Page 146 of Redemption
“Oh, that’s a good idea,” Jasper said. “Graham and I could walk you down the aisle.”
“Why not Knox and me?” Nate asked, his brow furrowed.
I held up my hand. “Guys. I love that you’re supportive, but this is something I’m going to do on my own.”
“Wow. It’s a party out here,” Greer said, joining us.
“It sure is.” I bulged my eyes out, silently begging her to save me.
She shook her head, and we shared a look as if to say, “Brothers.”
Part of me still couldn’t believe it was my wedding day. Not even after my brothers’ show of love and support. Nor when the glam squad showed up and started doing Greer’s and my hair and makeup. It still hadn’t quite sunk in until my dress was on and the bouquet was in my hands. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and I looked like a bride.
As we rode the elevator down to the floor where the wedding would take place, all I could think was, Oh my god, this is really happening.
I stood outside the doors to the room where our friends and family were waiting, listening to the beautiful music being played by a string quartet. The song shifted and the doors swung open, and the only person I saw was Jackson. He was standing beneath a floral arch, his hands clasped before him. He looked so handsome in his dress whites, his back straight and proud.
The candles, the flowers, it was all so beautiful. I smiled at Jackson, filled with appreciation. I took a step toward him, proceeding down the aisle. He placed his hand over his heart, as overcome by the enormity of this moment as I was.
He looked so stoic, but I knew him well enough to know that he was trying to hold it all in. My heart felt as if it might burst. This was all I’d ever wanted. Jackson wiped away a tear, and I smiled, trying not to cry myself.
I couldn’t believe Jackson was going to be my husband. That after all these years, after everything we’d been through, we’d made it here. Our journey hadn’t always been smooth sailing, but a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.?1
I liked to think that our past—our heartbreak, our challenges—had made us stronger and more resilient. They’d help shape us into the individuals we were today. Strong enough to weather any storm together.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Icouldn’t take my eyes off Sloan as she walked up the aisle toward me. Steady. Calm. Stunning. God, she was so beautiful. When the doors had opened to reveal her standing there, I’d gone weak in the knees.
She wore a strapless gown that was simple and elegant. The cream fabric draped across her chest before nipping in at the waist then flaring out again over her hips. It was sexy and classy, and I couldn’t wait to take it off her.
When she joined me at the altar, I offered her my hand, eager to touch her, hold her. To confirm that she wasn’t a figment of my imagination as I feared. But her hand was warm in mine, and her smile was watery and full of love as she gazed up at me.
“Hey,” I said, keeping my voice low so that only she could hear.
She grinned, her green eyes dazzling in their intensity. “Hi.”
Greer popped up from her seat in the front row, fluffing Sloan’s train and veil before taking the bouquet from her hands. Sloan and I turned and faced each other fully, our eyes locked as the officiant welcomed everyone to the wedding.
He spoke of love and loyalty, but I couldn’t concentrate on anything but Sloan. On her red lips that curved into the most beautiful smile. Her hair that was curled in loose waves like she’d worn when we first met. On how happy she looked.
When it was time to say our vows, I took a deep breath.
“Sloan.” I drew in a shaky breath, trying my damnedest to hold it together. “You’re my past, my future, my everything—forever. I love you, and I pledge to honor, love, and cherish you every day for the rest of my days.” I smiled at her, wiping away a tear. “Today, I say ‘I do,’ but that means ‘I will.’”
“Acta non verba,” she mouthed, smiling through her tears.
I knew she’d understand perfectly. “I will hold your hand and stand by your side, no matter what challenges come our way.”
I slid the infinity wedding band on her finger. I’d purchased it to go with Sloan’s grandmother’s engagement ring. Together, the two rings would symbolize both the past and our future.
“Jackson,” she said, removing a ring from her pocket. Damn. “If it is our actions that matter, our deeds that define us, then know that I have never felt more loved than I do with you. You are my protector, my first mate—” She laughed at that, and our guests joined in. “And now, my husband. I promise to cherish you through all of life’s adventures. To trust in you and our love. And to always honor our relationship.”
She slid the ring on my finger, and the weight of it was both comforting and sacred. A symbol of our union and the power of love overcoming all obstacles.
I didn’t hear much the officiant said after that until he spoke the words, “You may now kiss.”
I stepped forward and placed my hands on Sloan’s lower back, holding her to me. She slid her hands around my neck, and we smiled at each other. When I pressed my lips to hers, I was greeted with the smell of wild roses and sunshine, of home. I smiled against her mouth, kissing her until I realized the audience was whistling.