SHELBY (Second Chance Novels Book 4) (25 page)

When I finally ease my lips from hers, I drink in the vision before me. Lauren Callahan, my beautiful fiancée. Lauren and Bradley get a clean slate, no past, no baggage, only two people desperately in love and ready to begin. Today is the best day of my entire life.
 

"Shall we get started?" the minister asks as I walk my fiancée to the corner of the living room where he waits. The expression on each of our faces answers for us.

 
"Of course," he smiles at us, seeming happy to marry a couple so much in love. "Lauren Elizabeth Callahan, do you choose Bradley to be your husband, your partner in all of life's adventures, to whom you give your deepest love and devotion? Do you pledge to speak and listen, to give and receive, and to be considerate of his wishes and desires?"

"I do," Lauren answers through tears and a smile.

"And do you, Bradley Michael Zeller, choose Lauren to be your wife, to be your partner in all of life's adventures, to whom you give your deepest love and devotion? Do you pledge to speak and listen, to give and receive, and to be considerate of his wishes and desires?"

"I do," I speak through my own smile and deep emotion.

"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

I dip Lauren low and kiss her with every ounce of love I have in my body. She gives herself over to me, Bradley, with everything she is. When I stand her up, I take her wrists gently in my hands in a promise.
 

"I love you," I say with my forehead against hers.
 

"I love you, too," she says with a peaceful lilt to her voice.

Prentis signs the marriage certificate as a witness, and takes his leave along with the minister. Neither of us much notice them leaving, only the welcome solitude in their absence.
 

"Mrs. Zeller," I grin as I pick her up and cradle her to the bedroom.
 

"Mr. Zeller," she smiles in return.
 

"Before I take you as my wife," I smile at her as we walk down the hall, "I want to finally say what I've wanted to since the first time you called me your hawk."

"What's that?" she says as she presses her lips heatedly against my neck.

"Hawks mate for life, and I've been ready to promise you that from the beginning."

She pulls her arms tight around my neck in response and lets me ease her to the bed.
 

"My hawk," she murmurs, already writhing in response to my touch. "I'll watch over you, too."