Carter leaned closer to me and murmured, “They leave us spellbound, huh?”
Warmth threaded up my chest and into my ears.“Sure do.”
A light breeze flitted through the live oaks, making the leaves shake and dance.A tendril of Jasmine’s hair pulled loose of her complicated bun to drift across her temple.I brushed it back before it could catch in her eyelashes and then turned my other hand over so that I clasped her hand.
“Are you ready?”I asked.
Her eyes were luminous, and her smile was full of soft promises.“Yes, Steve.I am.”
I led her the last foot to the beaming officiant.“It’s rare that I see such a magnificent show of love.”He winked.“And I do a lot of weddings.”
We all laughed, as I’m sure he hoped we would.
“In all seriousness,” he said, sobering.“This moment is sacred, not because of the words I will read or because your faith says so.But because you’re making a vow.That should mean lots of thought and prayer went into the decision to marry.Because the joining should never be easily undone.
“Unless it’s a rock,” Lyric, Kate’s daughter, who was standing next to her mother, twirling her pretty puffy skirt back and forth, said.
The officiant seemed started by this response and looked at us for askance.“She’s not wrong,” I said with a shrug.
Recovering, Jasmine said, “We’ll just have to be stronger than a rock, huh, little bit.”
“Diamonds are the hardest known material,” Ike, Kate and Rye’s oldest son said, squinting behind his thick glasses as he considered this issue.“I guess you’ll want a diamond marriage.”
“What rock has some give?”Jasmine asked.“You know, for when you need to compromise.”
Ike shrugged.“Rocks don’t do that.”
“But people can.And should.That’s what Mommy said,” Lyric said.
“Pi-ee, Gamma!”Cash shouted, rocking his little feet against Cam’s hips.
“If this is what our family get-togethers are going to be like, I think I’m going to like them a lot,” Nash said.
Once again, everyone laughed.
When I slid Jasmine’s ring on her finger, my entire body relaxed.This was it.She was mine.I was hers.We were in this together.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” I intoned.Keeping my gaze settled on Jasmine’s face, I continued.“Jasmine, you are my guide to love, my every wish, and the person I want to grow old with.With you, I’ve found a love that transcends time.Today, I promise to see you with the same eyes I use today.Even when the day comes that we’re older and grayer…” She rolled her eyes at me, which caused my lips to quirk upward.“I promise to always see you with the same eyes and the same heart that I see you with at this exact moment.Your laughter, your kindness, and your unwavering love—it’s etched in my soul.
“I vow to dream with you, celebrate with you, and walk beside you through whatever life brings.Our love story is not just about today; it’s about all the tomorrows we’ll share.
“Together, we’ll write new chapters, weaving our love into the fabric of time.Let our vows be a testament to the enduring flame that burns within us—a flame that will warm our hearts even as the years pass.I choose you, now and forever.
“May our love continue to grow, deepen, and flourish, like a timeless melody that plays in our hearts.”
Cam leaned over to Nash.“I see where you get the songwriting ability.That caused me to tear up.”
Nash nodded, his lips smashed together.“It was superb.”
Chapter18
Jasmine
Ifelt like I was floating.Unlike my wedding to Laurence, which was a practical affair—at least from my standpoint, this time I was excited, nervous…everything a bride should be.Now that I wore his ring, I exhilaration popped in my chest.
I met his gaze before I slid the ring onto his thick finger, and he looked at me with awe and love in his eyes.That look made my toes curl in the strappy, sparkling kitten heels the girls chose for me...
“Steve, as we stand here today, I am reminded of the countless moments that have led us to this point.Through the trials and triumphs of life, I promise tostand by your side, holding your hand through it all.Our journey together has been filled with laughter, tears, and shared memories.Today, I vow to cherish and support you as we continue this journey together.Our love has weathered storms, and with each passing day, I will show you my love and gratitude.Our bond will continue to grow stronger with time, and I am grateful for the chance to love you again.”
