Page 108 of Meet Me at Midnight

She may joke like it’s otherwise, but Avery is quite possibly the biggest believer in love of all of us.

Beau’s smile is wide, his happiness undeniable as he takes me in. Neil starts to walk, holding tightly to my arm, and I tread carefully down the professionally constructed aisle.

When we get to the front, the minister is waiting, and Beau steps forward to take me from his dad. He must be a little too excited, though, because he doesn’t wait to be asked to do it, instead grabbing me and pulling to him.

Everyone laughs as the minister puts a hand to his chest and tsks.

“Whoa there, cowboy. I know you’re ready, but we’re not quite there yet.”

Beau laughs, and his friend Henry drags him back to his spot.

The minister pretends to double-check over his shoulder for movement a few times before continuing, and everyone laughs again.

“All right, then,” the minister says. “Who gives this woman to be married?”

Neil’s voice is rougher than normal as he answers, “I do.”

“Perfect,” the minister remarks, turning back to Beau then. “Okay, dude, you can come get your bride now.”

Beau steps forward and shakes his dad’s hand before taking mine and helping me step carefully up onto the altar that’s raised slightly above the rest of everything.

Avery straightens the small train of my dress and takes my bouquet, and when I turn back around, my favorite warm brown eyes are waiting.

I smile and take Beau’s hands in mine, squeezing tightly with the need to be his forever already.

“Welcome, everyone,” the minister addresses the crowd. “We’re here today to join Juniper and Beau in a legal union of love. We want to thank you for being here to join in their moment of happiness, but mostly, we want to thank Juniper and Beau for falling in love.”

Beau smiles at me, his whole body vibrating with excitement.

“Juniper, do you take Beau to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, in good times and in bad?”

I nod. “Yes. I do.”

Beau’s smile is the one he always gives me right before kissing me, and I know with my whole heart he’s wishing he could get to that part already.

“Great. Now, Beau. Do you take Juniper to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, in good times and in bad?”

“I take June in every circumstance. Yes. I do.”

“Love the enthusiasm.” The minister chuckles. “That seems to be a theme, and let me tell you, folks, that’s a good thing during a wedding.”

More laughter comes from the crowd, and I fall deeper into Beau’s smile as it grows even more.

“Now, for the rings.”

Beau turns back to Henry for my ring, and I turn to Avery for his. When we turn back around, I hold out my left hand, ready to seal our commitment to each other with my finger.

“Beau, you’ve made these promises today in front of your family, friends, God,” the minister states, looking at Beau. “Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”

Beau obeys immediately. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Perfect. And now you, Juniper.” The minister’s attention is on me now. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

I repeat the vow and slide Beau’s ring onto his finger just like he did with mine. His hand looks even sexier, and trust me, after the things I’ve felt them do, I didn’t think that was possible.

“Congratulations. I now pronounce you husband and wife, and you may kiss the bride!”

Beau leans in and plants one on me, and I give it back as good as I get it. It may not be demure or appropriate for mixed company, but it is love. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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