Page 100 of Changing the Play
Derek turns to me. So much love is shining out of his eyes, it takes my breath away.
“Sutton. I never thought when we met that day in the hospital that we would end up here. You are everything to me. The reason I wake up every day with a smile. The reason I can keep going on the hard days. My reason for being a better man. My reason for being the best dad I can to our kids.”
Derek’s words have tears leaking out of my eyes. There is so much love in this tiny Vegas chapel, that I feel like it could burst.
“I love you more than I can ever tell you, but I will live the rest of our lives showing you exactly what you mean to me.”
“Sutton. Would you like to say a few words?” Elvis asks.
“Way to put a girl on the spot,” I laugh, swiping the tears away.
I take a steadying breath, trying to figure out the right words to tell this man I love him.
“Derek, you are my family. You welcomed not only me, but Lydia into your life with open arms. You make me feel safe. Like I don’t have to take on everything all on my own. You make me strong. I wouldn’t trade anything for our family. You, me, Lydia, and Troy. And together, we can face anything. I love you.”
I love you,Derek mouths back to me.
When we get to the exchanging of rings, Jameson darts out to the main lobby to get us each a gold band.
“Kind of essential to have these.” He pecks me on the cheek before taking his seat next to his new husband.
Elvis hardly gets the words out that we’re husband and wife before Derek is sweeping me into his arms and planting the best kiss of my life on my mouth.
Warm, sweet, perfect.
“I love you,” I mutter against his lips.
“Not as much as I love you.”
Cheers, shouts, and hugs greet us as we walk down the aisle behind Gunnar and Jameson.
“I can’t believe we got married!” I shriek, peppering Derek’s face in kisses.
“Best day ever.”
It is. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect day with a more perfect man. Being surrounded by my family?
This will be a day I remember for the rest of my life.
THE END
