Page 56 of Small Town CEO Grump

My dad kissed me on my cheek.

“I love you,” he said. “And I am so proud of who you are. I couldn’t be more thrilled for this day.”

We all rushed out of the room, and before I knew it, it was just Tyler and I standing at the back of the church, waiting for our turn to walk down the aisle.

“Well, Bubba,” I said. “Are we ready for this?”

“Of course we are ready for this,” he said.

“I agree. It’s time.”

The doors opened and I saw all of my friends and family standing up, looking at me. I smiled at as many people as I could see, and peaked my head around the crowd, trying to see Ryan.

Our eyes met, and it was electric. He had never looked more handsome, or happy.

The ceremony was beautiful, and everything went perfectly.

My favorite moment was after Ryan and I exchanged rings. I hadn’t realized what Ryan had planned on doing, and apparently the only other person who knew about it was the minister and Kevin, but it was absolutely perfect.

The minister had said, “And now Ryan has one more gift he would like to present. Tyler, would you step forward, please?”

I had immediately started crying, so touched that Ryan would include Tyler in this way. We had already planned on having him join us and to acknowledge that we were becoming a family of three, but this was something special that Ryan had thought of on his own.

Once Tyler stepped forward, Ryan had turned to Kevin, who handed him a watch from his pocket.

“Tyler,” Ryan said. “I want to give you this watch as a symbol of my love for you and your mom. I want you to always know that I will do everything I can to take care of her, and to take care of you. I will watch out for you both, and strive to always give you my best. I am truly honored that you have both allowed me into your family, and both of you have made my life better.”

I knew that Tyler would never forget that moment, and neither would I. Ryan helped Tyler put the watch on his wrist, and then hugged him.

After that Ryan and I kissed, and then we were introduced to everyone as husband and wife, and then the three of us were introduced as a family.

We walked down the aisle together, with Tyler on one side of me and Ryan on the other. Everyone was cheering loudly, and I could not have been happier.

***

“Here, drink some water and eat this cheese,” Molly said.

We had just finished greeting everyone who had come to the wedding, and we were all getting ready to head to the reception.

“Thank you,” I said, not bothering to ask her why I needed to. I figured she knew what she was talking about.

“You’re welcome,” she answered. “It’s probably going to be another two hours or so before you actually get to sit down and eat a proper meal. After all of the emotion and excitement of today, you have to eat something! The last thing we need is you passing out.”

I laughed. “I agree!”

Molly then gave Ryan some cheese and water, and I giggled as he also followed her instructions without asking any questions.

She walked away and Ryan turned towards me.

“How are you?” he said, softly. “Other than stunningly beautiful, of course.”

“I’m wonderful,” I said. “Today has been perfect.”

“Good,” he said. “I agree.”

He gave me a quick kiss, and then we all rushed out of the church, into the waiting limousine, and headed to the reception venue.

On the way there we went over all of the instructions the wedding planner had given us for how the evening would go. We knew that it was going to be a hectic and exciting night, and that we were going to have a lot of fun.

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