“Now, Colter, repeat after me… With this ring, I thee wed.”
He takes my hand in both of his. I can feel it, the slight tremble, not from nerves, but from pure, electric anticipation.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” he repeats, loud and proud, his voice deep and full of conviction.
I giggle as he slips the ring onto my finger, his touch reverent. The weight of it, the symbolism, the finality, it all hits me at once. A tear slides down my cheek, and he’s right there to catch it, his thumb caressing the skin just beneath my eye.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the celebrant declares.
But Colt doesn’t wait for the go-ahead.Hell no.
He yanks me forward, crashing his lips to mine in a kiss that’s so powerful it leaves me breathless.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the celebrant says with mock dryness, causing the crowd to erupt into laughter.
Colt deepens the kiss, his tongue sweeping across mine, and everything else—helicopters, cameras, guests—melts away.
It’s just us.
His arms are around me.
My heart is pounding against his.
Our rings.
Our forever.
We’ve been through hell to get here.
Faced more pain than most couples do in a lifetime.
But we made it.
We chose each other. Every time. Through every storm, every scar, every setback.
Because this?
This is meant to be.
The crowd bursts into cheers and applause, and I barely hear it over the rush in my ears. We’re kissing like the world is ending, and we’ve only got one last chance to savor it.
“Seriously, guys,” Hux calls out, laughing as he slaps Colt on the back. “Save it for the honeymoon.”
We break apart reluctantly, and I already miss his lips on mine.
But the truth is, I’ve got a lifetime to kiss him.
And I plan on doing it.
Every damn chance I get.
Chapter Twenty-Two
DEE
After the ceremony, Colt and I are swept away for photographs while the crew sets up the reception beneath the willow tree.
Joseph and Danny organized one of their restaurant chefs to cater the event, and knowing them, I have zero doubt the food will be next-level. Fine dining under the stars with the love of my life?Yes, please.
