Page 131 of One Little Kiss
“That just means I get a private showing at home,” Easton replies behind my back.
“Guys! Cut the shit. This is my day.”
“Sit. Sit,” Weston mimics.
“Ah, that’s a bad word, buddy. We can’t—” I forget how to use my tongue when I spot Winnie standing at the end of the aisle with Preston. He escorts her down the shimmering row and tears continue to stream down my face. Weston pats my cheek, and I laugh.
I’d wanted a big wedding, but I was too impatient to make her mine. And since all my brothers and sisters are standing up here with us, that leaves very few people sitting in the rows of chairs. Looking out at them now, I couldn’t care less about any of it. Winnie and the little man in my arms are all that matter.
When Preston hands her off with a kiss on the cheek and a shake of my hand, something changes in me. Staring left to right and then focusing on the only two people that matter to me today, I find my place in the world. Where I was always meant to be. Where I’ll spend the rest of my life showing my love in every way I can.
After the events of yesterday, we chose to go with the traditional vows, which is probably for the best because I could barely get those out without crying. I’ve never been so happy in all my life.
I hand Weston over to Lexi when it’s time for the rings. Winnie’s wearing a smile I’ve never seen before, and it warms my blood.
Lochlan hands me the small box holding our rings and jumps back out of the way. I give him a curious glance, but he gives nothing away.
“Do you have the rings?” the reverend asks.
I nod and open the box. It explodes in a cloud of fine glitter that covers both Winnie and me. I turn quickly, ready to punch Lochlan in the face for ruining her day, when her voice catches my ear through the laughter surrounding us.
“Colton. Hey, look at me.” I tear my pissed off gaze away from Loch and find my lady laughing with everyone else. “They ran it by me first. It’s okay. They didn’t ruin anything, but they knew today would be the only day you’re preoccupied enough to get their revenge.”
I stare at her, coated in a mist of sparkles that truly make her look like an angel, and I laugh. I laugh until my side hurts. “You were in on it?”
She nods, laughing.
“You know I always get my revenge, right?”
“I’m counting on it.” She winks.
We slip the simple bands onto each other’s fingers, and the reverend announces us husband and wife. “You may kiss the bride.”
It’s like I’m in a trance watching Winnie, but the second I hear those words, I kiss her with so much passion, even the flowers are wilting under our heat.
“I’m yours,” she says, smiling a beautiful smile meant just for me.
“You are. I love you, CC.”
I try to kiss her again, but Rylan yells, “Let’s get this party started before my ankles swell and I can’t dance anymore.”
Winnie laughs. “That’s your best friend.”
Grinning, I take her hand and we head out to the back patio for a small reception. They thought of everything, and even Weston is having fun. He and Ada James have matching headphones on as they chase each other through the crowd.
“This is the best day of my life,” I tell anyone who will listen.
As the night goes on, I find myself never wanting it to end, and for everyone to leave so I can do deliciously naughty things to my wife.
A clinking sound drowns out the chaos, and we glance around, searching for the source. Expecting it to be someone yelling “kiss the bride,” I’m surprised when I find Ashton standing at the head table, angled slightly to hide his scar, and little Sadie Sunshine, our adopted niece, holding his hand next to him like his own little protector.
Ashton clears his throat and lifts a microphone to his lips. “We usually leave this up to Colton, since he’s the showoff and all.” Everyone laughs, even Ash. “But since this is his big day, one of us had to do it. I drew the short straw.”
There’s more laughter, and he takes a sip of water. Speaking for long periods of time is still difficult for him.
“That’s a lie,” Preston whispers at my side. “I was prepared to do it, he asked to.”
I stare at my little brother in shock. He’s hidden himself away for so long, and even before his attack, he wasn’t the outgoing one.
