The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a fiery glow over Copper Canyon Ranch as the Savage brothers stood near the barn, their usual swagger tempered by the significance of the evening. Bryce adjusted the collar of his crisp white shirt for the fifth time, earning a grin from his older brother Colt.
“If you keep messing with that, you’re gonna wear it out before Sable gets here,” Colt teased, his voice a deep rumble of amusement.
Bryce shot him a glare, his dark eyes narrowing. “You’ve been married for a year, Colt. Don’t act like you weren’t sweating bullets at your own wedding.”
Colt chuckled, folding his arms over his broad chest. “I wasn’t. Briar would’ve hunted me down and dragged me to the altar anyway. She’s scarier than I am.”
Landon, the middle Savage brother, leaned casually against the fence, a grin tugging at his lips. “Sounds about right. I think we all knew Briar was the one in charge. Question is, Bryce, is Sable the boss of you now?”
“Shut it, Landon,” Bryce muttered, though the faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth betrayed his nerves. “She’s not the boss of me.”
Colt and Landon exchanged a look before bursting into laughter. Colt clapped Bryce on the shoulder, the force of it almost making him stumble. “That’s the sound of a man in denial.”
“Big denial,” Landon added, his grin widening. “But it’s okay, little brother. It happens to the best of us.”
Bryce rolled his eyes, his hand brushing over the cuff of his shirt again. “You two should be focused on making sure everything’s perfect. Not cracking jokes.”
Colt grinned. “Relax, it’s all taken care of. Dakota and Briar are running the show.”
“And by ‘running the show,’ he means bossing us all around,” Landon chimed in. “But hey, the place looks great. They even got flowers and stuff. Real romantic.”
Bryce arched a brow. “You sound jealous, Landon. Should we start planning your wedding next?”
Landon straightened, his grin faltering. “Whoa, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m all for romance, but I’m in no rush to get hitched.”
Colt snorted. “That’s because you’re terrified of commitment.”
“Hey, I’m not terrified,” Landon shot back, holding up his hands. “I’m just… strategic.”
Bryce shook his head, a low chuckle escaping him despite his nerves. “Strategic, my ass.”
Before Landon could retort, Dakota’s voice rang out from the house. “Boys! Get into place! Sable’s ready.”
The brothers snapped to attention, their playful banter momentarily forgotten as the significance of the moment settled over them. Colt adjusted his jacket, Landon straightened his tie, and Bryce took a deep breath, his dark eyes scanning the horizon where the sun was beginning to sink lower.
“Ready?” Colt asked, his voice quieter now, his usual teasing replaced by genuine warmth.
Bryce nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve never been more ready for anything.”
The ceremony site was set up in the wide-open pasture, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the wildflowers that lined the aisle. The arch at the end of the aisle was simple yet elegant, wrapped in twisting vines and soft blooms that swayed gently in the evening breeze.
Bryce stood beneath the arch, his brothers flanking him. Colt glanced at Bryce, his grin back in place. “You know, I was gonna make a speech about how you’re punching above your weight, but I figured I’d save it for later.”
“Real considerate of you,” Bryce muttered, though a grin tugged at his lips.
Those in the crowd who could overhear them chuckled, the lighthearted banter setting an easy tone as the music began to play. All humor faded from Bryce’s face the moment Sable stepped into view.
Sable was stunning.
Her dress was simple, the soft fabric flowing around her like water, but it was the way she carried herself that caught Bryce’s breath. She walked with the quiet confidence he had fallen in love with, her hazel eyes locked onto his as if there was no one else in the world. The golden light of the setting sun seemed to follow her, illuminating her silver hair and making her look like she belonged to the land itself.
“Wow,” Landon muttered under his breath. “She’s gorgeous.”
“For once, you’re right,” Bryce said, his voice thick with emotion.
Sable reached the altar, her lips curving into a faint smile as she took Bryce’s hand. “You nervous?” she whispered, her hazel eyes glinting with mischief.
“Not anymore,” Bryce replied, his grip tightening around hers. “You?”
“Not a chance,” she said, her smile widening.
The ceremony itself was brief but heartfelt. The officiant spoke of love, partnership, and the strength that came from overcoming challenges together. Bryce barely heard the words, his focus entirely on Sable and the way her gaze never wavered from his.
When it was time for vows, Bryce cleared his throat, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “Sable, you’ve changed everything. You’ve shown me what it means to fight, to love, and to build something worth holding onto. You’re my partner, my mate, my home. And I promise to stand by your side, through everything, forever.”
Sable’s smile softened, tears glistening in her eyes as she spoke her vows. “Bryce, you’ve been my anchor, my strength, and my light in the darkest moments. You’ve given me a future I didn’t think I could have. I promise to love you, to fight with you, and to build a life with you. Always.”
When the officiant pronounced them bonded, Bryce didn’t wait. He pulled Sable into his arms and kissed her, the cheers of their friends and family blending with the rustling wind and distant call of the horses.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the celebration began in earnest. The Savage brothers raised a toast, their usual humor laced with warmth and pride.
“To Bryce, for finally getting it right,” Colt said, earning a round of laughter.
“And to Sable, for putting up with him,” Landon added with a wink.
Bryce rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his grin. He turned to Sable, his dark eyes filled with a quiet, unshakable love. “You ready for forever?”
Sable leaned into him, her hazel eyes glinting with mischief and joy. “With you? Absolutely.”
As the coyotes howled in the distance, their voices rising in harmony with the laughter and music, Bryce and Sable stood hand in hand, ready to face whatever came next.
Together. Forever.