Page 101 of Silver Sinner

I make it to the end with only a wobble, and it's Pierce's turn to have a tear trail down his cheek.

"Pierce Murphy, do you take Layla Cross to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the minister asks.

"I do," Pierce replies before the man has even finished speaking.

"Layla Cross, do you take Pierce Murphy to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do," I croak, scarcely able to contain my bubbling emotions.

"Then it is my honor, with the power vested in me, to pronounce you man and wife."

Pierce surges forward like one of the waves crashing on the beach, and winds both his arms around my body in a tight embrace while drawing me into a deep, powerful kiss. I have just enough time to raise my hands and clutch at his shirt before my fists become trapped between our bodies. My heart soaks, tears from both of us mingle into the kiss, and Pierce presses me so tightly against himself that I can't breathe.

But I don't care.

It's our first kiss as a married couple.

Our first kiss of our new life.

Soft cheers rise up from Adrian, Moses, and Madeline, who breaks out into giggles as the puppy barks and darts around us.

This is my life now.

Sandy beaches. Warm sun. A man I adore in my arms and the happy, carefree laughter of my daughter in my ears. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Pierce adjusts his mouth against mine, kissing me deeper for a few long seconds, and then he pulls back with a gasp. Our noses brush together and tears cling to his lashes.

"I love you," he says huskily. "God, I love you so much."

"Good," I reply, pecking his lips. "Because I love you too."

"Is it cake time?" Maddie asks, tugging at my dress. We break apart and gaze down at her, then she erupts in squealing giggles as Pierce releases me and scoops her up instead. He tosses her briefly up into the air and catches her as she comes back down, then presses a kiss to her cheek.

"Ow!" Maddie squeals with laughter. "Your beard! Ow!"

He kisses her again and laughs, then passes her to Moses. "Yes, Maddie. It can be cake time. It should all be set out in the beach house."

"Yay! Mommy, let's go get cake!" She wiggles and bounces in Moses' arm and he laughs, then begins walking back up the seashell path with her.

Adrian passes and flashes me a warm smile, then faces his brother. "Wow, getting married has shaved ten years off you," he grins.

"Get fucked," Pierce replies, waving him away with an affectionate smile. Adrian darts away before that wave can turn into a blow.

I take a step, but it's the last step I take because Pierce suddenly scoops me right up into his arms and I squeak in alarm.

"Pierce!"

"Did you really think I'd let you take your first steps as a married woman alone?" he murmurs, kissing my cheek while I loop my arms around his neck.

"You're such an old-school romantic," I murmur, catching his mouth in a gentle kiss as he pulls away.

"Considering it got me someone as breathtaking as you, I can't deny that."

"Stop!" I kick my feet slightly as he walks toward the beach house. "You're going to make me blush!"

"Oh, I plan on making you do a lot more than blush," Pierce purrs softly. "So, Layla, are you ready to start your comfortable, slightly stressful, but utterly vibrant new life as Mrs. Murphy?"

I tighten my grip around his neck and plant a sincere, tender kiss on his temple as my heart continues to flutter in my chest.