Page 188 of Wrecked
The beautiful ceremony was a mix of formality and fun, but it was Stryker and Emerson’s vows that brought some of the guests to tears.
“My Em,” Stryker began. “You look absolutely radiant, beyond gorgeous. I can’t believe you’re mine. How did I get so lucky? You arealwaysthe best part of my day. No matter what we do, life is better when we’re together. You’re the love of my life and I promise you, in front of our family and friends, that I will continue to put you first. I love what we’re building together, one day at a time. We’ll make it through the challenges together and be grateful for the wins. I vow to love you with all my heart.”
The clergy asked Emerson to speak her vows.
“Stryker, I hope we spend the rest of our lives sharing hair ties and scrunchies.”
The audience started laughing.
“You are a beautiful man, inside and out, and I fall more in love with you every day. I love our adventures and the challenges we’ve endured together. My life is so much better because you’re in it. I love you so much and I know that our marriage will only bring us closer. I’m so excited to start this part of our lives, and to call you my husband. Loving you in the easiest thing I do.”
They exchanged rings, the clergy pronounced them husband and wife, and the crowd erupted in applause while the newlyweds shared a loving kiss. Wearing huge grins, Stryker and Emerson made their way down the aisle as husband and wife.
This is the beginning of their forever adventure.
Never before Hawk had Addison wanted to spend her lifethatentwined with another person. As the wedding party filed out, Hawk clasped her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed her finger. She melted from his tender gesture.
“It’s all about being with the right person,” she murmured under her breath.
“Sure is, baby,” Hawk replied.
“Did I just say that out loud?”
“No, I can read your mind.”
She smiled. “Stryker and Emerson look so happy.”
“That’s ‘cause they are.”
They made their way into the ballroom next door for the reception and over to the waiting newlyweds to congratulate them.
“I want that,” Addison whispered.
Draping his arm over her shoulder, Hawk whispered, “You can have it all.”
“You think?”
“Iknow,” he replied.
25
MISSING
The following afternoon, Hawk and Addison entered the hospital and hurried to the directory.
“Fourth floor,” Addison said. “I’m so excited Liv’s in labor.”
They squeezed into a full elevator, exited on the Labor and Delivery floor. Addison pulled him out of the way of foot traffic. “Are you going to be okay around them?”
“Yeah, I will,” he replied. “It reminds me of what I lost, but—” he dipped down and kissed her—“you give me hope.”
Her eyes widened. “You mean about us, right? You’re not talking about our having babies?”
“Do you want children?” he asked.
“Oh, wow, so we’re having this conversation?”
He waited.
