Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
The minister eases forward, his warm voice filling the room. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Brienne Norcross and Drake McGinn,” he begins. “Their love is a testament to the strength of connection, understanding and unwavering support. Today, they stand before us to declare their love and commitment to each other.”
Drake takes Brienne’s delicate hands in his own, never breaking eye contact. The minister nods, signaling for him to begin his vows.
“Brienne,” Drake starts confidently but with a hint of emotion in his voice. “From the moment I met you, you were a thorn in my side.” Everyone laughs because it’s common knowledge that their first—and their second—meeting did not go well at all and Drake was an ass to her. I make a note to tell Willa that story. “But I know I was equally a pain in your ass, and then somehow, you became my everything. With you, my world changed forever. You are my partner, my confidante, my best friend. You have shown me what true love is and have given me the greatest gift—your heart. I promise to stand by your side through all of life’s challenges and triumphs. To love you fiercely, support you endlessly and cherish every moment we share. I am so blessed to call you my wife.”
Glancing around, I see many guests dabbing their eyes and even Brienne has a slick sheen in hers. She squeezes Drake’s hands, gathering her composure to speak her vows.
“Drake,” she begins, with a strong sense of determination. “You have brought so much joy and love into my life. You are my rock, my safe haven, my greatest adventure. With you, I have found a love that is steadfast and true. I promise to love you with all my heart, call you on your bullshit when it rears its ugly head, support you in all your dreams, and stand by your side through every challenge we face. You are my soulmate, and I am honored to be your wife. Together, we will create a life filled with love, laughter and endless possibilities.”
Then Brienne releases Drake’s hands and turns toward his sons. She squats in her dress and opens her arms to them. Without hesitation, they walk into her embrace. She kisses each one on the cheek through her sheer veil and leans back. “And I promise that I will love you boys with my entire heart. There is nothing I won’t do for you, no villain I won’t protect you from, and I’ll always be the one who gives you candy behind your dad’s back.”
The boys giggle as the crowd laughs.
When Brienne straightens, the minister smiles warmly at the couple. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Drake, you may kiss your bride.”
Drake lifts Brienne’s veil with tenderness and leans in to kiss her. Their lips meet in a sweet yet lingering embrace, symbolizing the everlasting love between them. The room erupts with jubilant shouts and clapping, everyone celebrating the newlyweds.
What follows is the party to end all parties and it’s a good thing we don’t have a game tomorrow. We’re directed to the backyard where a massive white tent has been set up. It’s heated inside, the ceiling hung with thousands of small twinkling lights that create a dreamlike aura. A band has set up on a small stage adorned with fairy lights, there’s more hot food than could ever be consumed, even by a professional hockey team, and a long table showcases an extravagant wedding cake flanked by rows of sparkling crystal champagne flutes. An open bar on the opposite end is ready for business.
My hand instinctively finds Willa’s as we make our way into the tent. She looks at me with shining eyes and exclaims, “That was so impulsive and beautiful! I can’t believe they just announced their FI team news and then casually tied the knot.”
Shaking my head, I can’t help but be amused. “I don’t think there’s anything casual about it but still… giving up the big wedding celebration had to have been a tough decision.”
“Wouldn’t have been a tough decision for me,” Willa says as we accept champagne flutes from a waiter.
“What do you mean?” I ask, watching as she takes a delicate sip. I find myself sidetracked by those lips.
She shrugs, looking around with interest at the massive flower arrangements, beautifully set tables and parquet dance floor. “It’s just… the big wedding is sort of a wayward fallacy. It’s supposed to represent that you put all this time, effort and money into making a big deal out of a union that statistics say probably won’t last. So why bother?”
I cock an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were quite that jaded.”
She looks at me and blinks in surprise. “I don’t think I’m jaded.”