Page 79 of Protected Hearts

“Don’t worry—it’s waterproof,” Layne assured her.

“You think of everything.” Shiloh beamed at her. “You’ve made my day so perfect.”

“Know what makes it more perfect? Your groom is waiting for you under the arch.”

Her nerves kicked in, though she had no clue why. She and Oaks had already done this once.

Dragging in a deep breath, she braced herself and walked along the pale cream runner that would lead her to her groom. Right now, she felt like that fabric was the only thing guiding her—her mind was so scattered she wasn’t certain she wouldn’t make a wrong turn.

How far she’d come. From thinking she was in love with William, to spending six months hiding from him, to falling in love with the most perfect man in the world.

As soon as she looked up from her feet, her gaze locked on Oaks.

Her gasp escaped her lips on a puff of air. Could he be any hotter?

The black tux was the best choice. Shiloh would have to tell Layne later.

Oaks’s steady gaze trapped her. For a heartbeat, she couldn’t think of how to move her feet. A dozen moments flashed through her mind—of him saving her from being sold to that Russian, of Oaks’s tender patience with her…and their heated passion between the sheets.

He looked completely healed, and their two weeks of waiting were up. Tonight, he was all hers.

The sudden flap of white doves being released drew a surprised gasp from her even though she’d planned it.

Oaks broke into laughter and cupped a hand around his mouth, calling out, “Please let that be the only feathers I see!”

She tossed back her head on a laugh and continued on to meet her man, practically floating on air with happiness.

The minute he clasped her hands and stared deep into her eyes, her heart somehow found a way to hold more love for him, even though she’d believed it was already bursting with it.

She squeezed his hands back and tilted her face up to him. “You look as tempting as sin.”

He cocked a brow at her, his steely eyes twinkling. “And you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”

After that, the ceremony flew by. The family and small group of friends who’d joined them from the Black Heart Ranch program surrounded them to celebrate. After photos were snapped with her groom in about a million different poses, Oaks led her under the big reception pavilion.

The deejay played a slow, romantic song that made Shiloh’s stomach flutter. The liquid heat in Oaks’s eyes as he drew her into his arms and pressed her body to his left her breathless.

He whirled her around twice as their family applauded them.

Everything passed as a blur of hugs and traditions of tossing garters and bouquets. When Willow caught the bouquet, every one of her brothers glowered and looked around to see who might be coming for their baby sister.

After they cut the cake—and fed each other respectfully—Oaks saw his chance to make good on his promise.

When he led his bride out from under the pavilion, she tipped her head to look up at the stars that were beginning to pop out in the evening sky. The world had deepened to a darker shade of blue at the perfect time for them.

“I promised to dance with you under the stars.”

She clung to his neck. “I love you so much. Husband.”

He dipped his head and brushed a tender kiss across her lips. The instant their mouths connected, the passion between them kindled.

Their tongues darted out and met in a smooth glide that simmered with the scorching night to come.

Against her lower belly, she felt the start of his desire stiffening. “How long before we can ditch your family?”

“Ourfamily.” His gentle smile did new things to her insides. “My wife.”

“You never answered my question.” She went on tiptoe to bite down on his bottom lip. She gave it a gentle tug as a reminder of how far they’d come.

His chuckle warmed her lips. When he took total control and claimed her mouth, she closed her eyes and lost herself in the sway of their bodies to the music.

Shiloh never thought she’d get a chance at happiness once she ran…yet happiness had found her.

She spun with her husband around and around beneath the stars, locked in his strong arms and safe in the knowledge that together, they could conquer the world.

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