AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Dare chuckles and runs his hand down my back, sending shivers through my body. "Well then, let's forget about all this and focus on each other," he suggests.
My lips turn up at the corners and I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him in for a deep kiss.
ChapterThirty-Five
DARE
Istraighten my collar in the gilded mirror, the crisp edges of my button-down stark against the opulent wallpaper. I've elected to wear a pair of chinos and a simple light blue button up shirt. Hardly wedding attire, even for an impromptu vow renewal. But we didn't want to repeat the wedding that we already had.
I wanted something more intimate, just a small gathering to celebrate our vow renewal.
Besides, we couldn't wait. Not with the baby coming. Soon, we will be too busy with a new baby and a new adopted daughter to think about ourselves.
This is our last chance to be selfish.
My fingers tremble as I fumble with the cufflinks Talia picked out for me. I'm more nervous now than I was at our first wedding.
This one feels real. Permanent.
"It's time, Mr. Morgan."
I turn to see Clive in the doorway, prim and proper as ever in his coat and tails. He's been a fixture of this house for decades. The closest thing Burn and I ever had to a father.
I clap him on the shoulder.
"For the thousandth time, Clive. It's Dare. And thank you for the heads up. How's it looking out there?" I ask.
"Perfect, sir-- er, Dare. Just as you envisioned."
I nod, exhaling slowly. "And Talia?"
"Radiant as ever. I believe Ms. Solana is keeping her occupied."
Despite the churning in my gut, I smile.
Solana. The sweet, fiery orphan who burrowed her way into our hearts. When I picture my future, she's a giant part of it.
Another deep breath. "Well, let's not keep them waiting."
Clive bows. "Right this way, Mr. Morgan."
Frowning, I follow him out, each step heavier than the last.
The gardens are resplendent, overflowing with roses and peonies. White chairs line the stone pathway to an arch woven with hydrangeas and lilies. Our closest friends and family fill the seats - Aunt Minnie dabbing her eyes, Rob fussing with the programs.
At the end stands the justice of peace, holy text in hand. A door swings open and heads begin to turn.
My heart races as I catch sight of Talia. She's wearing a stunning blue dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. It does nothing to hide her obvious pregnancy, but that's more than okay with me. Her hair is swept up in an elegant bun and she's clutching a bouquet of red roses. She'sbreathtakinglybeautiful. For a moment, I forget why we're here and just stare.
Solana is at Talia's side, pink petals spilling from her small hands. The sight takes my breath away.
My breath catches as Talia lifts her eyes to meet mine. The nerves melt away. All I feel is joy. Absolute certainty. No more games or misunderstandings. This is real.
She beams as I take my place beside her.
"You look beautiful," I whisper.
"So do you." She smooths my collar, her ring catching the light. The one I slipped onto her finger seemed like a lifetime ago.
