Bloody paps. Can’t even give us one damn day.
We didn’t tell anyone beyond our closest circle, so I don’t know how they found out, but I’ll worry about that later.
Because then… I seehim.
Colter Slade.
Wearing a black tux, black shirt, and black tie. The only color? A soft lilac David Austen rose tucked in his jacket.
He looks lethal. Controlled. Beautiful.
Mine.
Colt’s eyes find me. He bites his bottom lip, blinking fast, a tear slipping from one eye before he wipes it away with a rough hand.
That breaks me.
My own eyes tear up, and I dab at them while holding his gaze.
The world fades.
There is only him.
There’s always only him.
We stand facing each other, hands intertwined, foreheads nearly touching as the celebrant speaks, though I barely register his words. All I can feel is Colt. The heat of his skin, the steady pressure of his hands, the way his thumb strokes across mine like he’s grounding himself as much as me.
There’s a weight in the air, thick with anticipation, emotion, and love so palpable it hums between us.
The guests fade.
The whispers quiet.
The world stills.
It’s just us.
Colt takes a breath, long and slow, and when his eyes meet mine, it’s like he’s baring every part of himself without hesitation. My heart stutters, and the air leaves my lungs. Then, in that deep, gravel-laced voice that’s only ever for me, he speaks,
“Deliah Norman, I take you to be my wife, lover, and friend.
“I take you to be mine and mine alone.
“I will love you forever as I love you now.
“I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love.
“I will always be honest with you, kind, patient, and forgiving.
“I will love you as we grow and change.
“I will love you when we are together and hate it when we are apart.
“I will cherish your friendship, and I will honor your goals and dreams and help you to fulfill them.
“I will comfort and encourage you, laugh with you, and stay honest with you.
“I will be in love and make love with you every second I can, and I promise I will love you… until the end of time.”
