Page 125 of My Wife
She laughs as if I’m joking. More like tangled up with the lie we’re telling and the quiet little truth inside along with my ex’s family’s threats, which is part of the reason Liam and I are going through with this whole thing.
“What if Rexlan crashes the wedding?”
Cara squawks a laugh. “My father, half the Knights team, and countless hockey legends are out there ready on defense. Plus, Liam wouldn’t let him. Have you seen the way he looks at you?”
Like he can’t figure out how this happened? How he ended up with someone like me? How he wants to run for his life?
Grandma Dolly interrupts and signs that KJ wants to see me really quickly.
I wander into the hall and wearing a wild grin, he rushes toward me and then stops short. Because of the gown, he can’t hug my legs. At risk of popping a seem, I crouch down because I sure could use a hug right now.
But before I’m able to wrap my arms around him, he signs, “You look so pretty, Mommy.”
My heart leaps and the truth within rises up with sequins and a smile.
I wish this were real. Is it?
The bridal party gathers at the foot of the stairs, the ladies do last-minute touchups, and holding hands, Grannie Bell leads a prayer. My breathing comes quick and the words are little more than a hum in my ears.
I’m sipping air through a straw.
Smiling but not hearing anything being said.
God, if you’re there, lead my feet where you want them to go. Please lead me to love.
When we get outside, Liam is at the altar, waiting for me. Dressed in a dark gray tux and freshly shaved, he looks more handsome than ever. Who knew I had a thing for giant athletes … with abs.
Some people might think working out that much makes him vain and others might think I’m shallow for admiring them. While both might have some truth, what I realize now is that when Liam does something, he goes all in. He doesn’t say he’s going to work out and then drop off after a few sessions. When he commits, there’s no turning back.
Even though I am surrounded by the swarm of my bridal party, including Ingrid and Colette, his gaze finds mine in the crowd. The swizzles inside get all swizzly.
My pulse thunders and I blink because I don’t think I can go through with this.
Then the corner of his lips lifts ever so slightly. He discreetly mouths and signs the wordwow. Or he could’ve been shooing away a fly and saidow, but it’s enough to keep me from running—not that I could get far in these high heels.
It’s probably silly to think this, but perhaps like his dedication to staying fit for hockey, we can provide KJ with a loving home … which is much more than I ever had and I’m ready to give it my all.
33
LIAM
I’ve beento bigger weddings, but not better ones. So far, my grandmother, aunt, mom, sister, and Dolly have outdone themselves. It’s phenomenal what they accomplished in only a few days.
Nothing short of a miracle, which tells me we’re doing the right thing even though I repeatedly wonder if that’s true.
Keep focused, Ellis.
Turns out Jessica is very distracting.
I don’t necessarily have an eye for detail. In fact, my sister commented that the chandeliers and disco balls hanging from the ceiling in the barn are going to be lost on me. I was in there for an hour, helping to set up and didn’t notice them. Everyone wants Jessica and me to have fun. After all, it’s our wedding day. Right now, all I see is her eyes.
My fiancée, even though I didn’t officially ask her to marry me, has let everyone assume I did and the ring is at the jeweler. She’s been the life of the party. The star of the show. She and KJ fit in with my family better than I do. They loved them both instantly.
And I love holding her in my arms. My life is ice, hockey, and cold temperatures. She’s warm, soft, and not a goal to reach or a prize to win.
She’s reliable, thoughtful, and beautiful. I don’t even mind her aggressive positivity so much. Life was kind of dim without it.
That’s not necessarily romantic, but it’s true.
