Jameson pulled her close. His eyes closed as he held back the emotion sweeping over him. “Say it again,” he asked her.
Caroline smiled, knowing what he wanted to hear, because he asked her every night before he went to sleep.
“I choose you. Because you’re the man I want to run to, Jameson Bates,” she whispered as they kissed.
Jameson cupped her cheek. “I love you, Honeybee. Thank you for choosing me.”
She snuggled into his shoulder as he put his arm around her. Jameson didn’t doubt they’d have rough days ahead. After all, Caroline needed to heal and grieve. But he’d stay by her side and comfort her until the end of his days. Convincing Caroline prompted his goals in the beginning, but after his near-death experience, he knew love couldn’t be convinced or coerced. It had to be given freely, and she chose him.
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
Four Months Later
Jameson watched his bride walk up the aisle toward him. She resembled an angel, her flowing dress billowing in the gentle breeze under the late-morning sun.
She beamed at him as she took his hands and repeated her vows. “I, Caroline, take you, Jameson, as my husband. I promise to choose you first every day. I’ll stay by your side in sickness and in health. You’ll be the one I run to in times of need and my source of comfort. I vow to protect you and honor you the rest of my life.”
Jameson leaned down to kiss his Caroline when Garrett called. “She’s not your wife yet.” The small crowd erupted in laughter as Jameson kissed her anyway.
“I, Jameson, take you, Caroline, as my wife. I promise to always protect you and live up to my new name. I’ll honor the vow I made to your dad. I’ll comfort you through the bad times and love you forever. I’ll care for you in sickness and in health. I will put you first in all things and will cherish you all the days of my life.”
“You may kiss your bride,” the officiant said joyfully.
Caroline smiled and cried happy tears as he cupped her face and kissed her lovingly. When Jameson pulled back, he wiped his own tears, not caring what anyone thought. The woman in front of him mattered to him more than anything else.
The crowd whistled and clapped as they walked down the aisle hand in hand.
They ate lunch with their friends, and Jameson drove them to his cabin. He and Caroline agreed they didn’t want a big reception, only family. After he rested for a few hours, they’d return to Julio’s house for a small gathering.
She took his hand as he helped her from the truck. They climbed the small porch steps, and he swept her up in his arms.
“Jameson, put me down. You’ll hurt yourself,” she exclaimed.
“I’m not starting our married life out without carrying you across the threshold,” he said, stopping to let her get the door.
“We only said our vows today, and you’re already testing me,” she grumbled as she kissed him. “Put me down.”
“Whatever you say, Mrs. Bates,” he said, letting her body slide against his.
Caroline smiled and walked to their bedroom. She gazed out the window, marveling at the perfect day.
Jameson came from behind, embracing her in his arms. “I know you’re still healing.”
“I’m no longer afraid. Losing you made me realize how much I want you,” she murmured, gazing up at him. He turned her, no longer able to contain his passion.
Their mouths crushed together in a heated kiss. Their tongues met as they took turns exploring each other.
Caroline whimpered when Jameson broke the connection.
Undoing the buttons on the back of her dress, he cursed under his breath. “Who considered these buttons a great idea?”
Caroline giggled as Jameson let out an exaggerated sigh as he found the last one. Carefully setting the dress on an armchair, he turned.
Caroline took his breath away in a white corset and silk stockings secured by garters. Her white cowgirl boots topped off the ensemble. Her cheeks flushed pink under his gaze.
“I want to remember this moment forever,” he said, taking her in. She smiled and bit down on her lip. He knew it must have taken her every ounce of courage to wear this for him.
Kicking off her boots, she walked toward him. Her arm wrapped around his neck.
