“You’re just encouraging her,” I tell him.
He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Why did I agree to this?”
“Just stand there and look pretty, husband. It’s mostly for tradition.” Paisley pretends to take a picture of him.
“Let’s get this over with. Who wants to go first?”
Bianca gasps. “I didn’t write any vows.”
“Just tell me you love me,” I prompt.
“I do,” she replies obediently.
“One down,” Brody spouts. “Your turn, Colt.”
My bride glares at her brother before refocusing on me. “I love you, Colton Maxwell Keller. My love came on fast, but it will burn forever. We’re already a family and I’m looking forward to expanding it until your heart is bursting. Thank you for choosing me. For stalking me.” That draws a few chuckles from the assembled crowd. “For abducting me and protecting me. Forturning this house into a home. For being my safe space. The list is endless. I understand what it means to be cherished because of you. In return, you deserve to be satisfied and fulfilled in every aspect. That’s my goal in this marriage. You might have the advantage of loving me for longer, but I’ll make it my mission to prove we’re evenly matched. Maybe I’ll even gain the upper hand. Especially in the bedroom.”
“You’re done,” Brody breaks in. “Feel free to drown him in smutty mush on your own time. Got anything short and sweet to say, Colt?”
“Don’t appreciate you interrupting her.”
“Complain to the boss. Oh, wait.” He flips me off. “I don’t care. Spill your guts or let me wrap this up.”
Bianca leans toward me and hitches a thumb at her brother. “Big mistake hiring this guy, huh?”
I chuckle, holding her hands in mine. “That’s just one thing I love about you, Bianca Jane. You don’t hesitate to speak your mind. While our relationship started off slightly unconventional, we’ve grown a bond that others can only dream of. You’re everything to me and I’ll spend every breath in my lungs proving it to you. What began as an obsession has formed into a love so strong I can’t describe it. You give love a definition. It’s always been you, Princess.”
“That wasn’t bad. Okay, time to exchange rings. You’ve already got yours, Bee.” Brody glances at her rock before nudging me. “Nice work, brother.”
I smirk at the compliment while whipping out a set of matching wedding bands. “Don’t forget about these.”
Bianca whimpers. “I didn’t get you a ring either.”
“Been there,” Paisley laughs.
“Comments from the peanut gallery aren’t appreciated.” But Brody winks at his wife like a total sap.
I pass Bianca my thick band before hovering her much smaller version over her finger. “Do you accept this ring as a token of my unconditional love for you?”
Tears glitter in her eyes as she nods. “I do.” After a deep breath, she holds mine out and repeats the words. “Do you accept this ring as a token of my unconditional love for you?”
“I do.”
The weight of the platinum band gliding over my knuckle is long overdue. I fist my hand, making sure this moment is real. Bianca lifts my fingers and presses a kiss just above my ring.
“Allow me to introduce the happy couple,” Brody shouts. “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Keller. You may now kiss the bride.”
And I don’t hesitate to do so. Bianca is tucked against me in the next breath. Our lips brush softly before letting instinct open us wider. The following exhale is shared into our first kiss as husband and wife. Heat stings my eyes and I clench them shut, treasuring this moment for another beat.
When I pull away, Bianca has a smile waiting for me. “Love you, husband.”
“Love you, wife.” My palm lowers to her stomach. “This baby and any others you bless me with will be swaddled in nothing but pure love.”
I sweep Bianca into a tight embrace, leading her from the altar to the podium that holds our marriage license. She doesn’t question my methods of obtaining it. Her signature is scrawled next to mine. It’s official.
Something loosens in my chest. It feels old and rusty and long forgotten. A soothing warmth fills its space. I laugh for what feels like the first time.
Bianca cups my cheeks, dragging my face down to hers. “Love looks good on you.”
