Chapter Forty-Three - Leigh
Wilder takes my trembling hands, his voice calm and confident as he begins his vows, and I can’t stop my heart from pounding.
I can’t stop looking at him. He’s beautiful, and not in the classic way; he’s no Prince Charming, but he’s the handsome hero in my story, and in just a few moments, he’ll be mine.
Mine to hold, mine to kiss, mine until the end of time.
I just hope I can get through my vows without becoming a weeping disaster.
“Leigh, you are my twin flame. You know me better than I know myself, and you have never tried to change me despite our very different backgrounds. Your love helped me see that my flaws are really my strengths. No one will ever compare to you, and nothing will ever come between us. I wouldn’t allow it.
You are the love of my life. I will cherish you until our dying day. ”
Oh my gods. This man. My soon-to-be husband. He always says the right things to make me fall in love with him all over again. I struggle to wipe the tears from my face fast enough beneath the sheer fabric of my veil.
“Now, Leigh,” the officiant says, “it is your turn.”
Rising from her seat with the other bridesmaids in the front row, Gianna hands me my printed vows.
I hold the expensive stationery, but I can barely read the quotable, queenly words through my tears.
The first word is his name. I see that, but dammit, I can’t make out the rest. What I wrote is beautiful and eloquent and has the royal stamp of approval, but what I really want to say is messy, raw, and very much me.
I crumple up my vows and toss them back to my maid of honor. Gianna catches them as surprised murmurs reach my ears from our guests. Wilder raises a brow.
I clear my throat. “Wilder, I am so happy to be with you here today and to start living this life of ours together.” My voice rings clear and strong, even as emotion vibrates through me from head to foot.
“Over the past few years, you’ve been the best partner I could have asked for.
You’ve loved and supported me, even when my ideas have been—let’s admit—questionable.
” The audience laughs, pleased. “We’ve loved each other through the good days and the bad, been there for each other when the world seems to be falling apart around us, but most importantly, our values, outlook on life, and of course our love for the arts—and spicy romance books—align.
I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you, and I want to say thank you.
Thank you for your love, your friendship, and your commitment to our relationship, even when I don’t make it easy.
You are my light in the dark, and I will always find my way back to you. ”
Wilder wipes away tears. He mouths, “I love you,” and I silently say it back. Because if there’s one thing I am certain of in this upside-down world, it’s that I love Wilder with every fiber of my being. My heart beats in tune with his, and we will dance to that beat until we take our last breath.
“Now the rings,” the officiant says.
Jaxson rises, straightens his jacket, and hands the officiant our wedding bands. He winks at Wilder before retaking his seat between Anselm and Desi.
After the rings, the officiant calls out, “Now, you may kiss the bride.”
Wilder draws me into him. One hand lifts my veil to fully reveal my beaming, tear-stained face, while his other arm sweeps around my waist, gathering me close.
He kisses me deeply and I arch into him, decorum be damned.
The way he holds me is probably illegal in at least twelve territories.
The audience gasps, laughs, and titters.
Somewhere in the crowd, Alden’s delighted yip rises above the din.
The second Wilder pulls away, I want to yank him back. Still, I’m too breathless, dazed, and incandescently happy to protest when our officiant calls, “May I present Her Majesty, Queen Leigh Amaris Raelyn-Dunn, and His Highness, Commander Wilder McCoy Dunn.”
The abbey erupts in applause as, hand in hand, Wilder and I descend the dais. We walk back up the aisle to greet our wild and unpredictable future together, at last.