Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
“Tessa, before I met you, the world knew me as Archer Davenport, the actor, a man celebrated for his roles under the spotlight. But with you, I found the role of a lifetime. Husband. When you came to me, you healed more than a broken leg. I discovered a love as profound and vast as the ocean that whispers our names. Today, I stand before you, inspired by the legacy of love my parents nurtured, a love that has weathered storms and celebrated triumphs for nearly four decades. I vow to you, Tessa, my heart, my strength, my unwavering support. You showed me the beauty of a love that seeks not the spotlight, but thrives in the authenticity of our shared, quiet moments. I promise to cherish you, to lift you up, and to be the mirror that reflects the boundless talent and beauty within you. I love you, and I ask you to be my wife.”
The minister spoke the few formal lines that were required and said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Archer leaned forward, and Tessa tilted her face up to his, and he kissed her. The kiss lasted so long that Finn finally yelled, “Get a room,” and they broke apart, laughing.
There were so many tears and so much laughter that Mila knew the event was a wild success. They walked down the short aisle while everybody stood and clapped.
The family gathered for photographs, and despite it being a special event, Finn still made a goofy face in most of them, as was his tradition. At their mom’s request, he smiled normally in one, and she proclaimed that it would take pride of place on the mantel.
The rest of the guests began to mingle. Howie, the unofficial master of ceremonies, called for silence in his warm, booming voice. He said, “My son Damien has written you both a song.” And then he looked around. “For any of you who don’t know, Damien Davenport has famously never written a love song. This is his first one, so go easy on the kid, will ya?”
There was plenty of laughter and applause. Damien Davenport was one of the most successful singer/songwriters in the world. Nobody was worried that the song wouldn’t be worth hearing.
“Thanks, Dad,” Damien said, and then he settled himself on a chair with his guitar.
He played a few chords, and over them in his deep, gravelly voice, he said, “It’s true, Dad. I’ve never written a love song before. But when inspiration strikes, you have to go with it. And when I see Tessa and Arch together, the only song I can write is a song about love. I hope you guys like it. It’s called ‘Colors of Love,’ and this is for you.”
On the coast of California, under the golden sun,
A tale of love began so pure, it couldn’t be undone.
A painter with her easel, in a world of her own,
Healed a broken man and gave him a home.
With every stroke of her brush, she painted dreams in the sky.
He watched in awe, as his heart couldn’t deny.
Their love story unfolding, in colors bold and bright,
Under the California sun, everything just felt right.
Brushstrokes of love, in every hue and tone,
A masterpiece they’ve created, a world of their own.
From the easel to the heart, a beautiful start,
In California, they vowed never to part.
Mila had thought the wedding vows were emotional, but she found herself crying all over again at the beautiful song Damien had composed. Halfway through, she found Hersch reaching for her hand, and they clung to each other until the closing chords ended, and then everybody broke into spontaneous applause. Damien, who wowed crowds everywhere, from London to Beijing to Sydney to New York, looked bashful as he bowed his head.
Arch and Tessa’s love had touched each of the Davenport siblings in a special way.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The party continued as they sat down to eat the beautiful meal that Mila had helped choose. It was delicious, as she knew it would be, but she was still glad that everything was perfect for Tessa. Smith Sullivan made the first speech. He talked about how he and Archer had wooed a lot of women onscreen, but when the real thing hit, no rehearsal helped you navigate the new role of husband. His advice, given with a humorous smile, was to always accept that your wife knew best.
“Absolutely,” echoed Valentina, who looked stunning in a blue silk dress.
Next was their mom. Betsy stood, gorgeous in a deep pink dress patterned with flowers. “What a beautiful day this is for all of us. Howie and I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome you into our family, Tessa. You have been beyond wonderful in caring for our son, and though I would never have wished a broken leg on anyone, I’m glad it brought you and Arch together. You healed him, and you loved him. I thank you for that, and welcome you to our family.” Then she turned to Arch. “Since you were a little boy, everything you touched turned to gold, but nothing in your life has ever shone brighter than your love for Tessa. I know you two are forever, and I love you both.”