Page 132 of Fake it for Keeps

More laughter.

“Colt Jesson.” She said my name like it was something precious. “I thought I knew exactly what I was doing when I agreed to marry you the first time. I thought I had you figured out. Rich, arrogant playboy who needed his reputation cleaned up. Easy enough.”

A few awkward chuckles from the guests who knew our history.

“But then I got to know you. The real you. The man who chartered a private jet to come and give me the hug I so desperately needed. The man who is brave, kind, and beautiful deep down where it counts the most.”

If she kept going, I might need to get a tissue from Frankie. I was cool with being soft, but no way in hell was I going to cry in front of all these people.

“You taught me that it’s okay to let someone in. That vulnerability isn’t weakness. That love is worth the risk, even when it’s terrifying.” Her voice cracked. “You chose me, Colt. When you had every reason to walk away, you chose me. You forgave me. You showed me what real love looks like.”

Fuck. Now I was blinking back tears.

“So I promise to always be honest with you. To bring you lunch even when you’re being grumpy. To help you design ridiculous engagement rings that are too beautiful for words. To answer the phone at four in the morning, every single time.” She squeezed my hands. “And I promise to love you. With everything I have. For the rest of my life. Because, Colt Jesson, you are my second chance too. And I’m never letting you go.”

The judge had to take a moment to compose himself before he could speak.

“By the power vested in me by the state of New York,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Colt, you may kiss your bride.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I pulled Hallie into my arms and kissed her like I’d been waiting my whole life for this moment. Because I had been.

The kiss was perfect. Sweet and passionate and full of promise. When we finally pulled apart, our guests erupted in applause and cheers.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the judge announced. “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jesson!”

More applause. More cheers. Frankie was whooping, and I caught Hallie’s mother openly weeping into a handkerchief.

I grabbed the faux fur coat I’d stashed nearby and draped it over Hallie’s shoulders. “Come with me.”

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

I took her hand and led her out of the enclosure, past the guests, and into the snow. She laughed as snowflakes caught in her hair, in her eyelashes.

“Colt, it’s freezing!”

“I know. Ditch those heels and run with me.”

We both kicked off our shoes and took off running toward the beach, our laughter echoing in the winter air. When we reached the sand, I pulled her close and kissed her again, slower this time, savoring it. I didn’t care that my feet were freezing. She gave me all the warmth I needed.

“We did it,” I murmured against her lips. “We’re married.”

“We’re married,” she echoed, smiling so wide it must have hurt.

We stood there for a moment, just the two of us in the falling snow, stealing this private moment before we had to go back and be “on” for everyone else.

“I love you,” Hallie said.

“I love you more.”

“Impossible.”

“Watch me prove it for the next fifty years.”

She laughed, and then we ran back to the house, hand in hand, ready to celebrate with the people we loved.

The reception was everything I’d hoped it would be and more.