Page 166 of Flat Out

“Travis and Alyssia,” our officiant tells the crowd, “will now release three white doves. One for each of Alyssia’s parents, Williams and Sharon Scott, and her maternal grandmother, Eleanor Young.”

Travis wraps one hand around my back while his other hand covers mine that holds onto the cage’s door. Slowly, I twist the knob and open the cage, allowing the birds to fly freely.

Our guests erupt in applause behind us.

Travis pinches my chin between his two fingers and tilts my head up to his. His seafoam gaze examines my toffee browns, searching for sadness at the mention of my parents.

But all he finds is gratitude.

I’m grateful he insisted we add this portion to our wedding ceremony.

“Thank you,” I whisper before he lowers his lips to mine.

The kiss doesn’t last long because Lucky tries to pry our faces apart, making everyone in attendance laugh.

“It is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Travis and Alyssia Townsend,” our officiant declares.

We stroll down back down the pier and toward our guests laughing at the rice flying everywhere.

“Here’s to a lifetime together,” Travis says, pulling me into him at the end of the aisle. “And more love and babies.” He grins at Lucky.

“And more championships,” I add. “Don’t think because we’re married you can slack off,” I tease.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. From here on out, it’s flat out or nothing, baby.”