Page 111 of Fear of Love
With a huge handful of petals, he struck a pose and threw them in the air, letting them rain down on him. Taking a bow, he winked before moving off to sit beside his mom. Wyatt’s teammates cheered loudly while Wyatt just shook his head and smiled.
My throat closed up as Trevor and I walked down the aisle. The last time I did this, I was the one getting married. I still remembered the anxiousness, the fear, as I walked. Like I knew I wasn’t suppose to get married. This time walking down the aisle I felt lighter, happier. My story hadn’t ended that day.
Giving Trevor’s arm a squeeze, we branched off and took our spots near the altar. He slapped Wyatt’s shoulder as he passed and clapped hands with Bryton before getting into position. Sharing a smile with Mila, I moved so I was facing the aisle, immediately finding Landon as he and Tasha walked. I was still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that he was all mine. That I didn’t ruin it.
He met my eyes briefly before the orchestra changed songs. As the guests rose from their seats for the bride, the violins and cello started playing a version of “Perfect”by Ed Sheeran. The melody filled the garden as Josie appeared.
I looked away from her for just a second to find Wyatt. The way he looked at her, the pure adoration and love that was there, made tears spring to my eyes. I watched as his hands trembled at his sides, jaw clenched so tight as he stared at his bride.
Glancing away quickly, I looked back to Josie. She glided down the aisle, her dress billowing around her with each step. Her eyes never once left Wyatt’s as she made her away toward him.
I heard Tasha and Mila sniffle beside me, my own tears making their way down my face.So much for my makeup.I glanced back at Wyatt and saw his shoulders begin to softly shake. Landon reached out to touch him as Wyatt silently held back tears.
When Josie got close enough, I could tell she was trying to hold back her own, but a few slipped down her cheeks. I gripped the stems of my flowers tight in my hand as Wyatt stepped forward, offering Josie his hand.
The two shared a glance that said more than any words could. The violins and cello slowly faded as Tasha took Josie’s bouquet before the couple stood opposite of each other, hands intertwined.
The crowd took their seats as the minister started talking, his voice carrying through the garden for everyone to hear.
Halfway through the minister's speech, I looked over at Landon. The sound of the minister's voice faded into the background as I met Landon’s eyes. An overwhelming feeling washed over me that caused my breath to get stuck in my lungs.
I loved him.
The realization hit me straight in the gut. I was long past falling for him. I was pretty sure I passed that point ages ago. It just took me this long to finally admit it to myself. To finally let myself love someone again.
The longer I looked at Landon, the more sure I was. He was the man I’d been waiting for my entire life. Every heartbreak, every disappointment, had led me here. To the one person capable of loving me in the way I always needed. In my heart, I knew Landon Boone was the one. It took me twenty-nine years to find him.
The way he was looking at me, eyes full of love, told me everything I needed to know. He felt it, too.
What began as tension, even hate, had slowly transformed into something deeper. I used to think what I had with Jared was love, but now I realized it wasn’t. Not even close.
An all-consuming, earth-quaking feeling that took over my whole body. That was love.
I sucked in a shaky breath as it all sunk in.
In the background, Wyatt and Josie shared their vows. I forced my eyes away from Landon to focus back on the wedding, but as Wyatt and Josie talked, my gaze kept slipping back toLandon’s. Each and every time, he would also look at me, a little smile playing on his lips.
“With that, I now pronounce you, Wyatt and Josie Boone, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the minister announced.
I grinned as Wyatt swept Josie into a dip and kissed her, earning loud cheers that rang through the garden. Tasha, Mila, and I stood together, clapping through our happy tears. Mateo shouted with excitement beside his mom.
Wyatt gently pulled Josie back up, whispering something that made her laugh. Slowly, they turned to face the crowd, raising their joined hands with bright smiles. Husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Boone.
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LYDIA
Our entire group followed after the happy couple back down the aisle toward a section of the garden, as cameras flashed, while guests made their way to the tent on the other side of the property where the reception was being held.
BothPeople’smagazine and the wedding photographers wanted photos of Josie and Wyatt after the wedding, as well as the rest of the wedding party. So for the next half hour, we were posed this way and that.
Josie’s giddiness was infectious as the two barely took their eyes off one another. The rest of us could cease to exist for all they cared. Their love was so palpable you could feel it in the air.
I was standing off to the side, watching the newlyweds whisper to each other, when Landon came up to my side.
“They are sickeningly cute, aren’t they?” Landon asked, taking the thoughts right out of my head.
“I think I’m getting cavities looking at them.” I scrunched my nose up in mock disgust. Mateo snorted from his spot a few feet away.
