Chapter 53
Chapter 53:
Isla chuckles. “Definitely p>
Together, Isla and I rise to our feet, our hands clasped tightly, our free hands holding flute glasses of wine. Isla gives my hand a gentle squeeze, and I take it as my cue to begin.
I clear my throat.
“To everyone here, I’d like to first thank you for being with us today. Your presence means so much to Isla and me, and I can’t wait for you all to also be with us tomorrow when we finally get married p>
I pause, drawing in a quiet breath and absorbing the silence of the moment.
“I am the luckiest man alive, and I say this because when you’re loved by Isla Monroe, you become everything you’ve ever dreamed of. You become complete. Alive. Fearless to do anything to keep her by your side p>
I turn to Isla, my heart swelling, my eyes stinging. “I love you, Isla. I love you, and I want you to know I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you. Every single day. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for saying yes to me p>
I turn back to everyone watching and raise my glass. “And thank you all, once again, for being here p>
They raise their glasses in response, happiness glowing on their faces. Jennie dabs her eyes. Mrs. Ackerman sniffles.
I turn to Isla and kiss her lips, their softness teasing me.
When I finally pull away, I smile. “It’s your turn, baby p>
She smiles back, her piercing blue eyes lingering on mine briefly before turning to face everyone else at the table.
She swallows hard, and I could feel her hand squeeze mine.
“To be honest,” she begins, “I’m lost for words. Everything happening right now still feels like a dream, but I’m so grateful to be aware of one thing—and that is the truth that Asher’s love for me is the realest thing I’ve ever felt p>
She turns to me, her blue eyes shining. “I’ve always feared the idea of marriage—the idea of sharing more than half my life with someone forever. But I love you, Asher, and I’m more than willing to try. I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you, and though it may be rocky sometimes, I promise to give everything I have to show you how much I love you p>
I swallow hard, trying not to let my emotions burst through. I love this woman. I love her so fucking much.
She kisses me, lingering a bit longer before pulling away and turning back to the small crowd. “Thank you all for coming.” She raises her glass. “Cheers p>
“Cheers,” they echo in unison. Jennie is still dabbing her eyes. Sandra kisses Ethan. The beaming smile on my mom’s face is contagious—so bright that it stands out from all the others.
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Still, I can’t help but feel that smile is the gateway to the full lecture and advice I know I’ll be getting from her tonight, before my wedding tomorrow.
Isla and I sit down as dinner begins. The waiters serve assorted dishes—grilled chicken with spicy tomato sauce, bruschetta, peppered buffalo wings, pasta, and salad with fresh greens for Mrs. Kate and her husband, the vegetarians among us.
As I look around at everyone eating and laughing, I can’t help but wonder how I became so blessed. I’m sharing this intimate, happy moment with the people I love. Tomorrow, I will be marrying Isla Monroe.
I will be marrying the love of my life. My best friend.
“Hey,” I could hear Isla’s voice next to my ear, smooth as silk. “What are you thinking p>
Her warm breath tickles my neck, her scent intoxicating as always. “I love you,” I whisper, turning to her. “That’s what I’m thinking p>
She smiles and pulls my face to hers. Her lips mold with mine, kissing me with a passion that ignites every cell in my body, every nerve, every fiber of my being. My heart pounds like it’s about to burst from my chest.
But I know it won’t. Because it needs to stay in place—to keep me alive so I can go on loving this woman.
Because she loves me too. Because we are stunning for each other.