Page 51 of A Chance for Us
“Love is something we can all celebrate. It is all around us each day, and these two, well, these two are something else. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know them. Maren is a wonderful woman, a little extreme at times, but you know . . . women.”
I glare at him, but he carries on, totally unfazed.
“Oliver is giving, loyal, and honorable. I know this because he’s willing to do just about anything for those who matter to him.”
I glance over at Ollie, who casts me a worried look. Mark is definitely not who I should’ve let lead this. My ex would have been less of a risk.
“The world is full of selfishness and greed, but when I look at this couple, I see the opposite. Here stand two people who are willing to give each other whatever they need, regardless of their own wants. Maren and Oliver, please face each other.”
We do, and I’m so nervous that I’m trembling. Oliver smiles reassuringly and rubs the top of my hand. “It’s okay,” he whispers.
“Maren, repeat after me,” Mark instructs.
I say each word, staring into Oliver’s blue eyes and wishing this could be a fraction of the truth. That we would love, honor, and cherish each other.
Oliver repeats the same vows without any outward nerves, and I envy him.
I wish I didn’t feel like I was about to fall apart.
We exchange rings, and then, before I know it, he’s pulling me into his arms.
My wrists are behind his neck, and this kiss is like every one that I’ve shared with him...incredible.
Applause erupts behind us, and we break the kiss before laughing slightly.
“Thank you.”
He leans closer. “If I only ever have one wedding, I’m glad it was this one.”
We hug a few people because that’s what you do when you pretend to marry someone and then we head out, both breathless and laughing as we wait for everyone to follow out behind us.
Fifteen
OLIVER
My brothers are the first to congratulate us. It’s surreal. This is supposed to be fake. All of it, and yet, it felt so damn real. The entire time, I just kept thinking about who else I could see myself with and there was no one.
Each time I tried to picture the girl at the altar with me, I saw Maren.
Even with Devney standing right behind her, which I thought would be insanely awkward, all I saw was Maren. All I felt was her.
I was grateful I was supposed to act that way and think I sold it.
Her father is the last person out, Linda holding onto his arm. He hugs me, thanking me again, and then he and Maren embrace.
This. This moment is why I did this. To see their relief and joy is worth it.
“Can we go to the back room to talk for a second?” he asks Maren and me.
Maren looks worried but says, “Sure, is everything okay?”
He nods and takes Linda’s hand. “Of course.” Mark appears before we walk off, and Patrick smiles. “Oh, good. You need to come too.”
“Go where?” Mark asks.
“We are going to the back room to discuss something. Do you have the license with you?”
Mark nods. “I have it right here, but I’m going to handle that later.”
