“No. No, I don’t,” I argue, my voice coming out raspy.
“Yes, you do. As long as you have God, and hopefully me, by your side, you’ll have hope.”
My brows pinch together, and a small laugh escapes him, his lips curving into a grin. “I know what you’re thinking. You’re right; I don’t do religion. Religion is the devil’s ace trump. There was a time when I did hit rock bottom, and when I did, He was the one who picked me up. He restored my confidence and determination, pulling me through my darkest hour.” We both grow silent as I study this complex man. Just when I think I have him figured out, he surprises me, and I find myself thinking of what Travis’ darkest hour could’ve been. He’s such a strong man, both mentally and physically. To be brought down to his knees…it’s hard to visualize him in a time of despair.
“What was your darkest hour, Travis?”
His gaze suddenly turns intense, and I think maybe I’ve overstepped my bounds. “My first love was kidnapped, just like you. By the time I was able to rescue her, it was too late. They stole her soul. She gave up on life, wound up committing suicide a few weeks later.” I’m stunned speechless. “It took me years to work through that shit. I couldn’t stop blaming myself.”
I stroke the side of his face, trying to give him some comfort. My eyes turning sorrowful, I can’t imagine the horrors that girl went through.
“My faith is personal. I keep it to myself, but I do want to share it with you. I promise you’ll find that your life will never be empty again. I will make damn sure of that.” He closes the distance with a sweet, reverent kiss.
“I don’t know how to move on,” I choke out.
“Sometimes, it’s a minute-by-minute process, and some days, you’ll have setbacks, but I’ll be with you every step of the way. I promise.”
“I’m scared,” I whisper.
“You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t.”
“You promise to never leave me?”
“I promise, sweetheart.”
“No more lies?” I plead.
His lips twitch, and his eyes suddenly dance with mischievousness. “No more lies. Maybe some surprises every now and then, but no more lies.”
He rolls off me and pulls me into his strong embrace. I lay my cheek over his new tattoo and close my eyes, soaking up his love like a dry sponge. As I do, Quinn’s words come to mind. Travis is the type of guy who’s more about letting his actions speak louder than words, you know? His tattoo was his way of telling me he will love me forever. He’s got a few skeletons in his closet, and he has a hard time opening that door of vulnerability. But he opened his heart to me anyway, risking more than his heart. He risked his life each time without hesitation.
I turn my head and press my lips into the warmth of his chiseled chest, kissing every inch of his tattoo. “I love you so much, Travis Jackson,” I murmur between kisses.
He kisses the top of my head and breathes me in. “We will make it, sweetheart; mark my words,” he says with determination, and somehow I believe him.
I glance over at Jake, and he has a tear in his eye, but he holds his composure. I’m glad he was the one to give me away. He hands the ring to Travis, who takes it, and then turns back to me, taking my breath away. I give him a shaky smile as he gently takes my hand. I don’t know why I’m so jittery. This entire moment is so beautiful and surreal. His eyes dance over mine with such happiness, allowing calmness to settle over me.
His rich baritone voice is loud, carrying through the small church as he speaks, “In giving you this ring, I join my life with yours, and pledge my everlasting, eternal love.” His words are short and sweet, but every bit as powerful. Tears of joy fill my eyes.
With the final promises we have made to each other, the pastor tells Travis he can kiss the bride. I can’t explain how whole I feel in that moment in time. He lifts my veil as he tilts his head to the side, and then leans in for a kiss. I cup his cheeks with my hands, savoring the tender feel of his lips. I want to remember this day for the rest of my life.
I’m on cloud nine and can barely hear the pastor pronouncing us man and wife. Travis breaks away and warmly smiles at me. He gives me a wink, and then holds his elbow out for me to slip my arm through.
“I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Travis Jackson,” the pastor announces. Travis leads the way as we walk down the aisle together, and I’m smiling from ear to ear.