Page 59 of Forever

I want to roll my eyes, but I contain myself. “I think I used all the nervousness for your wedding, old guy.”

J.D. grumbles something, but the assistant my mother hired starts seating the rest of the guests in their rightful places so that ceremony can begin.

Thank fuck.

I was ready for this to be over. All I want is Anabel in my arms with my ring on her finger. As simple as that.

The music starts to play, and everybody quiets down.

Sienna’s nieces start hopping down the aisle, throwing rose petals on the floor. They enjoyed being the flower girls on their aunt’s wedding so much Bel didn’t have a heart to say no to them. She loves those girls so much.

Sienna is next waddling slowly. Even though she’ll give birth any day now she still insisted on wearing high heels. In one hand she carries a bouquet, and the other is placed protectively over her belly.

J.D. looks at his wife like a hawk. I think I hear him mutter something about “that woman” and “damn those shoes” but I’m not moving my eyes from this door for a second. I don’t want to miss seeing Anabel in her wedding dress.

The last one is Bel’s friend Valentina. She walks much faster than Sienna, thank god, and is on Bel’s side of the altar in no time.

Finally, the music changes and everybody stands up.

My hands squeeze and un-squeeze by my side. I want to see her. No, I need to see her.

They made us spend last night apart. The girls went to the hotel where they had all afternoon of pampering while the guys stayed at the Shelton residence. Just that one night apart made me miss her like crazy. I was used to her sleeping by my side, her body curled into mine seeking heat and comfort. I loved placing my hand on her still flat stomach, holding our baby close. I can’t wait for her to start showing so I can actually feel the baby move.

Then, there she is. Standing next to her father and looking more beautiful than ever.

The first thing I notice about her? It’s her smile. That big, bright, blinding smile that makes my heart race.

My hands relax by my side and I inhale sharply when my eyes take in the rest of her.

Mesmerized.

Dark hair is curled and falls down her back. It’s long, thick and glossy. My fingers itch to burry in that mess and feel the softness of the silky, midnight colored strands.

The veil that is somehow tucked in her hair falls down her back to the floor.

The dress Bel picked is creamy, rich color. The bodice is fitted, tiny straps cover her pale shoulders and V neck emphasizes her boobs that are already fuller than before. All that skin left in open begs for my lips. I want to lean down and nibble at her exposed flesh until it gets that rosy color I love so much because I know I affect her just as much as she affects me.

The skirt simply falls down her legs to the floor. As she nears, I can see the material is covered in lace with a rose pattern. It reminds me of that skirt she wore on the 4th of July party when I gave her her birthday present. The memory of that day makes me smile even harder.

At last she’s there, in front of me. I don’t wait for her father to give me her hand, I take it myself and kiss the inside of her wrist as I pull her next to me.

“I missed you, Tink,” I whisper softly so only she can hear me. “Ready to be Mrs. Price?”

She smiles that sweet smile of hers. “I’ve never been readier.”

Everybody settles, and the minister starts the service.

“Dearly beloved.”

His speech is short because we decided to keep it short and simple. Including writing our own vows.

We turn to each other, and I take both of her hands in mine, kissing the palms before I look at her beautiful face.

“Anabel.” Her blue eyes seem even bigger, somehow darker. And her red lips call me, taunt me to kiss them. “You stormed into my life. So small yet so fierce, like Tinkerbell, you brought me to my knees. I didn’t expect you, didn’t see you coming but then boom, there you were and there was no way I would ever let you walk away. Only a fool would do that, and I’m no fool.”

People chuckle, and I can see her laugh softly too. Her blue eyes are a pool of emotion.

“You fought, oh, you fought long and hard, but in the end, it didn’t matter because there was no way I’d lose the person who made me fall so hard and fast there was no return. And I never want to return to the man I was. I love you, Anabel Majer. You changed me, made me a better man, and I’ll be one lucky bastard to call you my wife forever. And even that won’t be enough, because what I feel for you is timeless. You’re my heart, Bel. My soul. My home.”

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