Page 90 of Redemption

The audience laughs while Beck and I shake our heads at my brother’s ridiculousness. I should’ve probably expected this when I asked how he felt about getting ordained online.

“Anyway... since they’re only paying me a dollar to do this”—he fake coughs into his fist—“cheap asses”—another fake cough—“I told them they had to write their own vows, so we should probably move on to that part, right? Beckett, you wanna kick it off?”

More laughter from the guests and more head shaking from Beck and me.

“Why did we ask him to do this again?” Beck whispers to me.

“I heard that!” my brother says.

Beck’s eyes cut to Clay. “You were meant to. May I get on with my vows now?”

Clayton motions to me. “Oh, sure, buddy. Go right ahead.”

“Thanks for the permission,” Beck says dryly. He takes my hand and places a soft kiss on my knuckles. “Pres, as your brother so kindly reminded us, it’s taken us a long time to get here. We may have had some detours along the way, but in the end, we found our way back to each other, and for that, I couldn’t be more grateful. I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love you. I’ve said this before, but you’re the one person on earth who makes me feel whole. You’re my best friend, my confidant, my lover, and the future mother of my children. There’s no one else I want by my side through the good times and the bad. We may not be kids anymore, but we still have a lot of adventure ahead of us, and I vow to be with you every step of the way. Loving you, making you laugh, and holding you when you cry. You’re it for me, darlin’.” He gives my hand a little squeeze to indicate the end of his speech.

“For the life of me, I can’t remember what I had planned to say, so I guess I’ll just have to wing it.”

Beck winks and gives my hand an encouraging squeeze.

“Beckett, I knew from the moment we met, you would change my life. We already have so many wonderful memories together, but in a way, our journey is just beginning. We’ve had some hard times in our lives, together and separately, but one thing I’ve learned is while we both have incredible inner strength, we’re stronger together. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish as a team. I fell in love with you before either one of us knew what that meant. When I gave you my heart all those years ago, I knew no one else could ever take your place. You’re it for me, too. I promise that I’ll never take you for granted. I’ll never stop showing you how much I love you. I’m honored to be the woman standing by your side for the next fifty or so years.” I take a deep breath. “Um... I guess that’s it.”

Beck’s lips quirk.

“I’m not crying; you’re crying!” Clayton mutters, rubbing his eyes. “I got some damn dirt in my eye.”

Beck and I both look up at my brother and laugh.

“Maybe we should move onto the part about the rings?” I suggest.

Clay waves us off. “Yeah... sure. Do that. Where are the goddamn rings?”

My mom stands up, handing a simple platinum band to each of us. “Clayton Daniel James, language!”

Snickers erupt through the crowd while I place the ring on Beck’s finger.

“Sorry, Ma.” Clayton waits until Beck slides my band over my finger before speaking again. “Okay, we’ve got the vows and the rings. Now, I just need to ask, Beck, do you take Presley as your wife? To honor and cherish and all that jazz?”

Beck smiles at me. “I do.”

“And Pres, do you take Beckett as your husband? To honor, cherish, blah, blah, blah?”

I chuckle. “I do.”

My brother straightens his spine. “Well, then by the power vested in me, the great State of Georgia, and the online Universal Church of Love, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Clay points at Beck. “But keep your tongue out of it. Nobody needs to see that.”

Beckett places his hands on my jaw and pulls me in for a deep kiss, much to my brother’s dismay if the gagging sounds are any indication. Beck retreats when the catcalls begin and gives me a soft peck on the lips before pulling away completely.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong!”

Beckett takes my hand as we make our way down the aisle together, our guests’ applause following us into the house. The moment the double doors are closed behind us, he backs me against the wall.

“We’re married.” I sigh softly when he places trailing kisses along my neck.

“We are. How long do you suppose we have to make nice with these people before we can kick them out and get to the consummation part?”

I laugh. “We could probably sneak upstairs after the cake. They should be well into their inebriation by then, and they’ll have no clue we’re off having all the dirty fun.”

“I knew there was a reason I married you, you minx.” My husband smiles when I whack him on the shoulder. “I love you, Pres. I’m going to do my damnedest to make you the happiest woman alive.”

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