“With this ring, I thee wed.”
“Coulter Alan Prescott-Holt and KatherineCook, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in matrimony,have promised your commitment to each other by these vows, by the authorityvested in me by the State…” He trails off. “Well, by the authority vested inme, I now pronounce you husband…” Cole and I both look at him when he pauses.“And wife…again.”
“Finally.” Cole crushes me to him, buthis kiss is soft and tender, full of the love he has for me.
“You may now kiss the bride.” I smileinto Cole’s lips when I hear the Elvis preacher say this.
The audience erupts in applause, alongwith a few hoots and hollers. Cole hooks his arms around my neck, giving meanother gentle kiss. I never thought I could be this happy. My heart is full.
“Ladies and gentlemen. With greatpleasure, I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Coulter Prescott-Holt.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE
Cole spins me around. “We made it,Cookie. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives…again.” I giggle withdelight. Our officiator, my wonderful Elvis preacher, serenades us with theHawaiian Wedding Song as we make our way up the aisle. We walk down to thegigantic barn and stand inside, greeting guests as they make their way overfrom the garden.
After we greet guests, we spend a goodhour taking pictures.
“I need a drink,” I say, massaging mycheek muscles that ache because I can’t stop smiling. “And to sit down.”
“Here, let me.” Cole gently rubs hisfingers on my cheeks.
“Oh, that feels better.” Cole reachesdown, kissing me. “That feels wonderful. Do you think people would notice if wedisappeared for a while?”
“Cookie.” Cole kisses me again.
“Katie.” I glance up to see Ben walkingtoward me. “Hi,” he says sheepishly. “Um, Cole, do you think I could talk toKatie for a minute?” Cole looks at me and I nod.
“I’ll wait just over there.” Cole pointsto a bench next to the entrance of the barn.
“Hi Ben.” I grab his arms, running myhands down them, holding his hands. “You look very dashing in your tuxedo.”
“Thanks. What I want to say is…” Hetrails off, glancing back at Cole. “I’m sorry for what happened in Las Vegas.That isn’t like you, and I thought Cole was trying to take advantage.”
I grip Ben’s shoulders, hugging him.“Thank you for looking out for me. You are truly a good big brother.”
“Thanks.” Ben gives a sigh of relief. Hepulls back, looking at me. “You’re beautiful, Kate. I’m truly happy for you. Ican see how much Cole loves you, and how much you love him.”
“Thanks, Ben.” I swipe a happy tear frommy cheek.
“Okay, well—um, I wanted you to know Iwas sorry, and I apologized to Cole, too.” Ben pats my shoulders and starts towalk away.
“Ben, wait. Did Cole give you our gift?”
“Yeah, he shouldn’t have, though.”
“We love you. Spend the money wisely. Buya house or something.” I smile at him. Cole walks back to us, taking my hand.
“I’m going to use it for school.”
“What school?”
“I’m going to get my pilot’s license.”Ben salutes us and jogs down into the barn.
“Is everything good?” Cole gives me hisbeautiful smile.
“Never better, babe, never better.”
Inside the barn, which really isn’t abarn at all, it’s a beautiful ballroom, I find Laura, who’s holding a glass ofchampagne. “Oh yes, please.” I take the glass from her, sipping. “Ugh—yuck.”That’s sparkling cider. I shake my head, almost laughing; there is no alcoholat this wedding reception with my mother in charge.
