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"Aunt and cousins on my mother's side.I've probably seen them five times in my life."He paused as his father walked up to the front wearing a black tuxedo.
"He looks a lot like you," Isabella murmured.
He supposed they looked somewhat alike, both tall, with dark hair and eyes, although his father's hair now showed signs of silver at his temples.His expression was cool and sophisticated, a little intimidating, but that's who he'd always been.
A moment later, the music started, and his mother came down the aisle in a cream-colored silk dress.She looked pretty, with her light-brown hair streaked with blonde highlights.She saw him and paused by his chair.She seemed to be waiting for something.
Isabella nudged him, and he hurriedly got to his feet, not sure what he should do.But looking into his mother's eyes, he realized what she wanted.
He gave her his arm and walked her up to his father.She smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek as she let go of his arm.His father extended his hand, and he shook it.It was a shocking feeling to stand with them at their vow renewal, to feel a part of it.It hit him harder than he'd expected.
As they turned to face each other, he moved back and sat down.
Isabella took his hand, and he felt like everything in his life had suddenly shifted into the right place.He barely heard their vows.He was caught up in memories of their life together.There had been happy times.A lot of bad, too, but maybe he just hadn't wanted to remember the good, because he'd always been on the outside looking in.But today, they'd made a point of making him a part of it.He had no idea why, but he was happy about it.
When the brief service ended, his parents ran down the aisle like a couple of giddy teenagers as their friends surrounded them with hugs and congratulations.
He and Isabella stood up, watching the crowd make their way into the reception area.
Then he turned to her and said, "Thanks for coming with me."
"Thanks for inviting me.That was sweet what you did, giving your mom to your dad."
"I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do, but it felt right."
"And good?"she queried.
"Better than I thought it would.I know there won't be a magic fix to our relationship.I'm not expecting that.But maybe I don't have to be so angry about it."
"I came to the same conclusion, and I'm happier for it.I think you will be, too."She paused."So, our vacation is almost over.I had the best time, Nick.It was…I don't even have words," she said, blinking back a tear."And I swear I am not going to cry.It must be my allergies or something."
"Something like…love?"he asked, daring to finally say the word.
She sucked in a breath as she stared back at him."Are we going there?"
"I think I already went.Tell me I'm not alone."
"You're not alone."
"So, maybe the vacation ends, but we don't," he said."We do live in the same city, after all."
"That is convenient," she said with a happy smile."Do you think our love will cross borders?"
"I think it's going to last forever and that kind of scares the hell out of me."
She laughed."We really are a lot alike.Every time you kiss me, I want more.And every time you touch me, I want more.And every time you talk to me, I want more.And that's terrifying."
"That's also a lot ofmore."
"Is it too much?"A worried look entered her beautiful eyes.
"It's perfect, because I want more, too.And when we get back, I'm going to tell Flynn that I'm done with undercover work, unless it's a very short assignment.I want to prioritize our relationship."
"I don't want to hold you back.But I must admit it's nice to hear you say you want to make me a priority."
"I do.And you're not holding me back.You're pushing me forward.I wouldn't be here without you, Isabella."
"And I wouldn't have reconnected with my mom without you.We're good for each other, Nick."
"We are."He gave her a tender, loving kiss, only to be interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.
He lifted his head to see his parents giving him an inquiring look.For the first time, he felt like they were the ones on the outside looking in.But he didn't care who was in or who was out as long as he had Isabella by his side.
"Mom, Dad…This is Isabella."He looked at Isabella's flushed cheeks and bright eyes and added with a loving smile, "The woman I love."
