Page 71 of Heal Me
As he waited for his bride, Ric worked on bringing his heart rate down so that he didn’t sweat through his white shirt. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. The wedding was going off without a hitch so far. They had enough chairs for all the guests, the food was taken care of, and the band was set up and ready. Perhaps, because half the town was here.
Tyler put a hand on Ric’s shoulder. “It’ll be okay, Ric. That’s what you told me on my wedding day, remember?”
“Yeah,” Ric nodded. “I can’t figure out why I’m ready to jump out of my skin. I love Kate more than anything and I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
Tyler chuckled. “Tucker told me that choosing a wife is the most important decision a man will ever make. It’s a very serious step in your life, but it’s also the happiest. Trust me about that, Ric. Everyone can see how much you and Kate love each other. That’s the most important thing and it’ll get you through the tough times.”
“Well, listen to Mr. I-used-to-have-ice-in-my-veins waxing poetic about love,” Chase piped up with a grin.
Ric laughed as Tyler’s expression darkened. “He’s got you there, Ty.”
Tyler smiled a little sheepishly. “Well, a certain hot blonde melted the ice in my veins in more than one way.”
Ric put his hands over his ears. “I don’t want to hear about that!”
Chase and Tyler laughed at his reaction just as Hayley started walking down the aisle. She sprinkled rose petals as she led Coco. A small pillow holding the wedding rings had been attached to Coco’s collar.
Hayley beamed as she approached the altar, proud to have been chosen as the flower girl. She looked adorable in her frilly jean dress. When her and Coco reached the altar, Ric hugged her and praised her for doing such a good job. Tyler and Chase agreed and Tyler untied the rings from Coco’s collar. Then Hayley and Coco went to sit with Brooke and Tucker.
Emily appeared at the end of the aisle created by the white wooden chairs. Ric watched Tyler’s gaze focus intently on her and he was glad his sister and one of his best friends had found happiness together. The way Emily blushed under Tyler’s close scrutiny was sweet.
As Emily arrived at the altar, Ric stepped over to her and gave her an impulsive hug. “You look gorgeous, sis.”
“Thank you. You look fantastic,” she said.
“I know,” he said, winking.
Emily rolled her eyes and shooed him away. He rejoined his co-best men just as Robert started walking down the aisle. It was strange seeing a man over on the bride’s side, but it made complete sense that Kate had chosen Robert as her man of honor.
Ric would always be grateful to him for saving the woman he loved from the jaws of death. Any jealousy he’d felt towards Robert had faded and he was glad that Kate had someone else who was always on her side. Robert smiled at him and took his place by Emily.
Tyler nudged Ric and pointed towards the end of the aisle. Ric’s gaze followed the direction he’d indicated and his heart stopped as he got his first glimpse of Kate in her wedding dress. Her slim, toned figure was shown off to perfection by the blue jean dress she wore and Ric knew that no other woman would ever compare to her.
Desire and love mingled in his heart and his anxiety fled as Kate walked to him. Her dark eyes sparkled with love and appreciation and her sweet lips curved in a beautiful smile. She wore her hair scooped up on top of her head with curly tendrils framing her face.
Ric had been so engrossed in Kate that he hadn’t paid much attention to Angus, but when they reached the altar, the older man gave Ric a warning look that clearly said that he’d kill Ric if he didn’t take good care of Kate. Ric gave Angus a brief nod to reassure him and then took Kate’s hands.
*****
Looking into Ric’s eyes, Kate couldn’t believe that she was marrying this gorgeous man. The way he filled out his jeans and shirt made her mouth go dry and made her think thoughts that she shouldn’t while standing so close to a pastor. His loving, hot gaze made her feel a little weak and she had to take deep breaths to clear her mind.
The roguish smile that curved his lips told her that he was having much the same thoughts. Then the pastor started the ceremony and Kate concentrated on her vows. This was the only time she ever planned on getting married and she made each word count as she promised to love and honor Ric.
Hearing him say those words back to her was a magical experience and Kate could hardly contain all of the joy she felt inside. As they exchanged rings, her heart healed even more. Even though she would always love and miss Phil, she knew that she was no longerinlove with him. She’d said her goodbyes at the cemetery this morning.
No, the man sliding a gold wedding band onto her finger was now the man she loved. He’d given her the courage to step out on the ledge where love was concerned and she knew that he’d always be there to catch her.
Pastor Dan Porter said, “You may now kiss your bride.”
Ric cupped her face and her pulse leapt at the contact. When their lips touched, Kate’s eyes shut on happy tears that leaked out from under her eyelids. It was a sweet and sensual kiss that held love and the promise of a lifetime of happiness.
Suddenly, Ric dipped her and Kate let out a squeal of surprise while the congregation whistled and clapped approvingly. She wound her arms around his neck and kissed Ric back, which only caused more laughter and catcalls.
When Ric let her up, Kate felt a little dizzy from the sensations he elicited in her.
He hugged her close. “I love you so much, Dr. Stanford.”
“I love you, too, Mr. Stanford,” she replied, grinning.
