Falling into You (Falling Stars 3)

“Are you ready for this?” I whispered to Emily.

“I’ve never been so ready for anything in my life.”

A wistful smile pulled to my mouth. I could remember so clearly feeling the exact same thing.

No reservations.

All the bridesmaids got into place. Mia started up the hill. Mel paced behind her, then Maggie trailed behind. I gulped down a steeling breath when I knew it was my time to follow. I walked up the incline where we were hidden at the base of the sweeping hill, inhaling a sharp breath when I crested the top and the meadow came into view.

Rows of chairs covered in white fabric sat on either side of the tree with an aisle running down the middle.

Abundant bouquets made up of roses, lilies, and peonies with an assortment of draping greenery sat at the end of each one. Bouquets I’d handpicked the last two days and painstakingly worked to piece together.

A blessing issued with each one.

At the center of it was the massive tree with its stately branches that stretched out to form a ceiling, rising high toward the twilight sky, casting the entire place in its protection and warmth.

Royce stood on the right waitin’ on his bride.

The man rocked back on his heels with his hands linked behind his back.

Anxious.

Purposed.

But it was the man standing at his side that ripped the air from my lungs and sent my axis tipping.

That compass pointed directly at him.

I might as well have been gazing on him for the very first time.

Face chiseled, every distinct, glorious line glinting in the shimmering light of the fading day.

A beautiful protector.

A savage lover.

He watched me like he was having a hard time standing still and not making his way for me.

Sage eyes traveling from my face and slowly drifting down.

I swore, in the distance, I saw him gulp. Clearly, the man appreciated the dress.

Energy zapped through our atmosphere.

Shockwaves.

Wrapping me in chills and warmth.

Hope and need.

I bit down on my bottom lip and tried to focus on not tripping over my own feet, and decided it would be much safer to be glancing around to take in the faces that had shifted in their seats to watch the wedding party come up the aisle.

A ton of faces I recognized.

Some I’d only met.

A few I’d never seen before.

My heart swelled with an onslaught of adoration when I saw where my mama and daddy had been seated in the second row behind Emily’s family, Daisy sitting on her knees backward and holding onto the back of the chair next to my mama so she could see.

Richard had undone me again.

An hour ago, he’d been there to carry my mama’s frail body all the way from our house and out to the meadow. Her wheelchair was placed off to the side so she could be moved into it after the ceremony where she could enjoy the night before the exhaustion set in.

Mama smiled in her wistful, loving way.

Tender and knowing.

My spirit thrashed, and I smiled back, right before my gaze was being drawn back to the man.

To the man who was watching me as if he couldn’t look anywhere else.

And I trusted.

Trusted the care.

Trusted the concern.

I trusted in the beautiful heart that lived underneath the ghosts that covered him like a howling shroud, concealing the secrets he told me he couldn’t yet give.

But I chose to believe.

To believe in him.

To believe in us.

I wondered if he felt it.

The way my spirit cracked wide open and a torrent of devotion went flooding toward him.

The way that big body itched in that sexy suit that fit better than should be allowed.

The way my mouth watered, and my stomach somersaulted, and I was physically aching to take part.

He tugged at his bottom lip with his teeth, fightin’ a smirk.

A shiver toppled and twisted down my spine.

Yeah.

He felt it.

I guessed I was far too excited by the prospect of him reminding me of it later.

I moved over to my spot and turned around to face the aisle.

As soon as I was in place, the violinist shifted her song. Everyone stood in anticipation.

A second later, Anna came dancing up between the chairs.

Grinning shy but tossing her petals into the air and letting them rain down around her.

Ooohs and ahhs rippled the space.

Daisy waved at her, and she waved back.

Adorable and sweet.

When she got halfway, she went racing for her father who’d knelt to catch her, the man sweeping the little girl into his arms and tucking her to his side.

The two of them stood waiting for Emily.

A moment later, she was slowly coming into view as she and her father made their way to the top of the hill.

A collective round of gasps went up. Their lungs held in a moment of reverence.

The bride striking awe in the guests.

Royce held the little girl tighter, eyes eating Emily up with such a divine adoration that it brought tears to mine.