Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100713 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 504(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100713 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 504(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Her cheeks were now stained scarlet.
“That’s why I owe someone an apology, and Cole and Cheyenne are such good friends, they’re letting me pre-empt their wedding toast to do it.” I briefly glanced back at the bride and groom, and they smiled in encouragement. “I promise them, and all of you”—my eyes skimmed the crowd—“I’m going to get there in a minute. But before I lose my courage, I need to say something to the girl I’ve been waiting for my entire life. Because I’ve blown every single chance I’ve ever had to tell her what she means to me, and I’m afraid if I let this moment pass me by, I’ll lose her forever.”
Several people around me gasped. I paused, and fear almost got the better of me, but I forced myself to meet her eyes and say the words in my head.
“Maddie, I’m sorry. You asked me if you’d pinned your hopes on the impossible, and I said yes. You asked me for a reason to stay, and I let pride keep me from giving you one. You said you always look for love in the wrong places, but that isn’t true. This time, you looked for love exactly where it’s been all along.” I put my fist over my heart, and several women seated nearby sighed loudly. “I love you, Maddie Blake, and I’m not going to let you go this time.”
Maddie had both hands over her mouth now, and her shoulders were shaking—I wasn’t sure if she was laughing or crying, and it might have been both.
But I had to keep going.
“Cole and Cheyenne and Mariah”—I glanced at the newlyweds and their little girl, who beamed at me—“are a perfect example of the courage and commitment it takes to start a life together. They make it look easy because they’re such a beautiful family, but I think each of them would tell you they had to fight for this moment.”
Cheyenne nodded and wiped her eyes, and Cole put an arm around his wife and his daughter. His eyes were shining too.
“But they never gave up, because they knew the life they’d have together would be worth it.” I searched for Maddie again. “No matter the odds, love is always worth the fight.”
“Hear, hear!” Moretti shouted from behind me.
Glancing over my shoulder, I grinned at the groom. “I never thought I’d see Cole any happier than the day he pitched a no-hitter during our senior year, but I gotta say—he looks pretty damn happy today.”
Cole laughed along with the crowd, and Cheyenne grinned through her tears.
“Cheyenne, you’re like a sister to me—and no one has sat through as many Bellamy Creek Bulldogs games as you have—so it’s a joy seeing you marry a man that truly deserves you.”
Laughing, the bride touched her heart and wiped her eyes.
Grabbing a glass of champagne off the table and raising it high, I said, “To Cole and Cheyenne—may you be as happy together forever as you are today, and may we all be lucky enough to share that journey with you. Cheers.”
“Cheers!” echoed the crowd, followed by the clink of glasses.
I hadn’t even stepped down from the chair when someone started applauding. Completely embarrassed, I glanced around and was stunned to see my father on his feet, clapping slowly but loudly, looking as proud of me as if I’d knocked a game-winner out of the park. One by one, people around him rose to their feet and joined the applause. Pretty soon everyone under the tent was standing and cheering, and I realized Maddie was making her way toward me.
With my heart hammering in my chest, I got down off the chair and handed the mic to Bianca just as Maddie reached me.
“Did you mean it?” she said, tears leaking from her eyes.
“Yes.”
“Good, because I canceled my ride.” Then she threw her arms around my neck and clung tightly, her face buried in my neck. I wrapped my arms around her and lifted her right off the ground as our friends whistled and shouted.
It was the most exhilarating and mortifying moment of my entire life, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.
“Does this mean you forgive me?” I asked her.
“Yes,” came her muffled reply.
The wedding coordinator began speaking on the mic, telling everyone that dinner would now be served if they would please take their seats.
I set her on her feet and took her by the hand. “Come on.”
Twenty-Two
Maddie
Beckett tugged me through the crowd, out of the tent, across the lawn, and around the side of the house. Once we were completely out of sight, he spun me around and crushed his mouth to mine. I melted into his arms, and he swept me right off my feet once more.
It wasn’t our first kiss, but it felt brand new. It wasn’t our last kiss, but it was filled with the deep ache of longing. It wasn’t a kiss that accompanied vows, but it was a promise all the same.