“Ugh.” Paige rolled her eyes and started down the stairs. “You act like I haven’t already kissed him five hundred times today.”
“I’m sure that’s an underestimation.” Maryann looked him up and down. “And I don’t blame you, but you’re gonna wear all the lipstick off your face before the first picture is taken.”
Paige shrugged. “Worth it.”
Maryann’s head tipped back as she laughed. Wiping at one eye, she looped an arm around Paige’s shoulder as they reached the main floor. “You two stay here. I’m gonna go tell them you’re ready on time.” She leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “That doesn’t happen often, so we usually plan on starting at least ten minutes late.”
He tipped his head in the direction of the area just off the main common area where rows of chairs were set up for the ceremony. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
He didn’t want to wait any longer than he had to for the opportunity to call Paige his wife.
As Maryann hustled away, Paige turned to him, baring her teeth. “Any lipstick?”
He took extra time inspecting her pearly whites. “No lipstick, but there is a big hunk of something green stuck right there.” Leland pointed in the general direction of her front teeth.
Paige’s eyes widened. “What?” She wedged a fingernail between them, digging at the spot. “Why didn’t you tell me before now?”
He shrugged. “I planned to get it out with my tongue until Maryann “Fun-Police” Pace ruined it.” He braced one hand along her jaw, leaning in. “Here. Let me get it.” He stuck his tongue out.
Realization dawned on Paige’s face and she rolled her eyes. “You jerk.” She shoved at his chest with her free hand. “I’m gonna tell Maryann that you tried to trick me into tongue kissing you after she said not to.”
He pulled her close, running his nose alongside hers. “That’s just mean.”
Paige beamed up at him. “You had plenty of time to get to know me before you committed. If you didn’t know I was mean that’s your own fault.”
“Too late now, I guess.” He was just about to break Maryann’s rules again when the song Paige had chosen to walk down the aisle toward him started to play. “Sounds like my time to change my mind just ran out.” He clicked his tongue. “Darn.”
Paige’s laugh was light and lyrical as she backed out of his arms. Hooking her hand back into the crook of his elbow, she took a deep breath. “Ready?”
Leland rested his hand over hers, taking just a second longer to commit the moment to memory. It was one he never wanted to forget.
To be fair, there weren’t many moments with this woman he was keen on not remembering.
After dragging out as much time as he dared, he tipped his head toward their waiting guests. “Ready, wife?”
Paige nodded. “Ready, husband.”
He led her across the hardwood floors of the inn, feeling settled and happy and right.
The ceremony was a blur, making him extra grateful for that little bit of time they had together beforehand. Especially since they sure as hell didn’t have had it afterward. Between family and friends, they barely got a second to breathe, let alone find a quiet moment just for them.
But that was okay. Because finally, even after all his fuck-ups and missteps, he had a whole lifetime to find as manyquiet moments with her as he wanted. And loud moments. And chaotic moments.
And he was going to appreciate every damn one of them.
