Page 53 of No Limits

“You ready? You look nervous now.” There’s concern in Chelsea’s voice, and I wonder if I’ve also paled, something I have a tendency to do when I’m anxious.

“It’s just really settling in is all.”

“You’ll be great. It’s going to be amazing.”

Before I can answer, the door opens, and Pete, our photographer, smiles at me. “You ready, Shay?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

He extends a hand that I take, then carefully climb out of the limo. I let him lead me where I need to be, Chelsea trailing behind me and holding up the short train on my dress. I didn’t want anything too long, it’s not my style. And instead of heels, I have blue Converse on. They’re my something blue, along with a few forget-me-nots sprinkled into my bouquet for Chelsea and her favorite flower.

Pete leads me around the yard of the venue, taking me to the back. It overlooks a small lake, the perfect backdrop for the perfect day. And it is—blue skies, and a shining sun reflecting off the water behind Lochlyn, who’s staring out at the river.

Even with his back turned, I can tell he looks incredibly handsome in his tux. His shoulders are broad, the jacket cutting in to show off his tapered waist. And I’m sure when he turns around, my breath will be stolen just as much as his.

With a deep breath, I shake out my limbs as Pete backs up to get the shot.

I reach out with my right hand and tap Lochlyn on the shoulder, which then rises and falls as he takes a deep breath and slowly turns around.

The second his gaze lands on me, his eyes widen, and a breathtaking smile spans his face. In all the years we’ve known each other, it’s the biggest and most brilliant I’ve ever seen. His eyes absolutely sparkle, and I think I even see a little extra wetness.

I can hear the breath catch in his chest.

“Shay. You look…Oh my God. You look incredible.” He takes my hand and spins me around before tugging me against him and tilting my chin up with a finger and brushing his lips against mine.

“I’m a very lucky man. Though, I knew I’d have the most beautiful bride to ever walk the planet.” He tucks me into his chest and loses a hand in my hair. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” The sound of his heart thumping beneath my ear calms me and takes away the tremble in my bones.

It’s then that I hear the clicking in the background and notice how close Pete is. “All right guys, can I get a few more of you?”

He puts us in the typical couple poses, Lochlyn behind me with his hands on my waist, wrapped around me, holding me in his arms. Then he takes some of just Lochlyn, some of just me. Chelsea comes in and we take some together, then Mom and Wes. There are a dozen different arrangements, even a few with Don and Lochlyn’s parents. His parents almost didn’t come.

That was a difficult phone call for him, but he made it clear if they didn’t show, he was done with their bullshit. One thing he revealed to me after is he likely is anyway. Enough is enough as far as he’s concerned. And I can’t say I blame him since it’s been ongoing for too long.

Just when I’m sure my cheeks are going to fall off from smiling so much, Pete releases us. The venue has a spot for us to sit and rest throughout the night if we need to escape, before the ceremony, or during cocktail hour. Really any time we need or want.

Lochlyn and I settle on the couch and I curl into his side as he sips a water and runs his fingers up and down my arm.

Within minutes of us sitting down, Linda comes to collect Lochlyn and Wes, who both need to be at the end of the aisle, as well as telling me, Chelsea, Mom and Don to get ready. Mom will walk in with Don, as will Lochlyn’s parents, before Chelsea and myself.

“I’ll be waiting for you at the end, baby girl.” His hands are holding mine, which have started to tremble again, and our foreheads are pressed together.

“See you soon.”

With a quick peck and squeeze of my hands, he’s gone, and I’m left with Chelsea and Mom. The Reynolds didn’t join us down here, opting to mingle with the guests as they arrive.

“All right, Shay. Are you ready? Everybody is seated.” Linda returns to collect me, and I stand, sandwiched between Mom and Chelsea.

Everything turns hazy as anxiety overwhelms my senses.

Before I realize what’s happening, I’m standing in front of the doors that will open and lead me to the walk to Lochlyn.

“Chels. Do something for me?”

“Anything.”

“Don’t let me fall.” I turn to look at her with wide eyes. I’ve had nightmares of that very thing happening.

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