her other side, and then the three of them marched down the aisle. Bishop reveled in the reverence and spirit in the barn, a sense of family and love so permeating he felt himself start to choke up a little.
Pastor Summers could really get going during some of his sermons, but today, he kept the ceremony simple and to the point. He spoke of love and forgiveness, and, “Most of all,” he said. “Be willing to talk to one another. Don’t be afraid to tell your partner how you feel. Most issues can be resolved through proper communication.”
Bishop thought about his failed relationships. Maybe that was what he’d been doing wrong. Not saying what he should say.
“Bartholomew Stone Glover, do you take Samantha Eden Benton to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, to cherish, and to weather life’s storms with?”
“Yes, sir,” Bear said, causing a few twitters among the crowd.
Pastor Summers smiled at him and switched his gaze to Sammy. “Samantha Eden Benton, do you give yourself to Bear, and taken him unto yourself, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, to cherish, and to weather life’s storms with?”
“Yes,” Sammy said.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the pastor said, and Bear turned toward Sammy. He dipped her down as cheers erupted, and they kissed. Bear lifted her up, and they faced the crowd.
Bear stepped over to Mother and hugged her while Sammy separated from him and went to her mom. Once another round of congratulations had finished, Bear and Sammy took their places in the audience.
The music paused. Ranger appeared in the doorway, and he wore a darker suit, a darker cowboy hat, and plenty of joy on his face. Bishop loved his cousin almost as much as his brother, and he let himself get lost in the happiness pouring from him.
Ranger walked down the aisle himself, kissed his mother on the cheek, and took his spot at the altar.
His bride, Oakley Hatch, appeared in the doorway too, and she also did not have an escort. Bishop glanced at Ace, who frowned. “I thought her father was coming,” Bishop whispered.
“Me too,” Ace said, looking at Ward. He too wore a concerned look, and they all turned to look at Ranger.
Bishop wanted to race to the back of the barn and offer his arm to Oakley. Should I? he wondered.
He didn’t feel like he shouldn’t, so he nudged Ace. “Let’s go. Get Ward.” With that, he turned and went down the aisle on the outside of the chairs. He didn’t care who saw him or what they thought. He was not letting Oakley walk down that aisle by herself.
She took the first step, and Bishop raised his hand. She caught sight of him coming toward her, and her eyes widened. Bishop arrived a moment later and offered his arm to her.
“Bishop,” she said, her voice breaking.
“If you hate me for doing this, I’ll go back to my seat,” he whispered.
She shook her head, and then Ace crossed in front of them and took Oakley’s other arm. Ward joined them, stepping behind Oakley and putting his hand on her shoulder.
Bishop looked up to the altar, where Ranger stood. He’d come forward a few steps and waited beside the first row of chairs.
All of the chairs were empty, because every Glover had followed Bishop. They formed a halo around Oakley now, who let out one sob and turned around.
Bishop looked at Ace, and they quickly stepped into the aisle to shield her from all the guests. Ward leaned down and said something to Oakley, and she nodded. He smiled at her, and Oakley handed her flowers to Zona and took a moment to wipe her eyes. Ida and Etta fretted over her for another few seconds, and then they nodded their approval.
Oakley took her flowers, took a giant breath that seemed to fill her whole body, and turned around.
Guilt tripped through Bishop. He should’ve stayed at his seat. He’d made her cry. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“Don’t be.” She reached for him, and he and Ace took their positions on either side of her. The entire family walked down the aisle with Oakley, and they all gave her to Ranger. Really, they were giving Ranger to her, and Bishop actually thought it was a beautiful moment.
Another simple speech, and with less theatrics, Ranger kissed his new wife amidst the same loud cheering that Bear and Sammy had received.
Bishop drew in a deep breath and admired the men in his life he’d