Page 56 of Connected By Stars
“Let’s get these pictures done and get you married,” I grin and put my hand on his shoulder.
“I’ve been waiting to marry her for a very long time. I’m ready,” he grins.
An hour later,the music starts, and we walk out with Noah. I see my parents sitting next to Noah’s mom, along with Papaw. A few close friends and family are in attendance, but the majority of the people from town will be at the reception. I see Sara sitting next to Bell’s date, Logan, and smile at her. On the other side of her is Sophia’s date, Frankie. Mimi gives Noah a teary hug before getting in position.
The room looks gorgeous with all the fairy lights and white lilies. The view of the ocean is breathtaking as the sun gets lower in the sky. The photographers should be able to get amazing lighting with the sun filtering in.
Sophia walks up the aisle looking as beautiful as ever, and I wink at her as she takes her place across from Cole. My eyes go back to the crowd, and my breath catches as Bell walks down the aisle. I take in her black dress and how it molds to her body. There is a deep V down her front and a high slit up those gorgeous legs. Heat pools in my body as I meet her ocean blues, unable to breathe. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful sight. Her long blonde hair is cascading down her back in waves, and her sides are up with a loose braid and tiny white flowers woven in.
She breaks my gaze and gives Noah a blinding smile before taking her place across from James. She meets my eyes again, and I know I need to stop looking, but I’m unable to tear myself away. Skye walks by me and takes her place next to Bell, and I force myself to look back down the aisle.
Luna walks up next, giving Noah a wide grin, and I wink at her, causing her to giggle. The flower girl and ring bearer are adorable as they make their way up to us. I place my hand on Noah’s little cousin’s shoulder as he takes his place next to us, letting him know he did a good job.
The music changes, and everyone stands. I hear Noah take a deep breath as he sees Emma for the first time. She looks radiantand is beaming at him as she walks down the aisle with his father. I hear his breath catch and see his eyes tear up at the vision of her. Their eyes never leave each other as Noah’s father kisses her cheek before handing her over to Noah. He takes her hands, and I hear him whisper to her how beautiful she is.
Everyone sits as Mimi welcomes them and says a few words. I catch Bell’s eyes again and notice that she keeps coming back to me as well. It’s a pull that neither of us can deny.
“Noah and Emma have written their own vows to each other,” Mimi says to everyone and looks at Noah to begin.
“Emma, we have a love story that most people dream of, and I did literally dream of you every night for as long as I can remember. I knew I would find you one day, and I never gave up hope that you would find your way to me. My prayers were answered when you showed up as my next-door neighbor.” Emma wipes a tear away and smiles at him. “I knew from the first moment I saw you that our souls were connected. You are the other half of me that I can’t live without. I promise to love you and walk side by side with you in this lifetime and for all others. You have my heart, my soul, and my love forever.”
I hear sniffles all around me, and I blink back the tears that have gathered in my eyes. I glance over at Bell, and she wipes her eyes and smiles at her brother.
“Noah, I moved to Florida feeling broken, and I had every intention of staying away from love because of the fear of losing it again. That all changed the moment I met you. I thought I was being pulled to this place because it held the best memories with my parents, but it was you that I was being pulled to. You gave me joy when I thought I would never feel it again, and you filled that emptiness inside me, bringing light back into my world. My soul is not whole without you, and I promise to love and cherish you every day for the rest of this lifetime and all the others we find each other in. I love you socompletely, always.”
“I love you so completely, always,” I hear him whisper back. He grabs her face and brings her in for a kiss.
“I’m not sure you’re supposed to do that yet, Noah,” Mimi says, laughing softly.
“I don’t care,” he says, causing everyone to laugh. They exchange rings and sayI dobefore Mimi announces them, husband and wife.
“Now, you may kiss your bride,” Mimi beams at them.
We clap and cheer as they kiss and walk back down the aisle. I take ahold of Skye’s hand and place it in the crook of my arm, leading her back down.
“Let’s get this party started,” I whisper to Skye.
“Oh, yeah. Think you can keep up with my moves?” She asks me.
“Baby, I got moves Elvis would be jealous of.” I shimmy my hips and make her laugh.
“I bet you do,” she laughs as we gather in the back for pictures. The guests are leaving and heading upstairs for cocktail hour. I see Sara and walk over to her.
“Sorry, I’ve had to leave you on your own.”
“It’s no problem at all. Best man duties are a priority. Logan and Frankie have been keeping me company. We met before the wedding, and I’ve had a lot of fun talking to them.” She glances over at Logan talking to Bell, and I see him look back at her.
I give her an amused look. “Well, I’m glad you’re having a good time. I have to get pictures done now, and then we’ll head upstairs. Emma put you at Logan and Frankie’s table, so I’m glad you’ll have someone to talk to during dinner.”
“Oh, that’s nice.” Her face lights up at the mention of Frankie and Logan, and I’m betting it’s the latter that is giving her that smile right now, especially considering that Frankie is gay and happily with someone. She sees Logan get done talking to Bell, and he glances back at her again. “I better gofind my seat,” she says, pulling her eyes away and looking up at me.
A small laugh escapes me as I nod and see her rush back over to Logan. They disappear up the stairs together. Bell walks over to me and laughs. “I think our dates like each other,” she says, watching them walk up the stairs.
“You caught that too, huh?” I laugh. “Does that bother you?”
“Not at all. I’m happy for them. Hopefully it will work out. Are you bothered by it?”
“Nope. I’m actually happy because Logan won’t have his eyes on you all night. I want to be the only one imagining what’s under that dress and how that black satin would feel against my skin.”
