Page 106 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
Jack smirked. “If she starts arguing with you about something, start taking your clothes off.”
“What?” I choked out. Also…gross. I did not need the mental image of my best friend stripping for his wife.
“Trust me, man,” Jack said. “She won’t be able to remember why she’s mad at you when you’re naked.”
I filed away that disturbing information for later.
Dad laughed. “I wish I’d known that trick when I was in better shape. Might still have to give it a go myself.”
Ew!It was bad enough when Jack said it. I gagged thinking about my parents doingthat. “Noted. You two suck at marriage advice.”
Dad’s eyes softened. “Just remember, she’s your number one priority from here on out. No one else comes first anymore, not even you. And don’t stop dating her and treating her like you would a girl you’re trying to win over. Every day you show up for her and prove she made the right choice marrying you.”
I could do that. Be there for Holly and treat her the way she deserved—like a queen.
“Thanks, Dad.”
We made our way to the beach, where a wooden arch decorated with blush-pink and cream roses stood in front of fifty white chairs. Our family and friends were already seated, waiting for Holly and me. “Better Today” by Coffrey Anderson played while Dad took his chair on the front row next to Mom. I rushed to my place under the arch, Jack and Trevor following behind.
Holly had wanted Noah in the wedding party, and they’d argued over where Noah would stand—with the men on my side, or on Holly’s side with the bridesmaids.
I grinned at Noah as he waltzed down the aisle in a black suit with a pink tie and stood opposite of me, Jack, and Trevor. He was a good sport and had agreed to stand on Holly’s side, but he’d refused to be the maid of honor as Holly had requested.
Next, Meg, in a light-pink flowy gown, blushed her way down the aisle, staring at Jack the entire way. She was no doubt remembering their wedding a few months ago.
The music changed to “I Choose You” by Ryann Darling. The minister marrying us gestured for the crowd to stand. My heart picked up its pace as I kept my eyes trained on the back of the aisle, waiting for the first glimpse of my stunning bride.
What seemed like an eternity later, Holly appeared, with Deidre by her side, in a lacy gown that hugged her curves, showing them off to perfection. I couldn’t wait to see her butt.
My nose stung as tears gathered in my eyes. Warmth enveloped me as I took in Holly. The woman who had made me believe in love again. Who cared for me knowing I wasn’t perfect. Who made me laugh and drove me crazy in the best sort of way.
She was mine.
In time to the music, Deidre and Holly marched closer. Holly’s hair was wavy with most of it pulled back, a few strands left to frame her face. Her blue eyes popped. She was beautiful, inside and out.
Deidre hugged Holly and passed her over to me. The tears I had done my best to keep in check slipped down my cheek as I took Holly by the hand. This woman was my everything. Our life wouldn’t be easy. We both had our challenges and struggles, and fate would throw even more difficulties our way, but with Holly as my wife, my partner, we’d make it through.
“You are stunning, sweetheart,” I whispered. My heart ballooned, full of love for Holly.
Her lips curved into a gorgeous smile. “You’ve just about knocked me speechless in that suit. Although I’m quite looking forward to seeing yououtof it.”
I chuckled as heat crept into my cheeks. “Would you like a show as I disrobe?”
“Yes, I think I would.”
The minister loudly cleared his throat.Oops. He probably didn’t want to hear about our after party.
Holly winked at me, mouthing, “Later.”
My stomach swooped in anticipation of our evening together. But first, our vows.
Holly handed her bouquet of pink roses to Meg, then placed both her hands in mine. The minister read through the normal script until it was time for the rings.
Turning to look over my shoulder, I held my hand out to Jack, asking for Holly’s ring. Slipping the rose gold band onto Holly’s left ring finger, I said, “Holly, from the moment we met, I was taken away by your beauty.”
Tears filled her eyes.
I swallowed. “But it was the woman on the inside who captured my heart and claimed my soul. You are the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m addicted to your laugh. Your smile brightens my day, and your kisses set me on fire.”
