By Anneka R. Walker, Author of The Rules of Matrimony

I’m a hopeless romantic. As the ninth child out of twelve, I grew up watching my older siblings date and marry. My flower girl dress felt like one step closer to being the bride herself. In middle school, I picked out the names of my future children and sketched my wedding gown in my journal. In high school, my favorite mail was the advertisements from local jewelers, where I chose the diamond I wanted and the set and band to go with it. I inhaled romantic movies and always had a stack of books from the same genre on my nightstand. While many of my life plans haven’t been storybook-level, getting married has blessed my life for the better—and less because of the ring or dress, and more because of the wonderful man on the other side of the altar.

Romance, to me, has evolved to mean more than just the happily-ever-after ending. It includes sharing a life with a companion who possesses similar values and goals—someone I can share the joys and pains of life with through marriage. Which begs the question: if I’m so passionate about marriage, why did I choose to write several characters in my series The Matchmaking Mamas who didn’t want to marry? In the last installment, The Rules of Matrimony, the story not only showcases a character who has strong objections to marriage, but one who is vehemently against it.

Ian, Lord Reynolds, might resemble many in our culture. Marriage isn’t as popular an institution as it was in past decades. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there are 6.2 marriages per year for every 1,000 people. In our state, marriage rates average less than 50% (USAfact.org) of adults. There are a variety of reasons behind these numbers, but they show a clear shift in society. Writing characters with concerns about marriage makes them relatable to our generation.

For Ian, his hesitation stems from a negative experience within his own family. Because of how his father’s infidelity hurt his mother, he’s vowed to devote himself to doing good with his life instead of starting a family. But due to his pattern of service, when he meets Amie—a woman in need—he cannot turn her away. He compromises his promise to himself and enters a marriage of convenience. He never could have predicted how the companionship of a good woman could change his life for the better. Love has the power to heal heartache—but only if we let it.

I enjoy taking wounded characters and showing them that there is hope. It’s a borrowed lesson I learned through studying and learning about Jesus Christ. Through Him, there is always a way—because He is the way. When our life experiences seem to terminate hope, we can lean on Him and discover people—through friendship and/or marriage—who can share our journey through mortality. Companionship is one of the greatest gifts of this life, which is why—despite statistics that might suggest the unpopularity of marriage—it’s an institution worth fighting for.

I love the point in The Rules of Matrimony when Ian finally realizes he’s worthy of love and gives himself permission to seek happiness by turning his contract marriage into a genuine one. He’s a better companion for Amie because of the pain he’s endured and the growth he’s made in overcoming his weaknesses. When two people faithfully promise to love and support each other through marriage—and strive to honor that promise—the union can be truly beautiful. It can bless individuals, families, and society.

So perhaps I’m not a hopeless romantic, but a hopeful one. Because though our happy endings might not all look the same, and the journey to reach them might not be all roses and sunshine, I believe there is hope for all of us.

NEW! The Rules of Matrimony: An unexpected marriage. A forbidden kiss. A love worth fighting for.

Anneka R. Walker is a best-selling author of historical and contemporary romance. With humor and an abundance of heart, she crafts uplifting stories you won’t soon forget. She is the winner of the Swoony Award and various chapter contests. Her books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, Historical Novel Society, Midwest Book Review, and Readers’ Favorite. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and history and hopes to never stop learning. She is a connoisseur of chocolate and believer in happy endings.