Collin pauses a fraction of an inch from my lips. His breath is warm against my face, but his eyes are searching.
“Is this okay?” he whispers, for my ears only.
I give him a single nod, and Collin slowly moves one hand from my cheek and slides it down to the small of my back. Gently, carefully, he draws me closer to him, closing the distance between us until our lips meet.
This kiss is nothing like the one we shared in the elevator. It’s measured, controlled.
Sweet.
Bittersweet.
My cheeks burn. Being in Collin’s arms is nice, and thirty minutes ago in the elevator, that thought would have made me feel like I could walk on clouds, but now I feel like a lightning bolt crashing to the ground.
I feel safe here, but I don’t know if I can trust it.
I want to let the entire room fall away and get lost in the feel of Collin’s warm lips on mine, but I can’t. Not with the doubt I’m feeling.
His dad’s words knock around in my head, like an annoying maraca, and I tense.
Collin pulls away. He stares into my eyes, a tender expression etched on his face, until he cracks a wolfish smile. He grabs for my hand and hoists it up over our heads as he turns me toward our families.
I take my first look at Rose and Poppy since the ceremony began.
They’re both crying as they rush toward us.
“You’re married!” Rose cheers.
“That was beautiful,” Poppy says and pulls me into a hug.
I let out a laugh that I hope sounds happy, but my mind is whirring.
I’m married to Collin. I’m married to Collin.
A warm hand grabs for mine as Poppy lets me go, and I look down and then up into Collin’s face. He’s watching me closely.
“Let me see the ring,” Collin’s sister, Tricia, says as she joins us.
I turn my attention to her so I don’t have to focus on Collin. I hold out my hand, and she, Poppy, and Rose gather around. Ashlyn is standing off to the side, and Collin’s dad saunters over to her. I don’t have the energy to think about the two of them right now.
“Stunning,” Rose says.
“Do you love it?” Poppy asks.
“I do.” That’s the honest truth. The ring is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I’ve never been the type of girl who makes a Pinterest board to use as inspiration for her future wedding ring. I didn’t really have anything in mind for myself, but I don’t think I could have chosen anything more perfect.
I feel Collin’s gaze on the side of my face, but I keep my eyes on the ring.
“I can’t believe my brother picked this out all by himself,” Tricia says, an edge of respect to her voice.
“Ye of little faith,” Collin cuts in. “I knew exactly what Noli would like.”
“Always so confident,” I deadpan, falling back into our usual mode of communicating—banter.
“That’s why you love me, right?” Collin winks.
“Alright.” Collin’s dad claps his hands, saving me from having to give a response. “Now let’s go and celebrate the happy couple. Dinner’s on me!”
Everyone cheers and begins to file out of the room. Their spirits are high, and I’m envious.
