He runs a palm down the red silk. “I’m glad you mentioned it. This will come in handy later.”
“Wow,” I mouth.
“You have no idea,” he returns.
Without further delay, Landon lifts his chin to cue the pastor. We chose a standard, albeit eloquent, ceremony program. The opening welcome drifts into the readings, which lead to our vows. No one scoffs when the pastor asks if anyone objects. Landon glares at the crowd just in case anyone dared. He’s still a hypocrite, but I love him.
“I’d like to say a little something else if that’s all right.” His gaze is fastened on mine, waiting for the verdict.
“You made a strict rule about staying on script. We’re not supposed to go rogue,” I remind him.
His thumb brushes my upturned jaw. “Oh, sugar. I’ve been breaking those from the very beginning. That’s all part of the ruse.”
A familiar buzzing fills my stomach. “And that’s very suspicious, almost-husband.”
He clasps both my hands in his. “I just want to thank you, almost-wife.”
This man is full of surprises. These days, it’s almost safe to assume his shock value tips toward the fantastic kind. I allow my eyes to widen, feigning the stunned reaction for our audience’s amusement. “Oh? What have I done now?”
“Savannah,” he begins on an exhale. “Because of you, I’m marrying for love and happiness. You’ve changed me, which is a power only you possess. I was satisfied with being detached before you stormed in and forced me to feel. The moment you agreed to be mine set me on a new path I couldn’t fathom before. You’ve given me reason and purpose to be a better man, for us and our future. I used to live life thinking only about what I deserved—but you made me realize that I had to work to deserve you. Because of you, there is always more to gain. I have cause to strive and aspire. Before meeting you, I’d never truly been rich or successful. It was all a sham. Meaningless coasting tracing in circles. You broke the cycle, sugar. I’ll never allow doubt to wedge between us. Because of you, I’m actually living a life worth savoring. I owe you everything, my love. Worshiping you with each breath is only the beginning.”
A blistering rush cascades over me as my vision blurs. Rare tears trickle down my face. He yanks the emotional sap directly from my pores. “How am I going to top that?”
Landon’s smile is dazzling enough to bridge the widest rifts. “You already have by agreeing to marry me. Now say you will and make it official.”
I’m blubbering incoherently as we exchange rings. Landon’s grin only spreads the more jumbled my convictions become. The clouds part, making room for the sunshine to bathe us. Those warm rays soak into my skin as Landon’s commitments caress my soul. Once I’ve sucked in a shuttering breath to end my solemn pledge of forever, he swipes at my wet cheeks.
“I love you,” he whispers.
“And I love you.”
Then we’re pronounced as husband and wife. Landon wastes no time kissing his bride, bending me backward in a steep dip. I trace his bottom lip with my tongue, earning me a low rumble. Another burst of heat gathers in my belly as he deepens our connection. After a final swipe, he pulls us back up as I clutch onto his lapels. I break apart with a groan. He’s too damn tempting. The roaring applause drowns my momentary upset.
Landon threads his fingers with mine, thrusting our hands in the air. He hoists me into his arms and saunters down the aisle like a cocky superhero holding the distressed damsel.
“The honeymoon doesn’t start until later,” someone calls from the cheering throng.
My husband snorts. “Little does he know that we’re living in endless marital bliss.”
I nuzzle against his throat. “It seems like I’m already reaping the benefits of that.”
“And I’ve only been practicing until now. Just you wait, Mrs. Winters.” He seals the promise with another scorching kiss.
Bubbles float in our path as our family and friends celebrate our union. We pose for what seems like an endless stream of pictures. Dinner is served and devoured, but I barely taste a morsel. My concentration is too focused on Landon. I’d feel a tad obsessive if his attention wasn’t stalking me with the same ferocity. Nonstop clinking against glass provides an unnecessary excuse to maul him. I shed more tears when Clea, Audria, and Presley recite a three-way maid of honor speech.