Page 22 of Sam's Forever
Bren appears at the door and looks at Mum, “It’s time, Tilly.” She turns her attention to me, Dad, and Jeanie, “I’ll be back in five minutes to get you. You look gorgeous, Ally. My brother’s a lucky man.”
I grin at her, “Thanks, Bren, and thanks for organising today. It’s gone smoothly.”
“You’re welcome,” Bren says. “See you all soon.” Then she’s gone with Mum, and it’s just Dad and us girls.
“You look beautiful, milseán,” Dad starts, then clears his throat and closes his eyes. Breathing deeply, he presses his fingers to the bridge of his nose. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this,” he admits.
Walking to him, I wrap my arms around the man who taught me about how I should be treated. The man who was my hero and always would be.
“Love you so much, Dad. Thank you for everything. You’ll always be my hero.”
From across the room, Jeanie sniffs. Turning in our Dad’s arms, I hold out my arm for her to join us. With his arms around his girls, Dad takes a deep shuddering breath.
“I love you girls so much. I’m not ready for you to grow up and leave me. Always know I’m here for you, no matter what your last name may be. You’re my girls, and you always will be.”
“Dad,” I say on a shuddery sigh, trying my best not to cry and ruin my makeup.
“You’re the best dad a girl could wish for; you gave us a yardstick on what kind of man we should be with. You’re not only Ally’s hero, but you’re mine too. I’m glad Ally found one who measures up. I’m not in any hurry, you still have me,” Jeanie tells him, squeezing his waist. Dad presses his lips to Jeanie’s hair. She and I exchange a tearful look against the chest of the first man who made us feel safe.
Bren knocks on the door and pokes her head around, “Ready when you are.”
“Thanks, Bren,” I say, and after one more hug, I let my arms fall from around Dad and take the bouquet that Jeanie hands me. I take one last look in the mirror to make sure I’ve not smudged my makeup, then take Dad’s arm and walk to meet the man who owns my heart.
CHAPTER 13
SAM
She’s a vision as she walks down the aisle on Adam’s arm. I’m not sure I even notice Jeanie as she walks in front of them. My attention’s taken by the woman who holds my heart as she walks towards me, her eyes holding mine the whole time. There’s a small smile on her face.
I take her hand when Adam gives it to me, and I know I thank him, or at least I hope I did.
Bending, I whisper in Ally’s ear, “You look beautiful. Are you ready?”
“So ready,” she whispers back.
We listen to the officiant as he starts the service, and when it comes time to exchange rings, there’s no hesitation in our voices when we say, “I do.”
“You may kiss the bride,” the officiant tells us with a smile.
Wrapping our arms around each other, we kiss for the first time as Mr & Mrs Crow. My chest fills with emotion, and I can’t help the tears that run down my cheek. Ally’s no better, and we pull away, laughing softly. Lifting a hand, I wipe at the tears on her cheek while she does the same to me.
“Love you, Ally, now and forever.”
“Oh, Sam,” she whispers, rising to her tiptoes, she whispers in my ear so only I can hear, “today you became my forever.”
Pressing my lips to hers once more, I ignore the officiant clearing his throat. I’m a biker, and if I want to kiss my wife, I will. The crowd around us chuckles.
When Ally starts to smile against my lips, so do I. We step back, and I give the officiant a nod. He’s looking amused as he says the next words.
“I give you Mr & Mrs Crow.”
The whistling, hollering, and foot stamping have us throwing our heads back and laughing.
That’s the picture that makes it to our wall. The perfect happiness in our faces caught forever.
CHAPTER 14
ABBY & CASH
