Page 124 of Sweet Madness
As father and daughter draw nearer, I can see the emotions flickering on her father’s face—pride and happiness for his firstborn, mixed with a father’s reluctance to let go of his little girl. Our eyes meet, silently sharing an understanding of the significance of him giving me one of his most precious treasures—his daughter.
“Shaw Bear,” Ella exclaims when she is close enough, her eyes locking with mine as her steps quicken with anticipation to reach me.
I grin, enamored with all that she is—her sweet side, her quirks, everything. She is perfectly made for me.
“Moonshine,” I whisper.
As she approaches the altar, time seems to slow down for me. I can’t tear my gaze away from her, captivated by her beauty and the joy that lights up her sweet face.
When she finally reaches my side, we exchange a tender glance—a look that seems to say all the words that can’t.
The officiant, Mila, Ella’s aunt, begins the ceremony by saying a few words that narrate our story and our love.
Sebastian places Ella’s hand in mine, his eyes happy but still carrying a father’s protective gaze. “You hurt her, we’ll kill you,” Sebastian warns, referring to both himself and his wife.
“Dad,” Ella chastises her father.
Meeting Sebastian’s gaze, I reply without hesitation in a voice steady with conviction, “I won’t ever hurt her again. Her heart is safe with me. If I do, I would gladly offer my life before causing her pain.”
It’s true.
I would rather die than cause her pain.
I did it once, and it won’t ever happen again.
Sensing the tension, Ella interjects softly, “Dad… you promised.”
Sebastian turns to his daughter, his gruff exterior softening further as he places a hand on her shoulder affectionately. “You didn’t think I would make it so easy for him, did you, sweetheart?” he murmurs, pride and protectiveness evident in his gaze.
With a soft smile gracing her lips, Ella leans in and drops a gentle kiss on her father’s cheek.
“I’m so damn proud of you,” he tells his daughter, his voice thick with emotion.
Ella wipes away a tear that falls at her father’s words. “Thank you, Dad,” she whispers softly. “I love you.”
“I love you to the moon and back.”
Ella smiles at her father one last time before he turns to take his seat beside his wife. With Sebastian settled among their family, Ella’s attention returns to me.
Then everything speeds up as vows are exchanged and promises of love are made. Rings are slipped onto fingers, binding our hearts forever.
As the ceremony draws to a close, the sun starts to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a magical glow over the tulip field.
“And you may kiss your bride,” Mila whispers softly, a huge smile on her face.
Grabbing Ella by the neck, I pull her closer and kiss her with all the love I hold inside for her. The kiss is a promise of a beautiful life together.
Loud cheers erupt around us.
Pulling back, I look down at my wife. Shit, my wife. Nothing has ever sounded better than that.
“Mad love for you, Moonshine.” I hold my wife close and drop a kiss on her nose.
She smiles up at me. “Mad, mad love for you, Shaw.”
Suddenly, the gentle notes of Ella’s favorite song begin to fill the tranquil air. Ella and I turn toward the sound of the music, and I can see in my wife’s eyes that it’s a lovely surprise. Ella’s younger cousin, Raiza, already a talented violinist with a cocky smile, is dressed in a black gown as she plays the beautiful melody for us.
Ella’s eyes sparkle with tears of joy as she sees her cousin playing her favorite song. Holding my wife closer, I thank God for whoever sent her to me. I don’t know what I did to deserve her—surely nothing—but I am grateful regardless.