Every Beat of My Heart (New York Sullivans 0.5) - Bella Andre Page 0,23

said through the lump in his throat at the thought of the new baby they were going to have.

Marcus cleared his throat. “Looks like it’s time to get this show on the road, for real this time.”

Zach gave Heather one more kiss before they reluctantly drew apart. Reaching for each other’s hands, they were staring into each other’s eyes as Marcus began the ceremony.

“Heather and Zach, we are gathered here today to witness your love for each other.” Marcus focused on Zach. “Zach, one of the reasons you always do so well on the race track is that you have an innate sense of how to make the right decisions in a split second, even when your life is on the line. We all agree that the best decision you ever made was to fall in love with Heather—and to continue pursuing her until she fell in love with you too.” Marcus turned to Heather. “Heather, you’re everything we could hope for in a new sister. Strong. Courageous. Fun. And, best of all, willing to put up with our brother.” He grinned at both of them. “Now, for what we’ve all been waiting for—your vows to each other.” Marcus stepped back so that Zach and Heather were the sole focus of the guests.

“Heather, until I met you, I sped through life, thinking I needed to experience everything before it was too late.” Zach had always been as cool as they came, but right now his throat was so tight with emotion that he had to work to get the words out. “But the only thing I would have missed, truly missed, was you.” He squeezed her hands tighter and would have pulled her closer, but she’d already taken a step toward him, obviously needing the same thing. “You’ve been mine since the first moment I set eyes on you. And I’m yours. Always.” Zach took the wedding band from his pocket and slipped it onto the third finger of her left hand.

Tears were spilling down her cheeks as she gazed from the ring into his eyes. Lifting their hands where they were linked, he gently brushed the wetness away.

“Zach.” Heather’s voice trembled, even just saying his name, and he loved her more than ever as she smiled at him through her tears of joy. “I never believed forever was possible until you. And I never thought anyone could break through my walls either. But then, there you were. The man I secretly dreamed of. Someone strong enough to love me even when it wasn’t easy. Even when I was scared by what I was feeling.” They both moved closer again, so that he could practically taste each of her words as she said, “The dogs fell for you first, but it didn’t take me long to realize they were right. I am yours, just as you are mine. And I’ll love you forever.” She took the ring he handed her and slipped it on his left hand as she said again, “Forever.”

Everyone in the crowd was sniffling when Marcus spoke again. “Zach, Heather, by the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Neither Zach nor Heather had any plans of waiting until Marcus gave them leave to kiss to seal their vows. And though every one of their kisses had been beyond hot for the past three years, their first kiss as husband and wife truly was special. Not only hot, not only perfect, but a promise they were making to each other to never give up and never let go. No matter what.

Because their love was meant to last forever.

* * *

Ryan smiled at Vicki as she wiped away her tears from watching Heather and Zach say their vows. He’d known this would be a deeply emotional wedding—but as far as he was concerned, that only made it better.

Ever since he’d come back from chasing down the dogs, he’d been holding her in his arms. Now, he whispered, “Ready for it to be our turn?”

There were no more shadows, no more lingering hurt in her eyes, as she nodded. “I can’t wait another second.”

He didn’t know who kissed whom then—just that it was the perfect way to begin their own ceremony.

Ryan’s mother moved to stand before them, her smile warm and full of great love. “Vicki and Ryan, we couldn’t be more thrilled about being here with you today. You two have loved each other for so many years, and I