Page 77 of The Heiress Bride
Too bad my stomach has more knots than an old fishing net.
I swallow back the jitters. I’ve got this. It’s just like climbing a light pole. One foot after the other.
“Alex, Gabe, Katherine—” All the words I scratched on my notepad evaporate from my head. I lick my lips, and Katherine squeezes my fingers. “You’re too pretty. I forgot what I was going to say,” I whisper.
My sisters in the second row giggle at my gaffe.
Katherine, bless her, gives one of those sweet, silent laughs that shake her shoulders. And that’s just one more reason I love her.
There they are. The words.
“I’ve been restless for as long as I can remember. Always on the move, always climbing the next thing, looking for something that would feel right. Like home but better. How ironic that the chase led me back to New York. But then I always knew you were my endgame, Wildfire.”
My mom gives a dramatic sniffle, and Ava quickly shushes her, which causes more laughter. Buoyed by the lightheartedness, I rack my brain for the ending to my vows.
Katherine gives me another squeeze.
“I love this life with the three of you. I promise tofight for it… for us… individually and together. To find my heart words when you need them and even when you don’t. To try to conquer my fears and battle my demons every day. I promise to love you, all versions, and to never run away.”
KATHERINE
My nose hurts so badly that I glance at LaShonda. I don’t know what I expect her to do, but the waterworks are going to start in three… two…
“And Katherine,” she says as she covertly passes me the handkerchief she waved around earlier.
“How do you expect me to follow that?” I quip, disengaging from the guys so I can fold the white cloth and blot beneath my eyes.
There’s a soft skitter of laughter, and I glance up at the darkening sky, composing myself. These three, my goodness. Such heartfelt words of love, commitment, desire, and promises.
It doesn’t even matter that this isn’t a legal wedding; we’ll handle that part when we get back to New York. The words and the truth behind them, binding us, are what today is about.
I was so sure I didn’t need to bring a copy of what I wanted to say. But as I take their hands again, the carefully planned words vanish.
So I take a deep breath, and for once, my hesitation has nothing to do with being center stage. Our audience is the closest of the close. My father, brother, and Sutton. King’s parents and sisters. Alex’s mother and father. My cousin Emma, her brother Beau, and my aunt and uncle. Roman, Charlotte, Simon, and Bonnie. The people we love and trust. The people who love and support us.
And just like that. I know what I want to say.
“Three months ago, I told the coordinator of the bachelorette auction that there must be a mistake. I see now that there was no mistake. Being on that stage was kismet. We were destined to find each other exactly how we did. All of us have come to realize that convention be damned. We are four parts making a whole that’s stronger together. Happier together.”
Because life isn’t only about strength and longevity. It’s about doing what makes your heart soar and being with the people who make you laugh.
Pausing, I give my focus to King. My funny, passionate friend who promised to never run away. To fight his demons for me. For us.
“Kingston, I have loved you most of my life. I adore your charm, your humor, and the way you’re always in my corner. I’m blessed to call you friend, lover, and now, husband. And you’d better believethat this time, if you run, we won’t let you get away.”
His wobbly, watery smile turns into a grin, and he grips my hand tighter. Alex gives our fingers a squeeze, and I swear it’s a ‘good job holding it together, bud.’
“Gabe…” I pause, lick my lips, and focus on my former nemesis. “I love that you’re a trailblazer. I adore your zest for life and new experiences and appreciate the way you say yes and follow your heart. I promise to keep you on your toes. To tell you the truth, even when it’s hard. To laugh with you, build a life with you, and live every day earning your trust.”
Now he looks like he’s going to lose his composure, and my heart aches, so full of love for him. But if I watch him any longer and read all the emotions flitting through his eyes, I’m going to put my mascara’s waterproof claim to the test.
“Alex—” I focus on the giant man who has the most tender touch. “You are my lighthouse in the storm. The calm voice in the back of my head, always providing strength and support. I want to be the same for you. Your safe place. Your quiet spot to land after a hard day. And just like you protect your family, I’ll protect you.”
Another finger squeeze.
And a smile that reaches his eyes. Howincredibly rare. What a special day. What an extraordinary life.
“Katherine, you may kiss your grooms.”
