Page 81 of Found By You
“McCrae’s not going to be able to speak when he sees you,” Isla added.
A knock at the door interrupted us. “Everyone decent?” Greg called out.
Kayla opened the door, revealing my brother in his best suit, his cane polished for the occasion. His recovery had been remarkable, and though he still limped slightly, he’d regained most of his strength.
His eyes widened when he saw me. “Wow, sis,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “You’re beautiful.”
I blinked back tears, determined not to ruin my makeup before the ceremony. “Don’t you dare make me cry, Greg Ryan.”
He grinned, then jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “I just came from checking on the groom. His brothers are giving him lots of crap.”
“What are they saying?” I asked, curious.
Greg chuckled. “Never you mind.”
The butterflies in my stomach settled. I knew how much McCrae valued his brothers’ opinions, especially Damon’s.
“What about you?” I asked Greg softly. “Any doubts about your little sister marrying a guy she hasn’t known that long?”
Greg’s face grew serious. “Azalea, I’ve known you your whole life. I’ve seen you go through hell and come out stronger. I’ve watched you chase the truth no matter the cost.” He took my hands in his. “And I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at McCrae. Not once.”
I hugged him, careful not to wrinkle my dress. “I love you.”
“Love you too, kid.” He pulled back, checking his watch. “It’s time.”
The women filed out to take their places.
Greg offered me his arm, and I took it, feeling a strange sense of calm descend over me. Whatever doubts others might have, I had none. Not a single one.
We made our way out the side door, where we couldn’t be seen by the guests. McCrae’s mother had outdone herself with the decorations. White fabric draped between trees, creating a magical canopy. Crystal vases caught the late afternoon light, sending prisms dancing across the ground.
The music began, not the traditional wedding march, but a gentle acoustic guitar version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Our choice, simple and perfect.
I watched as the bridesmaids walked down the aisle one by one. Kayla was last, turning to wink at me before taking her place.
Then it was our turn.
Greg tightened his grip on my arm. “Ready?”
I nodded, my heart suddenly racing with excitement rather than nerves.
We stepped onto the red runner, and the guests rose to their feet. I barely noticed them. My eyes went straight to McCrae, standing tall and handsome in his dark suit at the end of the aisle.
This man had found me broken and lost, had helped me piece myself back together, had chosen me despite all the complications and danger that came with me.
The walk seemed both endless and too short. When we reached the altar, Greg placed my hand in McCrae’s; the symbolism of the gesture was not lost on me. “Take care of each other,” he said, his voice carrying to the front rows.
“We will,” McCrae promised, his eyes never leaving mine.
Pastor Jones smiled at us both. I’d been nervous about having Rose’s father perform the ceremony, but he’d been nothing but kind and welcoming from the moment we’d asked him.
“Dearly beloved,” he began, his voice strong and clear. “We are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the face of this company, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
The ceremony was traditional, just as we wanted. We’d written our own vows but chosen to keep the time-honored structure that had joined couples for centuries.
When the time came for those vows, McCrae spoke first, his voice steady despite the emotion that made his eyes shine. “Azalea, I found you on a rainy night with no memory of who you were. But I think I knew, even then, that you were meant to be part of my life. I promise to stand by you through whatever comes our way. To protect you, though I know full well you can protect yourself.”
This earned a laugh from the crowd.
