Page 91 of Loving Lizzy

He slid the ring on her finger, “I, Michael Harris, promise to love you, Lizzy Jacobson, for the rest of my life. I promise to never take our marriage for granted. I vow to love our kids and make time for our family. I’ll stay by your side through sickness and health. I’ll remain the lighthouse in your storm. When you feel the need to run, I’ll be there to remind you we’re better together. My heart is yours.” He turned to Diana. “I promise to love your children and give them the life they deserve. We vow to you they’ll never go a day without knowing how much you loved them and entrusted them in our care to love as our own.”

She faced Michael and slid the ring on his finger. “I, Lizzy Jacobson, promise to love you and live every day as a gift. I’ll always run toward you and stay by your side through sickness and health. You’ll hold my heart forever.” She turned to Diana. “Today I marry the man I love and gain a sister and two children. I promise to love the gift you have given us and will cherish you and them forever.”

Michael and Lizzy kissed while the crowd cheered. Diana hugged each of them before the minister pronounced them husband and wife.

As soon as they returned to Kassie and Chase’s home, the lawyer met them in Chase’s office and Diana signed the paperwork for Lizzy and Michael Harris to start the adoption of her children. She smiled as she hugged them both. Leo drove Diana and her mom back home to rest. Caleb ran to play with the kids while Faith napped in a portable crib near the bride and groom.

Kassie and Victoria approached the couple after their first dance.

“Caleb’s playing with the kids and Faith’s bag is packed, we realize you don’t want to leave on a honeymoon right now, but we want to give you a wedding night. Lizzy’s still recuperating. Go home and enjoy each other. The kids will stay with Kassie. Carol and Jake will take Diana and her mom food and keep them company.”

Michael scooped Lizzy into his arms and headed for their car. Laughing, she pulled her dress inside as he closed the door. The drive down the mountain seemed shorter than usual as he parked the vehicle and pulled her out. He lifted her in his arms, and she giggled. He bent down for her to unlock and open the door.

He kicked the door wider and entered the room. Rose petals covered the floor leading to their bedroom. She pulled the door shut and smiled as her gaze met his. “Hi, Mr. Harris, I’m Elizabeth Harris and I want to make love to you.”

“You’re in luck, Mrs. Harris, I’m headed to the bedroom.”

“I guess I’ll go along for the ride,” she grinned.

Michael captured her lips and sat her gently on the bed. “I want our wedding day to remain perfect in your memory. Your condition requires us to stay on the safe side, medically. Did your doctor discuss sex after chemo with you? I’ve researched it and honestly, this part will be a learning curve for both of us.”

Lizzy put her finger to his lips. “Technically, they say we’re safe for everything. I want to use protection for at least another two weeks. Dr. Safder warned me of the side effects of chemo. I bought lube and Victoria gave me a fun new toy to show you. It’s in my bedside drawer. I’m sorry it doesn’t seem very romantic.”

“We’ll take our time. I want you to rest a bit, it was a busy morning. If it means we do nothing except I hold you in my arms, then I’ll consider it a perfect night.”

Michael tugged the bottom of her dress and lifted it above Lizzy’s head. He smiled as he recognized the bra design and the lacy panties. His head cocked to the side and his thumb caressed the material.

“Maddie, Carol, and Edie took my underthings and turned it into a mastectomy bra for me.” She placed her hands on his hips as he placed a kiss gently on her shoulders. His fingers gently traced the outline as he smiled at their thoughtfulness. His fingers unclasped the bra, and she helped him remove it.

“It’s very thoughtful of them,” he murmured.

“I didn’t have the heart to tell them I didn’t need it.”

Michael paused as he stepped back and stared into her eyes. His hand palmed her cheek as his thumb caressed her face.

“Why?” he asked.

“They made it to help me feel beautiful. I already feel that way when I’m with you because you taught me, I am enough.”

Michael’s smile grew wider as he leaned Lizzy back against the bed and removed her panties. She raised up to remove the tie from his suit and unbuttoned his shirt. He picked her up and held her close. He pulled the blankets back and placed a yawning Lizzy under the covers. He removed his pants and slid in beside her. She nestled her head on his shoulder, and he kissed her forehead. “Rest a bit, sweetheart. We have all night.”

Michael listened as her breathing evened out and her breath tickled his neck as he inhaled her vanilla scent. He closed his eyes, thankful for this moment to hold her in his arms. They fought the battle and won. Most of all, he got his wish. He’d spend the rest of his life loving Lizzy.

EPILOGUE

Michael swung Caleb higher on the new swing set in the backyard. Lizzy chased down Faith who kept her on her toes. She scooped the child up in her arms as she called out, “Let’s go, boys. Grandma Debbie and Barb are ready to go on our hike.”

He caught the swing and Caleb jumped off and ran toward Lizzy.

“Are we walking to our special spot? Can I bring my new airplane to show Mama?”

Lizzy bent down and wiped the smudge of dirt off her son’s cheek. The adoption went through and as of yesterday, Caleb and Faith became their children, officially.

“I think she’ll love it. You can tell her all about it and the gotcha day party.” She ran her fingers through his hair to smooth it down, knowing it proved a useless endeavor.

Her son ran inside the house. “Mom, I can’t find it!” he yelled.

“I’ll help him,” Michael offered as he plucked his daughter from her arms.

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