Page 56 of Courageous Yearnings

She was definitely into shoulders now— specifically his.

“Do I look okay?” she asked nervously in a hushed voice, feeling a little anxious that maybe her dress was wrinkled or messed up. She never wore dresses at work. It was a ‘man’s world,’ and she needed to fit in – that was something she learned quickly in the automotive world. Today, however, she was celebrating her moment, her world, her love for this breathtaking man, and wanted to look her best.

When Blythe went shopping the other day, not only did she pick out something a little skimpy to tease Lance with, but she also found a baby blue dotted dress that was made of chiffon. There was a fabric sleeve in the middle for decency since you could see through the chiffon ruffles. It was so feminine, so light and airy, and so delicate that she immediately knew this was perfect. She even had a tiny pale blue bow affixed to a lock of her hair.

Her makeup was light yet simple. She splurged on waterproof eyeliner because she was frightened she would cry from the overwhelming emotions. She was marrying her dream guy and couldn’t be happier in his moment.

“You look like heaven,” Lance whispered, taking her hands in his as he turned toward her. She was barely aware of the magistrate speaking over them. Every ounce of her heart and soul was focused on taking in this moment. His eyes were full of emotion, and she saw him swallow again, right before he spoke.

“I, Lance Matthew Cortes, take you, Blythe…” and he paused nervously, his eyes widening in horror. He didn’t know her middle name, and that was not something that had come up yet.

“Mary,” she prompted and heard a snicker of laughter from his team as they realized what was going on. She turned, pointed at them, and hissed protectively. “You hush…”

“Sorry. I’m shaking,” Lance whispered and began again. “I, Lance Matthew Cortes, take you, Blythe Mary Monroe, to be my wife… my p-partner,” he choked, his voice getting hoarse as his eyes grew shiny. “My everything. I wish I were this amazing guy that you think I am, but I’m not. I’m just me, and I’m so overwhelmed that someone so incredible as you, actually chose to let me into your world.”

“Oh, Lance…” she breathed tearfully, smiling up at him.

“When we met the first time, I had only one thing on my mind,” he chuckled thickly and gave her a shy smile, causing her to laugh aloud as he continued speaking. “But then, when I carried you that day to the ambulance, I realized that I nearly blew my chance to meet the most luscious and breathtaking woman on God’s green earth. He gave me a second chance, and while I might not be the smartest guy…”

“Better than Alec!”

“Hey?! What the heck, buddy?”

“Shhhh! Take it outside!”

“Be quiet – I’m filming this.”

“Hey kids, if you are watching this – your Daddy is absolutely ga-ga over your incredibly hot Mama. I hope you got her genes…”

“ALEC!”

“Cause your dad can clear a room when he…”

“BECKETT! One more word and…”

“Kids, that is your Uncle Justin, and he’s a crabby son-of-a…”

“That’s it… you hear me? THAT’S IT…”

“Uh oh – yikes!”

“Hang on, Justin – gimme the camera…”

Blythe looked away from the fireman climbing over the bench in the courtroom, being chased by another amidst a wave of laughter and met Lance’s eyes.

“That’s our family,” she whispered, refusing to let anything detract from their moment. “Keep going, please?”

Lance nodded, clearing his throat, and looked at her. He hesitated again, and she saw his mouth tighten just before his lower lip wobbled precariously in the most endearing fashion. A tear slipped out of the corner of his eye, and she broke.

“I know it’s four random letters,” he said hoarsely. “But I love you, Blythe. I really truly love you and can’t imagine a world without your smile. I see you sometimes and think, ‘Dang, that’s my girl!’ – and I’m so proud to breathe the same air as you. And just when I think you can’t get any more impressive, you knock my socks off and leave me speechless. I don’t think that a thousand years will ever be enough…” and his voice cracked again.

She stepped forward, marching into his space like the first time she’d kissed him, taking control and having his back. His friends were here; they were recording this moment to save it forever, and she didn’t want her proud husband to have anything detract from their union.

“I, Blythe Mary Monroe, would have run through traffic, barefoot on a hot Texas summer day, buck naked…”

“Whoa – was that an option?”

“Show of hands, fellas… who votes for NOW?”

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