Page 96 of Kiss the Bride

“If I can say something,” the celebrant interjects, reminding us of his existence, “I now pronounce Hunter and Olivia as lovers for life. You may now kiss the bride.”

“Good, because,” I say, my voice steady and sure as I lean in to kiss her, “I want to kissmybride.”

Epilogue

Olivia

I hate the “Itold you so’s.”

For three months after Lizard Island, while Hunter and I retraced our European vacation, our family and friends competed to guess when they knew.

About Mitch, who did himself no favors by showing up at Lizard Island, clutching his pearls because Hunterstoleme—as if.

About Hunter, who set an atmospherically high bar with his romantic proposal. Even Pete was impressed.

About my best friends, who always have my back but insist a wedding isn’t real without glitz and glam.

About my parents, who want a do-over so I can marry the man they’ve always considered a son, in front of family and friends.

About how everyone knew my heart before me.

They’re wrong. I never stopped loving Hunter, and he never stopped loving me. We were just the right couple at the wrong time. We weren’t ready back then.

But now—

I stand in the small chapel, surrounded by everyone we love. The air hums with anticipation, the scent of roses and jasmine filling the space. My heart races as I look into Hunter’s eyes. Those same eyes that have seen me at my worst and my best, that have always been a haven.

“Miss Woodgrove!” The officiant’s voice brings me back to the present. I’ve been lost in Hunter’s gaze, in the memories of our journey here.

I smile, my heart swelling with the certainty I’ve carried since we found each other again. “I do.”

“Then with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Hunter’s grin is radiant, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. His joy mirrors my own, a joy we’ve fought hard to reclaim. We’ve overcome fear, jealousy, and almost losing each other. Every struggle has led us to this moment and I hope if I cry, then everyone will know they are tears of joy.

“Mr. Williams, you may now kiss the bride.”

Hunter steps forward, his hands gently cupping my face. The world fades away as he kisses me, a kiss that promises a lifetime of love, laughter, and discovering each other. It’s sweet and tender, a culmination of years of love, longing and a lust that these past months spent in bed hasn’t quelled. I can’t get enough of Hunter as my boyfriend or fiancé, and I doubt I’ll get enough of him as my husband.

The chapel erupts in applause, but all I can hear is the sound of Hunter’s heartbeat against mine. We pull back, breathless and beaming. He leans in, whispering just for me, “I love you, Liv. Always have, always will.”

Tears of happiness blur my vision. “I love you too, Hunter. Forever.”

We turn to face our cheering family and friends. I catch a glimpse of my parents, their faces glowing with pride and joy. My best friends, Jess and Tash, are in happy tears, waving and blowing kisses. Elena is still on her reality TV show but sent a video message. Even Pete is clapping, a broad smile on his face.

As we step outside, Hunter pulls me close. “Ready to give me all your forevers, Mrs. Williams?”

I laugh, “Depends, are you ready to run away with the bride?”

“Only if she’s you.”

THE END

---