My Once in a Lifetime

by Nicole Vidal

  There’s a soft knock on the door. “Oh, Norah. You’re stunning,” Connie says as she steps into the bedroom.

  I hug her tight. “Thank you.” A pang of anguish pushes into my heart. I knew this day would be hard without my mom, but I didn’t realize how hard. Connie and Joyce have been nothing short of incredible.

  “Jacob sent me to see if you want to wait for the storm to pass or move inside.”

  I draw in a breath and settle myself. I know she’s looking down at me. I’m blissfully happy. A little rainstorm isn’t going to stop me.

  “I don’t want to wait. I want to marry your son.”

  Connie takes my hand. “I’m grateful he found you and pulled himself together instead of pushing you away.”

  “Me too.” I hug her tight, pondering what to do. “Could you move everyone into the barn? If the guys could move the arbor and the runner, that should be fine. There won’t be room for the chairs because it’s set up for the reception.”

  “Give me fifteen minutes.”

  I smile at her. As Connie leaves, Kelly returns with our dad, so he and I can have a few private moments.

  “You look beautiful, Norah.”

  “Thanks, Daddy. Are you okay? You haven’t been very polite to Jacob.”

  “I wasn’t prepared for this day. Each time your siblings got married, I knew there was still one more. Now that isn’t the case. Jacob suits you. You complement one another’s strengths and weaknesses. I’m overjoyed for you, but I’m sad that your mother isn’t here. Even though I’m happy with Mabel, I miss her every day.”

  “I miss her too. She’s with us in here.” I set my hand on my dad’s chest.

  Kelly knocks on the door. “It’s time.” Arm in arm with my father, and my train in the other, I walk to the barn under a huge black umbrella. As we reach the door, I draw in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

  The moment I look up at Jacob, my heart explodes. His eyes are filled with tears, his hand over his mouth. Redness creeping into his cheeks. I lock my gaze with his as Connor sets his hand on Jacob’s shoulder. It feels like we’re walking to him in slow motion. Our officiant’s words sound muffled as I long to wipe those tears from his cheeks.

  As my father sets my hand into Jacob’s, I intertwine my fingers into his shaking hand. Drawing him close, I kiss the tears from his cheek.

  “You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen,” he murmurs in my ear. “I still can’t believe you’re mine.”

  “I love you, Jacob. How about we pledge our lives to one another right now?”

  “Yes.” He takes a few moments to compose himself before the officiant starts our vows. The closer we get to those magic words, the less his hands are shaking in mine. As he slides the matching eternity band on my finger, his hands are steady.

  “It’s my pleasure to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Blackthorne. You may kiss your bride.”

  Despite our discussions to the contrary, Jacob seizes my lips with a sultry, sensuous kiss that leaves no question how he feels about me.

  We walk down the runner and back into the house as our family and close friends cheer and clap. I have never been happier than I am with him. After a brief time alone, we return to the barn and dance the afternoon away with our family and friends.

  As early evening rolls around, we slip away to change for our flight. I have been looking forward to this trip since we planned it. Two weeks on a private island with my husband. After that, a lifetime together.

  Coming Soon

  Two new stories are coming soon!

  Morgan Brothers novels

  Until I Kissed You (Samson and Savannah)

  York Beach Series

  The Cappellis

  Chasing Forever (Luca and Willa)

  My Books

  York Beach Series:

  A New Beginning with You (Genevieve and Joseph)

  Taking A Chance on Me (Kelsey and William)

  Just One More (Maggie and Grant)

  Kiss You Like You’re Mine (Billie and Peter)

  Only with Him (Kelly and Nicholas)

  Morgan Brothers Novels:

  One Unforgettable Favor (Cassius and Noelle)

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