Page 109 of Finding Mercy

“True,” I say because it is. And it’s got to suck to be watched twenty-four hours a day. Max is a big, burly guy, and of course, any man will steer clear of her when he’s around and he’s always around. He’s rather intimidating.

We finally get to the venue, and my heart starts pounding. The next time I see Liam, we will be saying our vows.

We pull up beside the entrance, and everyone gets out before me. Max helps me out last, by holding the back of my dress, so it doesn’t get dirty.

I smile at him, “Thank you, Max.”

“My pleasure,” he says with a stoic expression.

Ivy is spinning around, squealing, “We’re here. Oh my God, I love it here so much.”

“Ivy, please don’t fall and mess up your dress.” I look at Isabella, “You’re sure Xander has the rings?”

She rolls her eyes, “For the twentieth time yes, Bridezilla, Xander has everything.”

I nod, “Sorry.”

Elle gets all the flowers out of the trunk, hands each of us our bouquets and Ivy her basket of rose petals.

We walk inside to the rose garden where our ceremony is being held. Liam hired a harpist for the music since they aren’t set up for anything else here. Xander comes out and smiles at me.

“Doc Delicious is getting married,” he chuckles. “You look stunning, Mercy,” he kisses me on the cheek.

“Thank you.”

The music starts, and he says, “Alright, ladies. That’s us.”

He walks into the rose garden with Elle on his left arm and Isabella on his right.

“You’re next, Ivy. Do you remember what to do?”

She beams at me, “Yup!”

Max glances at me, “I will make sure she gets in okay and then take my seat.”

“Thank you. You really are wonderful.”

He blushes a little and averts my gaze, clearly uncomfortable with compliments, “Congratulations, Mercy.”

“Thank you,” I smile shyly.

Max takes Ivy’s hand escorting her to the rose garden.

Suddenly, both doors open as my song is played. I take a deep breath. I decided not to invite my parents because I didn’t want my dad around Liam. It made sense at the time, but at this moment, I feel very alone. I know I want to marry him. There’s no doubt, but this is kind of scary. I hope I don’t fall.

My nerves are getting to me as I walk to the door. Once inside the rose garden, I glance up and spot Liam staring at me, his hand over his heart, his expression one of adoration.

I force myself to walk slowly and not run to him.

When I get to him, he takes my hands in his and stares at me with awe.

“You look so beautiful,” he whispers.

The minister starts speaking about love, marriage, and commitment. But I’m having trouble concentrating because all I see is Liam.

After we say our vows and exchange rings, the minister speaks.

“This moment in time is truly a cause for joyous celebration, for we are gathered here to witness not only the beginning of a new marriage, but also the beginning of a new family.

---