Page 107 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy

The audience let out a collective, “Awww!”

I smiled at the crowd and shot a seductive wink at Holly, who laughed. “I promise to talk to you about every little thing, to always rely on you and put your needs above my own. I promise to care for you in the good times and the bad. And when we’re old and start snoring at night, I promise I won’t take too many videos as proof.”

Holly threw her head back, laughing. The audience joined in.

“Above all,” I continued through a suddenly thick throat, “I promise to love you with everything that I am for the rest of our lives.” I sniffled, wishing no one else had to witness me crying.

Holly reached up to my face, using her thumbs to wipe at my tears. Her palm was warm against my skin. Jack came over and handed Holly my wedding band.

Holly’s eyes refilled with tears. She rapidly blinked, but a few spattered onto her cheeks. As tenderly as she had wiped mine, I brushed my knuckle across her face, capturing her tears.

Her voice wobbled. “Rhett, you waltzed into my life with your big smiles and friendly attitude and challenged everything I did in my life. You refused to give up on me despite my attempts to push you away. You showed me how to be more vulnerable, to have fun, how to be a friend, and most importantly, how to love.”

She pushed my ring onto my finger. “I promise to try new restaurants whenever you want.”

I chuckled. I was definitely taking her up on that offer.

“I promise to lean on you when times get hard, to trust that you have my back like I have yours. I promise to be there for you, no matter what. I promise to tell you how amazing you are every day—well, as much as your ego can handle.” She smirked. “I promise to always be grateful to be in your life. I promise to choose you every day and to fall deeper in love with you as we age. I promise you all of me, forever.”

If my heart grew any bigger, it would explode. My entire body was filled with joy and love. I was incredibly blessed and grateful for her in my life. “I love you,” I mouthed.

The minister asked, “Holly Anne Dewhurst, do you take Everett Christopher Ivy to be your husband?”

Holly’s eyes glowed with love. “I do.”

“Everett Christopher Ivy, do you take Holly Anne Dewhurst to be your wife?”

My throat closed, and I barely managed to choke out, “I do.”With my entire being.

“Then by the power vested in me by the State of Connecticut and His Holy Order, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

I tugged Holly’s hands, guiding them until they wrapped around my neck. My arms enveloped her waist, and I pulled her close to me, bending until my lips met hers. I kissed Holly with all the love flowing through me and poured it into her.

Holly’s lips parted mine, and I got lost in the feel of her in my arms. I never had to let go. We would get to wake up next to one another every morning. Tuck kids into bed together at night. Share meals, laughter, and so much love every single day for the rest of our lives. And her kisses. I’d never have to live without those either.

The crowd cheered behind us as our kiss lingered.

And lingered.

And lingered.

It was like my hands and lips were permanently attached to Holly. I couldn’t let go.

Finally pulling away from my wife—I loved that word already—I whispered, “Why did we agree to a reception? I want you to myselfnow.”

She grinned. “I promise to eat fast and cut the cake right after. I want one dance with you, and then we’re outta there. Got it?”

That still seemed too far away. “How long are we talking? One hour? Two? I need to mentally prepare myself.”

“Two hours, Rhett, and I’myours.”

I shivered at the promise in her words. “No takebacks?”

“No takebacks. I’m all-in. Forever.”