“I’d do anything to bring her parents back for her. I wish I could take away her pain. I’d take it in a heartbeat and not think twice about it. ”
“I know you would, Josh, and she knows that, too. All she needs is for you to just love her. ”
I looked at Gunner and then back out to the dance floor. Just then, our eyes met. The tears falling down her face made me sick to my stomach.
“Fuck. ”
Gunner squeezed my shoulder. “Smile at her, Josh. ”
I did exactly what Gunner had said. She slowly smiled back as the song ended.
“Go to her, dude. ”
I stood up and started to walk out onto the dance floor. As soon as I got to her, she turned and slammed into my body. My dad put his hand on my back, and then he turned and walked away.
“I love you, princess. I love you so damn much, and I wish I could take away every ounce of pain. ”
When her eyes met mine, I wiped away her tears.
“Would it make you feel better if I told you where we’re going for our honeymoon?”
She smiled the biggest smile ever. “Yes! Plus, it’ll save me four hundred dollars,” she said with a giggle.
The DJ announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, I think it’s time for Mr. and Mrs. Hayes’ first dance as a married couple. Heather, Josh wanted to say a few words to you before the song. ”
I saw her eyes building with tears again.
“No more sad tears, baby. It’s only happy tears from now on, okay?”
She nodded and smiled.
“I didn’t think I would ever find love, but you proved me wrong, Heather. You said I rescued you, but you rescued me when you walked into my life. ”
I placed my hands on her face, leaned down, and kissed her so softly on the lips. I slowly pulled away as Lila McCann’s “When You Walked into My Life” started to play. I put my forehead against hers and sang along with the lyrics as we started to dance.
When my princess started crying, I captured her lips with mine. She wrapped her arms around me and held on to me so tightly. My chest felt like it was going to explode at any moment with all the love I felt for this girl.
I’ll always love her. I’ll always protect her. I promise you.
She pulled away from my lips and smiled as she let out a little giggle. “I kinda think you got Gunner beat in the whole romance department. ”
“Fuck yeah, I do!”
We both laughed as I glanced over at Gunner. I looked back at her and put my hand on the side of her face. “I love you. I’ll always love and protect you, princess. ”
“Forever?”
I pulled her closer to me. “Forever plus infinity. ”
Chapter Forty-Three
“Well, I’ll be goddamned. I think that boy just outromanced you, Gun,” Jeff said.
I looked over at Jeff and Brad as they were both laughing. I shook my head. “I taught his ass everything he knows, damn it!”
Jeff threw his head back and laughed. “Little fucker. Wait until she finds out she’s going to Italy. ”
Brad slapped me on the back. “I’m gonna ask my girl to dance with me. Excuse me, y’all. ” He walked up and swept Amanda away from Sharon and Alex.