Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 108636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 543(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 543(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
When we get to the front, the minister is waiting, and Beau steps forward to take me from his dad. He must be a little too excited, though, because he doesn’t wait to be asked to do it, instead grabbing me and pulling to him.
Everyone laughs as the minister puts a hand to his chest and tsks.
“Whoa there, cowboy. I know you’re ready, but we’re not quite there yet.”
Beau laughs, and his friend Henry drags him back to his spot.
The minister pretends to double-check over his shoulder for movement a few times before continuing, and everyone laughs again.
“All right, then,” the minister says. “Who gives this woman to be married?”
Neil’s voice is rougher than normal as he answers, “I do.”
“Perfect,” the minister remarks, turning back to Beau then. “Okay, dude, you can come get your bride now.”
Beau steps forward and shakes his dad’s hand before taking mine and helping me step carefully up onto the altar that’s raised slightly above the rest of everything.
Avery straightens the small train of my dress and takes my bouquet, and when I turn back around, my favorite warm brown eyes are waiting.
I smile and take Beau’s hands in mine, squeezing tightly with the need to be his forever already.
“Welcome, everyone,” the minister addresses the crowd. “We’re here today to join Juniper and Beau in a legal union of love. We want to thank you for being here to join in their moment of happiness, but mostly, we want to thank Juniper and Beau for falling in love.”
Beau smiles at me, his whole body vibrating with excitement.
“Juniper, do you take Beau to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, in good times and in bad?”
I nod. “Yes. I do.”
Beau’s smile is the one he always gives me right before kissing me, and I know with my whole heart he’s wishing he could get to that part already.
“Great. Now, Beau. Do you take Juniper to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, in good times and in bad?”
“I take June in every circumstance. Yes. I do.”
“Love the enthusiasm.” The minister chuckles. “That seems to be a theme, and let me tell you, folks, that’s a good thing during a wedding.”
More laughter comes from the crowd, and I fall deeper into Beau’s smile as it grows even more.
“Now, for the rings.”
Beau turns back to Henry for my ring, and I turn to Avery for his. When we turn back around, I hold out my left hand, ready to seal our commitment to each other with my finger.
“Beau, you’ve made these promises today in front of your family, friends, God,” the minister states, looking at Beau. “Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”
Beau obeys immediately. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
“Perfect. And now you, Juniper.” The minister’s attention is on me now. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
I repeat the vow and slide Beau’s ring onto his finger just like he did with mine. His hand looks even sexier, and trust me, after the things I’ve felt them do, I didn’t think that was possible.
“Congratulations. I now pronounce you husband and wife, and you may kiss the bride!”
Beau leans in and plants one on me, and I give it back as good as I get it. It may not be demure or appropriate for mixed company, but it is love. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’re officially married!
Beau
June and I dance close, our faces pressed together in the center of the pool dance floor. Everything from the ceremony has been cleared out of the way, and an intimate, candlelit dinner setup replaces it. We have a sweetheart table at the front of it all, but by and large, we’ve spent our time like this, plastered together and swaying to the music.
Stars dance in the sky above us, and a full moon hangs low on the horizon. The sound of ocean waves isn’t audible with the music, but memory tells me it’s there in sharp detail.
I desperately want a moment alone with my new wife, and an idea hits me as if by kismet.
“Come on,” I whisper, taking her hand and dragging her off the floor slowly. Her eyebrows draw together as she looks back at all the other guests, including Avery and our parents, but I put a finger to my lips as a cue and whisper, “Shh.”
Smiling, she nods, and we trot off together, bound for the beach. When we get to the end of my parents’ bush-lined path, we pause briefly so she can take off her heels, and I help her lift the train of her dress so we can run through the sand together. It’s dark back here, with only the moonlight to light our way, and we don’t stop, her giggles echoing around us, until we make it to the spot.