Page 22 of Bean Flicker
“As many as that luscious body of yours will give us.”
“So…two?”
I toss my head back and laugh. “Sounds perfect.”
She grins, leaning against me and resting her head on my shoulder with a happy sigh. “Yeah. It does, doesn’t it?”
Dropping a kiss on the top of her head in response, I wrap an arm around her, and we just stand there like that for what feelslike hours, drinking in this moment of perfect bliss until finally the sun is high, and it's time for us to get back to our lives and the responsibilities it gives us.
But now, it's all different. Now, we know that we have each other no matter what life throws at us. In this moment, nothing feels hard anymore. I press another kiss to the top of her head, breathing her in, content in the knowledge that from this moment forward, we’ll be together, always and forever.
EPILOGUE 1 - REGINA
12 mths later
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I’m walking down a long aisle in the gardens of a vineyard in Whisper Valley. I’m in a beautiful white dress, and my family and friends are watching me as I make my way toward the love of my life. There’s no fear, no worry or concern in my heart as I take each step closer to Josh. He’s not going to walk away. He’s not going to break my heart. He’s here to love me, warts and all. And pretty soon, that love will be legal, binding and forever. I’ve never felt happier or more excited in my life.
As I reach the altar, Josh nods his thanks to my father, then takes both of my hands into his and holds them tight. “You look like a dream,” he murmurs, his eyes soft and filled with love as he drinks me in. I feel like a princess.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I say, admiring how amazing my farmer looks in a suit and tie. While I definitely prefer him naked, all-dressed-up is almost as hot.
He leans in, his warm breath on my ear as he whispers, “You know I love you more than life itself, right?”
“I do,” I gasp, thrilled butterflies bursting to life in my belly as the knowledge that this man is about to be my lifelong partner, myhusband,till death do us part.
The officiant clears his throat. “I think you’re supposed to say thatafterthe vows.”
Josh presses his forehead to mine as we both chuckle, the guests joining in before a hush falls and the ceremony begins. The officiant speaks of love, commitment, and unbreakable bonds until it’s time for Josh and me to take the vows that will join us in both heart and matrimony.
“I vow to love you, cherish you and honor you, for as long as we both shall live,” Josh says, his voice strong yet emotional. “I will always be faithful and true, and I pledge myself to you in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer. And I promise to always keep your bookshelves stacked.” Our guests laugh at that.
“Joshua--farm boy--I promise to love you, honor you, and respect you,” I say, my voice steady despite the tears of joy slipping down my cheeks. “I pledge to be loyal to you and to always share my books with you. I vow to always support you and be by your side--even when it's raining outside and I don't want to feed the sheep. And most of all, I promise to bind my heart and soul to yours, forevermore. Oh, and I'll always keep the curtains drawn so you're the only man who'll ever--.”
Josh quickly seals his mouth over mine, stopping me from revealing the true meaning behind his nickname for me--not that I'd ever truly tell such a large group of people. Which is why I wrap my arms around his neck, laughing into the kiss as I murmur, "I love you, farm boy."
"I love you too, flick."
"I take it this means you both 'do'?" the officiant asks, amusement in his voice.
Josh and I stop kissing just long enough to chorus, "I do!" before returning to our joyful kissing.
"OK then. I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now continue kissing the bride!"
The officiant laughs and our guests join in, clapping and cheering as Josh pulls me even closer, kissing me even deeper. I sink into the moment, smelling the sweet scent of the flowers around us, feeling the warmth of Josh's--myhusband's--arms, and hearing the joyous clapping from the people who love us and wish us the best. It is quite easily the greatest moment of my life.
When he finally pulls away, Josh looks into my eyes. "Hey there, Mrs. Oliver."
I giggle, sniffling as tears of joy continue to stream down my face. "Hey there, husband. I guess we're tied together forever now. No takie-backsies."
Josh chuckles as he wipes away my tears and places a soft kiss on my forehead. "Never in your wildest dreams. We're going to have a long, happy life together. Kids, books...each other."
I nod, my heart full of love and joy. "I can't wait."
And with that, we take our first official step together as husband and wife, off toward a future that's brighter than anything I ever imagined before him. He's my One, my champion, my love, and I will forever be grateful for the journey that led me here to him—to us.
EPILOGUE 2 - JOSH
5 years later
