“It doesn’t matter now. We’re all here together. That’s what’s important. We got there. There might have been a few bumps along the way, but you’re about to walk me down the aisle and willingly give me to William.”
“Happily and willingly,” he corrects. His hands drop away from my face, and he pulls me into a tight hug. I squeeze him back just as hard before he releases me and puts my hand in the crook of his arm.
“Let’s go give you your happy ever after, sweetheart.”
Chapter 7
William
I’ve been pacing today, not because I’m nervous, but because I can’t wait. I’ve been ready to make her mine since the moment I knew I could have her, and all this anticipation is about to give me a heart attack.
“It’s time,” the officiant informs me, and I’m the first out the door behind him. I want nothing more than to run out and grab my little, but she’s worked so hard to make this a special day for both of us. And I won’t ruin it by making a scene and stealing her away from it all.
As all the groomsmen line up and I take my place at the front of the church, I have to hold myself still to keep from clenching my fists. I need to see Haley and make sure she’s okay. I know how easily she gets stressed and overwhelmed. I’ve been worried about her, sending her texts and trying to comfort her from a distance—a distance I never want between us again. Not having access to her today has made me see how much I need her and how good it makes me feel to take care of her.
I watch as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, but the only one I want to see is my little girl.
Finally, after what feels like hours, the double doors open to reveal my beautiful bride. She’s gripping Roger’s arm tightly, and I see the urge in her to race to me. She’s fighting her body’s natural reaction to run and jump into my arms.
I feel my face nearly break in two as I smile at her, and suddenly it’s hard to see. I’m smiling, but my eyes are filling with tears as I look her up and down and see just how beautiful she is. My heart is bursting with love, and I just want to hold her to me.
Her brown curly locks are pinned up loosely in the back, with a long sheer veil falling gracefully behind her. She’s wearing the small tiara I bought for her, the pink diamonds shimmering in the light. Her bright blue eyes are big and sparkly, and her soft pink lips are smiling bigger than I’ve ever seen. The dress is strapless and fitted to her body all the way down to her knees, where it flares out. There’s a hint of pink at the bottom of the dress, and as she moves, I can see her shoes are pale pink, too.
I feel my breath catch in my throat at just how perfect she looks. I’ve never seen anyone or anything more beautiful than my little Haley. Even on the days when she’s in sweats and her hair is messy with sleep, she’s flawless.
As she reaches me, she passes her pale-pink roses to her bridesmaid and turns back to her father. She gives Roger a kiss on the cheek and then turns to me. Roger takes her hand and places it in mine before he steps back and takes his seat.
“Hi, Daddy,” she whispers.
“You look beautiful, little one. Absolutely perfect.” I’m too choked up to say any more, and I just squeeze her hands as I stare into her blue eyes.
Words are spoken by the officiant and then by us, but I couldn’t tell you a single thing I said. The only thing I paid attention to were Haley’s words.
“I, Haley, take you, William, as my husband. On this day and every day, until my last breath, I’m yours.”
Her fingers are nervous as she places the wedding band on my finger, so I reach out, running my hand up her forearm, and instantly she’s soothed. I look down and love seeing the symbol of her ownership of me. I’m happy to finally show the world that I belong to her, just as much as she belongs to me.
I scoop her up in my arms, bending her over in a dramatic dip and kissing her in front of everyone. The room erupts in cheers and claps as the music plays and I carry her down the aisle. No way was I going to let her walk. She’s finally back in my arms, and I’m not putting her down.
* * *
Carrying her down the hallway to the honeymoon suite of the hotel, she giggles and leans up to lick my neck. I growl, unable to keep myself from attacking her for much longer.
“Careful, little one. You’re playing with fire.”
“You’re my husband now. Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?” I feel her teeth graze my chin, and I close my eyes tightly, trying to keep my legs steady as we approach the room.
The reception was wonderful, and Haley didn’t forget one detail. Our first dance was to the Christmas song ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’, and my little one giggled the whole time. She was utterly ecstatic the whole day, and that’s all I ever wanted to give her. Hell, I’d have a wedding every day if that’s what it took to make her smile like that. But when I mentioned it to her, she laughed and said one was enough.
I open the door and carry Haley through the living room. I take her straight to the bedroom, standing her up at the end of the bed.
“Tonight, little one, I want you like the first time I had you. You’ve been saving your kitty for me all day, haven’t you?”
She looks up at me through her lashes and smiles shyly. “Yes, Daddy.”