Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
I glance at my mom, and she’s wearing a smug grin.
“Told you so.”
Stanley’s parents laugh, and after another round of hugs, they leave, and it’s just Mom and me again.
“You’ve found a love that most search for their entire lives. Embrace it, and him. He might be anxious, but it’s not because he thinks you’re not going to show. He just wants you to be his wife.”
“I love him so much.”
She smiles. “I know you do. Come on, let's go calm your groom's nerves and get you married.”
With my arm linked through my mother's, we make our way out of the room and head toward the double doors of the church that will lead me to Stanley. She gives my arm a gentle squeeze as the doors are pulled open. My gaze goes straight to the altar where he’s waiting for me.
His head pops up, and he freezes. With every step I take to get closer to him, my heart pounds in my chest. I’m about to be Mrs. Stanley Riggins, and all I can think is it’s about damn time.
When we arrive at the altar, he steps forward and reaches for me, but my mom holds up her hand, and all the guests laugh. She doesn’t get to say anything before Stanley leans in and kisses her cheek.
“I’ll love her with everything I have until the end of time.”
My gaze is glued to him as he looks my mother in the eye. I hear her sniff, and my own tears burn in the back of my throat.
“I know you will,” my mom tells him. “Welcome to the family, Stanley.”
He swallows hard. “Thank you.”
Mom turns to me and kisses my cheek. “Love you,” she whispers and steps back.
Stanley swoops in and takes my hands in his. “Love you,” he mouths.
“Who here gives this woman away?” the minister asks.
“She’s a strong, independent woman,” my mom says, her voice loud and clear. “However, her late father and I do.”
I smile as I lose my battle with tears. I should have assumed she’d mention Dad. I watch her as she walks to her seat. Next to her is a picture of my father in the seat that should have been his. My eyes leak with tears, and I pull my gaze back to Stanley.
“He’s here, baby.”
“I love you.” My voice cracks, but it’s also loud enough for everyone to hear.
“That’s good, wife. That’s real good because I love you too. Now, let’s change your name, yeah?”
I nod, unable to find my voice through my tears. Stanley leans in and kisses the tip of my nose. I shudder a breath and square my shoulders. I give him another nod, which he returns with a panty-melting smile.
The minister welcomes everyone and begins to talk about marriage and love. I’m trying to listen to him, but I’m finding it difficult. Stanley has my hands in his, and his thumbs keep tracing over my knuckles. His gaze hasn’t left mine, not once.
“Now, the bride and the groom have prepared their own vows.”
“Lena.” Stanley clears his throat. His eyes mist with tears, and my heart melts. “I love you.” The guests laugh. “I don’t know if it's magic. I don’t know if it’s a higher power, but whatever brought you to me, I will forever be grateful. My love for you was instant and the most real thing I’ve ever felt. We took our time. We let that love grow, we nurtured it, and here we are. Forever isn’t long enough with you. I’ll love you this lifetime and all of the next. I promise to be your partner. I want to be your shoulder on the bad days, and I want to revel in your happiness on the good days. My heart and soul are yours, and I can’t wait to see what we do next.”
I exhale and try to get my tears under control. “I love you too.” I take a moment to find my words. “You came into my life when I was floating. I needed a safe place to land, and you offered me that. You’re not only the love of my life. You’re my best friend. I will be your partner and walk beside you through whatever life sends our way. I know you’re going to do amazing things, and I’m honored that I get to share those wins with you. There will be losses, and I’ll be there for those too. For every second of our forever, I want to be your safe place to land. I’m honored to call you my husband, and I know that wherever life takes us, it’s going to be a journey filled with love and happiness.” I repeat his words back to him, “My heart and soul are yours, and I can’t wait to see what we do next.”