Page 67 of Just Another Chance

We take a deep breath and turn as the officiant begins the ceremony, welcoming our guests and then talking about love. As much as I’m trying to listen, Addie has my complete attention. I can’t drag my eyes off her and I know that I’m the luckiest man in the world.

When it comes time to recite our vows, I’m sweating again because I know everyone is watching, but I focus on Addie, staring into her pretty brown eyes, and know that everything will be fine.

“Well, here we are. We made it.” Addie smiles at me. “And I know we did this a little backwards and upside down and inside out…” I say and a few people chuckle. “But, sweetheart, there’s no one else in the world I ever wanted or needed as much as you. You’re my everything, Addison Lila Hayes, and I will ‘Always Love Her.’ Thank you for waiting for me, sweetheart.”

She nods, tears brightening her eyes.

“We went through a lot to get here and I’m so excited to spend the rest of my life with you and our little man.”

We both glance over at Owen who babbles quietly on Charlie’s lap. He’s such a happy and content kid.

Addie squeezes my hands. “We have been through so much,” she says. “But there’s no one else I’ve loved more than you and even though those two years apart were hard, I’d wait a lifetime for you, Tanner. You’re the kindest, sweetest, hottest man–” Laughter erupts. “–that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. You love me for exactly who I am and my heart beats for you and you alone.”

Happiness flows through me and I’m pulling her closer to kiss her because I can’t resist when the officiant clears his throat. With a crooked grin, I pull back and force myself to wait. Kayla hands Addie my wedding band and she slides it on my finger, promising to love and cherish me til death do us part.

When it’s my turn, Sawyer hands me the sparkling diamond eternity band that I recently bought to match Addie’s engagement ring. I slide it up her finger and it’s a perfect complement to the other diamond.Only diamonds and daisies for my girl.

I promise her my heart, body and soul til death do us part. Truthfully, though, even after we die, I will never let this woman go. She’s mine forever, throughout all eternity. A love like ours is so rare and powerful and, once again, I thank the heavens above for giving us another chance.

After reciting our vows and exchanging rings, the officiant declares us man and wife and tells me I may finally kiss my bride. But I’m already halfway there and cheers, clapping and whistles fill the air as our lips meet. My mouth brushes hers reverently, thoroughly, and I can’t believe this amazing woman is all mine.Finally.

When we pull apart, my brothers are slapping my back, the girls are squealing, and Charlie walks over with Owen. I take him from her and lift him high into the air. Pure happiness and love fill me as Addie laughs. Then I prop him on my side, take her hand and kiss its back.

“Are you ready to celebrate, Mrs. Beckett?” I ask her.

“More than you’ll ever know, Mr. Beckett,” she responds, a twinkle in her dark eyes.

The reception lasts for hours, and everyone lets loose and has a blast, even Sawyer who sets aside his normally blasé attitude. Crew and Sierra lead the party on the dance floor and when I realize Sawyer is out there with the rest of us doing the Electric Side, I laugh so hard my side nearly splits.

Glancing down at Addie, this is all I’ve ever wanted– our happy ending and a life of fun and love with our family and friends.

The night is full of highlights, and I have several favorite moments including our first dance as husband and wife. After a few spins, Charlie hands Owen over and Addie and I continue to move around the floor with Owen in our arms, between us. He’s having a blast and laughs the entire time.

I also thoroughly enjoy lifting Addie’s dress up and slowly pulling her sexy garter down her soft, slim thigh. I couldn’t miss the warm flames licking within her chocolate eyes.

Once I got the garter off, I turned around and waited for the single men to line up behind me. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Sawyer leaning nonchalantly against the wall, arms crossed. Clearly this was one tradition he had no desire to participate in. So, instead of tossing the garter over my shoulder, I pulled it back like an elastic rubber band and let it fly straight in my younger brother’s direction. It hit him right upside the head and the room roared with laughter.

“Guess you’re next to get married, bro,” I tease him.

He gives a derisive snort. “Don’t hold your breath.”

But he does lean down to pick up the lace and pearl garter. Rolling his eyes, he stuffs it into his pocket, but I see the smirk before he can hide it. I’d love for Sawyer to meet his match and take the fall. But whoever manages to snag my brother’s attention is going to have her work cut out for her. He’s a stubborn sonofabitch. I have a feeling though that when he does finally meet his match, he’s going to fall damn hard and not know what the hell hit him.

I can hardly wait.

And the last part of the evening that I’ll always remember is when we cut the cake. I feed Addie a piece– very nicely I might add– and when it’s her turn, I get a handful of frosting and cake smeared across my face. She and Owen laugh so hard that I can’t help but join in. And then I get my revenge and we have a bit of a cake war.

It all ends well, and we only wind up with a little on our clothes.

By eleven, the party is over. I booked a room for us here at the hotel and after kissing and hugging Owen goodnight, we watch as Kayla spirits him away with a little farewell wave to us.

“He’s going to sleep like a rock tonight,” Addie predicts.

“Definitely,” I agree. We say goodbye to everyone and by the time we get to our suite, I am ready to strip my bride out of her fancy dress and tear off my suit.

“Do you mind helping me?”

Addie turns, offering me her back, and there are a million pearl buttons that need to be undone. I walk over and lean in, drinking in her baby powder scent as I skim my fingers down her bare arm and press a kiss to her shoulder.

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