Page 224 of By His Vow
His expression is hard, cold even, but then his eyes lock on mine and everything changes.
His eyes widen at the same time his chin drops and something powerful crackles between us. His eyes fall from mine to take all of me in, and his expression changes again to what I can only describe as awe.
My heart pounds, slamming against my ribs as I move closer to him, my body begging for me to walk faster, to take my place by his side.
“Jesus,” Miles grunts, having also seen his best friend’s reaction. “Maybe it isn’t your heart I should be worried about.”
“W-what?” I whisper, unable to decipher his words.
“Nothing.”
In only seconds, Miles delivers me to his best friend before kissing my cheek and whispering, “I’ve got your back, Tate. Always. You need anything, I’ll be right there.”
“I love you,” I whisper. I don’t tell my big brother how much he means to me often enough. I hope he knows how important he is, though.
“Love you too, sis.”
With a supportive squeeze of my hand, he steps away.
He has so much more that he wants to say, but he knows it’s too late, and even if it weren’t, I wouldn’t listen.
I’ve made up my mind. This is happening.
Turning to Kingston, my breath catches as our eyes collide.
Memories slam into me with enough force to make me take a step back—not that anyone can see with the size of my dress.
“I didn’t think it was possible to need someone as much as I need you. I’m fucking addicted, Tate.”
“It wasn’t a dream,” I whisper, a deep frown creasing my brow and desire building beneath my waist as I remember more and more of what I thought was a dream.
“Baby,” Kingston groans, moving a step closer to me. “You look incredible.”
“You came to our suite last night, didn’t you?”
His lips don’t move to answer me, but his eyes flash with hunger and his tongue sweeps across his bottom lip as if he’s remembering having my taste there.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We are gathered here today to witness the union of Tatum Grace Warner and Kingston Michael Callahan. We’ve come together to honor and celebrate the love shared between these two people as they embark on their new life with a solemn vow, surrounded by their closest family and friends.”
I thought I’d be nervous in this moment as the farce of our relationship hits fever pitch, but as Kingston reaches for my hand and stares into my eyes, I feel as calm as I’ve ever felt.
Nothing about this feels wrong.
In fact, everything feels right.
Too right.
The officiant continues talking about the importance of marriage and the vows we’re going to give today, the promises we’re going to make to each other.
My breathing is slow, my heart pounding steadily in my chest.
Kingston stares back at me like any groom does his bride, his eyes filled with emotion.
“Tatum, could you repeat after me?”
The officiant’s voice doesn’t register; I’m too lost in a set of mesmerizing green eyes.
“Tatum?”