Page 228 of The Fire We Make

Ace gripped one side of her face and pulled her close, taking her lips in an unhurried kiss.

“I’ll be waiting.”

At Last by Etta James flowed over the speakers as Joy walked alone down the aisle.

Glock had offered to give her away and even Pops had offered to accompany her, but she declined both.

“No one has the power to give me away, but me,” she’d said.

Ace grinned as he watched his at last approach, the bouquet of roses in her hand standing out against the white gown.

“Hi,” Joy beamed when she reached him.

“Hi baby,” Ace said, returning her smile.

The pastor began speaking but Ace tuned him out, getting lost in Joy’s eyes and finding a renewed excitement for life thanks to the future he saw reflected in her eyes.

He didn’t tune back in until he was prompted to repeat the vows.

He stared into her eyes, hoping to convey every ounce of his sincerity and devotion as he repeated the words.

“To have and to hold.”

“To have and to hold.”

“From this day forward.”

“From this day forward.”

“For better, or for worse”

“For better or for worse.”

Tears slid down Joy’s face, and Ace caught them with his thumb.

“For richer or for poorer.”

“For richer or for poorer.”

“In sickness and in health”

“In sickness and in health”

“To love and to cherish.”

“To love and to cherish

“Till death do us part.”

Ace shook his head. “Not even then.”

Chuckles went up around the room but Ace’s face was stone, deadly serious. She was his in this lifetime and every one that followed. He’d waited 34 years for her in this one and he’d do it again and again if he had to.

Joy was next to say her vows, then with trembling fingers, she slipped the diamond encrusted wedding band on his finger. He gripped her hand in his once she was done, lacing their fingers.

Her full lips spread and her cheeks heightened as she smiled. Ace mirrored her then tugged her close until the small space between them had been obliterated.

He stared down at her pretty red lips and a hunger built inside him to taste them. To claim her in front of God, his family, and his world and put her on the throne as his queen where she belonged.