Page 105 of Scorched

Music swelled, and he turned his attention to the back of the church. Hannah and Jessie walked forward, arm-in-arm, enormous smiles on their faces. Macy, Rayna, and London followed. Tara, as matron-of-honor, brought up the rear. Behind her, he caught a glimpse of white. Lee stepped through the doors, facing away. He held up an arm, and Maggie stepped forward.

Declan’s breath left him on a whoosh. She looked breathtaking in her simple white satin mermaid-style gown. A single strand of pearls adorned her neck, and she had her dark hair swept into a loose chignon, leaving her shoulders bare.

“Damn,” Brady said. “My little sister really is all grown up.”

She walked toward them, a broad smile on her face, and her eyes locked on Declan’s. It felt like an eternity before she reached him. Lee passed her hand to him, and he helped her take the steps to the altar.

“You look beautiful.”

She beamed. “So do you.”

They faced the minister. He smiled at them as he began his speech about ever-lasting love and companionship. Declan barely heard him. Maggie captivated him wholly and completely. He recited his vows in a clear voice and listened to her profess hers for all to hear. The wedding ring felt cool against his skin, but like it belonged there. When the minister proclaimed them husband and wife, he stepped forward and took his new wife into his arms. She smiled up at him, lifting her face for his kiss. Declan felt the brand all the way to his toes.

“I love you, Mrs. Briggs,” he murmured as he pulled back.

She rested her forehead against his. “I love you too, Mr. Briggs.”

He gave her another quick peck as raucous cheers and whistles broke out around them. They pulled apart, and he laughed in utter delight and happiness. For years, he knew something was missing. He enjoyed life, but there was always a piece unsettled. It took him a long time to figure out what, but with Maggie, he finally knew. He’d found his family. He was home.

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