“We’re not at that part yet, you two,” Pastor Hill
said.
The congregation at Piedmont Valley Church laughed as Cole pulled away from Leah. She didn’t mind that he caved and kissed her before it was time. She glided down the aisle on her father’s arm, locking eyes with her husband to be. By the time she made it to the altar, kissed her father’s cheek, he lifted her veil from her face and kissed her lips. She didn’t mind at all.
“Sorry, Pastor Hill.” Cole clasped Leah’s hands in his, as the wedding ceremony officially started.
Leah smiled and his upturned face made her knees weak, but she stood firm on her feet.
“You may start with your vows, Leah,” Pastor Hill said.
Lifting her chin, she gazed into Cole’s eyes. “Cole, if someone would have told me I would fall in love with you, I would have said they were crazy. Our friendship was too precious to risk, but now I love the fact we started as friends. While our days aren’t perfect, they’re worth every minute.”
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
Leah’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I love you so much. I vow from this day forward to love you no matter what. You have my support, trust, fidelity, and my heart. I choose you.”
Cole cleared his throat. “I love you, Leah Renee Morris. No matter where life takes me in my travels, know I’ll always come back to you. I vow to you today my love, support, trust, and fidelity until I take my last breath.”
With that, Pastor Hill moved onto the rings, and Leah and Cole exchanged vows putting them on each other. Following a final blessing, Pastor Hill pronounced the couple man and wife. Cole wasted no time kissing Leah, wrapping his arms around her waist. She rested her hands on his shoulders as her heart pounded. He moved his mouth lightly over hers but then deepened it, stealing her breath. The world around him faded like a dream as her one true love was holding her. She was his bride. His wife.
“I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Cole Parsons,” Pastor Hill said.
The congregation applauded as Cole gave her one last peck to her lips. He clutched her hand in his, as they sauntered down the aisle. After the couple made it to the limo outside, he assisted her inside the limo.
Leah removed her veil as a dull headache surfaced. “This was hurting.”
“You look amazing.”
She faced him, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “We’re really married?”
“Yes, Mrs. Parsons, we’re married.” He scooted closer for another kiss. Leah was thankful the divider blocked the driver’s vision.
“You know what I can’t wait for?” she asked.
“The red velvet cake at the reception?”
She pointed at him, but he only took her hand in his.
“I can’t either, to tell you the truth.”
She then rested her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe we’re going to Rome for our honeymoon.”
He stroked her arm. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”
“You left the brochure on your desk in your office.”
“Which you were ‘cleaning’ for no apparent reason.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine, I was snooping. I was only getting my things settled for when I move into your place.”
He kissed her temple. “It’s okay. I love you anyway.”
“I love you too. Do you think Seth will propose to Celeste?”
Cole shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know for sure, but he said he hated leaving her behind for his book tour. I can’t believe my brother is a best-selling author.”
Leah nuzzled closer to him. “I’m glad he’s happy.”