A Merry Vested Wedding

His verdant green eyes were fixed on the aisle. Waiting for me. As anxious as I was to become united as one.

The music swelled, and Jen spread his arms.

“Ladies, it’s time.”BraydenI tugged on my sleeves, the new cuff links that had been waiting for me when I got here making me smile. Like my father, I enjoyed dressing up, and cuff links were something I liked to collect. These were amazing, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and a small sapphire the color of Addi’s eyes in the center. They were now my favorite pair, and I would think of this day every time I wore them.

I tried to concentrate on the girls as they drifted by, each one lovely, their gowns no doubt perfect. But I only had eyes for one woman today. And when she appeared, she took my breath away.

Far too slowly, she came down the aisle, her arm tucked into Bentley’s, his hand covering hers. It took all I had to stay in place, not to meet her partway down the flower-strewn carpet and pull her from her father and into my arms.

Had she ever been more beautiful?

Her hair tumbled over her bare shoulders, the pretty circlet on her head making me smile. Her breasts were high, set off with the ivory material. Her skin shimmered in the muted lighting. She didn’t walk; she glided. Glints of beads and crystals reflected around her. Her full skirt seemed to float, diaphanous and delicate. She was a vision.

And her eyes. Her beautiful eyes were focused on me as intensely as mine were on her. The blue glimmered and shone, her love clearly written in her expression. My heartbeat picked up, and I had to remind myself this wasn’t a dream. This woman would be mine now. Mine to love, to care for, and to hold. Forever.

I stepped forward as they reached the evergreen-covered arbor and held out my hand, shaking Bentley’s and waiting as he kissed Addi’s cheek, then transferred her hand to mine. I felt his reluctance. I saw how his hand shook, and I knew how deeply emotional this moment was for him. How much she meant to him.

“I will guard her with my life,” I murmured for his ears only. “You never have to worry about her happiness.”

He met my gaze and squeezed my shoulder. “I know.”

He moved to sit by Emmy, who reached for his hand. He covered hers with both of his and leaned forward, brushing his mouth over hers. It was a moment of love between them, and I wondered how I would feel years ahead when it was my turn.

I gazed down at Addi. I couldn’t move until I told her. “You are exquisite,” I whispered to her.

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Ready to do this, little elf?”

“You lead, I’ll follow,” she replied quietly.

“How about we do it together?”

“Even better.”The ceremony was simple and uncomplicated. Short. Neither of us wanted a long, drawn-out affair. We stated the vows we had written for each other, exchanged rings, the traditional I do’s, and we were married.

I flexed my hand, the thick platinum band heavy and warm on my skin. It looked so right there. It was simple, with a row of diamonds in the center and squared-off edges—modern-looking and sleek. Addi’s engagement ring glinted in the light as she signed the paperwork, the diamond now joined by a matching band, marking her as taken. As mine.

The minister finished signing and handed me the paperwork, which I tucked into my pocket.

“It’s official, Addi.” I winked. “You can’t get away now.”

“Don’t think I can run in these heels anyway.”

I bent low and kissed her. “Good thing. I’d catch you anyway.”

She drifted her fingers down my cheek. “Maybe we can play that game later.”

A throat clearing beside me reminded me we weren’t alone. I kissed her again. “You’re on.”

We followed the minister to the center of the arbor. My smile couldn’t be contained as he lifted his voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Brayden and Addison Riley.”

The catcalls and clapping were loud as we made our way down the aisle.

We had done it. Addi was mine forever.The weather cooperated, and outside was cold but not frigid. I had removed my tux jacket and donned my heavy cable-knit sweater and tugged my pea coat over it. I switched out my dress shoes for some warm boots. I made sure Lucy, the photographer, had extra blankets on hand, and I knew one of the photo sites had a fire pit going.

I watched Addi walk toward me, still beautiful, but also adorable at the same time. Her sweater was buttoned up, and she had a pair of matching mitts on her hands. A warm scarf topped her sweater, and when she held up her skirt, I grinned at the cute ankle boots trimmed in faux fur on her feet.