Page 39 of The Last Love Story
Dad stops at the last row of chairs and takes my hands. “I’m proud of you, kiddo.” Then he kisses my cheek and turns to Justin. “Take care of her.”
There’s a surprising amount of emotion in Justin’s voice when he says, “I will.”
My stomach whirls.
There’s the anticipation and excitement I was looking for. And as I step in front of Justin and he takes my hands, I know I’ll remember everything about this moment forever.
The book arch looms beside us, more beautiful than I could’ve imagined.
This is perfect. If anything, it’s a shame the chapel is empty.
The minister starts speaking, and though I try to focus on his words, they’re more like background noise. My mind wanders, thinking of what comes next. Of going home. Being married.
“Love is born in seconds, but grows over a lifetime.”
The minister’s words—mywords, from one of my books—draw me back to the moment. When I look at Justin, he gives me that boyish smile.
“What can I say? I’m a fan.”
The minister goes on, spinning off that quote into how love can grow and change over time and how important it is to help facilitate that growth. But I’m focused on Justin. The way he looks at me.
I don’t know that there’s been a magical blossom of love between us, but… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping we planted the seeds. Or are planting them. I want a chance—arealchance.
We say our simple one-line vows, then it’s time for the rings.
Zoey brings over two boxes and hands one to each of us.
I go first, admiring the beveled gray tungsten carbide ring as I slip it on his finger. A little thrill runs through me. A wedding band signifying that he’s mine, even if it’s only on paper.
I hold my hand out as Justin opens the ring box, and as he slips it on my finger, my jaw drops. I’ve never seen another ring like it. It’s an oval diamond with a halo of diamonds around it. Then on the sides near the top and bottom are a total of four small diamonds. The setting rises around it almost making it look like a magic mirror. It’s all set on a yellow gold band, which also has a few diamonds along the sides of the setting. It’s gorgeous, but for me, it’s more than just a pretty ring, and when I meet Justin’s eyes, it’s clear he knows that.
It’s my princess ring.
And Justin, with his bright blue eyes, golden blond hair, and boyish charm, is my prince charming.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Justin eagerly steps forward and wraps his hand around theside of my neck, dipping his head and slanting his mouth over mine.
I inhale sharply at the burst of electricity, a tingly feeling that rushes through my entire body.
Grabbing his arm, I pull him closer, desperate for more.
His tongue traces across the seam of my lips, and I open for him. The second our tongues twist together, I’m lost in a state of bliss. Nothing has ever been more right. One hand moves down his chest, and all I want to do is untuck his shirt, feel his skin, and?—
I remember where we are at the same time he does, and we slowly untangle.
He takes my hand and faces me forward so we can walk down the aisle. My cheeks are flushed, and the color only deepens when he leans in and whispers, “Magical enough?”
I bite my lip as we walk down the aisle. Trish is staring at us with one brow cocked while Zoey smirks to herself as she claps. I can’t even look at my dad.
That wasn’t just a kiss. It was a kiss that wanted to start things. Create things. Change things. Magic doesn’t begin to describe it.
But because playful is our go-to, I smile up at him and say, “It’ll do.”
And it will. It’ll do all kinds of things to me, my body… my heart.
In case it wasn’t clear, I’m screwed. We’ve been married for less than five minutes, and I’m already falling for my husband.
