She beams a beautiful smile when she reaches me.
“You look incredible,” I murmur.
Her cheeks pink up.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
“Ready to get this show on the road?”
With a nod, I take her hand in mine and give it squeeze.
I can’t stop looking at her.
The ceremony starts and all I can think about is the after. What will it be like to be Emma’s husband?
Husband.
A name I never thought would be applied to me.
“Caleb, do you take Emma to be your wife?”
I smile. “I do.”
“Emma, do you take Caleb to be your husband?”
She draws in a breath, and I hold mine. Please say yes.
Her smile’s so soft. “I do.”
When I slide the ring on her finger, satisfaction blooms in my chest.
After all this time, I belong to Emma, and she belongs to me.
She’ll never have to look over her shoulder and wonder when the next torrent of abuse is coming.
She’ll never be forced to do anything she doesn’t want to.
I want her to enjoy her life with me and be my partner.
And I desperately want her children to be mine.
I dip her when it comes time to kiss, and she laughs against my lips as we seal the deal.
“We did it,” she whispers.
“We did. Are you happy?”
Emma nods. “I never thought I’d have this. Not after …”
“I’ll be the man you need, Em. I promise you that.”
She slips her hand in mine. “You keep your promises.”
“I’m glad you already realise that. I won’t let you or our family down.”
“Our family. I like that.”
“The celebration will continue over by the house where there’s plenty of food and drinks for everyone,” Chloe announces.
