Page 183 of Forever

The pastor cleared his throat.

Brooklyn pulled back and her cheeks flushed. I loved how she kissed me the same, even when we were in front of a crowd of people.

And was it just me, or were her breasts bigger than usual? Fuck me, how was I supposed to go through this whole ceremony and reception when all I wanted to do was take her right on the bridge?

I felt the pastor staring at me, like he could read my sinful thoughts.

Mason stepped forward and handed me the rings. I had honestly completely forgotten what I was supposed to do next. I was too busy staring at my bride. I grabbed Brooklyn’s hand and slid the ring onto her finger. I’d been waiting a lifetime to do that.

For a few seconds we just stared at each other.

I put my hand on the side of Brooklyn’s face, hiding her rosy cheek. “I think it’s your turn.” I dropped my hand from her cheek and placed my ring in her palm.

“Matt, I…” her gazed dropped to the ring in her hand. “I…can’t.”

Chapter 41

Friday

Brooklyn

It looked like Matt was going to drown in his pain. I saw it flash across his face, if only for a moment. And he was misunderstanding what I was about to say.

He already knew I couldn’t say all that back to him. I’d fallen in love with someone else. Had a life with someone else. Had a baby with someone else. I couldn’t tell him that I loved him and only him. But I could tell him exactly how I felt.

“I can’t…” I smiled. “…possibly put this as eloquently as you did.”

Our family and friends laughed.

“Really not funny,” Matt said.

“A little funny.” I smiled up at him. “Did you seriously think I was about to run from the altar?”

“It wouldn’t be the first time I had to chase you. But like I said…you’re worth fighting for, Brooklyn.”

His words made my heart beat funny in my chest. My uncle had told me that exact same thing. And I couldn’t believe that Matt remembered how much that meant to me. After all these years, Matt truly did remember everything about our time together. And it felt like fate. Because that was exactly how I was planning on ending my vows to him. It was the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to me. And I wanted him to know that’s how I felt about him.

Matt was so full of surprises. And he was making me like surprises again. For so long I was scared. But I was done running.

“I’m in love with you,” I said.

“Good, I’m in love with you too.” He smiled down at me.

“You’re not supposed to respond to everything I say. Let me get this out.”

The crowd laughed and Matt nodded silently.

I stared up into Matt’s eyes. “I’m serious. I can’t top what you just said.” Seriously, why had I let him go first? “But you’re right about all of it. When I first met you, I felt invisible. I used to stare at you because you looked so…happy. And I was so sad. I thought maybe, if I was lucky, that some of your joy would rub off on me. And that maybe I’d learn how to smile again.Youwere the breath of fresh air in a city that didn’t feel like my home.

“I have this whole thing with home. Because I kept losing mine. But I always had you. Even when I thought I didn’t. Even when I stayed away for 16 years, you were still there. Waiting. Perpetually waiting. Fixing up homes that we were always meant to share together. Because you are home to me, Matt. You’ve always been home to me.

“I can’t stand here and say I regret anything that’s happened. But I can say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you 15 years ago when I escaped. I’m sorry I ran away from you when I promised I’d never run away. We promised that we’d always talk things through…”

“Baby.” Matt grabbed my hand. “It’s okay. It’s…”

I shook my head. It wasn’t. I’d hurt him. And I couldn’t undo that pain. “I will spend the rest of my life making up for that hurt. By loving you. By choosing you. By being Mrs. Matthew Caldwell.”

He smiled.

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