Page 123 of Love Me Forever

“I'm happy with whatever you want, babe. As long as you look at me like that, there's nothing more I need."

"You know how to make me swoon," I murmured, looking at my ring and then the cupcakes. “But I’m still not going to agree with your vanilla name suggestions.”

He laughed, lifting me in his arms and bringing his mouth to my ear. “We’ll circle back to that later. Right now, I have something else in mind.”

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Chapter Thirty-One

Bonnie

On our wedding day, I felt ready to pop. It was August, so it was hot outside. We were at a hotel and restaurant one hour away from Chicago. We were all spending the night here. The grounds were simply gorgeous, with rolling hills surrounded by giant old trees.

There had been a debate regarding if we should have the wedding before or after I gave birth. Certainly it would be easier to keep to the schedule without my huge belly, but I was happy with the decision. I wanted the baby to be part of me when we had the wedding. It fit our story.

We were holding the ceremony in a tent outside the restaurant. At first, Travis and I insisted on simply doing it outdoors, but the weather was unpredictable.

I was pacing in front of the tent with Ashley, Lena, Reese, and Emmett. Lena was fixing my dress. It didn't really need anything, but I loved that she kept fussing around me, arranging my veil, straightening my straps. She was stunning in a burgundy dress with short sleeves.

"You look so beautiful, darling," Lena said. "I'm so happy you and Travis met, and my granddaughter brought you back together. You know, I haven't told you this, but I consider you my daughter."

"Lena," Reese admonished, "don't make her cry, but that's sweet."

Tears welled in my eyes, and I heard Ashley sniffling. My good friend knew what those words meant to me. My parents weren’t attending. Mom said she couldn’t face the Maxwells after that interview, and Dad... well, he simply said he didn’t think he could make it. But I was determined to focus on the positive: the Maxwells were my family now.

"Thank you, Lena." I leaned forward, and she hugged me, which wasn't an easy thing to do, considering we had a beach ball between us. Happy couldn't even begin to describe how I felt. It was joy mixed with a peace that seemed to seep into my very bones and fill every cell.

"Are you ready?" Emmett asked.

I straightened up and blinked until tears fell over my cheeks. I dabbed them with the back of my palm. The makeup artist instructed me not to use my finger pads, because those were the dirtiest part of the hand and would leave prints on my foundation.

"I'm ready," I whispered.

He laced an arm around mine. "I always wished for a daughter just so I could give her away. I'm proud to escort you today, Bonnie."

"Emmett," Reese said, stomping her foot. She was crying now too.

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