General Joe (Magnolia Ridge #2) - Alexa Riley Page 0,14

getting married to the love of my life.

Kayla didn’t want to wait long, and neither did I. We managed to pull this off in two weeks, which is good because I couldn’t have waited another day.

The music gets louder and everyone stands up. In the distance I see Kayla and Chief exit the back of the house and walk towards us. My heart beats louder with every step she takes, bringing her closer to me.

Her dress is strapless and an antique cream color with flowing lace. It was her mother’s and the seamstress in town was able to rush the alterations for us and wouldn’t take a dime for the work. It looks so beautiful on Kayla and I’m so happy that her mother could be here with us in this way.

When I look into Kayla’s eyes, she smiles at me so big I think my heart is going to burst in two. She’s so damn happy she’s nearly bouncing with each step and I feel the same way. This is so beautiful and special, but damn are we excited and ready to have this wedding.

I glance over at Chief and see him wiping away tears as they approach the altar. We know he’s just as happy as we are too, but we’ve all got Ben and his wife in the back of our minds. I think today is hitting him hard, but soon we’ll be celebrating and there won’t be time for tears.

Without thinking, I step forward and pull Chief into a hug. “I’ve got her now, but we’re not going anywhere,” I whisper to him, and I feel his arms come around my back.

“Thank you, son,” he says to me and I hear him breathe a sigh of relief.

I pat him on the back and then lean back to look at him and see he’s finally got a smile on his face. He turns to Kayla and kisses her on the cheek before he steps back and answers the minister’s question about giving the bride away.

Finally I have a hold of Kayla and I tighten my grip on her. “You’re not getting away ever again.”

“My feet are firmly planted next to yours.” She winks at me and before I can stop myself I lean forward and give her a kiss.

Kayla giggles and I hear the minister clear his throat and lean towards us. “That part comes later.”

“Just making sure it sticks,” I say as I straighten up and wink back at Kayla.

The minister talks about love and commitment while we exchange vows and rings. I don’t hear much of it because I’m too distracted by Kayla. She’s glowing right in front of me, and I swear I think she’s already pregnant. We won’t know for another week if she is for sure, but I have my suspicions.

“You may kiss the bride.”

The words snap me out of my daydream and I scoop Kayla up in my arms. Her bouquet goes flying as she wraps her arms around me and the crowd erupts into cheers when I plant a kiss on her that is probably better reserved for our bedroom. In that moment though I don’t have one single care because now she’s mine, and I want everyone in this town to damn well know it.

Music begins to play and the guests begin to mingle while we make our way over to the tent we had set up for the reception.

“I can’t believe it,” Kayla whispers to me as we stand in the gazebo for a second just taking a moment alone.

“It’s about time.”

She playfully slaps my chest and shakes her head. “About time? It’s been two weeks. You’re lucky I didn’t make you wait any longer.”

“Please, there’s no way you could have waited.” I put my hand on her hip and then trace my thumb over her belly. “Any longer and we might risk you showing.”

I wink at her and she shrugs. “Like you wouldn’t have been happy to have the whole town see me knocked up.”

“I plan on putting you on a parade float just as soon as I can. I’m ready to let all the men in town know to keep away from what’s mine.” I look around with a glare and Kayla laughs.

She grabs my face and turns me to look at her. “I am yours, today more than ever.” She goes up on her tiptoes and I lean down halfway to meet her lips. “Now let’s go. I’m ready to cut that cake.”

I pick her