Read Online Down the Aisle by Christine Bell - Free Book Online Page B

her.
    “You say that now. But what about later? What if it’s harder than you think? What if nobody ever picks us? Are you going to resent me? Or regret marrying me? In your vows, you said—”
    Her voice still shook, and she paused on a sob. He wanted to tear the walls down. How had he gone so wrong?
    “I didn’t get to finish my vows before you ran away. Yes, I talked about wanting a house full of love and children. I still want that. I know you do, too, and I’d move heaven and earth to make you happy. But if it takes a decade, I will still spend every day of that thanking god that I have you. Nothing will ever change that. I have faith in us. Now you need to have faith in us, too.”
    She kissed the corner of his mouth, then dead center. The salt of her tears still made him want to break stuff, but he felt calmer. More focused. It was going to be okay. As long as she still loved him, they would be okay.
    She pulled away and sniffled. “Okay. Okay, I believe you. And I’m sorry to be such a drama queen. It’s just, the call and then stress and the nerves. But I love you, and I feel the same way you do. We’ll get through this, whatever happens.” She kissed him once more and patted his shoulder. “I love you so much, and I’m sorry I ruined our day.”
    “It’s okay.” She slid off his lap, and he pushed himself to his feet, careful to keep his eyes squeezed shut. “I think it’s kind of our thing now, ruining weddings. Let’s just own it.”
    She turned him to face the other way and gave him a little shove. “Okay. My mother is going to have a field day, though. Now go figure out how to dry off your shirt. And wipe your mouth, too. Apparently that shade of lip gloss is pretty ugly. I’ll meet you at the altar.”
    She led him back to the door, and to his relief, her hand was warm and soft in his. Everything was going to be okay, for today at least. And maybe, if his plans came through the way he hoped they would, everything would be even better soon…
    …
    The next half hour went by in a blur. There was a mopping and repairing of the face conducted by Cat and Courtney, the locating of a slightly muddy veil, and then a march down the stairs, followed by a far more terrifying second one down the aisle. And once again, Lacey stood in front of the minister, holding her bouquet of flowers in a death grip. If roses produced juice, she could have provided their wedding party with some refreshing beverages by now.
    The blood buzzed in her ears as Galen turned to face her and Cat stuffed a ring into her hand. This must be it. She cleared her throat and waited for her cue. The officiant mumbled something, but the next words stood out loud and clear. She was both surprised and grateful at the feeling of total calm that fell over her.
    It didn’t matter what else was wrong; this much she knew was right. They’d deal with whatever came next together. If that meant them giving up on the dream of having a baby, then so be it. Her heart gave a painful squeeze at the thought, but she shoved it away. The love of her life had something to say to her.
    “I, Galen, take you, Lacey.” Galen’s gorgeous brown eyes gleamed suspiciously as he spoke, and the glow that had started as a tiny ember in her heart spread outward. She didn’t take her eyes off him until he slid the circle of gold onto her finger.
    Now her turn.
    “To be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish till death do us part.” She repeated the words, completing the ritual. And when she slid the ring on his finger, the guests erupted into cheers.
    “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
    Galen tugged her close and bent low, lifting her veil. He kissed one corner of her mouth, then the other, before kissing her full on the lips. “I love you, Mrs. Thomas,” he said with a grin. He scooped her up into