Chapter 47
Mae
Flowers line the grassy aisle, and it ends with a floral arch. Colorful daisies, lilacs, dahlias, lilies, poppies, baby's breath, and other greenery spring excitedly out of the arch form, almost as if it’s been growing there, waiting for us to find each other.
Cooper stands at the end of the aisle, in his black suit and tie, hair slicked back under his black hat, and a smile on his face.
My hand tightens on my father’s arm as we step closer and closer. I don’t hear the music. I just see him.
Everything goes by in a blur until the pastor asks Cooper the one question he has to answer. His hands tighten on mine, thumb rubbing over my engagement ring. “I do.”
I’m next, my throat is dry and I’ve done the best I can not to cry because I don’t want to ruin my makeup, but it doesn’t work.
“I do,” I rasp.
Cooper grins and kisses my knuckles. “Don’t sound too excited, stubborn.”
A laugh bursts out of me, and the nerves all but disappear. He keeps me grounded.
Vows are shared, and the pastor finally says, “You may now kiss the bride.”
Cooper doesn’t hesitate pulling me into his strong frame and kissing me breathless. His light moan slides through my lungs, making a home in my belly, and I hold on tighter as the kiss goes from desperate to soft and slow, until he pulls away, eyes still locked, lungs still catching up.
I smile so wide my cheeks hurt as I stare up at the man who fought for me, who took the hope I struggled to carry because we were never meant to hold it alone.