Cameras flashed as she focused on Liam, who waited proudly with the officiant. If he was nervous, he didn’t show it. Standing unnerved, with a smile on his face, he nodded as his best man, Adam, leaned in and said something, followed by a pat on Liam’s shoulder.
Standing next to Megan, Rachel gave her a thumbs up. She looked stunningly beautiful in her bridesmaid dress, as bright diamonds she had received from Adam sparkled around her neck.
Ava, Rachel’s little one, sat on Rosie’s lap next to Wes, helping Rosie litter the aisle with flower petals.
“E-ah,” Ava babbled, holding her arms up as Leah walked by her.
Leah blew a kiss to her and continued on her way. Holding out a hand, Liam helped her climb the few short steps to the altar. She smiled, fighting to hold her tears at bay.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the very special love between the Bride and the Groom, by joining them in marriage,” the officiant announced, clutching his Bible against his chest. “Today, promises become permanent and friends become family.”
Liam reached for Leah’s hands, smiling that charming smile of his. “Leah, I love you unconditionally and without hesitation. I vow to love you, encourage you, trust you, and respect you. Together, we’ll create a home full of compassion and laughter. We’ll build a life far greater than either of us could ever imagine. I choose you to be my wife,” he said, clearing the emotion from his throat before continuing, “I’ll care for you and stand by you. I’ll share with you all of life’s adversities and all its joys, from this day forward, for the rest of my life.”
Choked with emotion, she swiped away tears as she struggled to find her words. His words had done it—awakened new emotion and left her completely speechless. He held onto her, patiently waiting for her to say her part.
Trying hard not to allow her emotions to choke her up, she fanned her face with a shaky hand. Liam kept his eyes on her, encouraging her in unspoken words to say what needed to be said.
Slowly releasing the deep breath she had taken, she said, “Liam, you are my best friend. I promise to laugh with you, cry with you and grow old with you.” She kept her attention on Liam—he calmed her nerves without saying a word. “I promise to love you all the days and nights for the rest of my life.”
That’s when she saw it—tears silently fell from his gorgeous eyes. This was it—the moment she had waited for her whole life. They both reached for their rings, which Adam’s son, Tyler, had waiting for them.
“Liam, do you take Leah to be your wife?”
“I do,” Liam said, sliding the ring onto her finger.
“Leah, do you take Liam to be your husband?”
“I do,” she said, sliding the ring into place on his finger.
“Therefore, it’s my pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant announced. Turning to Liam, he said, “You may now kiss the bride.”
Cameras flashed and cheers echoed, as they pulled each other close, allowing themselves to kiss passionately and full of desire, until someone announced, “Party at Levy’s!”
Weaving his arms under her, Liam carried her from the church to Levy’s. While crossing the highway, he asked, “How does it feel to be Mrs. Leah Spencer?”
“Absolutely amazing!”
* * *
Had it not seemed real enough before, it did now as they were ushered to the dance floor. Leah shoved her heels off at once, and tossed them to the side. “I can’t dance in heels,” she shouted over the music and the crowd.
Megan and Rachel, with Rosie’s help, had set up a wonderful reception. Decorations were strung out—streamers hung wildly all over the place. Pictures and other memories were scattered over the table near the entrance.
“I’m so happy for you guys!” Rachel hollered, one hand hanging onto Adam, the other gripping Leah’s bouquet that she had caught at the toss—which only meant one thing.
“You’re next!” Leah announced, causing Rachel to laugh as she kissed Adam. “Get a room!”
“We are, tonight!” Rachel said, winking as she turned to walk away. “Rosie’s keeping Ava and Ty tonight.”
Leah shooed Rachel away, blowing a kiss to her. Liam brought her in closer to him—the smell of his cologne heightened her need to get him alone. She couldn’t wait. They had a week-long honeymoon planned in Jamaica and she was going to enjoy every minute with him.
“I’m so glad she’s finally happy,” Leah said, watching Adam and Rachel talk together.
“They’re good for each other. She’s what Adam and Ty need,” Liam said, bringing her close as the DJ announced, “Let’s hear it for the lovely bride and groom as they have their first dance!”
“I cross my heart,” Liam sang each word completely in tune with George Strait as they danced in the center of the room with all eyes on them.
This was it; she was married to her best friend, who promised to give her all she had ever wanted.
Afterword
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About the Author
Christina Butrum launched her writing career in 2015 with the release of The Fairshore Series.
Writing contemporary fiction, she brings realistic situations with swoon-worthy romance to the pages - allowing her readers to fall in love right along with the characters.
When she isn’t busy writing, Christina enjoys spending time with her family. Christina Butrum looks forward to publishing many more books for her readers to enjoy.
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All She Ever Wanted (Cedar Valley Novel Book 1) Page 25
