Page 5 of Always and Forever

I take a deep breath, trying to hold my emotions back, biting on my bottom lip. My eyes latch onto his and suddenly all my nerves vanish, and it’s as if he and I are the only people in this room.

I begin. “Quill, you came into my life at a time I wasn’t expecting you. You have taught me love has no boundaries, and that when you find your true soul mate, nothing else matters.” I sniffle, and continue. “You have given me your love, and proved how much I mean to you. You make me feel safe and whole, and I can’t imagine life without you. I promise that I will be here for you, and love you until my last dying breath.”

Taking a moment to take a breath, I continue. “You have given me life again, and although you’re a little bossy”—laughter erupts all around—“I wouldn’t want you any other way. I can’t wait for us to begin our future together as a family.” I reach my hand to my stomach and rub it, noticing a tear falling from Quill’s eye. “I know you will be the best father our baby could ever wish for, and I thank God for the day he brought you into my life. Thank you for not giving up on us, Quill. I love you, and will cherish you with my body and soul for the rest of our lives.”

Quill swipes at his tears, and I take him in with my eyes. Even with his club here witnessing everything, he doesn’t hold back his emotions.

I look back at Luisa, who hands me Quills ring, and I turn back to face him, pushing the thick white-gold band onto his finger. My hands tremble in his, and our eyes lock. The intensity I see in them sends a chill through me. He’s mine, all mine.

““Quillentine and Jasmine, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Quill smile widens, his expression showing so much tenderness. He cups my face and I fall into him, sharing our first kiss as husband and wife. Cheers and whistles surround the garden, and I smile against Quill’s lips.

I pull back, and with Quill still cupping my face he says, “I love you, Mrs. Owen.”

I beam with happiness. “I love you too, Mr. Owen.”

He gives me one last brief kiss before pulling away, and then we turn and accept everyone’s congratulations. I’m on cloud nine by the time everyone has finished wishing us well.

We make our way to the dance floor as “Never Gonna Be Alone” by Nickelback plays. Quill wraps me in his arms and I link my hands around his neck, playing with the ends of his hair. He leans down and kisses me, a slow and soft kiss, the shivers it evokes reaching all the way to my toes. He tastes amazing; all man. The tip of his tongue sneaks into my mouth and tangles with mine. His hands slide up my back to my nape, and he tightens his hold, keeping me captive to his kiss. Whistles sound around us but Quill doesn’t stop, just continues making love to my mouth. Tenderly taking and giving. I moan when his lips cover my bottom one, grazing on it gently with his teeth.

He pulls back slightly, smiling that sexy grin of his, and whispers against my mouth, “I love you, baby, so, so much. I want you so much, I’m dying to get you out of this dress.”

I laugh as we continue dancing. “What’s wrong, Quill. Don’t you like it?” I ask, pretending to feel hurt.

“Baby,” he says, growling deliciously into my ear, “I fucking love it. That’s the only reason I’m not taking you back up to the house to rip it off you. But I will have it off you soon, that’s a promise.” His eyes bore into mine, his promise evident; he means every word.

We’re interrupted when my father steps in, asking, “Do you mind?” Quill looks over at him and nods, letting me go and allowing my dad to take me in his arms. I watch as Quill puts his hand out to his mother, and she smiles up at him, taking his hand and following him to the dance floor.

“I’m so proud of you, baby girl,” my dad says, and I pull him in to give him a hug.

“Thanks, Dad. It means a lot to know you approve of Quill.”

“Like I had a choice,” he answers, laughing. “That man loves you, Jasmine. It scares me how much,” he admits, staring down at me. “But I’m glad you’ve found him. He’s a good man.”

“I know he is,” I say. “I’m so happy I found what you and Mom have.”

“Oh, darlin’, what me and your mom have is something special. I love your mom so much. To me she’s still that girl I met all those years ago. You just make sure he treats you right. I know he will but, baby, if you ever need me or your momma, you call us and we’ll be there.”

“Thanks, Daddy,” I say sniffling.

He leans in and kisses my cheek. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?”

I laugh. “Yes, Dad, you did, but you can say it again.”

The song ends and my dad walks me back to Quill, at the edge of the dance floor where he and his mom stand watching us. Quills eyes are hooded with desire, and his mom has the biggest smile on her face. She kisses and hugs me, pulling away eventually and swiping at her tears. “Oh, Jasmine, you look so beautiful. I only wish Antonio was here to see you two get married,” she says, and begins to cry again, pulling a handkerchief out of the sleeve of her dress and wiping her tears away. Quill hugs her but I don’t miss the way his jaw ticks. It must be hard for him to keep the secret of his father’s death in check.

“There you are.” I turn, smiling when I see Luisa approaching us. She embraces me and I keep her close a little while longer.

Luisa pulls back but keeps her arms around me. “Oh, Jazz, I’m so happy for you. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful.” I don’t miss the way her eyes gloss over with tears, and I find my own doing the same.

“Thanks, Lu. Quill sure surprised me with his vows.”

“It was so romantic, he had everyone in tears with his beautiful words.”

I search for Quill and find him having a conversation with my dad. My father has his arm around Quill, looking as happy and proud as though Quill is his own son, and my heart swells with pride and happiness. “I sure did pick a keeper,” I mumble, unable to keep my eyes off my new husband. He must sense me watching him, because his eyes scan the room as my father continues talking, and once they latch onto mine, desire deepens them. I swallow hard at the intense look, the way Quill’s eyes are undressing me. I feel heat surround my body, and I lick my suddenly dry lips when he smirks at me, like he knows what he does to me.

“Jasmine? Jasmine? Are you still with me?”

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