We have security around the perimeter to keep the press out, but it hasn’t stopped the helicopters’ from flying over to get pictures. We’ve already sold the rights to our first wedding photos to People magazine, so there’s a photographer here along with the one we’ve hired for our personal photos.
Evelyn and Toby just made their way down the aisle, so I’m up next.
“Ya ready kiddo?” My dad asks, hooking our arms together.
I’m squeezing my bouquet so tight I’m surprised that the silk ribbon around their stems hasn’t come apart.
I take in a deep breath and let it out, nodding my head slowly, “I’m ready.”
Turning, I look into my father’s dark chocolate eyes that are filled with love. He was the first man I ever loved, and now he’s about to give me away to the only man who’ll forever have my heart.
I hear the sound of an acoustic guitar beginning to play Jason Mraz’s I Won’t Give Up, and that’s our cue. Patting my arm in reassurance, my father leans in and whispers into my ear, “I love you princess, time for you to go marry your Cowboy.”
With each step I take, my confidence builds. A smile dances across my lips as I hear the familiar sound of Madilyn Bailey’s voice beginning to sing the lyrics. I instantly tear up. Kayden knows how much I love her version of this song, and I wanted nothing more than to have her sing at our wedding.
Rounding the corner and stepping onto the aisle covered in pink, lavender and orange rose petals, I lift my eyes up and they meet Kayden’s. He has the biggest smile on his face and my heart skips a beat.
Kayden looks as handsome as ever, in his white short-sleeve dress shirt and khaki shorts. The groomsmen are dressed the same as him, wearing boutonnieres with roses in University of Texas orange. Kayden’s is white and orange roses.
Everyone stands, and lock their eyes on Dad and me as we make our way toward the Alter. It feels like an eternity before we finally reach the end. I drag my gaze over to Brooklyn who’s tearing up and wearing the biggest smile. I slide my gaze over our wedding party then to Madilyn Bailey who’s sitting to the right. I give her a small smile before turning my focus back to my father.
My eyes are glazed over with tears threatening to release. I blink a few times and try to focus on my breathing so I can keep myself together.
“I love you Savannah.” He whispers on my cheek and gives me a kiss. Turning towards Kayden, he takes my hand and places it in Kayden’s and says “I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law.” He grips Kayden’s shoulder before stepping back, allowing Kayden to step to my side.
I turn around and blow a kiss to mom and dad. I’ve always wanted a love story like theirs, and now my fairytale is finally coming true.
Reverend Gordon opens his bible and speaks directly to us instead of reading from the book. The entire time he’s talking, I barely hear a word; the only sound I hear is that of my heart beating. Kayden looks so nervous, and it’s beyond adorable.
Holding each other’s hands, we stare at one another with small smiles on our lips. He keeps rubbing his thumb over my promise ring, which I am wearing on my right ring finger…it is so sentimental to me; I had to wear it today.
After the traditional introduction of our family and friends, he says “Savannah and Kayden have prepared their own vows for today.” He nods, indicating that I should begin. His warm smile relaxes me a bit.
Taking in a few deep breaths, I close my eyes for a second to collect myself. I will not freeze up, I can do this. Licking my lips to moisten them, I look up into Kayden’s sea green eyes and block the rest of the world out.
“I, Savannah, take you Kayden to be my husband. You are my best friend, the love of my life, my soul mate. You are the half that makes me whole.”
Kayden’s eyes begin to mist over causing me to become choked up for a moment. Squeezing my hands gently, he silently gives me the courage to continue.
“As long as I can remember, I’ve dreamt of this day. To be saying my vows and pledging my heart to my prince. God guided us to one another and our bond kept us together. You are my prince charming wearing a Stetson hat.” I laugh through the tears now cascading down my cheeks, “I’ve not only loved you in this lifetime but all my lives before. Our souls are entwined for infinity. I can’t wait to have your babies and grow old by your side.”
I let go of Kayden’s right hand and swipe the tears. I let out a puff of air that I’d been holding and slide my fingers back into his.
~~~
Kayden
I can’t believe this is finally happening. I’m standing here listening to Savannah say her vows to me. She’s looks like an angel with her long blonde hair cascading down her back in loose curls; gently dancing in the salty ocean breeze. I am so lost in the moment, but then I hear Dixon say “dayumm” under his breath. Idiot!
The sun is sitting high in the sky causing her to have an angelic glow. She’s so fuckin’ beautiful! It’s taking everything in me to not skip the vows and just say I do so I can finally kiss her gorgeous lips.
The moment I saw her was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I thought for sure my heart was going to explode in my God damn chest. She’s a gorgeous woman, but seeing her in that lace wedding dress, hugging all her curves just right, I swear, it’s the most awe inspiring thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. No one can hold a candle to her; Savannah is the most beautiful bride that’s ever walked this earth.
As soon as my eyes met hers while Maverick brought her to me, it was as if the entire world faded away and all that was left was her and me. The love I felt from Maverick as he spoke to me and placed her hand into mine was overwhelming.
Then hearing Savannah’s vows, it was like a vice-grip on my heart. I could feel every word she said. It took every ounce of strength in me to keep myself together. The last thing I want is to look like a fuckin’ pussy crying at my wedding, but Savannah is making that task very difficult. Now I have to try and keep my shit together long enough to read her my vows. I just keep telling myself that once I finish saying them; she’ll officially be my wife.
Reverend Gordon nods to me…Showtime!
Savannah gazes up at me; her eyes still glistening with tears that are threatening to escape and gives me the biggest, brightest smile that dances across her beautiful lips. She’s looking at me like I’m the only person on the beach with her, helping me to relax and forget about everyone around us.
I rake my fingers through my hair, which I’ve already done a thousand times today since it helps calm my nerves. Taking small shallow breaths, I focus on nothing but Savannah as I repeatedly slide my thumb over her ring.
“I Kayden, take you Savannah to be my wife, my best friend, and my soul mate. I pledge to you today in front of our family and our friends, to be by your side, through the good and the bad. Baby, we’ve had our fair share of both, but I wouldn’t change any of it because our trials and tribulations have brought us to where we are today.” I can feel my resolve crumbling so I stop for a moment to try and collect myself. Seeing the tears falling from Savannah’s eyes is almost my undoing.
Giving her a weak smile I hold her hands tightly in mine and continue, “Before you, I never knew what love was, but the second I met you, I knew I found my other half. God blessed those broken roads that led me straight to you. I cannot thank God enough, each and every day, for bringing you into my life, because you, Savannah, are my angel on earth. I can’t wait to spend forever loving you.”
My emotions getting the best of me, a lone tear escapes my eye and starts to fall, but I quickly swipe it away. I fight to push back the feelings consuming me.
“I love you.” Savannah mouths to me smiling through her tears.
I swipe the pad of my thumb across her cheek brushing away a tear, and mouth back, “I love you, too.
“Now that Savannah and Kayden have said their vows, it’s time to exchange the rings.” Reverend Gordon says turning to Brooklyn and Dixon. Savannah and I look at each other with our
eyes big as saucers thinking the same thing…Oh Lord, please have the rings.
Taking the rings from them, he sets them inside of his bible and blesses them before picking up my band and holding it out towards Savannah, “Savannah, repeat after me.”
Savannah takes the ring with shaky fingers and focusing on my left hand as she holds the ring at my tip of my finger. The silver band is sparkling in the light, and I faintly notice an infinity design engraved around the entire band. I love how she went with the infinity theme for mine.
“Repeat after me,”…“With this ring, I thee wed.” He tells Savannah, and with her sweet angelic voice she speaks those words as she slides my wedding band on.
Next is my turn, taking her diamond infinity band, I let out a slow-shaky breath, and repeat my words while smiling the entire time at Savannah, “With this ring, I thee wed.” Her fingers are so tiny and soft; her wedding set is beautiful on her hand. Her eyes drop for a few moments as she takes in the sight of our hands now donning wedding bands.
“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss…” I don’t even let him finish his sentence and I’m wrapping my arms around Savannah’s waist and dipping her backwards for an earth shattering first kiss as husband and wife. I hear Dixon say “horn-dog”.
I slide my fingers behind her neck, cupping it in my hand, and rest the other at the small of her back, as I crash my mouth to hers. I can taste her berry lip gloss as I slip my tongue into her mouth. I wish I could freeze time for just a little while and savor this moment with Savannah.
Our guests are on their feet cheering for us, and it reminds me that we’re not alone. We just had two hundred plus people witness our steamy kiss, but I don’t give a flyin’ fuck. Savannah’s now officially my wife and I couldn’t be happier if I tried.
~~~
Savannah
After spending half an hour taking pictures with our bridal party and then some of just Kayden and me down by the water, we finally headed to Sugar Land for our reception. With Just Married written on the back of our limo, Kayden and I waved goodbye to everyone as we leave.
The rest of our guests had headed to Sugar Land while we were doing the whole photo opt thing, so the only ones left at our house were our wedding party and parents. We rented Party Busses to transport the guests to the reception.
I loved having over an hour alone with Kayden in the limo. I couldn’t stop staring at our fingers; I am in love with my wedding band and so happy Kayden loves his. I had him slip his ring off in the limo so I could show him the engraving inside of his ring, it says, to infinity and beyond. We spend the next hour making out like teenagers in the back of a ‘69 Mustang!
When we got to our mansion in Sugar Land, we headed up to our master suite to change into our reception attire. Kayden looked down right sexy in his stone wash Wranglers, white button down shirt, and brown suit vest finishing off with his favorite pair of elephant skin Tony Lama’s and brown beaver Stetson. I re-pinned his boutonniere and asked him to sit on the bed…I had a gift for him. Kayden gave me his bedroom eyes and I told him to behave.
I went to our closet and got his wedding gift which I purchase when we took our trip to Austin. He held the box and said “Sho Is Heavy!” I giggled, “Open it Kayden, we have a party to attend.” When Kayden opened the box he stared at it for a few moments, stared at me, then stared at it again. It is a solid gold, high-polished belt buckle in the University of Texas logo; the Texas Longhorn. Immediately he removed his current buckle from his belt to put the new one on noticing that our names and wedding date is inscribed on the back. I say “Hellooooo, do I get a thank you?” He laughed, and gave me a big wet kiss.
All of our groomsmen will be changing into their Wranglers and starched shirts, and our bridesmaids will be switching their flip-flops for brown cowgirl boots.
For our reception, I’m still wearing my veil with my mother’s rhinestone butterfly comb, and a white dress with a lace bodice. It has the same bead detailing up my back. What sold me were the delicate lace straps; I absolutely love it. I found a pair of brown cowgirl boots with hot pink angel wing detailing on the stack and the sides of the foot. I knew the moment I saw them I had to have them for my wedding.
Walking out the front door, I spot the rustic carriage parked at the bottom of the steps with Kayden’s horse Mack and my horse Cheyanne hooked up to the wagon.
Taking my hand, Kayden flashes me his patented panty dropping smile, “You ready to make our grand entrance, Mrs. Knox?” I love the way my name sounds rolling off of his tongue, wrapped in that sexy southern drawl.
Leaning up on my toes and resting my hand against his cheek, I press my lips against his for a quick kiss. “I am sooo ready.” I murmur against his mouth. Pulling away, I tug on his hand and skip down the stairs towards the wagon.
The wagon ride to the barn felt like it went too fast. The closer we get the tighter the knot in my stomach becomes. I am so nervous; we’re only a few short minutes away from surprising the hell out of everyone.
Since we have to wait for all of our wedding party to arrive before we can enter the party, our photographers took advantage of getting some photos of Kayden and I outside of the barn and at the carriage. I knew all along I wanted a picture of Kayden and me with Mack and Cheyanne to hang here in our Sugar Land home. I, for one, cannot wait to get all the photos back and see how they all turned out.
Chapter Eighteen
Finally, everyone’s here so we line-up and get ready to make our entrance. I am so excited, nervous, anxious…I have a million emotions coursing through me at the moment! Of course, Brooklyn and Dixon are playing grab-ass and not paying attention. Rebecca and Jax are in their own world…there is some serious sizzle going on with those two.
The DJ announces the entire wedding party.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, for the first time ever, please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Kayden Knox!” His voice booms through the microphone, echoes throughout the entire barn, and outside to us.
Lacing my fingers through Kayden’s, I give him a huge smile before walking through the barn doors. With music thumping out of the speakers we make our way through the crowd, shaking our hips, and I’m waving my bouquet in the air. It’s almost deafening all the screaming, cheering and whistling that’s transpiring at this very moment.
I scan the huge barn slowly, taking everything in. We have lights strung all over the ceiling, giving the barn a romantic starry night feeling. We have rustic picnic tables and chairs filling the entire room. There are nearly five-hundred guests so we had to open up the back barn doors and attach the biggest party tent we could purchase to fit enough tables for everyone.
The entire reception has a romantic country theme to it, unlike our wedding which was a beach theme. The tables are covered in different sized candles and mason jars full of all the same flowers from my bouquet. The dance floor is just outside the front barn doors, which worked out perfectly because we have the DJ set up at the entrance of the barn, so that music can be heard inside and outside.
On the far left side wall are tables lined up with white clothes draped over them where our gift table is, and then the table with our wedding cake and chocolate fondue machine.
We wanted to have a relaxed party, so we did a huge buffet style reception. My favorite thing here is the fondue set-up. We have white chocolate and milk chocolate fondue machines with an assortment of fruit, along with cupcakes frosted in our wedding colors and chocolate covered strawberries on top.
Sticking with the chocolate covered strawberry theme, we have a traditional five-tier wedding cake in Red Velvet. The top is covered in chocolate covered strawberries. The groom’s cake is chocolate, covered in UT orange sugar fondant with the Longhorn logo airbrushed on the sides. There is a cowboy bride and groom on the top with a wooden sign that say’s Hooked for Life beside them.
It’s so pretty, I hate to have to eat it…but I will! Kayden’s face is priceless as he sees I incorporated his Hook ‘em Horns obsession into
our wedding reception.
“Y’all ready for your first dance as husband and wife?” The DJ’s asks.
Nodding his head Kayden takes his hat off, and rests it against his chest. Grinning down at me, he asks, “May I have this dance?” Holding his hand out to me, I take it and follow him onto the dance floor.
God. I pray I do not puke!
“Nervous?” He laughs, as his eyes twinkle with amusement down at me.
“Ha ha, Knox.” Kayden takes my right hand and rests his other hand on the small of my back as we begin to dance to Keith Urban’s “Only You Can Love Me This Way”. All of our guests have gathered around the dance floor to watch our first dance.
I glance away from Kayden and spot our wedding party all lined up beside the dance floor. I have to close my eyes and take a few deep breaths to keep my panic attack at bay.
“Time to get this party started baby.” Kayden whispers against my ear as I hear the DJ changing the music.
Everyone is looking at one another wondering as if the DJ’s having technical issues as Luke Bryan’s Country Girl Shake It for Me starts playing.
“Let’s do it!” I giggle, trying to pump myself up.
Kayden along with Dixon and our groomsmen all line up along the side of the dance floor and begin clapping to the beat of the music as Brooklyn and my Bridesmaids join me on the dance floor.
I glance to my left, to my right, then over my shoulder and see everyone’s lined-up and we start dancing. As soon as we start shaking it to Luke Bryan and mimicking the dance from the music video all of my anxiety evaporates from my body, and I lose myself in the moment.
I burst out laughing as I spot Luke climbing up by the DJ taking the microphone and singing along with his music playing.
Savannah Series Boxed Set: Four Full Novels and One Novella Page 80
