He shook his head, not taking his eyes off me. “Nothing.”
The corners of my mouth twitched upward. Maybe, I already had someone who looked at me as if I was his world—and that thought melted my heart.
Day Six
1:15 PM - 1:35 PM - Ceremony
The sun was high in the sky, beating down on us. It was a perfect summer beach wedding. On either side of the aisle, the guests sat in those white chairs on the sand. Asher and the officiant were already waiting at the altar. We had just a couple of minutes before the wedding ceremony started.
“Okay, Faith, you need to breathe.” Jamie fanned Faith with a piece of paper.
“I can breathe.” Faith took a few calming breaths as Eve rubbed her back. “Shoot, I didn’t think I’d be this nervous.”
“Of course you’re nervous. But guess what? In a few moments, you’ll be Mrs. Wells.” Mags gave her an encouraging smile from beside me.
“You’ve wanted to be with Asher forever.” I stared at my panic-ridden cousin. “He’s just as excited to get married as you.”
That got her to smile. “Thanks, Luca. You’re right. Maybe the next wedding we all go to will be yours.”
I chuckled as Mags’ cheeks burned red. “Maybe it will be.”
A little gasp escaped her as she whipped her head toward me. I gave her a wink. “It’s starting,” I said as the music filtered over to us.
We waited inside an enormous white tent so nobody could see Faith until she walked out. I understood the reason, but it was stuffy as hell. Mags reached up and adjusted my tie. Three little words were on the tip of my tongue, but I had to wait for the right moment.
The flower girl, Asher’s little cousin, went first and lined the path with white petals. Next up was Jamie, followed by Eve.
“Okay, Luca and Magnolia, you’re up.” A woman guided us to the opening of the tent and sent us down.
Mags’ arm was linked securely with mine as we walked down the aisle. I glanced down, mesmerized by the way her blonde hair shimmered in the sun. My breath caught in my throat as she threw me a dazzling smile.
We parted, and she stood by the rest of the bridesmaids as I took my spot beside Asher.
The man oozed impatience, and I could understand why. He was finally about to marry the love of his life, and I only just understood what that meant.
I clasped his shoulder. “Just a few more seconds.”
Fuck if I knew why, but I just could not tear my eyes off Mags. She gazed down the aisle with the biggest damn smile on her perfect lips.
The air buzzed with excitement as the officiant’s voice boomed, “Please stand for the bride.”
I managed to take my eyes off her for a moment to focus on my cousin and my best friend.
Faith only took two steps out before she was greeted by her dad. Whispers from the guests exploded as they saw her; she looked like a princess.
Uncle Joeseph escorted her down the aisle, and they glided. Faith and Asher never took their eyes off one another. At the end of the aisle, her dad hugged her and whispered something that made her smile in her ear before he presented her to Asher. He placed her hand in Asher’s and gave him a nod.
As a couple, Faith and Asher stood in front of Asher’s uncle.
“The rings,” Victor said.
Asher’s little cousin ran down the aisle to Faith and Asher. He gave them both the rings with a nervous smile before running off to his mom.
“The bride and groom are going to exchange vows now.”
“I can’t believe I was stupid enough to not fight for you years ago.” Asher’s gaze never strayed from her. “I promise to fight for you every single day. I will fall in love with you again and again. I promise to be your faithful husband. I promise to love you when the sun shines, when the rain falls, when the wind blows, in sickness, and in health. When you look at this ring, think of it as a symbol of us and remember that I love you, always. I love you not only for who you are but for who you make me. Without you, I am a man who has nothing. You are always my true love.” He slipped a diamond ring on her finger.
Faith took a few deep breaths before wiping her tear-filled eyes. “I promise to love you, honor you, and cherish you as my husband. Down that old path to the lake in Violet Ridge, to the sun-drenched island we’re saying I do on, our love will keep us safe, warm, and in each other's arms. I love you more than I can ever explain in words. It’s always been you, Asher.” She took his hand and placed the ring on his finger.
