AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She exhales, running her hand over Hailee’s hair, and smiles. “Yeah, more than ready. Let’s do this.”
I take Zoey’s hand, and we approach the officiant, who looks like he’s completely bored with the situation. He probably does so many of these daily that it’s become monotonous.
But for us, this is our big moment.
“You guys ready?” he asks.
“Wait!” Cam screams out, rushing up to stand alongside us. He pulls out his cell and starts recording. “Okay, now you can go.”
I smile and nod in a gesture of thanks.
The celebrant pulls out his sheet of paper. “We’re here today to witness the union of Blake Branson and Zoey Zavorelli in marriage…
“Today, you begin a new life together, founded in love, laughter, honesty, respect, and friendship. The promises you make to each other should not be taken lightly. A marriage is more than a ceremony… it is a lasting and lifelong commitment.”
I glance at Zoey, my eyes meeting hers. Hearing these words is making it so fucking real, but damn, it feels one hundred percent right, even if there is a motive behind it.
“The future promises many happy days ahead filled with unique opportunities, adventures, and challenges. It is through trust, love, and the unfailing support of each other that you will meet these inevitable ups and downs.
“Do you, Blake, take Zoey to be your spouse and to live together as partners? To treat her with love and respect and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?”
Smiling, I tighten my grip on Zoey’s hands and stare into her glistening blue eyes. “Yes, I do.”
“And do you, Zoey, take Blake to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat him with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?”
Zoey’s face lights up like she feels lighter than air. “I do.”
“If you have rings, please take them out now.”
Hailee bounces on her toes, she’s not wearing a dress. Just some simple little shorts and a white lace top, but you can’t miss the tiara on her head. “Is this me?” she asks, and we both chuckle.
“This is you, Starshine,” Zoey states, and Hailee reaches into her pocket and pulls out a little pouch, handing it to me.
I smile, giving her a wink as I open the pouch and empty the three rings into my palm. Then I drop to one knee in front of Hailee.
Wow! This feels real now.
She releases a small giggle, and I can’t stop the smile from spreading on my face. “What are you doing, silly? You’re supposed to be putting a ring on Mommy’s finger!”
“You’re right, Starshine. But I couldn’t leaveyouout. My promise isn’t just to your mom. It’s to you, too, Hailee,” I explain as I reach for her hand and look into her gorgeous eyes that look so much like her mother’s. She giggles as I slide a small silver ring with a series of tiny purple and white diamonds accenting a filigree crown, with a pink flower on top of the band. It’s a Limited-Edition Enchanted Disney ring, especially for children. When I saw it, I knew Hailee would love it.
“Hailee, I promise to always be here for you, however you need me, for as long as you need me.”
She sniffles, wiping away her tears, and with the ring in place, she throws her arms around my neck with such force I almost topple over, and I have to fight back my tears threatening to fall.
This little girl has me. I never thought I was a family man, but she quickly showed me everything I have been missing in my life.
“Thank you, Blake. I love it! I’m like arealprincess now.”
“You sure are, Starshine. And now, you’remylittle princess.” With a final squeeze, I pull back to stand, and Hailee takes her spot by her mom.
“Mom,loook!” Hailee’s excitement is contagious, making our friends and families laugh along with her.
Zoey shakes her head at me with a bright smile and sighs. “Blake, that was…” she can’t finish her sentence as she stares at me choked up with emotion.
Hoping I didn’t overstep, I take her hand in mine, but the tears welling in her gorgeous eyes is all the reassurance I need. “Zoey, I mean it. I may not be her father, and I don’t want to replace him, but Iwantto be a father to her.” Zoey simply nods, her lip trembling. “Remember, I got you. I’ve got you both,” I reassure her, squeezing her hand, then taking my place in front of her.
I dip my head, letting the celebrant know he can continue.
