Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
My bride. I liked the sound of that.
I grinned. “Let’s go.”
Candles flickered, their glow casting shimmers on the glass of the large windows. I waited impatiently, wanting the service to start. Anxious to see my bride. See her smile. Watch the expression on my daughter’s face while she walked in front of Amy. Today was a joyous day for all of us.
The room was filled with flowers and candles, the scent of them lingering in the air. I stood at the arbor, my hands linked in front of me, watching the closed double doors, knowing when they opened, my life would change forever.
It was all I could do not to rush down the short aisle and open the doors myself.
I met the gazes of the people waiting with me. Amy’s mom, wiping away a tear already. I knew her dad was emotional as well. Her brother Sheldon sat beside his mother, smiling, holding her hand in comfort. He cast his gaze over his shoulder, staring at another guest seated a couple of rows back. I tried not to grin. It would appear Eleanor still had his attention. Every time I glanced over, he was staring in her direction. She seemed to be looking anywhere but toward him.
Interesting.
There were smiles, winks, and thumbs-up from our friends. We only had thirty guests, aside from our families. It was the perfect size.
The justice of the peace tapped my shoulder. “It’s time.”
“Finally,” I muttered, facing the doors as they opened.
Evan and Holly came first, smiling and walking toward me. I got a kiss on the cheek from her and a shoulder clap from Evan, then they took their places. Mia appeared, and the tears started in my eyes. My little girl was in a frilly, sparkly blue dress she had chosen. The flat shoes on her little feet sparkled as well. She walked slowly, scattering blossoms as she went. Her smile was wide, and I bent to kiss her as she stopped in front of me. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Hey, Sweet Pea. Good job.”
“Wait until you see Mommy. She’s so beautiful.”
The “Mommy” had started the day we got engaged. The first time Mia used it, Amy cried. She still did at times. I had to admit, I still got choked up on occasion when I heard it.
The music swelled, and Amy appeared on the arm of her father. The sight of her took my breath away. The old-fashioned dress was perfect for her, showing off her curves and slender, shapely legs, the lace on the bodice and arms somehow sexier than if her skin had been bare. Her wild curls were swept away from her face in a fancy updo, a few unruly tendrils hanging around her ears. A sexy little wisp of tulle and lace acted as a headpiece of sorts, and pearls and shimmery beads were nestled in the strands. Diamond studs I had sent her earlier as a wedding gift glimmered in her ears. I watched her approach me, our eyes locked the entire time. I was unable to look away, not wanting to waste one second staring anywhere else. She was my light. My force. My strength. Her love and goodness shone around her.
And she was mine.
I shook her father’s hand and enfolded my hand around her palm, pulling her closer.
“I’ve got her, sir.”
He nodded and took his seat. I stared down at her, transfixed by her beauty. She didn’t rush me or try to get me to stop. I had to lean down and kiss her. “You are exquisite. Thank you for marrying me today.”
She smiled and kissed me back. “You’re welcome.”
“Ready?”
“Let’s do this.”
I held Amy close, enjoying dancing with my wife. She fit so well into my arms, her head the perfect height under my chin.
I traced the lace on her back, smiling at the shivers I felt running down her spine. “You almost ready to stop being social and come back to the cabin with me?” I asked. “You’ve danced with everyone, talked, and smiled. And laughed.”
“I ate too.”
“Yes, you did. They’ve had you long enough. I want my wife alone.”
Amy tilted up her head, smiling. “Your wife. I like the sound of that.”
“I like you.”
“I hope so.”
“The cabin,” I said again. “Come to the cabin with me, and I’ll show you how much I like you. I want to peel you out of that sexy dress and see how it looks on the floor.”
She laughed softly. “One-track mind.”
“For you—yes.”
“Have I mentioned how incredible you look in your tux?”
“A few times. Play your cards right, and I’ll let you take it off soon.”
She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “As if there were any doubt.”
Chuckling, I pulled her closer. “Let’s go, baby. I want you.”
She looked around. “Everyone had a good time. Do you think they’ll mind if we leave?”
“They won’t even notice. It’s already almost eleven, and I’ve been patient long enough. The kids are asleep. The adults can keep having a good time. It’s an open bar, and more food is coming soon. They can eat and drink and pass out in their rooms. No one is driving.”