lighter than it had ever been. They followed Judge Webster up the three steps to the domed grandstand. She stopped in the middle and turned to face them.
"Ready?"
"More than ready." Chase responded.
LuAnn smiled so big her cheeks hurt. "Ready."
Judge Webster looked past them, “Your witnesses are on their way.”
LuAnn turned her head to look back and saw the lady from the front desk of the courthouse walking toward them with another lady. They stepped up onto the grandstand, both of them smiling.
Judge Webster opened her book and began reading the legal words that would make them husband and wife. She then asked, "Would you each like to say something?"
Chase looked into her eyes. "I would."
"As you say your vows, you can place your ring on her finger and vice versa."
She swallowed as he smiled at her. That perfect panty melting smile. He pulled her ring from the front pocket of his black dockers, ironed so they were smart but still casual. They'd opted for nice, but casual. She wore a blue sun dress she'd brought with her and a cute pair of white sandals.
"You make me feel whole. You make me feel powerful. You bring a light to my life that I honestly didn't know was missing. I look forward to each new day with you because you make me feel complete."
He pulled her engagement ring from her finger, then slid the gorgeous eternity band on her finger, the diamonds in it just as sparkly as her engagement ring, which he then placed on her finger on top of her wedding band. The pair together were as stunning as his eyes. As him. The whole of him was stunning.
She couldn't stop the tear that tracked down her cheek. It flowed out so fast and rolled down even faster. She gently sniffed, cleared her throat lightly then screwed up the courage to try and match those beautiful words.
"Chase." Her lips quivered and she paused, inhaled, and tried again. "You have taught me what patience is. You've taught me what guidance is. Mostly though, you've taught me what love is and I never want to be without your love. Ever. I will work hard every day to give you the same love you give me. Without fail. I love you."
She pulled his tungsten wedding band from her thumb and placed it on his finger. The darkness of the metal was so beautiful on his tanned masculine hand.
He leaned toward her, his eyes glistening with tears and lightly kissed her lips. "I love you more."
She giggled then Judge Webster completed their vows. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. This is where I say you may kiss the bride, but you already did that."
"I'm going to do it again." Chase teased. Then he did. His hands cupped her face and his lips claimed hers. It was gentle, but he fully kissed her lips, his tongue dipped in and explored her mouth, and she loved every damned minute of it.
He ended their kiss with a light kiss on the end of her nose. They turned to Judge Webster, who smiled at them sweetly, which made her look so much softer than she'd appeared previously.
"How about a few pictures for your memory book?"
Chase quickly pulled his phone from the pocket on his thigh, tapped a couple of times, the brand-new ring on his finger a sight to behold, then he handed his phone to the judge. She did a fantastic job of having them move and pose for certain pictures. They walked down close to the water, then in front of the grandstand, then on the steps. They'd have such nice pictures forever.
"Thank you for all of these pictures, Judge Webster." LuAnn said as they glanced through them.
She laughed. "My sister is a photographer, so I've learned a few things over the years. I wish you both a happy life together."
LuAnn turned. She wasn't sure if it was proper, but she did it anyway. She walked up to the judge and wrapped her arms around her neck and gave her a hug. Whispering in her ear, "I will never forget you. Thank you."
She heard Judge Webster sniff and she smiled to herself. Softy.
54
Chase parked the Jeep in front of the restaurant. They were a few minutes early for their reservation. LuAnn's phone rang and his gut told him it was Dog.
She turned her phone to him, and he saw Jeremiah's number on the screen.
"I asked him to call you later today. He called me this