Page 109 of Forever Fascinating

“You’re welcome,” Jace patted him on the shoulder, good-naturedly, causing everyone to laugh quietly – including Matthew as he smiled at Jana.

“I knew who you were. I wasn’t looking for any of this and tried to stay away… even hiding outside of the building, out of respect for your brother and fear, because I knew you deserved better than someone like me.”

His smile shook as he took a deep breath, holding back tears, as his bright eyes met hers.

“And then you said hello…” he whispered openly, his voice full of wonder and love. “I was lost in an instant and knew I would do anything just to get to know you better. Your smile, your laugh, the way you hold my hands,” he began, giving her hands a little squeeze of recognition, smiling at her.

“It’s like you feel it, too – this tether between us that suddenly was so strong that it scared me… yet I couldn’t stop reaching out to you. No matter how insecure I felt, how undeserving, or how nervous I was? I would look into those beautiful eyes and feel it all melt away, because you saw me… accepted me,” he said tenderly.

“Despite all my flaws – you chose me,” he began, his voice incredulous as a tear streaked down his cheek unhindered, watching her. His hazel eyes held hers, full of all the love she could ever imagine or want.

“I’m humbled that you chose me to walk beside you, join in this adventure we call life, and I feel so grateful to be at your side for eternity as your husband. I love you, Jana, more than any man has a right to… and would give up everything to make you smile at me like you are right now, darling.”

Jana swallowed, feeling so much emotion at his words, and realized it was her moment to speak. She hadn’t prepared anything because she never anticipated any of this, assuming they would be going to a government office to exchange their vows, or file forms.

“The moment I saw you, there at the church, I knew nothing would be the same. I think I recognized your soul in that second and couldn’t stay away. The way you watched me, that little wave at the altar…”

She saw him smile shyly at her as he chuckled, remembering.

“And then you swept me into your arms, dancing with me…” she breathed reverently, her voice a whisper of amazement. “You crossed the dance floor, coming to my side because you wanted to make me happy, and I knew I was lost.”

Her eyes were blurring as she stared at him.

“I adore your smiles,” she breathed, her voice thick. “The way we are the best of friends and enjoy being around each other. I know it sounds crazy, but I love the way you wrap an arm around my shoulders when we walk together, or how you kiss my cheek, the flicker of joy in your eyes when we are laughing at something.”

She smiled at him, thinking of the moments they’d shared.

“I fell for that tough guy who was hiding a very sweet man behind those mirrored sunglasses, that are incredibly sexy, you know.”

Matthew chuckled, glancing down for a moment before looking at her again, his gaze incredibly tender.

“That beautiful man that has me remove the heads from his shellfish, loves modest swimsuits…”

“Oh gosh…” he uttered nervously, laughing, as she continued speaking.

“… And who brings me coffee so we can have a few sleepy, stolen moments to talk before the rest of the world interrupts. I love this amazing man before me, who flew my parents and my brother here to surprise me – because he understood without me saying a word, just how much family means to me.”

Jana drew in a shaky breath, as her throat was closing with emotion as she sobbed happily, smiling at him.

“And I love that you are now my husband,” she whispered thickly. “You aremyfamily… because you are the best person I’ve ever met. All those perceived flaws you think you have? It makesyouthe man I want to have children with someday, because I know you will love them as much as you’ve shown that you can love me, Matthew.”

She drew in a ragged breath, meeting his loving gaze.

“I want the world, your heart, a home, and a future with you… because I see what life can be like as your wife, your soulmate, your friend, and just being at your side. We can have it all, so long as we are together, Bunt-boy.”

Jana smiled tearfully at Matthew’s soft laugh.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you, too,” he replied tenderly.

The minister began speaking again in Icelandic, before translating.

“Do you have the rings?” he asked.

Jana smiled, nodding, thinking of their little matching bands from Greece – only to see Matthew turn to Jace. Her brother handed something to him and then winked at her.

Matthew turned back to her, his eyes solemn, as he looked at her, taking her hand in his once again.

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