Sweet (Uncorked Book 5)
Page 13
“Breathe,” Cabe whispered so softly only Elden could hear him.
His body obeyed even if Elden’s brain had no idea what was happening in that moment. Cabe’s smile, his touch, and the love that was shining from his eyes were all Elden’s mind could comprehend.
This was the moment when every dream he’d never known he could have came true.
“We are gathered here today to join these two men in holy matrimony. If there is anyone here with just cause as to why these two should not be married speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Once again, Elden stopped breathing. This time, it was out of fear that his mother was about to make a scene. He glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw Jeff with one hand clasped in Doris’s and the other firmly on her shoulder.
No one said a word and the officiant continued with the ceremony. Elden slowly let out the air he’d been holding in his lungs for what felt like eons as he’d endured that pause. Why anyone thought it a good idea to add that into a wedding ceremony was beyond him.
“Cabe and Elden have chosen to write their own vows. Cabe, please begin.”
Both of his hands were firmly held by Cabe as they stared into each other’s eyes. “There was a time when I foolishly believed love and marriage were for suckers.”
Cabe’s eyes crinkled around the edges and his lips lifted into the most beautiful smile, setting Elden’s heart racing. “Then I met you,” Cabe lifted one of Elden’s hands and kissed his knuckles. “That was the moment when I knew not only was love real, but that I was already falling for you. With each passing day, my love for you has only grown as I’ve gotten to know you. Your kind heart and enduring spirit are an inspiration to everyone who knows you.
“You have made me the luckiest man in the world by marrying me today. I promise to never take this gift you’re giving me for granted. I love you, Elden James Richland.” Caleb gave Elden’s knuckles another kiss.
Then it was Elden’s turn.
He’d thought he’d be nervous. Who was he kidding? He’d thought he’d be terrified. But standing there, looking at Cabe, feeling his love, Elden only felt peaceful, accepted, and cherished.
It changed everything. Including his vows.
“I grew up believing the worst about myself. That I was a nerd, someone who others laughed at, but most of all, that I was unlovable.” He let out a small chuckle at that. It was odd, but it no longer upset him. Those ideas from his past were just that, in his past.
“You changed all that for me. I hadn’t known what love was until you showed me. You don’t see my flaws as something you have to ignore in order to love me. Instead, you believe they make me who I am, the man you love.”
Suddenly, those things he’d never liked about himself didn’t seem so bad. They actually made Elden feel as if he were… well, normal.
“You changed my world. You gave me the greatest gift of all. You not only loved me without any reservation, but you allowed me to love myself.” Tears started to spill from his eyes, but Elden didn’t care who saw them. They were a manifestation of his love for Cabe. That right there made them a good thing.
It didn’t hurt that Cabe had let a tear or two slip down his face, too.
“My past no longer holds me back from my future with you. I love you with all my heart and soul, Cabe Donovan.”
The moment they placed the rings on their fingers and the officiant started to announce them as husband and husband, Cabe pulled him into his arms, dipping him backward like they were in some romantic movie and kissed him.
The world once more melted away. The clapping, catcalls, whistles, and even some bawdy comments weren’t even heard. All they knew were each other, which was how it should be.
When Cabe finally ended the kiss and tilted him back to his feet, Elden felt his cheeks heat up by some of the comments he now could hear about their display.
Cabe held him close as he chuckled into his ear. The sound went right to his dick, as always, causing it to twitch and thicken in interest. Elden was never so happy to be wearing a suit coat, if only to hide his erection that was only growing.
“You know, I created a new drink for the occasion,” Cabe whispered, his lips brushing the edge of Elden’s ear, sending shivers down his spine.
“Oh yeah?” Elden someone managed to say. “What is it?”
“It’s got a whole lotta sweet, just like you,” Cabe said, the golden flecks in his eyes shining brightly. “I’ve named it after you.” His eyebrows went up and down comically. “It’s called, My Sweet.”
God, Elden loved this man. He may still have some ups and downs with his mom and sure, he got that life would never be perfect all the time, but with Cabe by his side, Elden knew one thing for certain, he would be loved.
“I love you, my husband,” he whispered against Cabe’s mouth.
“I love you too, my husband,” Cabe said as he pulled Elden flush against his body and kissed him.
The guests, food, and even cake be damned. This was about them, no one else. Without a word to anyone, they walked hand in hand out of the bar and into their future.
Berry-You Drink Recipe
1 1/2 oz Vodka
1/4 oz Chambord
1/4 oz Agave syrup
1/2 oz Strawberry liqueur
1/4 oz Pomegranate liqueur
Spritz of lime juice
Add a little Strawberry lemonade
Shake
ENJOY!
About the Author
Best Selling author of the Cedar Falls Series, Paranormal War Series, and Miracle Series, Shea Balik has always had a vivid imagination with stories running around in her head. Often her stories are taken from observations of other people with her own spin. Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.
You can stay up to date with everything Shea by following her!
www.sheabalik.com