June First

by Jennifer Hartmann

As we wrap up our vows and Brant says “I do” with tears in his earth-spun eyes, I can’t help myself. I mouth to him, “You mean it?” Grinning, he mouths back, “Of course I mean it.” Rupert neighs as the reverend pronounces us man and wife, and then we kiss. And it’s not just any kiss. It’s a kiss of courage, a kiss of comfort, a kiss of two people beating the odds and weaving a love story out of tragedy. It’s finding a happily ever after with the one person you least expect yet the only person meant for you. It’s not our first kiss. It’s not our last kiss. It’s a kiss that culminates our past, brings magic to our present, and seals our future forever. “I love you so much,” I murmur, stroking my palm down his stubbled cheek as his dimples wink back at me. “I love you, Junebug. More than you’ll ever know,” he replies, planting a kiss on my hairline. He breathes in deeply. “More than you could ever dare to dream.”