Page 70 of Until Waverly

“None of that now,” he whispered. “You’ll get your mother going, then I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“Mackinley James,” my mother said, tsking my father.

My father patted my hand. “You see.”

I smothered a laugh.

The precession began. Well, I walked toward where the judge stood. My father stood beside Jackson, while my mother stayed with me. As much as we wanted the huge wedding with all our family and friends to witness everything, this was fine for now. I enjoyed keeping this bit between us.

Our very first secret.

“You ready to begin?” the judge asked, glancing between Jackson and me.

“Yes,” I murmured, and a bashful smile spread across my face while heat filled my cheeks.

“More than ready,” Jackson stated. “Finally.” The eagerness in his tone had everyone laughing.

There were no reservations standing with him. I had to forgive myself for holding onto some crazy idea instead of facing matters head on. Even though Jackson never asked for compassion or trust, I had to earn both.

“Then let’s begin.” The judge opened his leather folder and cleared his throat. “Marriage isn’t just a piece of paper with names and signatures—a contract between two people—it’s about love. Without love, a marriage is doomed to fail.”

Jackson squeezed my hands. The glimmer in his green eyes captured my heart, filling me to the brim with his love. My Boom. My everything.

My one and only.

My best friend.

“When you repeat your vows, you’re not just reiterating words written on paper. You’re speaking from your soul, enjoining yourself with your match. The other half of your soul. The reason your heart beats.” The corner of the judge’s mouth lifted. “You’re a good writer, kid.”

“Thanks,” Jackson said. “It’s all the truth.”

“That it is,” he murmured. “Now, Mr. Banks, if you’d please repeat after me. I, Jackson Banks, take you, Waverly Redman, to be my lawfully wedded wife…”

“I, Jackson Banks, take you, Waverly Redman, to be my lawfully wedded wife…”

“In sickness and health. For richer or poorer. Until death do us part.”

Jackson’s grip on my hands tightened. “In sickness and health. For richer or poorer. Until death do we part.” He slipped the ring onto my finger. The simple gold band complemented the delicate engagement ring he’d bought several months ago, and my heart skipped a beat.

“Your turn, Waverly.”

I took the ring from my mother, and we began again. By the time I slipped the ring onto Jackson’s finger, I was ready to kiss my husband and celebrate our new life together.

“By the powers vested in me by the state of Tennessee,” the judge said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Jackson swooped in, bending me backwards as he kissed me so thoroughly I lost my breath. In one meeting of the mouth, he showed me what he had planned for us later when we were alone. Anticipation filled me as he brought me upright. My cheeks burned while Jackson laughed, and Ireland cat-called me from where she sat with Alandria.

“I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson and Waverly Banks. Congratulations. Good luck to both of you. I hope your marriage is long and plentiful.” The judge shook Jackson’s hand, then mine.

We exited the room a few minutes later, our families with us. When Jackson handed my mom Alandria’s diaper bag, I frowned. I didn’t understand. “Jackson?” I tilted my head, confused by what was happening.

“You’ll see.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “You’ll enjoy what I have planned. Trust me.”

Ireland passed me an overnight bag. “I put a bit of everything in there for the both of you.”

“Tickets are in the glove box,” Mack added, shaking Jackson’s hand. “I’m kind of jealous.”

I was lost. “What have you three conspired to do?”

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