Page 138 of Left in the Dark

I grab her hand, raising it to my lips. “You made me wait until June.” I kiss her knuckles, a teasing smile on my lips. “Fifteen years wasn’t long enough to wait for you?”

“I wanted an outdoor wedding. But I’m glad this day finally arrived. I can’t wait another minute to marry you.”

Linking her hand through my arm, I escort her up the steps to the altar. Delaney grins at her bridesmaids, Mia, Keira, Devyn, and Callie.

My gaze scans over my groomsmen, Mark, Stryker, Luca, and Ryker. Pride shines in their eyes, huge smiles on their faces, sharing in our happiness.

Our family.

As I turn to my bride, I know every detail of this magical day will be etched in my mind until my dying day.

Jaxson, who got ordained to officiate our ceremony, smiles at Delaney. “You look beautiful, sister.”

“Thank you. You’re quite dapper in your tux, brother.”

His eyes move to mine. “I think your husband has me beat.”

She grins. “Don’t feel bad. He has every man here beat.”

I grin at her as Jaxson clears his throat and begins the ceremony.

I mechanically repeat the words after Jaxson, too lost in Delaney’s eyes to be mindful of what I’m saying.

But when it’s time for me to say the vows I’ve prepared, I’m fully present. The words flow from my heart. “I had a rough time as a freshman at Green Haven Academy. I was the poor kid with no friends. An easy target for bullies. Until one fearless fifteen-year-old girl stood up for me. She was my hero that day—and my first love. From that day on, Delaney was the only one I saw.”

A sob escapes her quivering lips as she squeezes my hands.

“Deep in my heart, I knew I’d love her forever. She was my soul mate, my best friend, my entire fucking world. When I held her in my arms, I had everything.”

“Misunderstandings and the heartless actions of others would separate us for fifteen years. Fate brought us back together, knowing damn well she and I were born for one another.”

I kiss her hand, my eyes boring into hers. “Now, on my thirty-fifth birthday, I finally get to pledge my life to the only woman I’ve ever loved. The one who owns my body, heart, and soul. For an eternity, I’m yours.”

Jaxson rubs his eyes. “Fucking onions.”

Clearing his throat, his voice is full of emotion as he says, “Delaney.”

She exhales a shaky breath, trying to compose herself. “Glad I’m following those vows.”

My laughter mixes with the crowd of friends, associates, and clients in our backyard.

“That fateful day in the cafeteria was the best and worst day of my freshman year. Worst because I hated the cruelty that made someone so magnetic, so wonderful, feel small. They were intimidated by him and weren’t mature enough to understand that by trying to break him down, they revealed their flaws and weaknesses.”

“But I knew he was magical. I could see and feel it. Tingles erupted through my fingers when I touched him. Butterflies were flapping their wings in my stomach when I looked into his eyes. He was my soul mate, but I lacked the maturity to understand it.”

Her eyes are moist, and her smile watery. “After that pivotal moment, Zayne was the only one I saw. Everyone and everything else ceased to exist when he was around, even though one of my family members tried to force me to see someone else.”

She swallows audibly. “But it was you. Alwaysyou. There could never be anyone else for me. No one compares.”

The girls are openly sobbing into tissues behind her. It’s taking every bit of my strength not to join in with them.

“I loved you all through high school. I loved you more the day I left Green Haven, my heart in shambles. And for fifteen years, I silently suffered, wanting the boy and man I wasn’t supposedto have. It was hell, but I’d endure it again as long as I ended up with you. You’re everything to me. Best friend, confidant, lover, and soul mate.”

Tears flow down my cheeks. “All my heart, minx.”

Her tears fall like rain, dripping from her chin. “All my soul, Z.”

“For an eternity, I’m yours,” we say in unison.

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