“But Joss, she must be so scared.”
“She’s strong, Sage. More than any of us thought. You enjoy your night, and when we get home, I promise to tell you everything.” Porter smirked like he had secrets.
“Fine. But only because I’m getting married.” It really hit her then. “I’m getting married.” She took a deep breath.
“Don’t freak out now. You have a very handsome man waiting to tie his life to yours,” Ash teased her.
“Not freaking out. Nerves are hitting, I think.”
“Drink this.” Brax handed her a bottled water. “I’ll see you out there.” He walked away leaving Ashley and her two brothers.
“I’m so proud of you, Sage.” Trusen hugged her tight again.
“Will you walk me down the aisle?” she asked. “Both of you?”
“Of course.” They grinned in unison.
Everything was rushed after that. She was taken to a set of double doors just as music began to play. Ashley pushed them open. Turning, she pulled the veil over Sage’s head and whispered, “Good luck,” before settling in her seat in the front row.
“Oh my gosh!” She couldn’t hold back the hushed exclamation at seeing not only Lochlan’s family there, but also the two women from the elevator, and the sales lady that helped with her gown.
Her brothers each took an arm and began walking her down the aisle. Lochlan looked so handsome in his white tux with a light pink tie the exact color of the flowers in Sage’s hair. His hair was combed neatly rather than the normal messy, rolled out of bed look he usually sported. He shaved the stubble from his jaw that she loved scraping her nails against.
It was his eyes that stole her attention, however. They were filled with so much love and possessiveness. There wasn’t an ounce of doubt in them. He wanted her and all that she brought—crazy family and all.
Words were spoken, and she was handed off to him, but she didn’t hear any of it. Loch stole her complete attention.
“Stunning,” he breathed out as he took her hands in his.
A blush worked up her cheek as the minister began to speak. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this man and this woman in the bonds of Holy Matrimony. Before we begin, I would like to say a prayer of blessing to our Lord. If you could please bow your heads.” The room quieted, peace overtook her, and his prayer began. “God bless this marriage with hope that is sure, with faith that is steady, and love that endures. Bless this couple as they gift each other with your precious love. Amen.” A collective Amen filled the room as Sage’s gaze met Lochlan’s once again.
“Lochlan, like many grooms, has asked that I make this short and sweet, with his impatience to claim his bride. So, we shall begin. Your marriage starts off with the vows and promises you speak to one another today. The marriage vow is a promise of fidelity and honesty. Lochlan, you may begin.” Shocked he wrote his own vows, she waited.
“Sage.” His hand reached for a stray piece of hair, tucking it behind her ear and cupping her cheek. “I can’t begin to tell you what you mean to me.” He stepped closer to her. “I saw your crystal blues and fell to the deepest depths of devotion for you. Not a single word, only stolen breaths, and I belonged to you. Each sear
ing glance, every shy smile, you pocketed a small piece of my heart. Without you, there is no me.” He paused to clear his throat. “I’ve told you before, what I feel is much bigger than love, and that’s never going to change. You and me, we’re it.” He stopped again to wipe a lone tear from beneath her eye. “I’ll love you until my dying day and every moment after.”
“Breathe, Sage,” Ashley whispered from the front row.
Blushing, she gripped his hands cupping her cheeks. When the minister nodded to her, she spoke. “Lochlan, when I was a little girl, I dreamed of this day. I would bug my sisters and sometimes my brothers to plan it, to hope and pray I got the future I envisioned.” She had to swallow around the lump in her throat. “When I lost faith, or I was scared…when I would cry late at night, it was you who gave me hope. I didn’t realize then that the person I would be sent was the man you are. I didn’t know you would save me in such monumental ways or that our love would be so complete. From the day we met, I’ve known we were exceptional. The way we talk and laugh together is so much different than anyone else. I didn’t expect that I would meet someone I could trust so absolutely. I think most people search their whole lives for the love we’ve found and embraced so quickly. I love you, Lochlan, with my entire heart and soul.” Tears streamed steadily down her face as she finished speaking.
“Wonderful.” The minister picked up again. “Rings, please?” Sage and Lochlan were both handed the bands. She didn’t get time to look at the one Levi handed her before he spoke again. “Do you, Lochlan, welcome Sage as your wife, offering her your love and encouragement, your trust and respect, as together you create your future?”
“I do.” His words were steadfast as he placed a ring on her finger. The ruby shining brightly.
“Do you, Sage, welcome Lochlan as your husband, offering him your love and encouragement, your trust and respect, as together you create your future?”
“I do.” She slipped a matching band onto his own finger, wondering briefly where they’d come from.
“Then, by the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Cheers went up in the air before Sage could catch her breath as Lochlan descended on her.
His kiss stole all the air from her body. His arms wrapped around her so tightly she couldn’t have breathed if she wanted to. When he nipped at her lip, she could feel her nipples pebble against the fabric of the dress, causing electrical currents to run through her body. She throbbed and ached in places she’d only just discovered. His tongue dueling with hers, mimicking the carnal act of love, made her moan from deep in her throat. His hands flexed against her back; hitting bare skin, he pulled away.
Smoothing his palms from her shoulders to her hips and all around, he murmured against her mouth, “You have nothing on.”
“I know,” she replied just as quietly. “I need you, Lochlan. Please make me yours.” She had no shame left.
“You are mine. Forever you are mine, Angel.”