Waterfall Kisses (The Kisses 9)

He offers me his arm and I hold onto him as we walk to the ceremony.

Leo and I chose this place. It is just a mile away from the school campus where we first met, with a beautiful walkway winding through the trees. There is a small waterfall off to the side, the sound of water relaxing as it mixes with the music. I can see the backs of the chairs, all lined up and white against the greenery. But I can't see him yet.

In front of me, Ava, Chloe, and Emma walk to the music. They turn and walk down the aisle, disappearing one by one from my sight.

“You sure you want to do this?” Bastian asks as Ava, my maid of honor starts her walk. “I mean, it is Leo you're marrying.”

I laugh. “Yes, I'm sure.”

“Okay.” Bastian shrugs. “Just giving you one last chance here.” He smiles at me, and I know that he approves of my choice of husband. I'd actually be worried if he didn't tease me.

Bastian takes a deep breath as the music changes. Together we step out and into the aisle.

My friends are lined up on my left, but I barely notice them. I barely notice Gabe or Jack. The only person I see is Leo.

His face shifts from nervous to that of love. He grins at me as our eyes meet from across the room. Suddenly, none of it matters. The dress, the flowers, the location- none of it. I would marry that man wearing nothing but a paper-bag and carrying dandelions. As long as I got to marry him, I wouldn't care.

I float more than walk down the aisle, my eyes only for Leo. The closer I get, the brighter he smiles. I'm lost in his eyes as I step up to the alter.

“Who gives this woman to this man?” the pastor asks.

“I do,” Bastian announces. His voice shakes with emotion. He kisses my cheek, tears in his eyes as he gives his little sister to the man of her dreams. He passes my hand to Leo's, my brother's hands strong and sure over mine. “Take care of her.”

“I will,” Leo promises, his eyes solemn.

Bastian lets me go and I step to stand next to Leo. He takes my hands in his. We're both shaking, but Leo's hands are strong and sure around mine.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony,” the pastor begins, his voice rich and booming. “This is not entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this estate, these to persons present come now to be joined. If any one can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

I hold my breath. It would be just like Gabe or Bastian to say something now or have hired someone to play a prank. No one says anything and the pastor nods, ready to continue with the ceremony.

Leo lets out a nervous laugh, apparently thinking the same thing I am.

“Leo, repeat after me...” the pastor waits until he has Leo's full attention. “With this ring, I, Leo Westbrook take thee, Charlott

e Page..”

“With this ring, I, Leo Westbrook, take thee, Charlotte Page...” The man of my dreams smiles as he begins his promise.

“... to be my wedded wife, to have and hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish, 'til death do us part.”

Leo repeats the words without hesitation. I love the way his voice flows, rising and falling with the words. I love the way he promises me to be mine forever. I fall a little bit more in love with him with every word.

“...'til death do us part,” Leo finishes.

“Groomsman, the ring?” The pastor turns to Gabe.

“Um...” Gabe pats his pockets, his eyes going wide as he doesn't find anything.

I decide I might have to kill him, which is unfortunate because bloodstains will be difficult to get out of this dress.

“Gabe?” Leo's voice is low and full of warning. “Where is the ring?”

“Right here,” Gabe replies with a grin, producing a small box from his jacket pocket. He winks at both of us, and I'm still considering killing him.

Chloe throws her bouquet at him. “Knock it off, Gabe.”

They always did have the cutest sibling rivalry.