The Marriage Sacrifice

The moment they shared had meant so much to her. He’d kissed her again, and she knew the next time he did touch his lips against hers, it was going to be as husband and wife.

Taking her father’s arm, she walked with him down to the sanctuary.

All of the wedding details had been handled by their parents. She’d not seen Dom’s parents in a long time, but as the wedding song came on, she spotted them at the front on his side with all of his family.

When she turned to Dom, he was standing near the priest, his gaze on hers.

She smiled at him.

She’d gone without the veil, not wanting to have it over her face. She needed to see Dom, and staring at him now, she knew. No matter who organized this wedding, no matter why it was happening, she loved him, and wanted to marry him.

When the time came for her father to hand her over to him, she was more than happy.

“You take good care of her now,” he said.

Dom didn’t say anything. His hold on her tightened.

Sage stared into his brown eyes and knew this was the right thing to be doing.

He stroked her hand as the priest began to speak.

Whatever he said, it didn’t matter to her.

The guests didn’t even bother her either.

Their vows came and went. She knew they had been written for them, and as it came to the priest pronouncing them man and wife, feeling Dom’s arms holding her, that was the true moment for her.

His lips on hers sealed their fate together. They were finally as one.

He pulled away and smiled at her. “How are you feeling?” he asked.

“My head’s a little sore, but other than that, I’m perfect, you?”

“I was worried.”

“You were?”

“Yes.”

Her mother cleared her throat.

“We better get to the cameras before we cause too much of a fuss,” she said.

Sage wanted to keep on talking, but her mother had other plans and she had to stick to them.

Dom took the lead and walked them out of the church. The press was waiting, and she didn’t know how much time had passed before the pictures were taken. She was at the mercy of her mother, and with it, there was no way she was getting out of doing everything her mother wanted.

Most of her pictures were taken with Dom, and of course only the best, most reputable magazines were allowed to have an interview. Only when Dom let go of her did she start to panic. He didn’t ever let her go far, and he was always pulling her back against him, which she loved.

As she rested her head against his chest, they were escorted to the limousine that would take them to their wedding party.

More champagne, cake, music, and their guests surrounded them.

“Is it bad I just want to go and get Blue and we go home?” she asked.

“You know, where is home? Is it at your place or mine?”

“I don’t know. Where would you like it to be?” She tilted her head back to look into his eyes.

“Wherever you are.”

She giggled. “We’re turning into those lovesick couples. We’re going to have people vomiting in bowls as we pass.”

“Are we?”

“What?”

“Lovesick?” He stroked her arm, and she couldn’t look away.

“I am,” she said.

“You are?”

“I think I’m in love with you, Dom.”

He didn’t say anything.

“I wasn’t going to say anything or tell you. This is all so new and—”

“I love you too.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while now, but I didn’t know when the perfect time would be. I fell in love with you, and I know it has only been a short time, but I want this. I want to be a good husband to you and one day, a father.” He placed a hand across her stomach. “We haven’t used any protection.”

She wiped away the tears, thankful the makeup artist had used a non-run mascara. Getting out at her reception with black tears down her face would only cause a stir that she didn’t want.

“I’m on the pill,” she said. “I have bad cycles, and I’ve been on it since I was eighteen. We’re safe.”

“Safe?”

“Yes. I mean, when we’re ready to have children, I can just stop taking it. You want to start now?”

“No, no, we can wait. I have you. I’ve got my ring on your finger. It’s more than enough for now.”

“One day soon?” she asked.

“Yes, one day.” He touched his lips to hers, and she melted against him, loving him. It felt good to finally tell him the truth, and now she no longer had to hide, and for Sage, it was the best feeling in the world.

****

Dom finished his second glass of champagne and made a note not to have any more. This wasn’t just his wedding day. He stared across the room at his wife, who had been taken from him by her mother. He couldn’t deny her a few minutes even if she did look ready to run.