Free Sinful Ever After (Sinful Serenade Book 5) by Crystal Kaswell Page B

dress draws my eye.
    She presses her hand to her earpiece. "Okay, they're ready for you." She turns to us. "Whenever you're ready."
    Dad turns to me. "You ready, sweetheart?"
    I nod. "I know it's been fast."
    He smiles. "I knew I wanted to marry your mother on our third date. Sometimes, you just know."
    He takes a step forward. I step with him. My feet are actually moving. It's hard to believe. There's certainly no evidence of it with this monster of a skirt, but I can feel them under my crinoline.
    We walk through the reception site, through the open doors adorned with orchids.
    Then we're there. We're at the ceremony site. There are a dozen people in the seats—the friends and family who were able to make it last minute. The aisle is covered in purple petals. My gaze follows them all the way to the just as purple altar.
    For a split second, I register the presence of my friends—Drew, Tom, Pete, Kara, Willow, Jess—then all of my attention goes to Miles. His blue eyes are sparking. His lips are curled into the widest smile in the history of the world.
    I've never seen him this happy. I've certainly never seen him this earnest and breathless.
    The wedding march plays.
    This is it.
    Slowly, I move one foot in front of the other. I'm walking down the aisle. I'm walking to my groom.
    Then I'm there. Dad crosses in front of me. He sits next to Mom.
    I take my place across from Miles.
    There's an officiant at the podium. He's saying something, an introduction about the beauty of marriage and commitment.
    I hear none of it.
    In this moment, my entire world is the certainty in Miles's eyes.
    In this moment, I'm as certain as he is.
    He takes my hands and holds tightly.
    "The bride and groom have opted to write their own vows." The officiant turns to Miles. "Miles, why don't you go first?"
    Miles's eyes go to the officiant, then they're on me. He presses his lips together. He's nervous.
    My effortless cool, rock star husband-to-be can get on stage in front of ten thousand people without batting an eye.
    But he's nervous for this.
    My heart sings.
    He moves a few inches closer. "When I met you, I was adamant about not being interested in a relationship."
    There are chuckles in the room.
    Miles continues. "Back then, I didn't believe love could do anything but destroy you. I only saw the ache that came from losing someone. I couldn't see the elation that came from handing someone your heart, from trusting them not to break it." He takes a nervous breath and squeezes my hand. "I didn't want to fall in love with you, Meg, but I'm glad I did. I trust you with my heart. I trust you with every piece of me. You make me complete, and I'm going to spend my life making sure you feel like a princess. I'm going to spend every day trying to make you as happy as you make me. Whatever happens, whenever you need me, I'm there. I'm yours."
    My cheeks flush. My knees knock together. I can barely breathe. It's sweet and romantic and raw. His words are usually more polished and clean. Not this. This is straight from his heart.
    "Meg." The officiant nods to me.
    I take a deep breath. I tried to memorize these things. I hope I did.
    "My heart was broken when I met you. I was sure that nothing would ever repair the damage. I certainly didn't think a tattooed player would put my heart back together."
    There's laughter and a few awws .
    I stare into Miles's piercing blue eyes. "You reminded me how to laugh. You reminded me that I could feel good. That I could feel pleasure."
    My blush spreads to my cheeks as everyone in the room laughs at once.
    I continue. "You taped my heart back together, Miles. Every time I'm afraid I'm going to fall, you're there to hold me up. I'm not sure what life will bring for either of us, but I promise to stay by your side, holding your hand, for the entire journey. I promise to make sure you feel loved. And, of course, I promise I'll keep you humble."
    The officiant looks to the groomsmen. "The rings."
    Someone hands them