“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today,” the officiant begins. He drones on until he reaches the question I’ve been waiting for. The one that will get her closer to me. The one that will make us two “I dos” away from her being my wife. “Who gives this woman to this man?” he asks.
Garrett stands tall. “Her mother and I do,” he says, and I pull my hand from my pocket and hold it out for her. With a kiss to her cheek, he places her hand in mine, and Reese steps in front of me.
“You,” I say, swallowing hard. “You take my breath away,” I say, literally finding it difficult to pull breath into my lungs. This day that I wanted and waited for for so long, I can’t believe it’s finally here.
I’m so focused on Reese that I don’t notice that Garrett is still standing with us. I turn to look at him, and tears swim in his eyes. “I’m not going to tell you to take care of her, I know that you will. I’m not going to tell you to love her forever, because I know that goes without saying. I would like to make it known that today, I’m not just giving her away.” He gives me a knowing look. “I’m placing her heart in the hands of a man who I know will love her almost as much as I do.” He winks. “I’ve watched you love my little girl since she was that, a little girl. I’m so proud of both of you and wish you nothing but love and happiness. Love each other. Take care of each other.” He swallows hard. “I’m gaining a son today. A man I’m proud to welcome into our family.”
I nod, biting on my lip to keep my emotions in check. Garrett steps forward and offers me his hand.
“Thank you, sir.” It seems fitting even though he’s been Garrett to me from day one. Today it’s a special day.
“Welcome to the family, son.” He pulls me into a one-armed hug. It’s quick but no less powerful before he pulls away and takes his seat next to his wife.
I take Reese’s hand in mine once again and give her all my attention. Tears are sliding over her cheeks, and she’s doing nothing to stop them. Reaching up, I wipe them with my thumbs. “I love you.”
She smiles through her tears. “I love you too.”
I get lost in her green eyes as the ceremony continues. I feel Nixon tapping my shoulder, and I pull out of my trance that is my bride, and look at him. He’s holding out her wedding band. I shrug and turn back to Reese, who is laughing, as is everyone else. That’s what she does to me. Consumes my world. We exchange rings and say our “I dos” and the moment I’ve been waiting for arrives.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may—” I don’t wait for him to tell me. I slide my arms around her waist and pull her into me. I kiss her soft and slow, just what the moment asks for. Tonight, in our room, behind closed doors, that’s when I’ll kiss her like my life depends on it. That’s when I’ll take my time removing this sexy-as-hell dress from her body and worship her.
My wife.
Forcing myself to pull out of the kiss, I entangle her fingers with mine as we turn to face our parents, and our best friends. I hold our entwined hands in the air and they cheer for us. It’s been a long road to get here, but we made it. We’re husband and wife, and I feel as though I can finally breathe deep and even.
I always thought that the day I was drafted to the professional league would be the happiest day of my life. I was wrong. Nothing will ever top the day I married my best friend.
The day that Reese Latham became Reese Reeves.
“Let’s eat!” Nixon calls out, making everyone laugh.
Dinner is served in a private dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that give us a perfect view of the ocean. Not that I’ve noticed. I can’t take my eyes off my wife. She’s glowing, and the smile on her face is permanent as she talks with our family. Our plates have long been cleared as we sit around and talk. I’m all for catching up with our loved ones, but right now, I need to love just one. My wife. I don’t think I will ever get tired of saying that or hearing it.
“How much longer?” I whisper in her ear.
“Coop, they came all this way to celebrate with us.”
I nod. “I know, and I love them for it, but right now, I need you. I need my wife,” I say, kissing her bare shoulder. Goose bumps break out across her skin, and I give myself an internal fist bump.