to tell Brin everything I’d been dying to tell her since the day she accepted my proposal.
    “My sweet Brinley.” I cleared my throat again, feeling the dryness creep into my mouth. “There are so many promises I want to make today, so many things I want to assure you of, so many things I want to pledge. I know I’m not perfect—far from it, in fact. But you make me better, your faith and trust makes me strive to improve every single day. Your love inspires me, it motivates me to cast out the darkness when it calls. And we both know it calls. I can’t promise that I’ll never make another mistake, in fact, I’m pretty sure I’ll make a ton before our first anniversary.”
    She giggled behind her hand as her eyes glistened. I laughed as well, knowing I’d brought some levity to a serious moment. It didn’t quash my sincerity, however. With another clearing of the throat, I passed Brin the handkerchief from my suit pocket and continued.
    “But know that I’ll do my best to be the man you deserve, the man who’s worthy of all that you are. And so, Brinley, I take you to be my wife, my only wife. And I thank you for taking me, risks and all.”
    Brin wiped her eyes with the handkerchief before taking a deep breath and starting her vows. “Porter, you changed my world; we both know that. You walked into my bleak life of routine and servitude, and you flipped it on its head. You woke me up, and you introduced me to all the beauty real life had in store for me. Each day, you give me purpose. Each day, you help me gain a better understanding of the world around me. And as much as you say you’re a risk, you must know that I am too. We all are…it’s just part of being human.”
    She looked up at me through her lashes, her expression serious as she said, “I promise, though, to love you through every mistake that each of us will make as we live our lives together as husband and