Page 29 of Strike Out

“I can feel you thinking.” She mumbles, arching her back into a stretch. “You okay?”

“I’m better than okay, Princess. Today is the best day of my life. I get to marry you.” I kiss her bare shoulder and up her neck to her cheek. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Kai. I love you. I’ve always loved you. It’s finally just all falling into place. Maybe I should be the one saying thank you.” She shifts, turning to face me.

“Why’s that, baby?” I push the hair from her face, leaning in for a kiss.

“Because you waited for me.” A tear runs down her nose and I wipe it away with my thumb, waiting to kiss her. “You kept loving me even when you could’ve found someone better than me. Someone you could eat normal food with and not worry about them having a reaction. Someone who wouldn’t complicate your life with doctor’s appointments.”

I press my lips to hers and pull her into me, my hands tangling in her hair, kissing her like she’s the very reason I’m alive. “You.”Kiss.“Are.”Kiss.“The reason.” Maneuvering to where Isla is underneath me, I kiss her forehead, her cheeks, her lips, and down her naked body. “Your medical conditions don’t define your worth to me. I would gladly give it all up again, in every lifetime… just so I could have you.”

The alarm beeps again.Five-thirty.

“How about we take a shower and then have some breakfast before we promise to spend the rest of our lives together?” Isla strokes my face, her soft hand brushes my rough stubble, and I lean into her touch.

“Sounds like a plan to me, Mrs. Vaughn.”

The four ofus sit in the crowded vital records office waiting for our number to be called. Isla and I pre-filled out the online form last night, so all we have to do now is wait our turn for the little ceremony room and the officiant. In my hand is a small black velvet box that holds my father’s and mother’s wedding bands. My mother’s ring fits Islaperfectly, while my dad’s is slightly big on me. Which is fine because after this I’m headed straight to get one tattooed on.

“Vaughn and Donahue,” our names get called over a speaker and we head to the little room at the back.

“That’s us.” I grab Isla’s hand. “Let’s do this, Princess.”

We stop in front of the podium and I take her hands in mine.

This is happening.

Isla is going to be my wife.

I get to be her husband.

Holy fucking shit, I get to marry the love of my life. Am I dreaming?

“Baby, pinch me.” I whisper as the officiant gets set up behind the podium.

“Why?”

“Just… please.” I stare at her. She laughs silently and pinches my ass.

“Ow. Okay, not a dream.” I’m not dreaming. I really am marrying Isla, with our parents okay with everything.

Life is so fucking good right now.

I’m so busy staring at Isla in her white linen summer dress that I completely miss the officiant asking me to repeat after them.

“Malakai.” My mother whispers, pulling my attention to her.

“Hmm?”

“You need to repeat after them.” Isla snickers, trying so hard to hold in her laughter.

“Right. Sorry. I just have the most beautiful woman standing in front of me and I think my brain just short-circuited.” My throat gets tight. “Go ahead.”

I repeat the regurgitated lines about Isla being my lawful,wedded spouse, and it just seems so plain. “Can I say my own vows?”

“Of course,” they nod, and I turn to Isla.

“Isla Mae, there’s no doubt in my heart that you’re my person, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I look forward to falling in love with you over and over and over again each day. I vow to risk everything for you—to give over my life for you—to be the man you love.” I slide my mother’s ring on her finger.

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