Page 96 of Wandering Closer
The three of us head outside for photos before the ceremony. David and Evelyn make their way over, both tearing up when they catch sight of me. This is now the third time this wedding has made them cry. The first was when we showed up Christmas morning to tell them we were engaged, followed a few weeks later when I asked David if he would walk me down the aisle and Evelyn if she would be the flower girl with Shadow. It might be a silly thing, but she was beyond honored. They both were.
The girls leave us to take their seats as we make our way into our cabin, where I will walk out from the back door. Evelyn and Shadow slip through first, leaving me and David alone until we get the signal.
He grabs my hands in his, his chin trembling. “I thought when I had sons, that they would be my greatest pride in life. And they are, but adding you to our family, and watching Thoren be seen and valued for exactly who he is; watching you love him as deeply and truly as we do… Lily, it has been the greatest joy. I’m so proud to call you part of our family.”
“Damn it, David,” I croak as a tear breaks free and trails down my cheek. “You aren’t supposed to make me cry right before walking down the aisle.”
His laugh booms as he pulls out a handkerchief and gently taps my cheek. “You are supposed to be the one person in this family who doesn’t swear. Ah, to hell with it. Let’s get you fucking married.”
Thoren is waiting under the arch for me, his hair in that effortlessly messy but styled look I love. His beard is neatly trimmed, and his black suit is tailored to perfection, hugging his thick thighs and snug over his broad shoulders. He looks absolutely edible, and he’s all mine. When our eyes finally catch, I see the glassy sheen as he takes me in. He mouths ‘I love you’ with a wink, causing my heart to beat out of my chest.
He takes me from his dad, his eyes trailing down my dress and back up. “You look stunning. I can’t believe I get to marry you,” he whispers.
“I love you, handsome. Let’s make this official.”
River starts the ceremony, thanking everyone for coming out and celebrating us. Surprisingly, he keeps the entire speech appropriate, with humor mixed in. I block out parts of it, too focused on the man in front of me. Thoren’s thumbs stroke over my knuckles as his eyes stay locked on mine. Our gazes tell each other every emotion we are feeling at finally getting to this day.
We say our vows, promising our lives to each other. Lives that I know will be filled with love, happiness, family, and adventures.
River finally tells Thoren that he may kiss his bride, and as his lips come in to meet mine, I whisper against his, “I’m pregnant.”
