I heldBella’s hand as we strode over to the “room.” I didn’t know what else to call it. It looked like a ballroom that was divided in half by a curtain. My guess was that was where the reception would be after we took our vows. This was quite different from the traditional church weddings I was used to. Daina said when the music started, Bella was supposed to walk in before me and I would follow. By the way my little girl was clutching my hand, I knew she wouldn’t make it down the aisle solo, and I didn’t blame her. Now that the moment was upon us, I was a little freaked out myself.
“Mommy, I don’t think I can do it. What if I drop all the flowers?” I knelt down so I could face her.
“I think that’s what you’re supposed to do, baby. Tell you what, can you walk in with me?” She gave me a big nod, and then I heard music. It sounded likeHere Comes the Bride, only a jazzier version, almost like Kenny G was playing it.Yes, this definitely wasn’t a church.
“Okay, kiddo. Ready?” I held my bouquet with one hand and held out my other for my daughter. I took a deep breath, saying a silent prayer that my modest silver heels wouldn’t make me trip, and headed down the aisle.
I marched down the aisle slowly, nodding hello to the people I knew. The room was dimly lit and the New York City skyline bathed in sunset made for a beautiful backdrop. Jason waved from his seat, and Lucas’s mother wiped her eyes with a tissue. Then I saw him—Lucas—the man I was about to marry—in an all-black fitted tuxedo. I realized right then what the term “drop dead gorgeous” meant because staring at him made it hard to breathe. This man was real, and he wasmine. Lucas gazed at me with glossy eyes, and a slow smile spread across his face as he shook his head.
“So beautiful,” he mouthed to me as Bella went to sit with my mother.
Lucas reached for my hand, and I quickly handed my flowers to Daina. Lucas took my face in his hands, and it felt as if we were the only ones there. I skimmed my fingertips along his jaw as a tear ran down his cheek. I wiped it away with the back of my hand. Lucas reached up to interlock our fingers before kissing my wrist.
“Now who’s a mushball?” I whispered as he rested his forehead on mine and chuckled.
“If it’s all right with you, I think we can get started.” I glanced at the officiant, a white-haired gentleman in a black suit and tie whom I’d never seen before. He looked at us with his eyebrows raised.
“Yes, please.” We both answered together, making everyone laugh.
“We’re here today to join Lucas and Samantha in marriage. I was given instructions to keep the ceremony short and sweet so we can head right to the vows.”
I peeked over at Lucas who shrugged with a smirk.
“Lucas, repeat after me—”
“I actually have my own if that’s okay.” He turned to me and smiled.His own vows, I had nothing prepared or even thought about.The fun of not knowing anything about today had run out. I wanted to kiss him and kill him at the same time.
“A little shy of two years ago, I asked an old friend to meet me for a drink. I remembered her as a beautiful girl, smart and sweet—but was completely unprepared for the gorgeous woman who was waiting for me. She smiled at me, and I was ruined for anyone else. I fell in love—crazy, head over heels in love—and never looked back.
“It hasn’t been the easiest road to get to where we are now. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you for giving me a second chance to love you. I know, without a doubt, we were meant to be. Today is the happiest day of my life because I finally get to marry you. I don’t think I could have waited another second.”
I closed my eyes and let the tears fall. There was no way I would have lasted through that without weeping. I had nothing prepared, but my heart was ready to burst.
“I don’t have anything prepared, so I’m going to wing it. Bear with me … A little over a decade ago, I was captivated by the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. He was not only handsome, but also kind and smart and just amazing. I admired him from a distance because I thought someone like him was out of my reach. When I saw him again years later, I realized why no one else ever measured up. Lucas, you’re the love of my life, my hero, and today you’re my husband. You gave me the courage to fight for what I wanted, and I never wanted anything more than you.Alwaysyou.”
Lucas let out a deep breath, pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
“There’s children here, you two!” Daina yelled from where she was sitting.
“They kissallthe time,” I heard Bella answer and laughed against Lucas’s lips.
“You still have rings …” The judge or whoever was marrying us looked at us with a smirk.
We broke apart, and my cheeks got hot. Nothing like pawing each other in front of friends and family.
“Sorry, sir. I got a little carried away.” Lucas kept his eyes on mine as he slipped the ring on my finger.
“With this ring, I promise you all that I am and all that I have, for the rest of my life.”
I managed to place the ring on Lucas’s finger and repeat the words without crying. I was Mrs. Lucas Hunter—finally.
“By the power vested in me by the State of New York …”
Lucas grabbed my waist and crashed his lips onto mine. I laughed at his eagerness before I melted into his arms.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You can keep kissing the bride.”
Everyone behind us clapped and cheered, but I wasn’t done kissing my husband. I didn’t know how long we stood there, but when it’s the best moment of your life—you should never rush it.
