Page 146 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

The day she was born had been the best and worst of Angelo’s life. But everything had turned out perfect when both of his girls came home three months later. They named their daughter Veronica Rose Taylor—after Allison’s mom, keeping up the tradition of naming her children after colors.

Following Amira was Katerina, both women smiling gracefully in their matching pastel pink satin dresses.

Finally, the music swelled. Everyone stood as Allison appeared at the end of the aisle, and Angelo stopped breathing.

She was like the sun rising after months of darkness, warming him with each step closer. Her dress hugged her figure, corset-like at the top, making him excited at the thought of removing it later. Below the waist, the gown flowed gracefully, a slit revealing her left leg with each step.

I’m going to bite that thigh later.

Her brother, Leopold, walked beside her, beaming with pride. He had taken Johnathan’s place, originally set to give her away, but that left Angelo with the choice of Leopold or Frederick as best men—more than enough to have them as groomsmen, so Angelo had firmly opted out.

There was no trace of sorrow in Allison’s radiant face or her jade-green eyes over the absence of her father. Instead, she beamed at Angelo with that familiar, unique smile—the same one she gave him each morning or when she gazed at their daughter, unaware he was watching.

Angelo’s heart swelled as their eyes locked, and all the chaos of the day melted away.

When Allison reached the altar, Leopold hugged her and whispered to Angelo, “Take care of her.”

Angelo nodded, taking her hand, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy as he held the woman he loved.

The officiant began, his voice warm and welcoming. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union ofAngelo Taylor and Allison Pink Lockwood in holy matrimony. Today, they declare their love before family and friends, and we are here to support them as they begin this new journey together.”

Angelo and Allison exchanged a loving glance, though Angelo barely heard the officiant’s words. His focus was entirely on her—the woman who had become his heart, his living, breathing dream come true—as she held his hands in hers.

Johnathan stepped forward with the rings, a playful grin on his face. Thankfully, he managed to hand them over without incident. Angelo took Allison’s hand, gently sliding the ring onto her finger.

“Allison, I promise to be the man you want, the husband you need, and the father our little girl deserves. I’ve loved you for so long, my heart knew it before I did.” Laughter rippled through the crowd, but Angelo paid no attention as he continued. “I promise to keep loving you just as I do now—strongly and surely. I used to think I was in control, but you, my sweet girl, took command of my heart. I hope you never let go.”

Allison, her eyes glistening with tears, slid the ring onto Angelo’s finger. He silently thanked God that he’d managed to say his vows, as he had been dangerously close to breaking down in tears.

His sweet girl took a deep, calming breath, and he squeezed her hands, offering silent encouragement. “Angelo, you’ve seen me from day one. Some people believe in love at first sight, but that wasn’t us. We had tequila, sure,” she said with a playful smile, making him laugh, “but we didn’t have love. Not back then. It took months of trying—and failing—to stay away from each other, but in the end, none of it mattered.”

Tears fell from Angelo’s eyes, as his sweet woman took a deep breath and continued. “I love you, Angelo, for the man you are, for the way you love me every single day, and for the way youlove our daughter. I love you for taking something broken and putting it back together. Thank you for mending something you didn’t break, and for still choosing to be with me after all of it.”

By the time she finished, both of them were crying, sniffling softly as the officiant smiled warmly and continued. “By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Angelo reached out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from Allison’s face, the realization that she was his sending a shiver down his spine. She gazed up at him, her eyes reflecting the depth of their connection—love, trust, and a shared, unspoken future.

Without a word, Angelo cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs softly caressing her cheeks. In that moment, time seemed to stop. Everything around them faded, leaving only the two of them, locked in the magnetic pull of their love. With a soft sigh, Allison melted into Angelo’s kiss.

It was a kiss filled with both passion and tenderness—a silent affirmation of everything they felt. Angelo held her close, his hands sliding gently down her back, pulling her nearer as if afraid she might slip away. Allison’s arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair, deepening the kiss with a fervor born of both longing and belonging.

The world around them faded away as they became lost in each other, their souls intertwining in a timeless dance. Their kiss spoke volumes, expressing unspoken words of love, devotion, and a promise of forever.

ALLISON

“I was wondering when I’d get the chance to dance with you, Mrs. Taylor.”

Allison chuckled as she released Leopold, turning to face her husband’s smirking, handsome face. “Not a patient man, Mr. Taylor?”

“Not when it comes to my wife.”

A shiver ran through her at his words and the promise in his voice. Suddenly, she couldn’t wait for the reception to end so she could be properly devoured.

“And that’s my cue to disappear before I lose my breakfast, lunchanddinner,” her brother teased as he walked away. Allison laughed at his dramatic exit, remembering a time when Leopold could barely stand to look at Angelo. Today, he had given her away.

A wave of sadness hit her as she thought of her father not being there to walk her down the aisle. She hadn’t contacted him since finding out the truth seven months ago. She had been surprised when he called the next day to apologize for his behavior—both past and present. Since then, there had been nothing but radio silence.

“Everything okay?” Angelo asked, sensing her shift in mood as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

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