Page 73 of Lead Me Knot

With a smile, she rests her hands on my shoulders. “You clean up real nice, stud.”

I slide my arms around her waist, unable to say much except, “You’re breathtaking.” Holding her hand, I take a step back. “Let me look at you.”

Her cheeks blush, and she giggles, giving me a little twirl. “You like what you see?”

“Fucking love it.”

“Oh.” She turns away and dips back into the back seat to grab something. “I almost forgot.” She pulls out the bouquet I gave her yesterday. “I tied a white ribbon around them. Aren’t they perfect for the occasion?”

I never could have guessed the flowers I bought on a whim because they reminded me of her would end up being her bridal bouquet. “Meant to be.” Nodding behind me, I ask, “Want to get married?”

She laughs. “We got all dressed up, so we might as well.”

A cool breeze reaches us at the top of the steps. I’m drawn to stop and take it in, closing my eyes to feel it against my face. A sense of peace runs through my body, and when I open my eyes, she says, “I think your mom is with us.”

“I think so, too.” Lauralee is on my left, and comfort walks beside me on my right.

We aren’t kept waiting long and are led down a hallway to the judge’s office. When he joins us, our witness walks in with him. Mickey comes to shake my hand but gives that up to meet Lauralee.

“Thanks for coming,” I say after quick introductions to both. “Figured since you’d find out tomorrow anyway, it would be good to have you here.”

“It was not a text I was expecting.”

Lauralee laughs . . . a little too hard. “I’m sure.”

I say, “People can change. I’m standing here ready to marry this beautiful woman.”

The judge says, “Are we ready to get married?”

My girl steps up next to me, and says, “We are.”

“Let’s get started then.” It’s then I notice the photographer tiptoeing in behind us.

The judge reads the usual vows, though he veers sometimes into a modern version that I appreciate.

When Lauralee and I are facing each other, I slip the rings on her finger, which causes her to take a staggering breath. I think I did good, judging by that reaction. Still holding the rings on her finger, I say, “I choose you, Lauralee Knot. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. I do.”

Tears fill her eyes, but the smile contradicts any sadness. She even laughs to herself, which lightens the mood for all of us. Taking my hand in hers, she slides the ring I bought in platinum to match hers on my hand. Looking me in the eyes, she says, “I choose you, Baylor Greene. Today. Tomorrow. And forever. I do.”

“I now pronounce youhusband and wife.” The judge grins. “Go on and kiss her. Let’s make this official.”

I caress her jaw, holding this stunning human in my hands, and take a moment to look into her eyes. “I love you, Lauralee. With all my heart.” The words feel natural, like they’ve been on the tip of my tongue waiting for this moment.

“I love you, too, Baylor. So much.”

And when I kiss my wife, my heart confirms that when I said forever, I meant it.

CHAPTER 26

Lauralee

Cloud nine existson the steps of the courthouse in New York City. It must be because I’m floating on air with him. “My handsome husband.” Romantic. Charming. Sweep-me-off-my-feet husband. He lifts me from my feet, twirling me around for everyone to see. I throw my arms wide, soaking this in, and kiss him.

Life is a dream with Baylor.

I’m set down, but he still holds me close and whispers against the corner of my mouth, “My gorgeous bride, I’m so in love with you.” Dipping me in the middle of the steps, he kisses me again.

With my hair hanging down and my weight secured in his arms, I reply, “You sure know how to make a girl feel special.”

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