Текст книги "Fusion"

Автор книги: Tessa Teevan

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"Are you sure?" Even though I didn't want to, I gave him one last out, as halfhearted as it was.

"Sierra, the only reason I'm not on one knee right now is because we just graduated high school and your dad might rescind his offer if I did so. But rest assured. As soon as I'm on my feet and I think we're ready, there will be a ring on that finger. I'm never letting you go."

His impassioned plea was my undoing. It might have been selfish, but I wasn't going to argue with him. I was going to take what he was offering and not look back.

"Ever?" I asked, my heart soaring at the idea of being Mrs. Jeremy Banks.

Sure, I might have barely been out of high school and I had my whole life ahead of me, but I couldn't imagine Jeremy not being a part of said life. We'd been the only two peas in our pod for so long that I no longer knew where he ended and I began. I didn't want to find out.

He leaned forward and pressed a sweet kiss to the tip of my nose. "Not in this lifetime, or any other. You're it for me. You're not Tod or Joey or anything else. You're my Sierra, and you always will be."

I slid my arms up his chest and wrapped them around his neck. Lifting up on my tip toes, I placed my lips on his. "Because, after all…where you go…”

"I go."

And, as we entered the next chapter of our lives, we were doing it together. Just like we’d done everything else.

Once it was all said and done, I did what any respectable man who was being threatened with the loss of the love of his life would do. I packed my room up, loaded my car, and declined my scholarship, and as soon as the Sullivans hit the road, so did I.

Was it crazy? Maybe. Sure, we were only eighteen and the odds were against us. But Sierra’d been my best friend for ten years, my girl for three, and she was the love of my life. Age didn’t change the fact that Sierra was my soulmate.

So, where she went, I went, and that sentiment would never, ever change.

2005

"I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M about to do this. Holy shit. Holy shit." I paced the back deck of the Sullivan home, the engagement ring burning a hole in my pocket.

A rumble of laughter from Lexi's boyfriend, Ty, answered me. I shot a glare to where he was messing with the grill.

"You're just glad I'm buttering him up for you. I know you’re not that far behind me, Tate."

He blanched a bit before his face turned red. His sheepish smile told me I wasn’t wrong. As protective as I was over Lexi, I knew Tate was good people. The way he had taken her out of her post-Jace funk had everyone relieved, and he’d always take care of her.

"Dude, how'd you know?"

A coy smile crossed my lips. God, I loved being right. "I see the way you look at her. It's the same way I look at Sierra. The way I’ve always looked at Sierra. Like a man in love. That's how I know."

He nodded and released a deep sigh as he ran a large hand through his sandy-brown hair. "I know it seems soon. But I love her, Banks. I love her so goddamn much, and I want to spend my whole life with her. And I want that life to start as soon as possible. Why wait?"

As I studied him, I remembered how overprotective of Lexi I’d felt when we’d moved to Ohio. Sierra and I weren’t sure what had happened, but she had obviously been nursing some sort of broken heart from Jace’s enlisting in the Army. Her entire senior year, she moped around. It wasn’t until she started college that she came out of her shell and began dating.

I won't lie. It was kind of a struggle when Lexi first brought Ty home. She was so infatuated though, and for the first time in so long, her smiles were genuine. Bright. And she finally looked happy, thanks to Tyler Tate. How could I have begrudged the man for that?

The answer was: I couldn't. And the more time we spent with the guy, the more I was convinced he was exactly what she needed. Not that I didn't want to track down Jace and get him to throw his hat in the ring, but even I knew that it was too late for them. Hell, at the time, I wasn’t even sure the guy was in the country, so I dropped any hope of a reunion between the two of them and embraced Ty as her new guy.

As long as Lexi was happy, I was happy for her. But Ty was aware of the standing promise should he ever hurt her. My fist would meet his face.

But back to me. It'd been a little over three years since we’d made the move to Ohio, and I hadn't regretted a single second of it. The Sullivans, true to their word, allowed me to crash in their basement while I got on my feet. Three years later and I was just now moving out. It's not that I’d mooched off them or anything. They’d just never asked me to leave. And the one time I’d told them I was going apartment shopping, they’d told me not to even consider doing such a thing. Focus on school, they'd insisted. So I had.

It paid off in dividends. I overloaded myself with courses and graduated a year early with my real estate degree. When we’d moved to Cincinnati, I’d gone crazy helping the Sullivans find a home. It’d almost been an obsession, finding what was perfect, in the best location, for the best price. Like Dad had told me, I’d found something I was good at and enjoyed, so it was a no-brainer when it came to declaring a major.

I'd already tested and earned my license, and I was starting my new job at a large Cincinnati real estate agency in a few days. If it hadn’t been for the Sullivans, this wouldn't have been happening, and for that, I would be eternally grateful. Still, as grateful as I was, I was also ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. On to the next chapter with Sierra. Like my dad had told me on my graduation day, I’d had to work for a future with Sierra, and I’d busted my ass. And, now, I wanted that future to begin as soon as freaking possible.

The back door opened and Nick walked out with a tray full of brats and burgers. He handed them to Ty and then grabbed a beer, tossing me one as he walked over.

That was one awesome thing about Cincinnati. They had great fucking beer.

"Congratulations, Jeremy," he told me, slapping me on the shoulder. "Vicky and I are so proud of you. I know your parents are, too. I know a lot of parents—my mom included—thought I was crazy for allowing Sierra’s boyfriend to move into our home, but I want you to know I consider you a son. I always have. I wouldn’t have let just any man stay under my roof," he joked, giving me another slap on the back.

My nose burned, but it wasn’t from the tears that weren’t currently welling in my eyes. Nope. No way. I cleared my throat. I was Jeremy Banks. Ultimate male and all of that macho crap. I didn’t cry. I wouldn’t cry.

"Thanks, Nick," I choked out, coughing to mask it but failing.

He wrinkled his eyebrows.

"Hey, listen. Speaking of that—can we talk?"

He stopped mid-swig and set his beer down. Folding his arms across his chest, he studied me but didn't say a word. I glanced over at Ty, who was watching us intently. I had half a mind to flip him off, because I was making this easier on him. I’d go through the hard part, and then he’d swoop in and beg for Lexi’s hand. So, yeah, my middle finger was primed and ready, but somehow, I resisted.

Just as I was about to open up my mouth, the back door opened yet again, my dad coming through this time.

“Hey, Jay, you’re just in time. Jeremy has something he wants to talk to me about,” Nick said to my dad. It was apparent he knew what I was going to do. Not that it made it any easier.

Dad’s eyes widened as he looked from Nick to me and then back to Nick. He held his beer out as a gesture for me to continue. “Well, by all means, don’t let me interrupt.”

Suddenly, I was the center of everyone’s attention. Instead of just Nick, I had three pairs of eyes about to witness one of the most important moments of my life.

Freaking awesome.

“Well, you see… There isn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for Sierra. I love her. I’d go to the ends of the Earth for that girl. Hell, Ohio’s just about as close.” I chuckled nervously, but not a peep was heard from those three. Some peanut gallery they were. I cleared my throat. “You see…now that I’m done with school and getting my own place and all… I just… I think… I mean…”

God, I was stammering like an idiot. Sierra and I’d been inseparable for thirteen years. This shouldn’t have been that hard.

"Spit it out, Jeremy. I’ve got burgers to flip," Nick finally said, his voice cool.

I couldn’t read him. Oh fuck. We might have been outside, but it was like all the air had been sucked out of the vicinity. What if he said no?

Oh fuck. He wouldn’t, would he?

I inhaled a deep breath then released it more slowly. It was now or never. And never was unacceptable.

"Sir…with your blessing, I'd like to marry your daughter. No—scratch that. I'd love to marry her. I want to marry her. I have to marry her.” I took a deep breath before pulling out the dramatics. “If I don't marry that girl within the next year, my life would be over. So…what do you say?" I asked, breathless and hopeful. “Ready for me to be your son? Like you’ve always seen me?” I wasn’t sure if throwing his own words back in his face was a good idea, but I figured it was worth a try.

The back deck was silent for a moment, and as the seconds ticked away, they felt like the longest of my life. Ty and my dad both watched Nick carefully, as did I. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him.

Finally, he slapped me on the shoulder and gave me a wide smile. "Seriously? Do you even have to ask? As if I could even stop you if I tried."

Waves of relief surged and crashed down on me. I could finally release the breath I’d been holding. As much as I wanted to break out into the Carlton in celebration, I maintained my composure. Barely.

"Still. I’d like your blessing. You and your wife have done so much for me, and it would mean a lot to me."

"I appreciate that, Jeremy. Of course you have your blessing. We couldn't ask for a better man to marry our daughter."

A throat cleared from across the back deck. "Umm…about that, sir…"

Ty had set the grilling spatula down and taken a step forward. With a ring box in his hand, he gave Nick a bashful grin.

"Seriously, man? This is my parade. Take your rain elsewhere," I told Ty, laughing so he'd know I was kidding.

Nick raked his hand through his hair and groaned. "You too? A double whammy? Did you two plan this ambush?"

I held my hands up. “No. No way. This was supposed to be my night, my time to shine. He’s just horning in on it now that I’ve softened you up.”

My dad let out a curse, which Nick echoed.

Ty nodded. "I know it seems fast and I'm edging into Jeremy's time, but I love Lexi with everything in me, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

Nick eyed him. "You love her?"

"With all of my heart."

"You'll be good to her?"

"For as long as I live."

“Yeah, or I’ll kick his ass,” I chimed in, causing Nick’s lips to twitch.

“And I’d let him,” Ty confirmed.

Nick eyed him warily then brought out the big guns. "Do you solemnly swear to never wear a Steelers jersey in my home or in my presence?"

Without hesitation, Ty raised a fist and hollered the Bengals war cry. "Who Dey!"

Damn, the guy must’ve been in love to go that far. He was a hard-core Steelers fan. Watching him and Lexi fight during games was one of the best parts of football season.

“I can’t believe I just did that.”

Nick laughed and shook his head. "Then you have my blessing as well. Now, someone get me a drink. My two little girls are getting married."

Ty and I high-fived, but then Nick brought the rain.

"Then again, they both still have to say yes."

With that last parting shot, he walked back inside. Dad grinned at me and gave me a thumbs-up.

I pointed my finger at Ty and warned him. "I get to propose first. Got it?"

Ty gave me a challenging grin.

Game on.

"I can't believe he's moving out." Mom was getting all weepy as she stirred the baked beans. Her other hand was dabbing a tissue at the corner of her eye.

Stifling my laughter, I patted her on the shoulder then gave her a quick squeeze. "Mom, he's only moving a few streets over. It's hardly the end of the world. You’ll still see him all the time. Probably more than you want to. Like he’ll be able to stay away from your home cooking."

Even though I was trying to be reassuring, part of me totally got what she was saying—not that I'd admit it out loud. Jeremy'd been living in my parents’ basement for the past three years, and now that he had a good job, he'd rented his own home. My parents had insisted he could stay until he’d built up his savings, but he’d declined, spouting off something about how he was a man and he needed to be independent.

Personally, I thought there was more to it, and I’d had to stop myself from checking his sock drawers for a ring box. Not that we’d talked about marriage or anything any time soon, but I was kind of hoping it was around the corner, sooner rather than later.

Before she could respond, however, the back door slid open and I looked up to see my dad stalking inside, an unreadable expression on his face. He went straight to the liquor cabinet and poured a healthy amount of scotch into a glass, tossing it back and quickly refilling it. I’d seen that happen before. It usually wasn’t good news.

“Nick, what’s gotten into you?” Mom asked, frowning at the glass in his hand.

"Somethin’ in the water," he said cryptically as he gave himself another couple of fingers. This time, however, he only sipped, so whatever it was couldn’t have been that bad.

We exchanged a confused look before he muttered something about not being ready for this and disappearing.

Weird.

It wasn’t much longer before I realized what Dad’s sudden drinking spree was all about. Halfway through dinner, Jeremy scooted his chair back and rose to his feet. Everyone stopped talking when he cleared his throat. Suddenly, my hands were clammy, and my heart’s tempo increased until it was practically racing.

"Umm," he started off, coughing then picking his wine glass up to take a sip.

I did the same as my mind ran a hundred miles a minute, wondering what was about to happen.

"I just wanted to say I appreciate you all being here for my graduation. Mom, Dad, Jenna, Chris for traveling to be with me to celebrate. Nick and Vicky for graciously opening your home to me. Lexi, for all of those nights you helped me study. I wouldn’t be standing here, a college graduate and the new agent at Keller-Williams Realty if it weren’t for all of you sitting here today."

My heart warmed as he went around the room, thanking each and every one at the table, even Ty, my sister’s boyfriend, who had quickly ingrained himself with my family. But, when Jeremy turned to me and took my hand, pulling me up out of my chair, I forgot that anyone else was in the room. He leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek before dropping on the ground to one knee. Gasps echoed all around us, but suddenly, I had tunnel vision. All I could see was his face. All I could hear was his voice. At that moment in time, the only thing existing was us.

"Sierra, I love you. I’ve loved you since I was eight years old, and somehow, even way back then, I knew you were it for me. At eight years old, I knew you were going to be my wife and, one day, I'd be the luckiest man on the planet because I'd get to spend the rest of my life with you. And that's what I want. You, me, forever."

Heat rose on the back of my neck, and my eyes widened. My heart was beating faster than ever before. My lungs refused to take breath as Jeremy continued.

"We may be young, Sierra, but none of that matters. I want forever with you, and I always will. So, can't it start right now? Will you? Marry me."

The last part wasn't a question, yet it was still perfect. He knew my answer—and that he didn’t even have to ask. I could never say no to this man. I would never say no to this man. I looked up to see the faces of my most loved ones watching us, waiting for my response, even though they all knew what it would be. Mom and Lexi both had tears in their eyes while Dad appeared proud.

I smiled down at the face of the only man I'd ever loved. The only one I would ever love.

"Forever started a long time ago with us, Jeremy. Nineteen ninety-two to be exact. "

He nodded, unmoving from his kneeling position. "You've been with me every step of the way, and now, I'm headed out into the real world. None of it means anything if you're not by my side. I knew when I was eight years old that I was going to marry you. I still know that now. So, how about it Sierra? Will you make my lifelong dream come true? Will you be my Mrs. Michelangelo?"

He waited with bated breath as I gazed down at him. I knew exactly how to give him the perfect answer. My hand rose to my mouth and I spit directly into my palm. As realization gleamed in his eyes, the corners of his lips turned up in a slow grin, transforming his face from the cute boy-next-door to the gorgeous man I was ready to pledge my love to.

“The ultimate spit pact?” I asked, giving him a teasing smile. “What do you say, Banks?”

He grinned back at me, causing my heart to melt at the deep dimples in his cheeks. “Well, I thought a ring would seal the deal, but you’re right.” As he stood, he spit in his own hand and placed it in mine. It was wet, slimy, and oh so unbelievably perfect.

My heart flip-flopped as he repeated his question.

“Will you marry me, Sierra?”

“Yes!” I shouted.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and twirled me around. I cupped his cheeks, gazing down into the gorgeous eyes of my future husband.

“A better ending than Copper and Tod. Much, much better than Dawson and Joey.”

“That’s because a new it couple has taken over. From now on, it’s Jeremy and Sierra.”

“That’s the way it’s always been.”

“And always will be.”

“Always?”

“Forever.”

WHEN I WAS A teenager, I once told Jeremy I didn’t need fancy. I just needed him. Even though we were now in our twenties and could afford fancy, the thought still rang true. So that’s why, just four short weeks later, I was back to where it had all begun and more than ready to say, “I do.”

After Jeremy had proposed, we’d finished dinner, celebrated with our families, and then snuck away for a celebration of our own. We were lying in his bed, breathless and sated from commemorating our engagement in the most intimate way. I held my hand out, admiring the solitaire square-cut diamond he’d given me. Knowing it’d been his grandmother’s meant the world to me, and I’d wear it proudly for the rest of my life. His fingers came to mine and he kissed my hand. I rested my chin on his naked chest and grinned up at him.

“So, now that we’re engaged, you don’t mind having sex in my parents’ basement?” I teased.

He growled at me, flipping me onto my back and sinking slowly back into me, filling me to the hilt. I nearly forgot what I’d said as he held himself inside me. His eyes were glazed with lust, and he held my hands just above my head.

“Marry me,” he whispered.

“I believe I already said yes,” I panted, breathless as he resumed making love to me.

His movements were slow, methodical, and with how close we were, he was creating a delicious friction on my clit that had me writhing beneath him, wanting…needing more.

He leaned down and peppered kisses along my jaw. “Marry me, baby,” he said, his lips finding my ear.

“Mmm,” was all he got in response.

And that’s when he stopped—and when I whimpered. I lifted my hips, rolling them, but he pushed down, holding me in place on the bed.

“Marry me.”

As my orgasm began to recede, I frowned. “Yes, Jeremy. I’ll always says yes,” I whispered.

He lifted up and gazed down into my eyes. “As soon as possible. I want that ring on your finger. My last name on your license. You livin’ in my house, where I can make you scream my name and you won’t have to hold it in so your parents won’t hear.”

I nodded, and he entered me with a driving thrust that stole my breath. I was nearing the precipice of my climax and he was fully aware. With three more deliberate thrusts, I was seized by a rush of sensation so intense I swore I saw stars.

“As soon as possible,” he said against my lips as he pulled out and spilled his release on my belly.

That’s when I realized I wanted soon, too.

Those four weeks dragged, and they also flew. They were frantic at times, but knowing I was going to marry the love of my life in less than a month made every ounce of the stress I experienced worth it.

It was simple. It was relatively easy. It was just like us, and it was beautiful.

We were getting married in the place where we’d met. The place where we’d first loved. The place where I’d set my hand in his and gave him my forever. The place where he had done the same.

Since we were back in Navarre, we could’ve invited all of our old friends. Had a huge party. Celebrated all night long. But, at the end of the day, we decided to keep it low-key. We just wanted each other and our families. That would be enough.

As I stood in front of the walkway, part of me wanted to run, sprint, even fly, because I knew what was awaiting me. Jeremy. Forever. My husband. The other part, however, wanted to glide slowly, soaking up every single detail along the way.

It couldn’t have been a more perfect day. Even though it was late June, the temperatures were unusually cool that evening. The sun was setting. The breeze was blowing. And the waves were chipping in, creating their own beautiful soundtrack to highlight this day and where we were.

The beach.

Our beach.

This place had always been home for me, ever since I’d met my best friend, the love of my life. At least, it had been until we’d moved to Ohio and I’d realized Jeremy was my home. My head against his chest, our fingertips laced and held on his stomach as we stole moments of intimacy. The way he reverently paused for a split second every time he sank into my depths and whispered my name, a sound so perfect coming from his lips. As if he really did believe that it was his love sanctuary and he was offering his reverence. Jeremy’s arms, Jeremy’s embrace, Jeremy’s heart. That’s where I was home. That was my home. It always would be.

“It’s time.” Mom’s soft whisper interrupted my thoughts. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”

I smiled and answered straight from the heart. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for thirteen years. Yeah, I’m ready,” I said.

She smiled. “I love you, Sierra.”

“Love you, too, Mom,” I replied, keeping it simple, already overwhelmed with all the emotion bubbling up inside me.

Dad approached, and Mom gave my hand a squeeze then laughed when Dad kissed her cheek. She ventured down the walkway to the gazebo, where my groom was waiting. I wanted to follow quickly, but then Dad cleared his throat and I turned to look at him. The shimmering tears in his eyes startled me, causing my own to form.

“My baby girl,” he whispered, placing a thumb and forefinger underneath my chin. “This day came a hell of a lot sooner than I expected.” He chuckled. “This day came a hell of a lot later than I expected, knowing that boy. He would’ve proposed when he was twelve years old if he could have.”

It was my turn to laugh. “I think we did it right,” I told him, unashamed of how unabashedly proud I was of the path Jeremy and I had taken.

Sure, we could’ve gotten married and started our forever at eighteen, but instead, we had taken our parents’ guidance and assistance, and now, he was a twenty-one-year-old college graduate with a steady job, and I was nearly done with my nursing degree. Neither of us had any student debt, and we’d be comfortable as we began our lives as a couple. Like I said, relatively easy. Completely comfortable. Pretty much perfect.

“You did,” Dad said, interrupting my thoughts. “And I couldn’t be prouder. That kid, as much as I hated to admit it, was always going to be the one who’d put a ring on your finger. You couldn’t have picked a better man to love you, Sierra. As much as it pains me that I’m giving you away today, I know it’s to a good man, which lessens the pain a little.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “You can’t make me cry, Dad,” I laughed. “It’ll ruin my makeup.”

He leaned in close and placed a kiss on my forehead. “The guy at the altar? He wouldn’t care.”

“Just another reason to love him.”

He smiled and took a deep breath. Then he slowly exhaled and held his arm up, and I set my hand in the crook of it.

“Remember what comes after marriage, Sierra,” he said in a teasing tone. “I’m not too young to be a grandpa.”

I laughed even though my belly tightened at the prospect of being a mom. “One thing at a time, Dad.”

His eyes gleamed. “We’ll see.”

“How about you marry me off first? Then we’ll talk babies. In a couple of years,” I informed him.

He sighed. “I guess I can live with that.”

“Didn’t I tell you she couldn’t get married until thirty? I mean, I know you only passed calculus because of Sierra, but I thought you could at least do simple math. You’re a bit early.”

Nick was teasing—I was killer at calculus. And a cocky grin formed on my face even though I was nervous as hell on the inside.

Not that I had any idea why. Sierra and I’d been together for two-thirds of my life. Hell, I barely remembered the time when she hadn’t been there. This was just another normal day at the beach.

Except that it wasn’t. This day was monumental. It signified the beginning of everything I’d ever wanted. And, for some reason, it was…daunting as hell.

But probably not for the reasons you might think. I wasn’t worried about having a ball and chain or anything like that. No, I was fucking terrified out of my mind that, after thirteen years, Sierra was finally going to wise up and realize she could have any man in the world. Why would she want me?

Just as quickly as that stupid thought had come, a plethora of memories hit me like a tidal wave, drenching me with a flood of emotion. In my mind, I saw Sierra, eight years old, standing at the top of the steps, the prettiest girl I’d ever seen. I could hear her teasing me about Michelangelo. Then it was the image of Sierra in her homecoming dress, stopping my heart and tightening my pants from the sight of her all dressed up for me. Sierra launching herself into my arms and telling me that she loved me for the very first time. A million I-love-yous followed, and I heard each and every one loud and clear. And then I saw Sierra, sweet and sensuous, writhing beneath me as I made love to her, right there at that very spot. The sound of her panted breaths as she whispered my name played on repeat in my mind, and if it hadn’t been for Nick placing a hand on my shoulder and shaking me out of my reverie, I might have gotten hard all over again.

I laughed, all the fear draining from my body. Sierra was mine. She always had been. Always would be. Just like I was hers—for now, forever, and whatever eternity awaited us on the other side.

Where she went, I’d follow.

Always.

But enough with the mushy stuff.

“And I’m pretty sure I told you no way,” I finally answered, lifting my chin and setting it in defiance at my soon-to-be father-in-law.

Nick laughed, clapped me on the shoulder, and squeezed. His smile softened, as did his eyes. “You’re the only one I’d ever allow be the exception to that rule, Jeremy. I hope you know that.”

I returned his smile. “I appreciate that, sir.”

For as long as I can remember, he’d been Nick to me. Not Mr. Sullivan or sir, but in that moment, it’d felt right.

He nodded his appreciation. “I always wanted a son, and God changed my mind when he blessed me with two beautiful daughters who grew up to be two beautiful women. But, today, I’m gaining a son, and I couldn’t be happier. Because that’s what I consider you, Jeremy. A son,” he told me.

“Does that mean I can finally call you Pops?” I asked, grinning at the memory of the first—and only—time I’d tried calling him that.

“Absolutely not,” he responded with his own smile.

I ran a hand through my hair. “Look, Nick…I have to thank you.”

He started to hold a hand up, but I continued.

“You’ve changed my life. Not only did you create the beautiful girl I’m about to marry, but you took me in when you didn’t have to. I wouldn’t be standing here, about to marry the love of my life, if it weren’t for you and Vicky. And I know I don’t say it as often as I should, so thank you. Truly,” I said.

“Thanks aren’t needed, Jeremy. Just be good to my girl.”

“There’s no other option,” I replied.

“Then what’d you say we have a wedding?” Nick said, glancing at his watch. “You ready?”

“I’ve been ready for longer than you want to know.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Probably a good thing,” he responded. Then he walked through the gazebo and down the walkway to where he was about to lead his daughter to me.

To her future.

Our future.

As cocky as I’d been, I wasn’t prepared for the moment Sierra came into view. I was nearly knocked off my feet, ass in the sand, as soon as I saw her. I don’t know what it was. Every single day, I’d looked at Sierra and marveled at how beautiful she was, but this was different. She was dressed in a flowing, white gown that perfectly molded to her curves. Her smile was radiant as she approached. The white hibiscus flower in her soft, flowing hair gave her the appearance of an angel. My heart leapt into my throat, and I couldn’t believe it. This was my bride.

I was undone.

When Nick gave her a kiss on the cheek then stepped to the side to join our families, I barely registered he was even there. My eyes were locked in on hers, and I’m not ashamed to admit that they might have been swimming with the manliest of tears.

“Beautiful,” I whispered then leaned down and captured her perfect, pink lips with mine. I just couldn’t help myself.

A throat cleared, and I pulled back. She was smiling up at me, her own eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“I think the kiss is supposed to wait until after the ceremony,” she teased.

I grinned. “Do I look like I care?” Then I turned to Chris, who’d gone online and gotten ordained for this. “Make it quick, man.”

And quick is what he made it. I was dying to kiss Sierra again by the time we got to the vows. When Sierra had insisted we write our own vows, I wasn’t sure what the hell I was going to say. I sat for hours trying to form the perfect poetic words, and frankly, I sucked at it. So after too many hours wasted and sheets of papers balled up, I decided I’d wing it.