This time, our connection is stronger as I strengthen my hold. She is mine, forever and always—no going back.
There’s a tap on my shoulder, but I don’t stop kissing her, pressing as close as possible. A throat clears beside me, then another, until I force myself to tear away from her and face the man standing in front of me.
The minister tries to hide his smirk but does a poor job and gives up, smiling wide.
“As I was saying, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Bizzy starts to giggle, her eyes shining bright. There’s a loud echo of more laughter from the crowd around us, but I only have eyes for her. Since the instant she walked into sight, holding tightly to her dad’s arm, I had to fight for control. It wasn’t only her beauty that took my breath away, it was her glow.
It’s taken a while, but she is finally Bizzy Bennett and we are standing in the exact spot I kissed her for the first time on this beach. Unlike that time, though, she now knows exactly how much I love her.
I move back in to kiss her again, when a gurgling squeal sounds out. We both turn our heads at the same time to see Brayden bouncing happily in Mom’s lap, reaching for us. Bizzy makes a move to get him, but I hold her in place.
“He wants us,” she tries to tell me, before I brush my lips over hers.
“He can wait. I’m not ready to share you yet, even with him.”
“Shaw, you’re being ridiculous.” She wiggles to get free.
“Warning you now, either you kiss me again and let that child stay with my mom while I properly walk my wife back down the aisle, or I lift you over my shoulder and carry you to our suite, missing the rest of the night.”
She sighs breathily, her lips tipping in a grin. “I wouldn’t want to miss my own wedding reception.”
“Glad you see things my way.” I kiss her again, not caring about our audience. This time, when we pull apart, her eyes are sparkling blue and her lips are swollen. She’s wearing a dreamy expression that makes me want to beat my chest with pride.
I lead her back down the aisle, where the wedding planner whisks us away for pictures as our guests are shown to the ballroom.
It turns into a whirlwind as the photographer motions us around. My stupid ass brothers carry her away, while I’m forced to do shots with my parents and hers.
When they bring her back to me, it’s torture as I endure sharing her with Claire and the rest of the wedding party—which is Nick and Mathis. She laughs the whole time until Nick asks for a picture of them alone.
The whole group pauses as he brings out a bottle of the finest champagne and toasts her.
“To my one and only Lizbeth, the one who brought me through the toughest time in my life. The young sweetheart who turned into my rock of strength, then gave me the peace I always needed. We’ve been through hell together and still survived by each other’s side. You are now not only my best friend, but my sister. I love you.”
There isn’t a dry eye as the photographer snaps away. Bizzy falls into Nicky chest, her whole body shaking. Even I get choked up at witnessing the moment.
I’m transformed back to almost eleven years ago when she bounced into the room, bringing a smile to his face.
The image hits me hard as I feel a hand on my arm and glance over to see Rory with Tom, tears still in their eyes.
“She loves you so much,” Rory whispers through her emotions. “Take care of her.”
“Until the day I die, Rory, Tom.”
“I trust you,” Tom chokes out and walks away, trying to gain his composure.
His faith in me sparks something new. I stand up straighter as understanding washes through me. He trusts me with the most precious thing in his life.
I already cherish her, but this is so much more.
We get through the rest of the shots, until it’s finally time to go to our reception. Bizzy nuzzles up to my side, holding me close and waiting for the next step.
I recognize my mistake the minute we walk through the door. I should have followed through and taken Bizzy away, because the instant we’re announced at the reception, she’s hijacked.
Since we decided on a destination wedding, our guest