Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 45

"Lily," Timmy pulled my attention to him. "I love you. I always have, I always will. It was an honor to walk these last few steps with you."

"I'm crying," I announced to some chuckles from around the barn.

"Look up," Tim directed as he dabbed my eyes one last time and then handed the handkerchief to Billy. "Take good care of my girl," Tim nodded to Billy.

"Yes, sir," Billy nodded.

"Welcome," Brandon commanded the attention of the room as I clung to Billy's arm. We're here today to unite William Anthony Collins and Lily Rose Turncott in marriage. The couple has written their own vows. Lily..."

I took a deep breath and looked up into Billy's saucer hazel eyes.

"I love you," I breathed out.

Billy smiled and kissed my forehead. "I love you too."

I took another breath and began. "Billy, you always believed in us. You always knew we'd end up here, even when we were apart. Even when miles and years separated us, you were always with me. You were always cheering for us wherever we were. You knew that every step we took brought us closer to each other. I'm so honored and grateful for your faith, your kindness, and your love. Wherever you are, is my home, and I know we'll never be lost as long as we have each other."

"Wow, good luck topping that, man," Brandon added as the room let out a few chuckles.

"Tears," I murmured.

"Oh, I got this." Billy pulled the handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed the tears from my eyes. He tucked it back in his pocket and set his gaze on me. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," I whispered back.

"I always felt lost. I started to play music and then writing music to try to figure out the world around me. But still, nothing made sense to me, not until one night when I looked out over a crowd and saw this woman that refused to look back at me. I had to chase you outside the venue to get you to lay eyes on me, and the moment you did, everything made sense. You're the only thing that has ever made complete sense to me. I'll be your home if you'll be my smile." He cupped the side of my face and dropped his face lower to mine. "Deal?"

"Deal," I agreed as our lips met.

"Woah, woah, woah; I'm supposed to say 'you may now kiss the bride.'" Brandon scolded next to us, but we didn't part. "Oh fine, you may now kiss the bride."

Billy's arm looped around me and tightly pulled me to his body.

"What do I do?" Brandon awkwardly asked.

"Don't make me get the hose," Tim threatened, causing us to pull away from each other.

Billy's forehead stayed on mine.

"Yeah, so rings," Brandon called.

"That's me!" Jackson popped out of the moment to pull the rings from his pocket. "Here, Dad," Jackson handed the rings to Billy.

"With these rings, you marry. You join in heart and soul until death do you part," Brandon's voice felt quiet, but the words were strong.

I lifted my hand as Billy slid the simple ring on my hand. He then gave me the second ring and held his hand out to me as I slid the ring on him. As if we were reading each other's minds, we both held out our hands to see the bands while our foreheads again leaned on each other.

"I do," Billy whispered into my ear.

"I do," I whispered back.

"By the power vested in me by the state of Minnesota, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Now, you may kiss the bride."

Billy's smile tipped up to his dimples. "My wife," he murmured.

"My husband," I murmured back before our lips met, and the barn erupted in cheers.

"I am beyond proud to announce for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Billy Collins," Brandon announced as Timmy tapped his phone and Up Above My Head filled the barn.

Billy lifted our clasped hands in the air. "Ready to make an exit?" He asked.

"I'm nearly certain I am going to trip," I joked.

"No worries." In a swift movement, Billy had me up in his arms, causing me to burst into laughter. I waved at the gathering over Billy's shoulder as we exited the barn.

"Where are we going?" I asked as he crossed to the house.

"We can't make a grand re-entrance if we don't leave," he teased.

"I love you, Billy Collins," I announced as he set me down just inside the house.

"I love you, Lily Collins," He beamed down at me.