Brian curses colorfully while Nick laughs.But I fall silent as music fills the air and the doors open.My heart nearly stops as Charlotte enters, followed by Samantha.
My gorgeous daughter catches my eye and beams.Gratitude floods me as I silently thank Jessica for raising such a wonderful young woman.Being Sam's father is life's greatest gift.Those first weeks were rough, but now our bond is unbreakable.Our shared love of piano brought us even closer - just like the connection I had with my own father.Having music back in my life changed everything.Sometimes I swear I feel Dad standing beside us when Sam plays, watching over his granddaughter.The Walker gift lives on in her talented hands.
My gaze shifts to Mom sitting beside Jeremy, both wearing matching proud smiles as they watch the girls approach.When they take their seats, the bridesmaids enter.I notice how Brian's eyes blaze with desire when they land on Amanda.Her cheeks flush as she glances between him and Steven.It wasn't my idea to invite the rooster, but since he's Alisha's old neighbor and he and Amanda are in early dating stages, I agreed.Maybe seeing them together will finally wake up my stubborn friend.
Emma's face lights up at the sight of Nick.Their bond is something else - he's still the fierce entrepreneur, but Emma, Charlotte and little Liam come first.Always.And he's never been happier.
The girls take their places across from us.My heart pounds as I wait for Alex.The doors open, and my breath freezes in my lungs.
"Holy fuck.Is she real?"My best men laugh at my awe-struck reaction, but I barely hear them.Her beauty is otherworldly as she glides toward me on her father's arm.The wedding dress hugs every curve like it was made for her, warm honey-colored hair flowing in waves around her face.Our eyes meet and she flashes that dazzling smile that could bring armies to their knees.
She's an angel straight from paradise, but when my gaze lands on her mouth, my smile widens.She's wearing my favorite ruby red lipstick - the same shade from the night we met at Six-Pack.Those luscious lips remind me not to be fooled by her angelic image.Underneath that silk lives a fiery, passionate woman, and in moments she'll be my wife.
My heart thunders as she finally reaches me.She hugs her father, who seems to hold her a moment longer than usual, before placing her hand in mine.
"You're stunning."
Alex's face glows - there's something different about her today, something that makes her even more radiant than usual.Her gaze drifts over my black tuxedo."Very handsome."
As the ceremony begins, I struggle to focus.My eyes keep wandering over my bride's form, wondering if she's wearing anything under that dress.Thank God the minister's voice breaks through my inappropriate thoughts: "Could the one holding the rings come forward?"
Samantha approaches with a shy grin, hands the box to the minister, and returns to her seat."Cole and Alisha, you've both prepared your vows.Cole, please share yours with Alisha."
I take both her hands in mine, and as our eyes connect, the words flow straight from my heart.
"Alex, when we first met, I thought it was by chance, but now I know without doubt that the Universe put you in my path because we're meant to spend our lives together.Today I make the sincerest promise my heart can make to yours.I vow to be your constant love and support, your devoted life partner."
Her face seems to glow brighter with each word, her eyes suspiciously wet.
"I vow to be your home; to be your place of comfort and calm.To have faith when our journey is effortless and when it's challenging.And when we face adversity, we will never do so alone.Because today I promise you, my true love, that I will never give up, that I will always believe in us, and that I will love you for the rest of my life."
Taking the ring from the minister, I place it at the tip of her finger."This ring I give you is my personal gift.It's my promise of love and trust and pride that you are my wife.By wearing these rings, the world will know that I'm yours, and you are mine."
She lets out a shaky breath, one hand drifting briefly to her stomach before she speaks."Cole, from the moment our paths crossed, everything changed.Every day you surprise me, distract me, captivate me, and challenge me.But most importantly, you love me in a way that no man ever has."
Her voice catches slightly."I still can't believe that I'm the lucky girl who gets to marry you.I promise to be true to you, to uplift and support you, to frustrate and challenge you, and to share with you the fine moments of life."Her lips curl into that sassy smile I love."And someday, if the stars align - sooner than you might think - I might even let you win an argument."
I snort at her sass, and our guests laugh.Her eyes hold a secret sparkle as she continues.
"No matter what trials we encounter together or how much time has passed, I know that our love will never fade.We will always find strength in one another as we continue to grow side by side.I believe in the truth of what we are, and I will love you always with every beat of my heart - all of our hearts."
She takes the ring from the minister, sliding it onto my finger with slightly trembling hands."Cole, this ring I give you is my personal gift.It's my promise of love and trust and pride that you are my husband.By wearing these rings, the world will know that I'm yours, and you are mine forever and always."
The minister beams at us both."By the power vested in me, it's my greatest pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.Cole, you may kiss your bride."
Before I can move, my passionate woman takes charge, stepping forward.I chuckle and open my arms as she plants her hands on my chest.When she pushes up onto her toes, I seize back control, claiming those ruby lips.We both moan as they connect.Finally!
"Hello, husband."
"Hello, my gorgeous wife."Her eyes sparkle with that same secret light."Let's get this show on the road; I can't wait to get out of here and celebrate privately."
She chuckles, a slight blush coloring her cheeks."Sounds good to me."We turn to our guests, who erupt in applause and cheers.
The day flies by in a blur of joy.During the photoshoot in Six-Pack's garden, I notice Alex needs frequent breaks, though she tries to hide it.Brian and the wedding planner have outdone themselves - the place is perfect.By nightfall, they've transformed the main area back into the gorgeous nightclub it always was.This place has an allure, and standing here with my wife at my side feels like a dream come true.
Both our heads turn as Samantha's voice flows through the speakers.She's standing on stage with a microphone, looking nervous but determined.
"Um, I wanted to say something to the happy couple."I take my wife's hand and walk toward the stage.
