The Chase is Over - Toni Aleo Page 0,32

down at her as he says, “I do, her father, as do her mother, her sister, and her brothers. We are so incredibly proud of you and who you have become, but most of all, we couldn’t have chosen a better man for you.”

Shea looks at me then, and my stomach drops. “I trust you.”

I chuckle nervously. “No pressure?”

“Nope, just the warning of death by Zamboni.”

Laughter rings through the barn as Shelli grins up at me. Shea takes my hand, pulling me in for a tight side hug. He then takes my hand before laying Shelli’s in mine. I lace my fingers with hers, our eyes meeting, and I feel like I’m floating. Breathless, I gaze into her eyes and whisper, “I love you.”

Her lips curve, and she brings my hand to her lips. “I love you,” she says around my knuckles before kissing them softly, and the song I sang to her last night blasts in my head.

I plan on never keeping my eyes off her.

Together, we step up the single stair, and like little fairies, Grace, Amelia, and Posey all fix Shelli’s dress, making sure she is in order before Posey takes her bouquet that probably cost a big portion of this wedding budget. We lace our fingers back together, and then we both take in a deep breath, letting it out in a rush, grinning like fools. I don’t even know what Ross says. I’m not listening. I’m gazing ever so deeply into my bride’s eyes. I take in each detail of her face, her sweet cheeks, her Cupid’s bow mouth, and love every bit of her. It’s requiring the restraint of an army to keep me from kissing the breath out of her.

I want to glorify each part of her.

Sing her praises.

But instead, I’m stunned to silence.

Even with my Stanley Cup only feet away and Ross talking a lot, I’m completely and utterly fascinated by her.

Could she look any more perfect?

“You’re perfect,” I mouth, and her lips curve more.

“Stop,” she mouths back, and I can’t stop smiling as a tear rolls down my cheek. She reaches out, wiping it, and it only makes more of them fall.

“How am I the baby crying right now?” I ask quietly, and she snickers.

“Because I don’t want to mess up my makeup.”

We share wide grins just as Ross says, “As you can see, they’re so in love, they don’t even know we are here. They’re having full conversations while I’m trying to speak of their love.”

Laughter fills the barn, and it just feels so fucking right. When Ross’s hand comes to my shoulder, he says, “Speak your heart, brother.”

My heart.

Fuck, it’s imprisoned by this angel. “God,” I mutter, and Shelli squeezes my hands, beaming at me like she always does. Like she’s in awe of me when, really, I should be worshiping her. “I’ve never in my life been so happy as I am at this moment. And I swear, Shelli, I want nothing more than to drop to my knees and worship you right now. You’re an angel.” Her lips tremble, and my heart soars. “You are God-given solace for me, my love. I know I can talk to you about anything. I can speak my truth, and you’re one hundred percent behind me. You call me on my crap, you lift me when I’m down, but most of all, Shelli, you love me.” I hear my mother cough a sob, but I’m in so deep, I can’t pay her any mind. Though, I really hope she doesn’t die. “I promise to do the same for you. To love you, to be there for you when you feel like you’re not the best thing in the world. I will make sure to always have ice for your coffee and, yes, the small little ice you like.”

Her lips part as she laughs. “Don’t make fun of me. You love the ice too.”

“I do, but I love you more,” I admit, holding her hands so tight, I worry I’m hurting her. “I will be the loudest one cheering you on, if it’s onstage or at the arena—no matter what, you’ve got me in your corner. I will love you more than my dad loves my mom or how your dad loves your mom. And we know that love.”

She nods. “We do. Everyone does.”

More laughter and agreement, but our eyes are locked. “Because you, Shelli Grace,” I say, my voice breaking, and I want to be embarrassed, but how can I? This