Page 81 of Tangled Vows

My eyes widened in surprise. “Our vow renewal? We haven’t even been married a year yet.” I thought that was something couples did for milestone anniversaries like ten or twenty-five years. He chuckled and leaned in close so only I could hear.

“I realize that, but our circumstances were different then. We got married out of necessity, not choice.” He lifted his hand to cup my face, and his gaze searched mine. “That’s why I want to recommit to you. I want you to know that Ichooseyou. I will choose you every time, over and over until the day I take my last breath.”

“Easton.” My voice came out as a whisper, and he gently brushed his thumb across my cheek.

“This is our chance to do things right, to say our vows in front of our loved ones, and to pledge our love and our lives to each other. If we weren’t already married, I would gladly make you my wife right here, right now. I want forever with you.” He pressed my hand to his chest, and I felt his thunderous pulse against my palm.

The implications of what he said slammed into me and nearly stole my breath. I’d been heartbroken over not having my mom at my wedding, and he was giving me a do-over. But more than that, this was his way of proving that he was fully committed to me and our marriage. Hewantedthis. He wanted to be my husband, and he was showing the whole world what I meant to him.

“I want forever with you too,” I said, and he released a relieved breath as though he’d been worried I wouldn’t feel the same. Not a chance.

“Can we get on with this? Someone promised us a party,” Kent hollered, and laughter rumbled through the crowd.

“Okay, okay,” Easton said, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. He motioned the minister forward, and I handed my flowers off to Makenna. The ceremony took less than fifteen minutes. Easton held my hands the whole time, promising to love and cherish me as we spoke our vows, recommitting to upholding the promises we made all those months ago. When it was over, he drew me into his arms and kissed me fiercely. I clung to him like I never wanted to let go.

After the ceremony, we had a small reception in the garden. The weather was perfect. The mild July temperature was a stark contrast to Virginia in the summer, and the cloudless sky lent the perfect backdrop for an outdoor celebration.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Easton said as we swayed to the soft music being played by a string quartet in the corner. He really pulled out all the stops for this.

“Thank you. This dress is perfect.” He grinned down at me, satisfaction glittering in his eyes.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“You look rather handsome yourself. I’m loving this new look, but I have to ask … why the kilt?”

“My great-great grandfather was from Scotland. He lived about an hour from here.” My mouth fell open in surprise. I had no idea of his Scottish roots when I’d asked him to bring me here. “That's why I chose this exact location. I want to visit the town he grew up in while we’re here,” he added hopefully.

“I think that’s a great idea.”

He leaned in close, and his hot breath tickled my ear. “I have a few more ideas I’d like to share with you,” he proclaimed, and the heat in his voice sent shivers down my spine. “We didn’t have a proper wedding night, but I plan to make it up to you as soon as this party is over.”

THE END