Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 92(@200wpm)___ 73(@250wpm)___ 61(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 92(@200wpm)___ 73(@250wpm)___ 61(@300wpm)
They had chosen a more traditional arrangement for their vows, but my proscribed words had evaporated from my mind. Instead, I spoke the truth from deep in my soul.
“Ashlyn, I didn’t know what love was until you came into my life. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but you’re mine. I promise to cherish and protect you forever.”
More precious tears slipped from her shining eyes, and she mouthed “I love you” as Jayme announced that it was time to exchange rings.
Ashlyn wore her engagement ring on her right hand for the ceremony, so her left was free to accept her wedding band. This time, I spoke before Joseph, sliding the filigree platinum and diamond ring onto her slender finger.
“I give you this ring as a sign of our love and commitment to each other. I promise to support you, care for you, and stand alongside you for all of our days.”
Joseph freed her engagement ring from her right hand and placed it on her left, sliding it into place above the wedding band. “This ring is symbolic of my never-ending commitment, love, and devotion to you. I will cherish you forevermore.”
Ashlyn released a beautiful sound that was somewhere between a delighted giggle and a sob, a visceral release of joyous emotion. She took our two rings from Jayme and turned her attention to me first.
“Marco, this ring is a token of my love. I offer you all that I have, all that I am, and all that I will be.”
My eyes burned as she slid the band onto my finger, marking me as hers forever.
She held my gaze for a long moment before turning to Joseph, mirroring the same words for him that she’d vowed to me as she gave him his ring.
He didn’t wait for Jayme to tell him he could kiss his bride. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up, spinning her around in a moment of pure happiness. She laughed and pressed her lips to his, and I watched the two people I loved get swept up in a passionate kiss. I was utterly content, not at all greedy to claim her mouth for myself. Joseph and I would never get jealous or fight over her because she gave herself to us equally.
When her cheeks were flushed and her lips were swollen from his fierce kiss, she reached for me. I pulled her into my arms, and Joseph gave her to me freely. I crushed my mouth to hers, and she opened on a delighted sigh, utterly blissful in my iron hold.
As I kissed her with wild, hungry abandon, Jayme pronounced us married.
Married. To Ashlyn. To Joseph. All of us.
They were all mine, and I would never let them go.