Page 115 of Forever Mine
I let her see Jay’s letter.
He sent her a similar letter on her wedding day a few months ago.
She silently reads, and once finished, folds the paper back into thirds and sets it down.
“It’s my fault he’s not here.”
Now, she’s crying. Well, shit.
“No, it’s not. And no more tears for either of us. Today is a happy day. I’m getting married.”
Rallying for my benefit, she pushes her shoulders back and gives me one of her beatific smiles.
“Damn right you are. Let’s finish getting you ready.”
I’ve never been more ready for anything in my entire life.
Pixieand the Badass Bitches serenade everyone with a funked-up version of Pachelbel’sCanon in Das I stand in front of the archway, sweet anticipation curling my stomach like the waves that are gently crashing onto the shore behind me. The sunlight, now softened to a warm amber glow, shimmers just above the curvature of the earth and casts a magical light over everything. Smiling familiar faces of friends and family sit in attendance and quietly talk among themselves. Fragrant plumeria mingles with the soft scent of roses and the salty ocean air. My eyes trace the length of the silver satin runner that cuts a pristine path under the chiffon-draped canopy. I take in every detail, every soundand smell, wanting to etch this day, this once-in-a-lifetime moment, to memory.
“Are you sure you have the ring?”
“Yes, for the thousandth time,” Liz replies.
The sun dips lower. The music changes. People stand from their seats and turn around. Holy shit. This is it.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath to slow my pounding heart. When I open them again, the world seems even more vibrant, the colors more vivid. I turn my gaze to the end of the aisle, and my breath catches in my throat.
There he is.
My Elijah. The man who first stole my heart with just a smile.
Fuck, he’s breathtaking. So damn gorgeous. I can’t take my eyes off him.
He takes his first steps toward me, his dazzling smile matching my own.
When he gets to me, I reach for him. He slips his hands into mine, and our forever begins.
I love you, he mouths, his hazel eyes wet and beautiful.
Love you always, Angel, I mouth back.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the everlasting love of two remarkable people…”
“CanI tell you three really important things?” Elijah asked.
I reclined back on my pillows, that panicky feeling starting to abate. “Go for it.”
“Thing number one. You have the most beautiful gray eyes I have ever seen. I dream about your eyes. The way they look like liquid silver, and how they shine when you smile.”
My breath hitched at his romantic words.
“What’s the second thing?”
“Everything will be okay. Things with your brother. Things with Liz and Ryder. I’m a believer that stuff happens in life for a reason. If it didn’t, I wouldn’t have met you.”
I melted a little at his statement. “What’s the third thing?”
“One day, when you’re ready, I’m going to kiss you.”
