33. I Do
I DO
OLIVIA
“Are you ready, Ollie-girl?”
I look up at Cross, and already I can feel the tears in my eyes. “I’m more than ready. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this,” I admit.
I’m getting married and even now, I can barely believe it.
It has been two months—not just a week like Bear wanted—since we agreed to get married.
It worked better this way and since we’re living together, Bear didn’t argue.
As a honeymoon present, though, we’re putting in an offer on an ocean front property—the same property we rented for our wedding.
I’m the one that found the place. It’s not an island, but I think Bear’s happy just the same.
We’re on a secluded beach in the Outer Banks.
I’m barefoot, wearing a cream-colored slip dress, my hair down, and holding a bouquet of pink roses.
Cross is wearing tan trousers and a white dress shirt, with the top buttons undone.
I told him he could have just worn his club clothes, but he said I’m his second daughter and he was damn well going to dress up to give me away.
Soft strums of a harp fill the air as we begin walking toward the front.
I could take in all the decorations, but I don’t.
There are no seats, there’s nothing but some flowers and an archway.
Bear and I wanted everything simple. Our love is the star of the day and that’s all that mattered.
My man is standing up there, his beard trimmed, his hair still short, wearing the same outfit as Cross.
He’s standing by himself. So am I. Winnie helped me get ready, but we honestly just wanted the two of us up there.
Cross will be giving me away, before getting in position to perform the ceremony.
In the front seat is Blade and Winnie. He and Bear have mostly made up and things are easier. I know in time it will all be okay. The rest of the club is here, as well as those from the ranch.
I’d look around at everyone, but my eyes are just on Bear. We stop when I reach him and I smile up at him, tears stinging my eyes.
“If you hurt her,” Cross says, “I’ll kick your ass.”
“Got it,” Bear mutters, his lips twitching in a way that I can see it even with the beard.
Cross takes his place behind us and starts the ceremony. I can’t concentrate on what he’s saying. All I want is Bear.
“If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me,” Bear says, his eyes also filled with tears.
“You’re not dreaming,” I murmur.
“At this time the couple would like to give their own vows. Bear,” he prompts.
“Livy. I’ve loved you from the moment I first saw you.
Everything in the world was stacked against us, but my love for you never wavered.
You are my guiding light, my compass, my very reason for existing.
I promise to love you now, tomorrow, and every single day in the future.
I promise to give you all that I am and to protect you and adore you to my last breath.
Tears fall. I can’t stop them. I don’t try. Bear has some sliding down his face, and I wipe them away with the pad of my thumb.
“Bear. I love you so much. I was only existing without you in my life. I promise to always carry you in my heart, to stand by you, to support you, to never let you feel alone. You are my rock, my shield, but most importantly you are my home. I will spend my life trying to show you just how much I love you and if I fail …” I whisper.
“You won’t, you couldn’t,” he interrupts.
I take his hand with a smile and pull it to my stomach. “And if I fail, then I will ask our child to help me.”
“I … We’re pregnant?” Bear gasps.
“We’re pregnant. We’re going to get our happily ever after Bear.”
Those tears of his are falling almost as much as mine and when he kisses me, I realize I was wrong. We’re not going to just get our happily ever after … We’re already living it.