Surviving (Surrender 2)

“V equals valued. I will make it a priority to always let you know how much I value your ambition, kindness, and integrity.

“E equals everything. I will do everything in my power to support, encourage and stand by you in this lifetime. You will never be alone in anything you do.

“I hope you understand that the word love is much more than a term of endearment for me. It’s a promise and declaration to you, to us and the rest of our lives together. Declan Parker, I truly believe all our dreams will come true in our lifetime. And no matter what life throws our way, we will handle it together.”

Dammit! Now I know why there are tissues in my pocket. As hard as I try, I can’t stop the two tears that fall down my face. Raven wipes them away and smiles.

“May we have the rings?” the officiate asks.

Raven hands over her bouquet to Kendall and takes my ring. I dig in my pocket for hers.

When she repeats the words and slides the ring on my finger, something inside me bursts; I’m overcome with pride, excitement and peace.

I repeat the words and slide the ring on her finger. She sucks in a breath loud enough for everyone to hear. Fuck Yeah! I wanted a ring that made a statement, so that’s what I bought. Her band is surrounded with diamonds in a platinum setting. My hope is that the set together will reach her knuckle.

“Now that Declan and Raven have g

iven themselves to each other by solemn vows and the exchange of rings, I now pronounce them husband and wife. Declan, you may kiss your bride.”

As soon as his words hit my ears, I lower my face to hers. Cradling her head in my hands, I kiss her softly at first but then plunge my tongue as deep as I can. She clutches onto my shoulders tightly and kisses me back with passion. I continue to devour her, memorizing the feel of her lips against mine. I don’t want to stop even when throats clear behind me. I pull away softly and lightly kiss all over her face, tasting the saltiness of the tears on her cheeks.

She turns to get her bouquet from Kendall, and I lace our fingers together and walk her back down the sandy aisle. Our friends and family cheer and clap around us. When I get to the area we were instructed to wait for our wedding party to join us, I pull her back against me.

“Sparkle, you are breathtaking.”

“So are you.”

“Is this real? Did you finally marry me?”

“Yes baby, it’s real.” she looks at me and then wiggles her ring in my face.

I lean into kiss her again, but we’re interrupted by our wedding party and parents. The photographer takes us back out to the beach with everyone to finish the pictures. Raven surprises me by pulling my dad and sisters aside and asks them to stay back with us for a minute. Laurie brings over a bag and hands it to her then leaves the five of us alone.

“There are no words to explain to you how proud I am to now be a real part of your family. David, you are more than just my father-in-law. You are the man who raised my husband to be who he is, and I’m eternally grateful to you. Abbi and Ella, I’ve always wanted a sister, and I consider myself the luckiest girl in the world to get two.” Raven takes a deep breath, and tears fill her eyes. “I hope this doesn’t upset you, but I really wanted to honor Sayge in her own way today. I wanted to thank her for bringing you all into my life and let her know I will take care of her son until the day I die.”

She pulls out what looks like a balloon. “This is a floating lantern that I filled with helium. I wrote my vows on it and would really like it if you would release it.” She hands it to my dad who has tears is his eyes. He takes it and pulls her to him in a hug. My sisters jump in, and I move closer too.

He lets it go, and we all watch it float away over the ocean until we can’t see it anymore. Then we turn and walk back to the patio where are guests are watching us.

Kendall fixes Raven’s makeup quickly, and we leave to finish our pictures. The celebration is underway when we return, and we’re immediately engulfed in well wishes. The DJ announces our first dance, and I pull her to the small dance floor and hold her so close I can feel our hearts beating together.

“Sparkle, is this everything you wanted?”

“More. This has been the most magical day of my life. Thank you.”

“It’s me who should be thanking you, Mrs. Collins.”

“I really like the sound of that.”

“Good because you’re stuck with it the next seventy years or so.”

“You really are too good to me.”

“Get used to it, I’m gonna make all your dreams come true.”

“You already have.”

Hearing her say it makes my heart melt even more. Fuck, I can’t wait to get out of here and make her my wife in every way.