Page 81 of Never Stop
Cheyenne had smiled and stepped to the opposite side from where I stood. Then I watched Gary escort Bailee down the aisle then Nicole by Avery. I waited what felt like hours until the strings of a guitar began to strum from the speakers behind me. I looked straight down the aisle, looking past all of our close family and friends that sat in rows in front of me, searching for my girl. I was only looking forher. Only wanted to see her. The moment Colbie Caillat began to sing the first words of her songMagic, Brooke stepped out and onto the white runner that was covered with the red petals, and our eyes locked.
That was when I lost my ability to breathe.
I only sawherface. I felt as though I was living in a dream, and Colbie was narrating how I felt. The song was perfect. Just like the woman who chose to walk down the aisle to the song.
Brooke’s gaze slid to her left, and she stopped walking. She literally stopped walking. I sucked in my breath, wondering if she’d changed her mind.
I heard Bailee mummer, “Shit.”
I looked at her and mouthed, “What?”
Bailee mouthed back, “Our mother.”
My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. I had no idea she was here. I’d been greeting guests as they arrived and she must have slipped in when I took my place underneath the floral arbour.
“You didn’t tell me you showed Brooke’smomto a seat,” I hissed at Avery under my breath.
“I…” he stammered, “I don’t think I did. I’ve never met her.”
I assumed my guys were actually greeting the guests and not just showing random people to seats. If it were me, I’d introduce myself and ask how they knew the bride or groom. Maybe it was Gary who showed her a seat.
I cocked my head, trying to get a better look of the woman who enjoyed cock more than caring for her own daughters. Then my heart fell to my feet. I once cared more about pussy than my own daughter.
“I didn’t even know Brooke’s mom was coming,” Avery continued in a whisper.
I didn’t either. She didn’t RSVP.
Brooke stood still as she had a stare down with her mother. I was about to go to her to be her back-up, but then she closed her eyes, took a deep breath and turned her attention back to me. I gave a tight smile that was laced with worry. She smiled back and started to walk again.
I could breathe again.
The moment Brooke was within reaching distance of me, I clasped my hand in hers. She handed her bouquet of red roses to Nicole, and we turned and faced each other, both hands locking together in front of us.
“You okay?” I asked.
She nodded. “Just shocked.”
I was too, but I didn’t say it. “Don’t let her ruin your day, baby. It’s only you and me.”
“I won’t.”
I had so many thoughts running through my head, and I could only imagine what Brooke was thinking. I only hoped she stuck to her word and wouldn’t let her mother fuck this day up.
“Are we ready to begin?” the minister asked in a low voice so we could only hear.
I waited for Brooke to respond. “Yeah.”
I nodded my approval.
Words were being spoken, but I couldn’t hear what was being said. The minister had briefly given us a rundown of what he would say when we had our pre-wedding meeting with him. We wanted short and sweet and to the point. My focus was on Brooke and how our day was finally here.
The minister said my name and I realized it was my turn to speak, so I looked deep in Brooke’s eyes. “The moment I saw your emerald eyes looking up at me, I knew you’d rock my world. There was something about your sailor’s mouth that spoke to me. You came into my life when I was lost and broken, and I was hiding how I truly felt. On the outside, I looked as though I had it all figured out. On the inside, I was like a fish gasping for air. Then you started to make mefeelagain. And it was because you came in and loved my little girl and me.
“I never thought I would find someone that would love my daughter as though she were her own. I know we’ve had a crazy ride in a short amount of time, and if I could, I would change what you went through. Life can throw us curve ball after curve ball because no matter what, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces. We haven’t had the easiest ride, but one thing’s for certain. I willneverstop loving you.”
I reached out and ran a finger under Brooke’s eye, catching a lone tear. She smiled at me, and my heart clenched in my chest. I fucking loved her.
The minister waited a moment, and then let her know it was time for her to give her vows. She looked up at the blue sky as though she was gaining the ability to speak. Finally, her head tilted back down to look at me.
“So I had all this stuff memorized, important stuff I wanted to say, but now as I look at you, I can’t think of any of it because I just want to tell you over and over how much I love you. You once told me that I had you from hello. The funny thing is, you had me before we even knew each other. I’m a true believer that things happen for a reason and, like you, I was living my life like a fish gasping for air. I wasn’t happy—until you. You’ve taken care of me, and that’s what I was looking for. To be cared for, cherished—loved.
“You could have your pick of anyone, and yet you somehow chose me. Even when I was broken, when life threw that curve ball at me, you stuck by me. You stepped up and held my hand through the worst time of my life, and it was then thatIknew I would never stop loving you. Thank you for trusting me enough to love your daughter. And thank you for trusting me enough to loveyou.”
I didn’t wait for the minister to continue. I pulled her to me and wrapped her in my arms. If I had to guess, I’d say there wasn’t a single dry eye on the roof top.
Because, as it was, I was barely holding on myself.
