Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
And there’s Mom, sniffling through her bright smile. Rose waves both arms when she recognizes her mommy walking slowly toward her – I blow her a kiss, then another for Mom. I couldn’t have done any of this without her support.
At the end of the runner stands my brother, hands folded in front of him, smiling at me before grinning at his best friend. The two of them managed to get past everything that took place when Ren was at the height of his illness. Seeing them together again, the way they used to be has been one of the most satisfying parts of the past year, right up there with Rose’s birth as far as I’m concerned. I want Ren to have everything he needs, and the best friend who has always been more like a brother to him is definitely one of those things.
Finally, my gaze lands on the man I’m about to marry. I can’t breathe when our eyes meet and he flashes the sort of smile that still makes butterflies flutter in my stomach. He is so handsome in his navy suit, but it’s the love radiating from his face that makes him the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. That’s the only word I can think of to describe him now. The past year has only made him more precious to me. Watching him become a father, seeing the gentle part of his soul coming to the surface whenever he plays with Rose or rocks her to sleep.
He blows out a soft whistle when I join him. “You are stunning,” he whispers, then shakes Dad’s hand before taking mine. Luna holds my bouquet before I turn to her brother. I have never felt so sure of anything in my life as I do at this very moment.
The officiant smiles at both of us before looking out over the gathering of family and friends. “Dearly beloved, we are here today to join Scarlet and Ren in matrimony. It is my honor and privilege to stand before you and assist in this process, but it is the love and devotion these two share that makes this possible.”
Now I am so glad we decided not to write our own vows, because I’m pretty sure I couldn’t make it through the first sentence without bawling my eyes out. I can barely hold back the tears now, as I look up into the shining eyes of the love of my life. He has given me everything I’ve ever wanted, and even more that I never knew I needed.
But if I did write my own vows, I would have to tell him how grateful I am for him working so hard to get better for both of us. I would tell him how proud I am of how far he’s come and how he has changed my entire life for the better in a hundred little ways. How every day, he finds a way to make me love him more. I wouldn’t think it was possible, but there’s no denying facts. And the fact is, I love him more at this moment than I did during our rehearsal dinner last night.
The titanium band fits his finger perfectly. “With this ring, I thee wed,” I manage to choke out without blubbering. Mom sobs softly, and I glance over to find Dad wrapping his free arm around her while holding Tristen in the other.
By the time Ren slides the diamond-encrusted platinum band over my finger, I can’t possibly hold back anymore. The first tears start to fall. He reaches out to brush one of them away from my cheek and I’m pretty sure I hear Aspen swooning behind me.
The officiant places a hand on my shoulder and the other on Ren’s, raising his voice to make the big announcement we’ve all been waiting to hear. “By the power vested in me, I declare them husband and wife.” There’s barely time for me to catch my breath before Ren takes me in his arms to seal the first moment of our new life with a kiss I wish could last forever.
Just like that, I’m a wife. He is my husband. And this is only the beginning.
Sitting in the back of an SUV when I ought to be getting ready to celebrate my wedding night, there’s only one thing on my mind: this had better be good.
The last thing I feel like doing after hours spent dancing and celebrating is being driven out to the middle of nowhere with Ren, our dad and Quinton. Ren seems as confused as I am, sitting by my side with his tie loosened and the top button of his shirt open. They didn’t even give us time to get changed after the reception before telling us there was a wedding gift waiting. I look at him, lifting my brows, and all he can do is shrug.