Page 57 of Courageous Yearnings

“… To simply have you notice me,” Blythe finished, ignoring the ribald comments from their ‘family’ and saw Lance’s smile. She was doing this for him, to make him smile and laugh because he meant the world to her. “When I heard about the auction, I knew this was my chance to become a blip on your gorgeous radar… and I was determined to make an impression.”

“Oh, you did, Boop,” Lance whispered tenderly, releasing her hand and touching her cheek. She laid her hand over his, holding it there.

“I know ‘love at first sight’ is something out of romance novels or on television shows, but the moment I saw you – I wanted to know you. When I woke up at the hospital, my angel was there, taking care of me, and I was a goner,” she breathed, not holding back.

“Your smile, your laughter, the way you ‘suddenly’ moved in… I was here for all of it. You tossed down a challenge, and I was there, waiting to scoop up the ball. I’m your partner, you’re my man, and we’re incredible together because our souls just fit. I’ve loved you since the moment you crossed my line of vision, and there will never be another like you, husband.”

She held his gaze as the magistrate spoke.

“I love you,” she breathed tenderly, still holding his hand against her cheek.

“Do you have the rings?”

Lance’s eyes widened in alarm – and she smiled.

“I’ve got you – always,” Blythe promised, reaching for the tiny clutch she had shoved her house key and driver’s license into last night while she had been getting everything together. It took two to make a marriage work, and she was of the belief that not everything had to be ‘up to the man’… and pulled out two thin wedding bands.

His eyes met hers.

“We’re in this together, Hero.”

“You seriously amaze me, wife.”

“I’ve always got your back.”

“Yes, you really do.”

He slid the ring on her finger and looked at her with so much love in his eyes that it was staggering. She couldn’t turn away from him, basking in that warmth, and slid the ring on his finger and hesitated. His ring was loose because she didn’t know his size. He gave her a knowing smile and winked before curling his fingers so it didn’t slip off.

“I love you, and we’re doing this.”

“You are never shaking me, buddy…”

“I wouldn’t dare try,” he chuckled.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the magistrate interrupted. “You may kiss your bride, Mr. Cortes.”

Lance pulled her close and leaned toward her, bending his head.

“Soft kiss? Passionate kiss? Quick kiss?”

“Just kiss me,” she ordered breathlessly.

“Yes, ma’am…”

Lance pulled her to him, spinning her around, and dipped her backward. She burst out laughing at the unexpected and romantic movement from him, clinging to his arms to keep from falling, except he had her. One hand was cradling the back of her neck while the other was wrapped around her waist.

He smiled at her, his eyes dancing as he spoke softly… only for her.

“I probably need to stretch because I really don’t want to get a cramp in my leg…”

Blythe’s mouth dropped open, remembering what he’d once said to her.

“You want me… remember?”

“I’m very interested… yes,” she grinned, wagging her eyebrows like he did toward her occasionally, keeping things light-hearted between them.

“Well,” he chuckled. “I’m very ‘interested’, too.”

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