Chapter : 936
I paused, taking a deep breath; tears were filling my eyes as I spoke, and I worried they’d spill down my cheeks.
“I love you so much,” I tell him, my voice cracking slightly. “And I wouldn’t want to do this thing with anyone else.”
Gavin’s smile was radiant, and it made my heart swell in my chest. I wanted to lean into him and press my lips to his, but I knew we weren’t at that part yet.
Once our vows were spoken, the priest cleared his throat, as if he were holding back his own emotions.
“Now for the exchanging of the rings,” the priest announced, motioning for Matt, who was the ring bearer.
Matt stepped up, his smile bright, and made me smile in return. He held up the pillow that held both of our rings, and my heart swelled at the sight. It wasn’t huge and flashy, showing off how much money Gavin could spend… it was simple… which was perfect for me. The band was smooth white gold, strong without being bulky. At its center sat a pear-shaped moon gem, milky and luminous, catching the light with a soft glow rather than a harsh sparkle.
My eyes shot up to meet Gavin’s, and he gave me a knowing look.
“Is this the Moon Gem?” I asked him, my voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded.
“It seemed only fitting,” he told me as he took the ring off the pillow. “And with this, I promise you my love and protection for the rest of my life and then some.”
He took my hand in his, and I felt the warmth of the ring against my skin; my heart swelled for what felt like the hundredth time.
I took his ring off the pillow and brought it to his hand as well. My eyes found his as I slipped the white-gold band around his finger. It fit perfectly.
The rest of the ceremony went beautifully. There was a lot of crying and emotions, but we made it through. And when the priest finally told Gavin that he could kiss the bride, Gavin didn’t hesitate to wrap me in his arms and press his lips to mine.
Everything inside of me expanded at the kiss, and I wanted so desperately to deepen it right then and there. But I knew I couldn’t, because there was an audience, and I really didn’t need or want them to see that. So I kept it tame and reluctantly pulled away from my husband.
Gavin winked at me as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. I wouldn’t put it past him.
The crowd went wild, and I couldn’t help but laugh as my family and friends all threw flower petals in our direction. I took Gavin’s arm, and he led me down the aisle and towards the church doors so we could get ready for the reception, which was being held at the Carter Resort.
The moment the church doors
closed behind us, the noise frome
outside dulled into a muffled roar.
Laughter, cheering,
Dowling all.
blurred in the background as Gavin pulled me to the side of the corridor.
For the first time all day, it was just us.
His hands slid to my waist, warm and steady, and he looked at me like he was still
trying to convince himself that this was real.
“You’re my wife,” he said quietly, almost in disbelief.
I laughed softly.
“You’re stuck with me now,” I tease. “A little late to regret it now.”
He laughed too and shook his head.
“I could never regret you,” he assured me, brushing a strand of hair out of my face.
He bent down and brushed his lips against mine, but he never actually got the chance to kiss me because the church doors swung open, pulling me away from him. I turned to see my mom standing there with raised brows. In her arms was Ryder, and he looked so cute in his little onesie.
“Hi, baby boy,” I said to my son as I approached. I wrapped him in my arms and
cradled him against my chest.
“We were just coming to find you
two. The limo is here to take you and
is
the wedding party to the reception. Everyone else taking their ow vehicles.
I nodded, kissing the top of Ryder’s soft head.
“Then we should get going. Are Nan and Irene already in the limo?”
“Irene and Erik are,” she said with a nod. “But Nan left almost right after. I’m not entirely sure where she is.”
I furrowed my brows.
“She left?” I asked. “What do you mean my maid of honor left??”