Page 88 of A Lot Like Forever
Sam smiled and paused to kiss Faith’s cheek. “I wish you two all the happiness in the world. I never planned on getting this douche bag as a brother-in-law, but it could have been worse.”
Nate laughed, but his eyes were only for Faith. The church was silent, the music gone and everyone waiting for them, but he didn’t care. He held both of Faith’s hands and stared down at her, amazed that somehow he’d met a woman like her who’d completely changed his life.
“I never picked you for a man who’d cry,” Faith whispered, touching her forehead to his when he bent down.
“Hey, I never picked myself for a guy who’d marry,” he murmured, pressing his lips softly to hers to make sure he didn’t ruin her makeup.
“I don’t mean to interrupt you two lovebirds, but there’s some folks here waiting to witness a wedding.”
Their friends all laughed at Sam’s loud words, but Nate took his time, not intending rushing anything about his big day.
“I love you, Faith,” he whispered in her ear.
“Well, good,” she said with a laugh. “Because I love you, too.”
They finally turned, hand in hand, Nate almost laughing, the whole situation was so hilarious. How the hell had he ended up about to marry the one woman in the world he’d vowed never to touch?
“Friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Nathaniel King and Faith Mendes,” the minister began, facing them as he spoke. “I’ve come to know this happy couple very well over the past few months, and I’m confident that their union is one that will truly pass the test of time.”
Faith squeezed his hand and he glanced down at her. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her by his side forever, no matter what.
* * *
Faith felt like she was walking on air. The entire day had been incredible. She’d never been the little girl dreaming of a white wedding growing up, but she couldn’t deny that her wedding hadn’t been the most amazing day of her life. Or at least one of them.
“Sweetheart, it’s time for speeches,” Nate drawled into her ear, making her shiver. The way he spoke to her, the depth of his voice when he addressed only her, it did something to her, made her feel content and challenged and special all at the same time.
“Do you still want to go first?” she asked, leaning back so she could look up at him.
Nate seized the moment, dropping a kiss to her lips. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”
“Mmmm,” she murmured, reaching up for him even though she was upside down. “I think you might have,Husband.”
“This is something that arrived for you yesterday, Nate,” Chase said. “The lawyer told me to wait until your speeches to give it to you. He said you weren’t to read it first, just to stand up and open it.”
Faith watched the exchange between the two brothers, wondering what it was all about.
“What do you think?” Nate asked her.
“I think it’s probably something from your grandfather, don’t you think?” It was the only logical explanation.
Nate shrugged, but she could tell it was troubling him.
“Just open it, darling. Take a quick look.”
Nate did as she suggested, running his thumb under the seal and pulling out a handwritten letter. She could tell from the look on his face that it was indeed from Clay.
“It’s a letter from him,” Nate said, eyes slowly meeting hers, the letter in his hand still. “He wanted me to read it on my wedding day.” He paused, a smile kicking up the corners of his mouth as he read further. “If I married you.”
“Me?” She laughed. “He must have known what we didn’t.”
Nate took her hand in his and turned it to kiss her palm before moving to stand beside her at the table and tapping his spoon to his glass.
“I’d like to say a few words!” he said loudly, his booming voice quieting the previously noisy room.
Faith looked at her husband, unable to take her eyes off him. He looked incredible in his Dolce & Gabbana suit, his tie long since discarded, white shirt open necked and showing off a whole heap of tanned skin.
“I’d like to begin by saying how grateful that we are to be surrounded by our closest family and friends. We all owe thanks to Faith for the intimacy of this ceremony.” Nate winked at her and she smiled back, taking a sip of champagne as he continued with his speech. “I never believed I’d ever fall in love, yet here I am today having declared my love for this one incredible woman who managed to come along and knock the stuffing from me when I thought I’d lost her.”
