“Sounds perfect to me,” Sin replied.
“I can’t think of anything better,” Evangeline added.
“Would you like to say a few words to each other?” Maverick asked.
“I would,” Evangeline said. “Sin, you were an important part of my past. You arethemost important part of my present, and you will always be the best part of my future. I love waking up beside you and falling asleep in your arms every night. I love laughing with you and riding your motorcycle with you. I treasure working with you and confiding my greatest secrets to you. You are smart and brave, loving and loyal. You’re handsome and kind. You love me so much and you show me in so many ways. I am your person, your life partner, your friend, and your wife for the rest of our lives. I love you with everything I am and I will treasure and protect you, always.”
“Yay!” Sammy blurted from the front row, causing more laughter.
“How’d I do, Sammy?” Evangeline asked.
“Soooo good.”
“Sin, you’re up, my brother,” Maverick said. “Would you like to say a few words to your lovely bride?”
He gazed upon his breathtaking bride, pausing to appreciate the way her updo framed her eyes and how stunning she looked in her wedding gown.
“My gorgeous, brilliant Evangeline. I promise to honor and treasure you, respect and listen to you. I am and will always be your friend, your lover, and your confidante. I promise to love you, be faithful to you, and spoil you with surprises like today. You are my world, Evan.”
“Yaaaaayyy, Uncle Lalla!” Sammy beamed up at him, clapping.
“Thank you, squirt.”
“Who has the rings?” Maverick asked.
“I do.” Dakota fished them from his pocket.
“Evangeline,” Maverick said, “I have vows you can repeat after me, or you’re welcome to say your own.”
She smiled at their guests. “I can do this, right?”
The group applauded and cheered her on.
After taking the ring from Dakota, she held Sin’s hand. As she slipped on the thick, Zirconium wedding band, she said, “Together forever as husband and wife. This ring means you’re my man. Don’t forget that. But I’m guessing my dad would come after you pretty good if you mess this up.”
When the group stopped laughing, she smiled up at him. “My heart and my soul are yours forever.”
Dakota handed Sin her wedding ring.
As he gazed into her eyes, he said, “This band signifies our never-ending love story. I will love, honor and cherish you for the rest of my life…and beyond. You, my beautiful Evangeline, are my entire universe, my best friend, and my life partner in all things good…and bad.”
He slid the black wedding band emblazoned with white diamonds over her ring finger. “I pledge my love and everlasting commitment to you today, tomorrow, and for all our days ahead.”
“Nice job,” Maverick said with a grin. “Congratulations, it’s my great honor to now pronounce you husband and wife.”
As the guests applauded, Sin drew her into his arms and kissed her. A feeling of peace washed over him. Evangeline’s love had freed him from his past and set him on a trajectory for a lifetime of happiness and love.
When their kiss ended, Evangeline clasped his hand and turned to the crowd. “I have a little something for my husband.” She grinned at him. “You aren’t the only one with a surprise.”
Big D walked to the front carrying a large box. “Hey, everyone. I’m Big D.”
The attendees shouted their hellos back.
“I’d like to give Big D kudos for bringing this gift with him since I had no idea I was getting married today,” Evangeline said before addressing Big D. “Thank you for being one step ahead of Sin and me.”
“My pleasure,” he replied.
Evangeline faced her husband. “Babe, I had this made for you, for the lobby of your children’s center.”
