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We shuffle into position and my eyes lock on the start of the brick path where Shelly will enter. To my left, Gavin mutters, “No better feeling than watching the woman you love walk to you in a breathtaking dress.” I simply nod, not daring to look away from the entrance.
In a pale-pink dress that brushes the brick as she moves, Clementine steps out from the lush gardens and into the north lawn first. In one hand, she carries a small wooden pail adorned with white and blush roses, moss, and vines that trail up the handle on either side. On the front of the pail is a white heart that readsHere comes the bride.
With each step she takes toward us, she reaches into the pail, grabs a fistful of blush rose petals, and tosses them along the brick path.
This is happening. Shelly and I are getting married.
When Clementine reaches the back row of chairs, the first bridesmaid comes into view. Erin. Her blush dress sweeps the ground with each step. Her hair in some fancy loose braid and secured at the nape of her neck. A small bouquet of pink and white calla lilies and roses gripped in her hands.
Three breaths pass before the next bridesmaid appears. Autumn. Her appearance the same as Erin before her, with an additional splash of color from her tattoos.
Jonas sucks in a sharp breath. “Gorgeous,” he whispers. “Absolutely gorgeous.”
Today is my and Shelly’s day, but hearing these men, my brothers, revel over their wives… it makes my heart hammer harder beneath my rib cage. Makes my breath come in short bursts. Because in less than a minute, it will be my turn. My only prayer is that my knees don’t buckle.
Seconds later, Peyton comes into view. Her eyes flit to Micah as a glowing smile lights her expression before she winks at her husband.
“Goddamn, I am a lucky man,” Micah says loud enough to garner a few laughs from the crowd.
Only one more bridesmaid left. The maid of honor. Cora. The second she steps into view, Gavin leans toward her without taking a step. He doesn’t say a word, but Ifeelthe love radiating off him as he watches his wife. Feel the connection they share. A connection that rivals what I share with Shelly.
When all the ladies are lined up on the opposite side, the music in the garden shifts.
Without warning, my palms sweat. An electric vibration hums through my veins. I lean to the right and try to peek through the thicket of greenery blocking Shelly from view, but it is no use.
My eyes laser-focused, I catch movement through the thinnest part of the plants. An hour-long second passes as I hold my breath and wait.
Then, she steps into view. Everyone rises from their seats, but I still see her. The queen of my heart. Goddess of my soul.My Andromeda.
My eyes trail down the length of her body as I memorize her in this moment. Breathtaking in desert-pink tulle. Wide straps across her shoulders that come to a point at the base of her sternum. A thin band of satin around her middle. The skirt layered and in waves. Small white flowers and pearls decorate the bust and trail down half the skirt. A lush bouquet of white, blush, and dark-pink roses, pink calla lilies, baby’s breath and greenery clutched tightly in her hands.
Speechless, I remind myself to breathe. My vision blurs and I blink a few times, not wanting to miss a second of this moment. George rubs a hand over her forearm as they step closer, but I don’t dare shift my gaze from Shelly.
Although we have forever, no day will replace this one. The day Shelly says she will be mine in every way. Always.
* * *
SHELLY
My pace slows as I catch sight of Devlyn.
Damn, he’s handsome.
I grip Dad’s arm tighter with my bent elbow. He brushes his hand over my forearm ever so gently in silent reassurance.
“Got you, Shelly Bear.” His hold on me tightens. “Promise.”
The backs of my eyes sting. A thick ball of emotion rests dead center in my throat. Every nerve in my body comes alive with excitement, becomes overwhelmed with joy. I blink a few times. Tip my head back slightly. Tell the tears rimming my eyes they need to wait a little longer. I swallow. Then swallow again.
“Thanks, Daddy,” I whisper.
The aisle straightens as we reach the back row of chairs and I pause for a beat. Rake my eyes over Devlyn in a smart gray suit, white dress shirt, and charcoal-and-pink bow tie. On the breast of his jacket, a dark-pink calla lily and blush rose makes up his boutonniere. His floppy brown locks, a little lighter from time in the sun, parted off-center and styled to look messy on purpose. Hands clasped at his waist, I take in the slight bounce in his stance. As if he can’t contain the energy flowing through him.
Faster than imaginable, we reach Devlyn and the minister. Dad kisses my cheek and I close my eyes for one rapid heartbeat. Then he places my hand in Devlyn’s and takes a seat in the front row.
“You’re stunning,” Devlyn whispers, his hand squeezing mine.
“Pretty handsome yourself.”
