Page 226 of One Big Little Secret

Arlo, giddy with excitement, skips forward with two rings in a tiny wicker basket, handing them to the pastor before he gives me the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face.

His blue suit matches Patton’s, complete with a kiddie clip-on tie, a sweet touch that nearly brings me to tears.

Breathlessly, I hold out my hand for him to slip the ring on. His eyes are sharp as his fingers caress mine, sending heat skittering down my spine.

Even as we’re getting married, I want him more than I can breathe.

My turn now.

I take Patton’s platinum ring, the inside etched with our initials like my dress, and I slide it over his finger, binding us forever.

He’s mine.

I’m his.

We belong to each other in every way.

I want to scream it from the rooftops as I stare up into his eyes and see the love, the heat, the softness that waits for me there.

Home isn’t a place after all.

It’s people, and with him in my life, I’ll always have it.

The pastor’s words drift over me like surreal music from another world. I’m listening, but not really, too caught in my almost-husband’s eyes.

When he says something about kissing the bride, though, Patton doesn’t waste a nanosecond.

With one hand on my face, he takes my lips with a claiming fury that curls my toes.

God. It really is ‘till death do us part.’

And I cling to him, my hands finding his shoulders and pulling him closer.

Our first kiss as a married couple leaves me in cinders, smoldering with an indecent thrill after he pulls away.

My. Flipping. Husband.

He hits me with one of those grins I know he can’t hold inside whenever he looks at me.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Rory.” The twinkle in his eye turns wicked. “You just took the most eligible bachelor in Kansas City off the market.”

“We’re not in Kansas anymore. And you’re no Dorothy.” Lame, I know, but at least I meet his grin with my own red-faced smile.

“I sure as hell am not.” Before he can prove exactly how un-Dorothy he is, I turn back to the cheering guests.

Delly’s in the front row, along with Archer and Dexter and Junie. Young Colt sits near the end, watching us. One of the rare times I haven’t seen him looking bored out of his mind, but he’s a good kid, especially considering who’s next to him.

Arlo leans off the chair, laughing and clapping his hands like they’re on fire.

My heart swells with pure love for all the folks assembled today, sharing our special moment. Past and present and future melt into one.

Patton slides my hand into his and we walk back down the aisle, through the confetti shower and rowdy cheers, until we’re at the other end of the boat, laughing.

He kisses me again with a smidge more privacy, ensuring there’s zero chance I’ll catch my breath or my senses.

“We have all night you know,” I tease.

“Get used to not waiting. I’ll be doing this a lot from now on, wife,” he whispers.

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