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Epilogue: Max
June12,2019
I suck in a breath as the carriage pulls up and her dad helps her out. As soon as her high heels touch the patio walkway, her head lifts, and her eyes lock with mine.
Goddamn.She is the most breathtaking woman I’ve ever seen.
Her face glows as the music changes and she glides down the aisle on her father’s arm, her gaze never wavering from mine.
Moisture springs to my eyes as gratitude fills my heart, awestruck that the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out, has chosen to give all her love to me. It showers from her big brown eyes, raining around me.
Her dad kisses her cheek, then looks at me, telling me she’s all mine. I pledge to protect her with my life, but it’s just as much a promise to her.
I’d give her the fucking world on a silver platter if I could. But I can only offer her an endless supply of love, devotion, and support until I take my last breath.
As the wedding ceremony begins, I can’t focus on anything except her.
When she says her vows, she speaks straight from her heart. She says the most beautiful words to me, love pouring from her every word. I’m breathless as I take in her radiant skin, my heart beating like a drum inside my chest from the promises in her eyes.
For weeks, I’d been sweating over my vows, fearful nothing I say can encompass what I feel for her.
When she’s finished and it’s my turn to speak, I decide to speak from the very essence of my heart and soul.
“I wasn’t looking for love the day I met you. But something drew me to you. It wasn’t just a desire to save you from the situation at hand, but an inescapable magnetism that compelled me to you, calling out to me, setting my soul on fire. Your touch was and still is electric, like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Even so, my heart had been fractured badly and I had no hopes of ever loving anyone again.” I pause, swallowing hard. “But your love healed me and made it whole again. Every moment in your presence is like the sun shining brightly, thawing my cold heart. Every time you smile, you have this ethereal glow that shines from your soul. There is no one on this earth quite like you.”
My hands cup her beautiful, glowing face. “I’m the luckiest damn man on this planet because you love me and want to share your life with me. You have fused together the broken pieces of my heart and soul, healing me with your love, restoring my faith in humanity, and gifting me with your wonderfully loving family. I never thought I could love as hard or as much as I love you, but every single day, I fall more in love with you.”
My hands tremble from my elation as tears fill my eyes. “No matter what happens, I will always be by your side, loving and supporting you. Whatever life throws at us, I’ll ride every aftershock with you.” Warmth radiates throughout my chest as my heart races, banging inside my chest. I’m rejuvenated by the love for her that flows through my body. “Tragedy brought us together but can never tear us apart. You are my soul mate, my destiny, my everything. I love you with all of me, Irelynn Rose.”
I desperately want to press my lips against hers and wrap her in my arms, feeling her heart beating against mine.
But we still have to get through the rest of this ceremony.
Instead, I reach my hands up, cupping her face, and wiping her tears with my thumbs. “Our forever began the day I first looked into your eyes when you were terrified against that wall. We’ve been bound to one another since that day. Our wedding just makes it official to everyone else.”
A sob escapes her trembling lips and I hear all the sniffling around us as our family and friends weep with her. I’m barely holding onto my composure, struggling not to break down in front of everyone.
If I start now, I’m afraid I won’t stop.
The ceremony continues in a blur, though I’m cognizant when I slide the ring on her finger, repeating the minister’s words.
All my senses return when he pronounces us husband and wife and tells me I may kiss my bride.
Finally!
My arms wrap around her and I spin her, bending her over my arm as I pour every single ounce of my love and devotion into this kiss. I inhale her apple cinnamon scent, my lips cherishing and tasting her strawberry lips.
The world fades away and it’s only her and I, our hearts beating in unison, connected on a soul-deep level.
When I finally bring her back up, spinning her around to face our family and friends, I smile at the dazed look in her eyes. Squeezing her hand, I watch as she slowly drifts back to the present moment.
Clasping her hand in mine, we walk down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife, our forever stretching in front of us like the sun glowing brightly in the vast sky.
As I dance with her in my arms, my gaze roves over our family and friends, dancing and having the time of their lives on the dance floor. As much as I love being around them, I need to be alone with her.
My heart practically illuminates through my tux as I lead her to the surprise I have in store for her. I reached out to our wedding coordinator to gain access to the balcony on the roof, knowing the view would be breathtaking.
But even I was unprepared as she and I stepped into the balmy June air, the majestic view stretching before us like the endless love she and I have for one another.
