Page 99 of The Wedding Toast
When they turned to face each other, Becca gripped Jacob’s hands so tightly that he winced and winked at her.
She let out a little laugh.He hadn’t believed her when they first met that being a Kansas farm girl meant she was strong.She squeezed again, more gently, and winked back, making him chuckle.
The officiant paused to smile at them as he addressed the guests.She knew he was welcoming them and saying nice things about her and Jacob and love and marriage, but she felt like he and everyone else were far away.Like she and Jacob were standing here in their own little bubble, about to promise the rest of their lives to each other.She just wanted to get on with it.
It all seemed to go by in a blur; she was vaguely aware of repeating words, of Jacob’s gorgeous gray eyes shining at her as he promised to love her and honor her, and she promised to love and protect him right back.And then Bentley stepped forward with the rings.
Her hand came up to cover her mouth when she saw them – they each had a row of tiny blue stones in them.They still looked like wedding bands, but … She looked up into his eyes and he nodded.She wanted to kiss him already!
They’d decided that she should go first because she’d been so nervous when they practiced – her hands had shaken and her voice had wobbled, and Jacob said if she wanted to go first, he didn’t mind.
So, she took the ring from the little pillow and said, “I give you this ring as a token …” but then she laughed.She couldn’t help it – Callie’s words from earlier had come back to her.
She panicked for a moment – shesoshould not be laughing!But Jacob was smiling, looking like he was about to start laughing with her.She turned to look out at all the people watching them.They weren’t some scary group of strangers.Even the Napa bigwigs and people she didn’t know were people Jacob cared about.Most of them were their family and friends.So, she laughed again, wanting to share her delight with them.
“I get to put a ring on him!”
She loved the way the laughter rippled around the crowd.She loved even more the sound of Jacob’s low chuckle and the way he tugged on her hand and said, “I’m right here waiting.”
She slid the ring onto his finger, said all the words, loved the feel of it when he slid her ring on.Loved even more the look in his eyes as he talked about forever.
And then it was done.
The officiant smiled at them.“Having witnessed your vows and the love you’ve declared, I now have the joy of pronouncing you married.You can now seal your union with a kiss.”
She looped her arms around Jacob’s neck, and he closed his arms around her waist, crushing her to his chest as he claimed her mouth in one of his soul-searing Jacob-kisses.
When they finally came up for air, she was vaguely aware of the applause and the whistles – no doubt that was Xander and Slade – but all she could focus on was Jacob, the love that shone in his eyes for her, and all the love and happiness she hoped he could see reflected in her own.
Chapter Twenty-Three
"Okay," said Hannah as she lowered her camera."We have some beautiful shots here.I can't wait to work on them."
"Thanks, Hannah."Jacob let go of Becca's hand and went to hug his sister.
She smiled when she stepped back."Thank you.I didn't want to miss the whole day by being the official photographer, but I knew I had to get you two for golden hour."
He looked at where the sun was rapidly descending toward the horizon then turned back to her with a rueful smile."I understand about the timing now."
She laughed."That's okay.I know you wanted to fit this in earlier, but the sunset won't rearrange its schedule even for you."She looked around."I'd better get back to Grady and Ava.You guys enjoy the sunset if you can – they'll be calling you up for your first dance soon enough, and then you won't get another minute to yourselves."
She hugged Becca before heading back down the path.
When she'd gone, he held his arm out to Becca, and she came to stand beside him."We finally made it, Mrs.Jacobs."
She rolled up onto her toes to kiss him."I'm so happy, Jacob."
He chuckled."I'll be even happier when the dancing's done, and we can leave."
She laughed."Me too, but it's like Callie says – we have to make the most of every second of this day."
He kissed her temple."And we will."He looked out at the yellow and gold clouds stretching away to meet the vines at the horizon."I intend to make the most of every second of every day with you."
"Aww."She rested her hand in the middle of his chest, and her head against his shoulder."The wedding was so beautiful, the dinner was wonderful, and all the speeches and toasts...Bentley's so good at that, he could be a public speaker or something."
"He could," Jacob agreed."He did a great job, and I love what he said, but I think it meant more to me – and to everyone – when your dad stood up and said a few words."
"Isn't he awesome?I told him he didn't have to if he didn't want to.It's not exactly his thing.But he insisted that he wasn't going to let me down – not that I would have seen it as a letdown if he didn't want to."
